Cocktail parties can be a lot of fun, but the host can often get overwhelmed with complicated cocktails. The price can also skyrocket if many different expensive bottles must be bought. Here are some of the most popular cocktails which are reasonably cheap and easy to make.
The Cocktails
After Eight (A.K.A. After Dinner Mint)
The Taste: Like an After Eight mint, but a drink!
The Recipe:
- 1 oz Bailey’s Irish Cream
- 1 oz Crème de Menthe
- 1 oz Crème de Cacao
Layer in a shot glass or other small glass with the Crème de Menthe in the middle. Sip slowly or enjoy as a smooth tasting shot.
Amaretto Sour
The Taste: Sour with a sweet finish
The Recipe:
- 1 ½ oz Amaretto
- 1-2 oz Sweet and Sour Mix (can be bought or just mix 8 oz lemon juice with 2 tbsp sugar)
Shake well and serve in a tall glass (hi ball or fancy glass) and garnish with a maraschino cherry and a slice of orange.
Bloody Mary
The Taste: Rich, spicy and invigorating.
The Recipe:
- 2 ½ oz Vodka
- 5 oz Tomato Juice
- ½ oz Lemon Juice
- 1 dash Tabasco Sauce
- 3 dashes Worcestershire Sauce
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Mix in a Hi Ball glass and add a stalk of celery to garnish. Serve chilled.
Gin and Tonic
The Taste: Fresh, classic, crisp and refreshing.
The Recipe:
- 2 oz Gin
- 5 oz Tonic Water
- 1 lime wedge
Mix in a Hi Ball glass with ice, squeeze the lime wedge into the drink then drop it in.
Long Island Ice Tea
The Taste: Refreshing, perfect for summer and very alcoholic.
The Recipe:
- 1 part Vodka
- 1 part Tequila
- 1 part Rum
- 1 part Gin
- 1 part Triple Sec
Top up with Lemonade (Sprite or 7 up) and Cola to taste
Mix in a pitcher and serve chilled.
Mojito
The Taste: Crisp with a minty finish.
The Recipe:
- 1 ½ oz Rum
- 10 – 12 Mint leaves
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- ½ oz Lime Juice
- 2 oz Soda Water
Mix and serve in a Hi Ball glass with ice. Lime or apple can also be added.
Polo*
The Taste: Sweet and tropical.
The Recipe:
- 2 oz Malibu Coconut Rum
- 2 oz Cranberry Juice
- 2 oz Pineapple Juice
Serve in a Martini glass and garnish with a pineapple slice.
Sex on the Beach
The Taste: Smooth and tropical like a night in Hawaii.
The Recipe:
- 1 ½ oz Vodka
- ½ oz Peach Schnapps
- 2 oz Cranberry Juice
- 2 oz Pineapple Juice
Pour into a Hi Ball Glass with the Cranberry Juice on the bottom to create a multi-colored effect. Garnish with a slice of pineapple and a maraschino cherry.
White Russian
The Taste: Creamy with a hint of coco.
The Recipe:
- 2 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Coffee Liqueur
- Light Cream
Pour vodka and liqueur into an old fashioned or low ball glass with ice and top up with cream.
Garnishes
A good garnish can make any ordinary drink look more elaborate and festive. Food put on the rim of the glass is the easiest way of making a drink look more appealing, especially if it is a tropical drink. For sweet tropical drinks use pineapple, orange, and cherries, and for tangy tropical drinks use lime wedges. For thick, creamy drinks such as After Eights and White Russians small pieces of chocolate may be added to the rim, additionally coco powder may be applied along the entire rim.
*This cocktail was created by the writer, please post comments about the taste and overall comments about the drink.
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