Have you got a ball coming up? Maybe you’re hosting pre-drinks or just want to impress your date? We all know the (questionable) charms of a good bottle of Imperial Vodka, but some nights just call for something with a little more class. The end of term is coming, so why not play bartender for the night and celebrate with some deceptively impressive cocktails? Bella Jolly makes sure you’re in for a short with her cocktail criteria!
Champagne cocktails are your obvious choice for a Black Tie affair, and by the time you’ve swapped your vintage Veuve for a nice bottle of Sainsbury’s own brand Cava, they’re not going to break the bank. Add a few splashes of peach or blackcurrant liqueur and a fruity garnish and you’ve got a sparkly cocktail that not only tastes good, but looks seriously impressive, too. If you can face it the next morning, add some leftover bubbly to your orange juice for a glamorous champagne brunch.
If you fancy something a little more summery, cocktail menus right now are bursting with variations on the theme of an English country garden. Get some gin, get something elderflower flavoured (liqueur, cordial, pressé) and mix it all together with your choice of cucumber, lemon and maybe some apple juice. You’ve got yourself a British summertime in a glass.
Finally, let’s not forget your standard crowd-pleasers: Cosmopolitan, Sex on the Beach, and my personal favourite, the Mojito. You can get your hands on pre-made mixes pretty easily; all you have to do is add the alcohol and mix it all up. These lend themselves well to jugs, bowls or whatever your large vessel of choice may be, so they’re a great and relatively cheap option if you’re feeling like an extra generous host(ess). If you want to channel the summer holiday theme, adorn them with glace cherries, cocktail umbrellas and novelty stirrers and make like you’re somewhere suitably exotic.
Of course, cocktails wouldn’t be cocktails without the necessary equipment. Don’t forget to make or buy in some ice – even if the pressure’s on and the heat is high, at least you’ll keep your cool. If you’re feeling ambitious, deck out your kitchen as a fully-functioning bar, or if not, invest in some martini glasses and a couple of shakers and get everybody to have a go before you pour them out. Even if you’re actually drinking a double vodka-redbull, at least you’ll look the part.
Bella Jolly
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