By Megan Robinson
At this point in lockdown, most of us have tried everything to keep us entertained including binge watching TV shows, returning to an old hobby or perhaps trying something completely new. Maybe you have tried new recipes and got into cooking – but have you tried making your own cocktails?
Whether you fancy a romantic night in, are meeting up with the girls over Zoom, or are just simply soooo bored, you do not need an excuse to make cocktails. You can do this with whoever you live with too; your partner, your flatmates, your parents, and even if you live by yourself, this is something fun to do.
There are an array of cocktails out there and we all have our favourite. I’m personally more partial to a daiquiri but I won’t judge you if you’re more of a Long Island iced tea kinda person! We believe these are the best cocktails to make at home- and we have even provided tips on how to make it alcohol free if you are not a drinker, or you are under 18. So let’s get fancy and make a cocktail, or two, even if it’s only Monday night…
Pina Colada
You don’t need to be sitting on a beach to enjoy this sweet, creamy cocktail. This is a very popular drink for those who love tropical flavours and enjoy a thicker, creamier texture. Here is how you make it:
- Pour 120ml of pineapple juice into a cocktail shaker (or a blender)
- Add 60ml of white rum, we would suggest Malibu for maximum coconutty-ness
- Pour in 60ml of coconut cream and crushed ice
- Shake/ blend for 30 seconds
- Strain into a glass, then add a pineapple slice for decoration
If you want to make it alcohol free: Discard the rum and add some coconut milk for optimum flavour.
Mojito
This minty, citrus infused concoction from Cuba knows how to tingle your taste buds while also being super refreshing. Popular all over the world, it’s a perfect drink all year round and very fun to make!
- Squeeze a lime into a small jug, add a spoonful of sugar and a handful of mint
- Mash the mixture and crush the mint as you go
- Pour into a glass, along with some ice cubes
- Add 60ml of white rum then top with sparkling water or lemonade
- Add some limes and extra mint for garnish, then stir
If you want to make it alcohol free: Remove the rum and add more lime juice.
Pornstar Martini
This is the absolute staple of a bottomless brunch. Who doesn’t love to see the waiter walking towards you with the infamous Pornstar Martini tree? This cocktail has only been around for 20 years, but it is quickly becoming a firm favourite. Here’s what you need to make it:
- Cut and scoop two passion fruits and sieve the fruit juice into a shaker (or blender)
- Add 60ml of vanilla vodka and 30ml of Passoa
- Next, add a dash of lime juice, a sprinkle of sugar and some crushed ice
- Shake or blend for 30 seconds, then strain the mixture into a glass
- Garnish with half a passion fruit, and don’t forget the shot of Prosecco on the side!
If you want to make it alcohol free: Ditch the Prosecco, Passoa and vodka, and opt for passion fruit or tropical juice along with some vanilla syrup
Old Fashioned
Here’s one for the whiskey lovers! This simple, yet delicious cocktail has been around since the 19th century and is truly timeless. The key to this one is to have large ice cubes that add a silky smooth taste to this sophisticated drink. How to make a perfect Old Fashioned:
- Add a shot of aromatic bitters, a sprinkle of sugar and a dash of water into a glass
- Combine the mixture and add some thick ice cubes
- Pour the whiskey over the ice and stir for 20 seconds
- Garnish with an orange peel or an orange slice
If you want to make it alcohol free: Swap the whiskey for some ginger ale and add lemon.
Cosmopolitan
The “Cosmo” was thrown into pop culture for its use in the popular TV show Sex and the City, and there is a reason why it it so popular. This classy cocktail is sweet and full of flavour and is an international sensation. To make it, you’ll need:
- Fill the shaker or blender with some crushed ice and add 40ml of vodka
- Pour in 10ml of orange liquor along with 50ml of cranberry juice
- Add the juice of one lime and shake/ blend for 30 seconds
- Strain into a glass and place a slice of lime on the side
If you want to make it alcohol free: Replace the orange liqueur with some orange juice and exchange the vodka for some sparkling water.
In order to make the tastiest cocktails, you need to be armed with the right equipment. We’ve rounded up some of the best products to help make your cocktail making experience the best it can be!
