Hosting a party is always a bit of a challenge, but it's especially tricky when you're trying to come up with cocktails that are both easy and impressive. Never fear – we've put together a list of seven drinks that will bring your next shindig to the next level, without sacrificing any of the fun. So grab your ingredients and get mixing!
The Mojito is one of the oldest mixed drinks that is still consumed today. It’s simply a great tasting, refreshing cocktail that brings the fun into any occasion.
Recipe
- 45ml of Beenleigh artisan white rum
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- A hand full of mint leaves
- Soda water
Method
Mix the lime juice, sugar and mint leaves in a small jug with ice. Crushing the mint leaves while doing this will help with the mint flavour.
Pour in the Rum to suit the amount of servings and stir it in the mixture.
Add the Soda water to taste.
The Margarita was created in 1948 by a socialite in Dallas named Margarita Sames and has since remained one of the most popular tequila-based cocktails in the world.
Recipe
- 45ml ounces of El Toro Limon Y Sal Tequila
- 30ml of orange liqueur like Vok Triple Sec
- 15ml of lime juice
- Salt flakes for the glass
- Lime wedges for garnish
Method
Use a lime wedge to rub around the rim of your glass so that salt can stick to it. Pour the salt flakes on a small dish so you can dip the rim of the glass into the salt. Your glass should have a generous amount of salt around the rim.
Pour the tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice in a shaker or blender with ice and mix well. Pour it into the glass and garnish with a lemon wedge on the rim for the perfect margarita.
Espresso Martinis which started back in 1983 as the Vodka Espresso is a delicious cold, caffeinated beverage that is popular amongst the inexperienced drinkers due to its taste.
Recipe
- 30ml of 23rd St Australian Vodka
- 30ml of Vok Coffee Liqueur
- 30ml Shot of coffee
- Coffee beans for garnish
Method
Mix all three beverages into a shaker filled with ice. Shake hard for 10-15 seconds. Then strain the martini into your glass. The espresso martini should have a nice layer of foam on top from the hard shake. Place 3 coffee beans on top of the foam for garnish.
The Tequila Sunrise which originated from the USA in the 1930s is a simple, lively, orange juice based cocktail named after its vibrant appearance.
Recipe
- 60ml of tequila
- 30ml of Cawsey’s Grenadine
- Orange Juice
- Orange slice for garnish
Method
In a tall glass with ice, pour the tequila in and fill the glass with orange juice. Stir well then slowly pour in the grenadine which will initially sink to the bottom then gradually rise. Garnish with a slice of orange on the glass rim for a complete cocktail look.
Although the Cosmopolitan or Cosmo comes across as a feminine drink, but don’t let the name fool you. This Vodka based cocktail packs a punch but comes with a tangy twist.
Recipe
- 45ml of 23rd St Australian Vodka
- 15ml of Vok Triple Sec
- 30ml Bickford’s Cranberry Juice
- 10ml of Lime Juice
- Orange peel for garnish
Method
Place all the ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake it well for about 10 seconds. Strain the mixture into a cocktail glass. For the garnish cut a small strip of the orange peel about 10cm long. Place the peel over a lighter or match flame and gently squeeze it to extract some orange oils. Then place the peel in the drink.
If you like Pina Coladas…then you’ll know that Pina is Spanish for pineapple and colada means strained. But if you didn’t know then its fine that you just like Pina Coladas.
Recipe
- 120ml pineapple juice
- 60ml Beenleigh Artisan Distillery White Rum
- 60ml coconut cream
- Pineapple for garnish
Method
Add all the ingredients into a blender with ice and mix well. Cut a pineapple wedge and slide it onto the glass rim for a refreshing cocktail look.
Old Fashioned is a sophisticated mix dating back to the 1800s with the base spirit being a scotch, whiskey or bourbon.
Recipe
- 1 sugar cube (or 1 teaspoon)
- 60ml of 23rd Distillery Hybrid Whiskey
- 2 dashes of bitters
- Orange peel for garnish
Method
Mix the sugar with the bitters with 1 teaspoon of water on the bottom of the glass with ice. Add the Whiskey and stir it well. Add more ice if needed. Drop a strip of the orange peel into the glass.
Conclusion paragraph: Whether you’re looking for something to impress your guests at your next home gathering or just want to mix things up a bit, these are the most popular cocktails that are easy to make. From classics like the Margarita and Mojito to newer favourites like the Espresso Martini, there’s sure to be something for everyone. What's your favourite cocktail? Let us know in the comments below!
