Easy, Delicious co*cktails for Your Next Party – Happy Muncher (2024)

Delving into the world of drink recipes can be an exciting adventure, where you’ll discover various flavors and combinations to tantalize your taste buds. With classics like margaritas and mojitos to modern favorites like palomas and Aperol spritzes, there’s something for every taste and occasion.

Explore these drink recipes to elevate your next gathering or simply to enjoy a refreshing beverage at home. The possibilities are endless, so grab your favorite spirits and let your creativity flow as you craft the perfect drink.

Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

• 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye)
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Ice
• Garnish: orange peel or cherry

Instructions:

1. Add simple syrup and bitters to a rocks glass.
2. Fill the glass with ice and stir to combine.
3. Pour in your whiskey, stir for 30 seconds.
4. Garnish with an orange peel or cherry.

Enjoy your classic Old Fashioned!

Negroni

Ingredients:

• 1 oz gin
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz sweet vermouth

Instructions:

1. Combine gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass filled with ice.
2. Stir until well-chilled, about 30 seconds.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
4. Garnish with an orange peel.

Last Word

Ingredients:

• 0.75 oz gin
• 0.75 oz Green Chartreuse
• 0.75 oz maraschino liqueur
• 0.75 oz fresh lime juice
• Optional garnish: brandied cherry

1. Chill a coupe glass.
2. Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice.
3. Shake for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain into chilled glass.

Penicillin

Ingredients:

• 2 oz blended Scotch whisky
• 3/4 oz lemon juice
• 3/4 oz honey-ginger syrup
• 1/8 oz peated Scotch whisky
• Candied ginger (garnish)

Honey-Ginger Syrup:

1. Combine 1 cup honey, 1 cup water, and 6-inch sliced ginger in a saucepan.
2. Boil, then simmer for 5 minutes, and let it cool.

co*cktail:

1. Shake 2 oz blended Scotch, 3/4 oz lemon juice, and 3/4 oz honey-ginger syrup with ice.
2. Strain into a rocks glass with ice.
3. Top with 1/8 oz peated Scotch and garnish with candied ginger. Enjoy!

Clover Club

For a classic Clover Club, gather the following ingredients:

• 1.5 oz gin
• 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 oz raspberry syrup
• 1 egg white
• Raspberries for garnish

First, combine gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white in a co*cktail shaker. Shake vigorously without ice to emulsify the egg white. Next, add ice to the shaker and continue shaking until well-chilled. Finally, strain the mixture into a chilled co*cktail glass and garnish with speared raspberries. Enjoy!

Boulevardier

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz bourbon
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz sweet vermouth

Instructions:

1. Combine: Pour bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth into a mixing glass with ice.
2. Stir: Mix until well-chilled for about 30 seconds.
3. Strain: Pour the co*cktail into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
4. Garnish: Add an orange twist to complete your drink.

Enjoy your classic and delicious Boulevardier!

Mai Tai

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz white rum
• 0.75 oz lime juice
• 0.5 oz orange curaçao
• 0.5 oz orgeat syrup
• 0.75 oz dark rum (floater)

Follow these steps for a classic Mai Tai:

1. Shake white rum, lime juice, orange curaçao, and orgeat syrup with crushed ice.
2. Pour into a double rocks glass.
3. Float dark rum on top.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel and mint sprig.

Enjoy your refreshing Mai Tai!

Brandy Crusta

Ingredients:

• 2 oz brandy
• 0.5 oz lemon juice
• 0.5 oz orange liqueur
• 0.25 oz maraschino liqueur
• 2 dashes aromatic bitters
• Sugar for rimming
• Lemon twist for garnish

First, prepare your glass. Wet the rim with lemon, then dip in sugar. Peel a long twist from a lemon for garnish.

Shake well brandy, lemon juice, orange liqueur, maraschino liqueur, and bitters with ice. Strain into the prepared glass and garnish with the lemon twist. Enjoy your Brandy Crusta!

Bellini

Bellini, a classic co*cktail, was created in Venice, Italy, in the 1930s-1940s by Guiseppe Cipriani. Inspired by artist Giovanni Bellini, it’s known for its fruitiness and unique color.

To make a Bellini, use the following:

• 2 parts chilled Prosecco
• 1 part peach purée

Instructions:

1. Blend peeled, pitted peaches until smooth.
2. Chill purée in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
3. Combine Prosecco and purée, garnish with peach slice and enjoy!

Irish Coffee

To make Irish Coffee, you’ll need coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and heavy cream. First, warm a heatproof glass by filling it with hot water, then discarding the water. Mix coffee and brown sugar until the sugar dissolves, then add whiskey. Float lightly whipped heavy cream on top by pouring it slowly over the back of a spoon. Enjoy the coffee through the cream, without stirring.

Margarita

Making a margarita is simple with just three ingredients: tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. Follow this quick recipe for a delightful drink:

1. Fill a co*cktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the following ingredients:
   • Tequila: 4 parts
   • Orange liqueur: 3 parts
   • Lime juice: 2 parts
3. Shake for 10 seconds.
4. Strain into a salt-rimmed glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge (optional).

Enjoy your perfect, no-fuss margarita!

Martini

A classic martini consists of gin or vodka, dry vermouth, and a garnish such as olives or lemon peel. To make this iconic co*cktail, add 2 ½ oz alcohol and ½ oz vermouth to a mixing glass filled with ice, stir well, and strain into a chilled martini glass. Experiment with different flavors and styles for a customized experience.

Moscow Mule

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• ½ oz lime juice
• 4 oz ginger beer
• Ice
• Lime wedge or mint sprig

Instructions:

1. Pour 2 ounces of vodka and ½ ounce of lime juice into a chilled copper mug or highball glass.
2. Add 4 ounces of ginger beer and stir gently.
3. Fill with ice and garnish with a lime wedge or mint sprig. Enjoy your refreshing Moscow Mule!

Mojito

Mojito, a classic Cuban co*cktail, is a refreshing mix of mint, lime, sugar, rum, and club soda. Follow these steps to make your own at home:

1. Muddle 10 fresh mint leaves with 2 tsp of sugar in a glass.
2. Squeeze juice of 1 lime into the glass.
3. Pour 1.5 oz of white rum and stir.
4. Fill the glass with ice and top with club soda.
5. Garnish with a mint sprig and enjoy your refreshing Mojito!

Daiquiri

The Daiquiri is a classic co*cktail made with just three ingredients: rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. Here’s a quick recipe:

• 3 tbsp light or white rum
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp simple syrup

Shake with ice and strain into a glass. For a frozen variation, blend all ingredients with ice. Enjoy your refreshing Daiquiri!

Whiskey Sour

A classic, Whiskey Sour is easy to make. Combine 2 oz bourbon, 0.75 oz lemon juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup in a shaker. For a richer taste, add optional egg white. Follow these steps:

1. Dry-shake: Shake ingredients without ice for 30 seconds.

   
   

2. Shake again: Add ice; shake for 15-20 seconds until cold.

   
   

3. Strain: Pour into a rocks glass over fresh ice or a coupe without ice.

   
   

4. Garnish: Add 3-4 drops of Angostura bitters. Enjoy your refreshing Whiskey Sour!

   
   

Cosmopolitan

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. vodka
• 1 oz. cranberry juice
• ¾ oz. lime juice
• ¾ oz. triple sec

Follow these steps for a perfect Cosmopolitan:

1. Combine all ingredients in a co*cktail shaker.
2. Fill the shaker with ice, cover, and shake until well-chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled co*cktail glass and garnish with a lime wedge.

Enjoy your classic, no-nonsense Cosmopolitan!

Manhattan

A classic co*cktail dating back to the late 1800s, the Manhattan is known for its simplicity and timeless charm. Consisting of bourbon or rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and a dash of aromatic bitters, this iconic beverage delights with its bold flavors and smooth character.

To create your Manhattan, follow these easy steps:

1. Pour 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes of bitters into a mixing glass filled with ice.
2. Stir for 30 seconds, then let it sit for an additional 30 seconds.
3. Strain into a co*cktail glass and garnish with an orange peel or co*cktail cherry.

Cheers to mastering the venerable Manhattan!

Pina Colada

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. light rum
• 3 oz. pineapple juice
• 2 oz. cream of coconut
• 1 oz. lime juice (optional)
• Ice
• Pineapple slice and maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. Blend: In a blender, combine rum, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, lime juice (if using), and ice. Blend until a milkshake-like consistency is reached.
2. Serve: Pour into a chilled glass, garnish with pineapple slice and maraschino cherry. Enjoy your refreshing Pina Colada!

Paloma

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila
• 2 oz grapefruit juice
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• 1/4 oz simple syrup
• Pinch of salt
• Grapefruit soda
• Optional: grapefruit slice and lime wedge for garnish

1. Combine ingredients. In a glass, mix tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and a pinch of salt.
2. Add ice. Fill the glass three-quarters full with ice.
3. Stir. Mix well until combined.
4. Top off. Add grapefruit soda and garnish as desired. Enjoy your refreshing Paloma!

Dark ‘n’ Stormy

Ingredients:

• Dark rum (preferably Goslings Black Seal)
• Ginger beer
• Lime juice (optional)

Instructions:

1. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
2. Add ginger beer.
3. Float dark rum on top.
4. Add lime juice if desired.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!

In just a few steps, you can create a refreshing, well-balanced Dark ‘n’ Stormy co*cktail. The combination of bold rum, spicy ginger beer, and zesty lime creates a delightful and easy-to-make drink.

Aperol Spritz

Aperol Spritz is a delightful, easy-to-make drink, perfect for those looking to indulge in a classic Italian aperitif. Follow these steps to create your own Aperol Spritz:

1. Chill a wine glass with ice for 30 minutes.
2. Pour 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, and 1 part club soda into the chilled glass.
3. Gently stir the ingredients.
4. Garnish with a slice of orange, and enjoy!

Remember: for a less bitter alternative, consider trying a Campari Spritz.

French 75

The French 75, a classic co*cktail, dazzles with taste and finesse. To craft yours, pour 1 oz gin, 0.5 oz lemon juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup into an ice-filled shaker. Shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds, strain into a champagne flute, and top with sparkling wine. Garnish with a lemon twist for that finishing touch. Enjoy your refreshing, bubbly beverage.

Sidecar

Favorite among classic cognac drinks. Your Sidecar ingredients:

• Cognac
• Orange liqueur (Cointreau or top-shelf triple sec)
• Fresh lemon juice
• A sugared rim for the glass

Prepare: Dip half of a chilled martini glass rim in sugar. Mix cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake until cold, strain into the glass, and enjoy!