Collaborative post¦ When it comes to dinner party drinks, there are countless options that will wow your guests. However, if you aren’t sure where to start or don’t know much about cocktails, here are a few fan-favorites to choose from.
Manhattan
Much like an amaretto sour or a daiquiri, a Manhattan is a simple and delicious drink that you can serve all night long, and you won’t get a single complaint. First made in the late 1890s in New York, it has most definitely stood the test of time.
All you need is some bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters, and you can create a delicious cocktail that will become your new go-to after your first step.
Old-Fashioned
The Old-Fashioned is another classic in the cocktail world, because it is oaky, sweet, and has just enough citrus to complement the strong spirit flavor. Combine some sugar, bourbon, bitters, and orange peel to create this silky and moreish delight.
Mojito
There are very few cocktails more perfect for Summer than a mojito. Cold sparkling water is combined with white rum, a simple syrup, mint, and ice to create a refreshing and mouthwatering cocktail that is ideal for an evening by the pool after a great dinner.
Madras
If you are looking for a cocktail that can be easily scaled into a punch and made in large quantities, then look no further than a Madras. The recipe is simple too: 3 parts cranberry juice, 1 part vodka, and 1 part orange juice. Multiply the recipe to make a large batch, and add a bit of extra vodka at the end to adjust the taste.
Belmont Jewel
Another great drink that can be made in large batches is a Belmont Jewel. While it’s certainly for whisky lovers, it can be adjusted to suit most tastes. Combining bourbon, lemonade, and pomegranate juice, it is refreshing, incredibly tasty, and certainly one you won’t be able to get enough of.
Red Stag Lemonade
There is no way you can go wrong when you create a rich and delicious cherry bourbon-based cocktail. A Red Stag lemonade combines cherry bourbon with strawberry liqueur, lemonade, and lemon and lime soda.
Negroni
The Negroni is another staple of any bar menu, and while its flavor isn’t for everyone, it is a drink you should try first before judging. With a mix of gin, vermouth, and Campari, it’s bittersweet with floral notes that make it unusual yet exceptionally tasty.
Americano
An Americano is a cocktail you may not have heard of before, but it is one you need to try at your next dinner party. It is similar to a Negroni, but without the gin, and is comprised of cl,ub soda, Campari and the best sweet vermouth you can get your hands on. It is most definitely the better option for those who want the Negroni feel, but without the herbaceous gin.
Hot Buttered Rum
If you are hosting a dinner party in Winter and need something warm to heat you up on a cold evening, you need to try a hot buttered rum. It combines rum with sugar, butter, vanilla ice cream, and a dash of cinnamon for a more adult take on Butterbeer.
What to Remember When Making Cocktails
When making cocktails, there are a few things to remember to always ensure they taste good, no matter what type of cocktail you are making or what ingredients you have.
2:1:1
Firstly, you should always remember the golden rule of 2:1:1. Used by bartenders across the globe, this ratio, simply put, means 2 parts spirits, 1 part sweet, and 1 part tart/sour. When you follow this ratio, you end up with a cocktail that has the right amount of everything.
Balance
You always need to keep balance in mind when making a cocktail. Much like when you make a meal, too much of one ingredient can throw off the taste of the meal. Therefore, don’t be too heavy-handed when adding ingredients, and rather add more after you’ve tasted it.
Stirring & Shaking
You always hear the terms “stirring” and “shaking,” but you may not know when to do them. Simply put, you stir cocktails that contain spirit and bitters, and you shake cocktails that contain mixers, such as fruit juices.
Always Taste
You should always taste when making cocktails, especially those that contain strong spirits like whisky or tequila. It is far too easy to add too much and ruin the entire drink.
Experiment
You should also never be scared to experiment with flavors when making cocktails. Whether it be switching vodka with tequila, using different fruit juices, or something in between, always experiment and see if you can come up with something new. Additionally, experiment with cocktail equipment and tools, and find new ways to prepare and use ingredients.
In conclusion, there are plenty of amazing and delicious dinner party cocktail options for you to choose from. No matter your taste, season, or weather, there is something out there that will leave you and your guests happy and wanting more, and even something that will become your new go-to cocktail.
Cover photo: https://unsplash.com/photos/a-wooden-table-topped-with-three-different-types-of-drinks-5Kar8tuLo8k