No matter the occasion, adding some extra flair to your cocktail game is always a good idea. Whether you’re looking to show off your bartending skills or simply want to make something a little more special than the usual go-to drinks, we’ve got you covered with these easy and impressive cocktails.
For a festive touch, try the Pomegranate Margarita or Cranberry Moscow Mule. Both recipes call for just a few simple ingredients, can be made ahead of time, and are sure to please any crowd. For something a little more unique, the Smoked Old Fashioned or Spiced Pear Martini are perfect choices. And if you really want to wow your guests, go for the show stopping Champagne Punch Bowl or Chocolate Martini. No matter what you make, raise a glass and enjoy!
The Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan is a classic cocktail that is perfect for any party. This delicious drink is made with vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice, and is garnished with a lime wedge. If you are looking for a sophisticated cocktail to impress your guests, the Cosmopolitan is the perfect choice.
The French Martini
The French Martini is a classic cocktail that is sure to impress your party guests. It is made with vodka, Chambord, and pineapple juice, and is garnished with a raspberry.
To make a French Martini, combine 2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of Chambord, and 3 ounces of pineapple juice in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a raspberry.
The Espresso Martini
Ingredients:
-1 1/2 ounce espresso
-1 1/2 ounce vodka
-1/2 ounce simple syrup
-1/4 ounce coffee liqueur
-Coffee beans, for garnish
Preparation:
Add the espresso, vodka, simple syrup, and coffee liqueur to a shaker filled with ice. Shake until well chilled and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with coffee beans.
The Manhattan
There's nothing like a classic Manhattan to get your party started. This timeless cocktail is the perfect balance of sweet and strong, and is sure to please any crowd. Here's how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. rye or bourbon whiskey
- 1 oz. sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Maraschino cherry, for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry and enjoy!
Dirty Martini
A dirty martini is a classic cocktail that is sure to impress your party guests. It is made with gin, vermouth, and olives, and can be served either up or on the rocks.
To make a dirty martini, simply combine gin, vermouth, and olives in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with an olive or lemon twist.
Whether you are hosting a small gathering or a large party, serving dirty martinis will definitely impress your guests!
Screwdriver
A screwdriver is a classic mixed drink that is easy to make and always a crowd favorite. It is made with vodka and orange juice, and can be garnished with a slice of orange or a cherry.
To make a screwdriver, simply combine equal parts vodka and orange juice in a glass. Add ice and stir. Garnish with a slice of orange or a cherry, if desired. Enjoy!
White Russian
Ingredients:
-1 ounce vodka
-1 ounce coffee liqueur
-1 ounce heavy cream
Instructions:
Pour the vodka and coffee liqueur into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice cubes. Stir gently. Float the cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon. Serve immediately.
Vodka Sour
A vodka sour is a classic cocktail that is sure to impress your guests. This refreshing drink is made with vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup, and can be garnished with a lemon wedge or cherry.
Irish Coffee
There are few things more impressive than whipping up a delicious cocktail for your guests, and an Irish coffee is the perfect drink to show off your bartending skills. This classic beverage is made with strong coffee, whiskey, and sugar, and is garnished with whipped cream for a decadent finish. Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or simply enjoying a night in with friends, an Irish coffee is always a welcome treat.
Tequila Sunrise
Ingredients:
-1 oz tequila
-1/2 oz fresh orange juice
-1/4 oz grenadine syrup
-Ice cubes
-Orange slice and cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- Pour the tequila and orange juice into a highball glass filled with ice cubes.
- Add the grenadine syrup and stir gently.
- Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.
Sazerac Cocktail
There are few cocktails as classic or as delicious as the Sazerac. This simple yet sophisticated drink is perfect for impressing your party guests.
The Sazerac is a New Orleans original, and is made with rye whiskey, absinthe, Peychaud’s bitters, and a sugar cube. To make this cocktail, simply combine the rye whiskey and bitters in a glass with ice, then stir. Next, coat the rim of a second glass with absinthe and discard the excess. Add the ice and whiskey mixture to this glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
This timeless cocktail is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. Cheers!
Conclusion
There are many cocktails that can impress your party guests, but these ten are sure to make a lasting impression. The classic martini is always a crowd favorite, and the dirty martini adds a unique twist. If you're looking for something a little sweeter, the cosmopolitan is a delicious option. And for those who prefer their drinks strong and straight, the old fashioned is sure to please. Whatever your preference, one of these cocktails is sure to make your party guests happy.
