When it comes to entertaining at home, it’s probably a true to say that almost everyone loves cocktails. It’s also probably true to say that many people, maybe even you, don’t try to make them due to the intimidation factor. Here’s the real truth, though. You don’t need to be a master mixologist to create cocktails that you and yours will enjoy. All you need is a bit of know-how and the right ingredients. In this post, we cover some of the easiest, least intimidating cocktails you can make for family and friends on your next night in.
Negroni
This sweet Italian drink offers your taste buds a taste of the Old Country. All that’s missing is an Italian opera singer, belting out a melancholy love song (though it’s fair to say that you just might start singing once you taste this).
You only need three ingredients, plus ice for this easy home cocktail: gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth in equal amounts. Use the small end of the jigger to measure out the spirits.
Add ice to a mixing glass, followed by the three ingredients. Stir everything until the glass gets cold. Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with the peel of an orange.
Gin Martini
The gin martini straight up conjures up images of Dean Martin movies and 60s-era swing. This easy cocktail recipe only requires two ingredients: gin and dry vermouth.
Pour gin into the large side of the jigger, and then add the gin to a cocktail shaker. Top with a dash of vermouth to taste. Add ice and shake. Strain into a chilled ‘tini glass. Garnish with an olive or a lemon peel.
If you prefer, you can make a vodka martini instead of a gin martini. If you have none at home, five minutes and a quick trip to the liquor store solves that dilemma.
White Russian
For coffee lovers, the White Russian is like iced coffee with a punch, but such a good punch. Fortunately, it’s also way easy to make. It only requires a bit of coffee liqueur — Kahlua’s a good bet — along with some vodka and some fresh cream or Half and Half.
To make a White Russian, add ice to a rocks glass. In a separate tumbler, add one shot (the large side of the jigger) of vodka to the tumbler. Then, pour Kahlua into the small side of the jigger and then into the tumbler. Mix together and then pour the mixture in the tumbler over the ice in the rocks glass. Add cream or Half and Half to taste.
Rum and Coke
This is maybe the simplest cocktail you’ll ever make, but still one of the most popular, so you can’t go wrong with it as a party drink option.
Add ice to a rocks glass. Pour the some white rum into the large end of the jigger and then pour the rum (from the jigger) into the rocks glass. Top with Coke or Pepsi. Add a slice of lime and you go from rum and Coke to Cubra Libre in a hot New York minute!
Final Thoughts
If you love to entertain, then you know what a good cocktail can do for the mood of your party. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a master mixologist to make these four cocktails. All you need is a bit of patience and the right spirits and you have cocktails that everyone can enjoy.
