Tired of the same old drinks at your usual social gatherings? The holiday season is a perfect time to experiment with fun and festive cocktails. Whether you’re attending a party or hosting one of your own, brush up your bartending skills with these easy recipes”there’s one to suit every mood!
If you’re¦ on the prowl
Try: The French 75
French women are impossibly sexy, and so is this drink. Combine 1 oz. each of gin and lemon juice with 1/2 oz. sugar syrup. Shake with ice, and then strain into a champagne flute. Top with 3-4 oz. champagne or sparkling wine and garnish with a bright red maraschino cherry.
If you’re¦ in the mood to party
Try: The Hellraiser
This cocktail is guaranteed to get you in party mode”but it’s so potent, we can’t recommend having more than one! Add 1 oz. each of sambuca, melon liqueur and strawberry liqueur to a chilled glass. Do not stir.
If you’re¦ a Debbie Downer
Try: The Espresso Martini
Not in the mood to party? This caffeine-infused drink will help you rally. Add 1 oz. coffee-flavoured liqueur, 1 oz. vodka and ½ oz. hot espresso or strong black coffee to a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously to chill and then strain into a martini glass. Garnish with coffee beans.
See next: The Classic Cranberry Cooler
If you’re¦ getting over a cold
Try: The Classic Cranberry Cooler
Give yourself a vitamin C boost with this blend of cranberry and citrus. Juice ½ a lemon and combine with 1½ oz. vodka, 3 oz. cranberry juice and 2 oz. lemon-lime soda. Pour into a tall glass filled with ice and stir. Garnish with fresh cranberries.
If you’re¦ driving
Try: The Rumless Rickey
Forget boring soda or orange juice. This non-alcoholic cocktail is both festive and delicious. Add 1 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice, one dash grenadine syrup and one dash bitters to an old-fashioned glass filled with three to four large ice cubes. Top with club soda and stir. Garnish with a long twist of fresh lime.
Please drink responsibly
Before indulging in any alcoholic beverages”or preparing them for others”plan ahead to make sure your celebrations run smoothly. Never accept a ride from someone who has been drinking. Appoint designated drivers and encourage guests to use public transportation, taxis or car pools. After the party, if any guests have had too much to drink, be prepared to take away car keys if you must, and insist on either calling cabs or having the guests stay overnight.
