“You don’t have to be a pro to get it right – just follow the proportions, and you’re all set,” says Shatbhi Basu, India’s First lady Bartender.
Cocktails are a must-have at any good party. Whether you’re throwing a fun party with your friends or hosting a formal dinner, a good cocktail will elevate the mood of your event. If you thought mixing drinks was difficult and time-consuming, think again! These quick and easy recipes will make you an excellent host and mixology expert at your next party!
Some DIY cocktail recipes are listed below:
- Watermelon Basil
Ingredients
- 45 ml gin (you can use rum/vodka as well)
- 6-8 pieces of fresh watermelon
- Two basil or mint leaves
- 10 ml lime juice 10 ml
- 15 ml sugar syrup (1:1)
- 8-10 ice cubes
Method
To extract the juice from the watermelon, muddle it first. Shake all of the ingredients in a jar or shaker with ice. In a cocktail glass, strain through a tea strainer and garnish with a slice of watermelon and basil leaves.
2. Cucumber & Coriander Gimlet
Ingredients
- 60 ml gin
- 6 leaves of coriander
- 4 cucumber chunks
- 25 ml fresh lime juice
- 20 ml of sugar syrup
Method
Muddle the cucumber and coriander together first. Then, combine the remaining ingredients and shake with ice. Fine strain into a glass with a stem (wine/martini/coupe). Serve garnished with a fresh coriander leaf and a cucumber peel.
- Ginger and Turmeric Martini
Ingredients
- 60 ml Ketel One vodka
- A pinch of turmeric powder
- 2-3 slices of fresh ginger
- 15 ml honey water
- 15 ml lime juice
Method
Muddle the ginger slices in a cocktail shaker with the vodka, honey, and turmeric, then add ice cubes and shake. Double-strain the mixture into a martini glass and serve immediately. Serve with a slice of ginger on top.
- Cucumber and Basil Twist
Ingredients
- 60ml Tanqueray gin
- 3-4 basil leaves
- 8-10 cucumber chunks
- 10 ml lime juice
- 10 ml sugar syrup
- Tonic water to top up
Method
Using a rolling pin, muddle the cucumber and basil leaves. Shake all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Double-strain the drink through a tea strainer and serve over ice in a tall glass. To finish, add a tonic and garnish with cucumbers.
- Penicillin
Ingredients
- 60 ml whisky
- 20 ml lime juice
- 20 ml ginger honey syrup (prepare using 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup honey, and some ginger)
- 10 ml chamomile tea
- 10 ml smokey whisky (Laphroaig or Double Black)
Method
To make the honey ginger syrup, combine 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 cup water, and the ginger root in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and allow the syrup to cool for 5 minutes. Refrigerate after straining. Pour the blended scotch, lemon juice, honey-ginger syrup, and chamomile tea into a shaker to make the cocktail. Shake with ice and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Float a smoky on top by gently pouring it over the back of a spoon. Garnish with lemon peel if desired.
So, tell us what are you gonna try at your next house party?