For the true connoisseur of entertainment, a well-stocked bar will be necessary for entertaining your guests. While many lean towards wine when entertaining, others prefer the craft of the cocktail. For entertaining, keep a healthy stock of a variety of liquors such as whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, and tequila. These are the most common bases for cocktails. We also suggest to keep a healthy stock of bitters, club soda, and fruit spritz for mixers. Popular garnishes often involve fruit peels, olives, and citruses.
Below you’ll find time tested cocktail recipes for a variety of liquors:
1. Vodka cocktails
Vodka drinks are one of the most classic types of drinks to serve when entertaining a group. Vodka is a versatile liquor, making it easy to work with. Known well among “Brunch Clubs” the Bloody Mary is a popular breakfast or brunch cocktail. To make this cocktail combine 1.5 oz of vodka, 2.5 oz of tomato juice, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, and season with hot sauce to taste. You may choose to garnish with olives, sticks of celery, or pickles. Another unique vodka recipe is the Cosmopolitan. This popular drink is a classic hit and will be sure to wow your guests. To make blend 2 ounces vodka, 1/2 ounce triple sec, 1/2 ounce lime juice, 1 ounce cranberry juice, and garnish with a spool of orange peel. You will win over any guest with this tasty recipe!
2. Tequila cocktails
Another popular liquor for entertaining, tequila drink recipes are probably the more entertaining recipes! The most iconic being the classic margarita. Easy to make, simply add 2 ounces of tequila to 1 ounce of lime juice, 1/2 an ounce triple sec, and shake! Add some salt to the brim, and you have yourself a delicious homemade margarita sure to please.
3. Whiskey cocktails
Whiskey is a favorite among seasoned drinkers, many who love the deep flavors whiskey offers. An old fashioned cocktail recipe that is popular among whiskey lovers is a simple mix of 2 ounces of whiskey (bourbon is whiskey type most often chosen) and mix with 1/2 ounce of bitters, a cube of sugar, and mix. It is optional to garnish with a spool of orange peel or a cherry.
4. Gin cocktails
A true entertainer would not find themselves without this classic liquor. Gin is the base for one of the most popular entertainment drinks- the dry martini. A dry martini is a simple but classic staple. To make, mix 2 ounces of gin with 3/4 ounces of vermouth, and garnish with a lemon twist. Voila! A dry martini. To spruce up the dry martini, some enjoy drinking a dirty version of the classic staple. To make a dirty martini, you will need to add roughly 1/2 to 3/4 ounces of olive brine to the dry martini mixture and garnish with olives. The martini is a classic staple, with many varieties to choose from. Your guests are sure to enjoy your knowledge of making these classic cocktails.