When it comes to stealing the show, cocktails have a stylish appeal. They can glam up the night with effortless ease, and are elegant members of the complete dinner party checklist. However, it is more than understandable if one feels intimidated or overwhelmed by the idea of serving a cocktail menu at their house party dinner.
But here’s what we’re here to tell you, cocktails are far more simple and easy to shake than what a rookie may think. Don’t get us wrong, a mixology is an art form indeed, but it is certainly one that can start right here, at home.
Presenting a diverse little round-up of seven easy-to-make cocktails to blow your dinner guests away!
Peach Bellini for Something Sweet
Sparkling, effervescent bubbles add to the romantic charm of this summery drink. The Peach Bellini is a universally loved cocktail that feels light & refreshing. Read on to know about everything you need for the perfect Peach Bellini
Glass: Champagne Flute
Ingredients:
- 2 Ripe Peached (seeded & diced)
- Lemon Juice 15 ml
- Sugar 5 gm
- Chilled Prosecco Sparkling Wine
Method:
- Blend the peaches, lemon juice, and sugar in a small food processor.
- Strain the mixture through the sieve and discard the peach solids.
- Place two tablespoons of the peach puree into a champagne glass and fill it with chilled prosecco.
Images via Amanda’s Cookin
The Strange Gibson for Something Savoury
A cocktail by one of India’s cool & contemporary gins, Stranger & Sons, the Strange Gimlet is a heady tribute to Indian gastronomy’s pickling culture. Deliciously layered and divinely aromatic, read on to know everything you need for the perfect Strange Gimlet.
Glass: Coupette
Ingredients:
- Stranger & Sons Gin 50 ml
- Dry Vermouth 10 ml
- Pickled Onion Brine 15 ml
- Pickled Onion for Garnish
Method:
- Pour all the ingredients into a large mixing glass.
- Stir thoroughly before pouring the concoction into a coupette glass.
Images via Stranger & Sons Instagram
The Peruwalla for a Homegrown Flavour
Inspired by the quintessential taste of the India peru fruit, this special cocktail is tart, fun and lively in spirit. Here’s all you need to shake it up!
Glass: Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
- Stranger & Sons Gin 60 ml
- Peru Saccharum 17.5 ml
- Lime Juice 20 ml
- Salt, Chilli & Sugar Powder Mix for Garnish
Method:
- Pour all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker.
- Shake with ice and fine strain in an old-fashioned glass rimmed with the chili mix.
Images via Stranger & Sons Instagram
The Classic Negroni for a Candlelit Affair
The famous Negroni makes for a satisfying drink with a scrumptious meal. Its subtle bitters help ease the heaviness of aged cheese. Ditch the usual wine and elevate your candlelit Italian date with a classic Negroni (pair best with the Penne Four Cheese pasta!)
Glass: Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
- Gin 25 ml
- Sweet Vermouth 25 ml
- Campari 25 ml
- Slice of Orange for Garnish
Method:
- Pour the gin, vermouth, and Campari into a mixing glass or jug with ice.
- Stir well until the outside of the glass feels cold.
- Strain into a tumbler and add 1 large ice sphere or some fresh ice
- Garnish with an orange slice (we recommend using blood orange when in season).
Images via Pinterest
Whiskey Highball for a Heady Night
Its strength and simplicity are what make the Whiskey Highball a much-loved classic. The distinct pairing of whiskey and ginger ale gets an exciting punch with a powerful garnish. Read on for the recipe!
Glass: Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
- Whiskey 60 ml
- Ginger Ale 100 ml
- Use Cinnamon, Rosemary, Aniseed, or Bergamot to Garnish
Method:
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Add whisky and ginger ale and stir gently.
- Crush the garnish on top and serve immediately
Images via Pinterest
El Presidente for a Night that Feels Young
Although not as widely known as its Mojito or Daiquiri counterparts, this Cuban rum cocktail is a sleek and sophisticated special cocktail in its own right. Subtly bitter with sweet and citrus notes, this nuanced cocktail is the kind that you never forget.
Glass: Martini or Cocktail Glass
Ingredients:
- White Rum 60 ml
- Dry Vermouth 22 ml
- Orange Curacao 7 ml
- A Dash of Grenadine
Method:
- Add the white rum, dry vermouth, orange curacao, and grenadine to a mixing glass with ice
- Stir well until chilled
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
Images via acouplecooks
Espresso Martini to the End the Night On a High
A cocktail that can also double up as a dessert! The Espresso Martini is the perfect drink of choice for when you want to top off the night on a thrilling high. Here’s everything you need for this feisty drink.
Glass: Stemmed Martini Glass
Ingredients:
- Vodka 60 ml
- Coffee Liqueur 15 ml (we recommend Bailey’s or Kahlua)
- Espresso 30 ml
- Coffee Beans for Garnish
- Sugar Syrup for Sweetening
Method:
- Add vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and sugar syrup to a shaker filled with ice and shake until well chilled
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
- Garnish with whole or crushed coffee beans
