Top 5 Homemade Cocktails To Spice Up Your House Parties

Hosting a house party is one of the most laid back yet intimate ways to have a good time with your friends and family. A lot of planning has to go into it to make it truly memorable. You have to figure out what food to serve and what games to play and even the kind of music that’ll keep the energy going. But what I’m most interested in right now is the drinks. And I’m going with homemade cocktails!

As the ‘host with the most’, you have to shake things up. No space for mediocrity here.

Here’s the thing no one would tell you… homemade cocktails are the easiest way to ‘shake’ things up. And no, I’m not talking about your go-to Magic Moments and coca-cola combo. The category is fancy, bougie, classy!

There’s something truly special about mixing up a drink from scratch, tailored to your friends’ tastes, that store-bought beverages just can’t match. From selecting the freshest ingredients to adding a personal touch, homemade cocktails add an extra layer of care and creativity to your hosting.

They show your guests that you’ve taken the time and effort to create something unique and memorable, just for them. So, grab your shaker and get ready to infuse your parties with a personal touch that will leave your friends talking long after the last sip.

If you’d rather serve non-alcoholic drinks, you can consider adding some healthy alternatives to fizzy drinks to the menu.

Let’s see some easy ones you can try.

Boulevardier

The Boulevardier is made with bourbon instead of gin. It is said to have been created in the 1920s at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, and it takes its name from the French word for “man about town.” To make a boulevardier, you will need 1 oz bourbon, 1 oz Campari, 1 oz sweet vermouth,1 orange twist for garnish.

Stir all the ingredients together with ice, then strain into a glass filled with fresh ice. Then, twist the orange peel over the glass to express the oils, and garnish with the orange twist.

The bourbon provides a strong, smoky base, while the Campari brings a bitter, herbal note. The sweet vermouth adds a touch of sweetness, and the orange twist adds a bright, citrusy aroma. The drink is often described as being bold and assertive, yet still balanced and approachable. 

Mojitos

The Mojito is one of the most refreshing and popular cocktails out there. This Cuban classic is made with rum, lime juice, sugar, mint, and soda water. It is said to have been invented in Havana in the 1800s, and it became popular in the United States after the Cuban Revolution. 

The mojito is often described as being crisp, citrusy, and minty. And of course, it’s perfect for a hot day! To make a mojito, you will need 2 oz white rum, 1 oz lime juice, 1 tbsp sugar,  8-10 mint leaves, 1-2 oz soda water.

To make the drink, muddle the mint leaves and sugar together in a glass. Then, add the lime juice, rum, and ice, and stir well. Finally, top it off with soda water and garnish with mint. And voilà! A perfect mojito. *chefs kiss*

Sangria

The sangria is a traditional Spanish beverage made with wine, fruit, and spices. It originated in Spain, and it is typically served at celebrations and parties. There are many different variations of sangria, but the classic recipe calls for red wine, orange juice, lemon juice, and fruit like apples, peaches, and strawberries. It is one of the easiest homemade cocktails ever.

It is often served over ice, and sometimes it is even garnished with a cinnamon stick or a slice of orange. The process of making sangria is quite simple. First, choose a red wine that you like. Then, chop up some of your favourite fruits and place them in a large pitcher. Next, pour in the wine, some orange juice, and a bit of lemon juice. Give it a good stir, and then chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour. 

Just before serving, add some sparkling water and ice, and give it another stir. Garnish with slices of fruit and cinnamon sticks, and enjoy! 

French 75

The French 75 is a classic cocktail with a long and storied history. It was first created in 1915 at the New York Bar in Paris, and it was named after the French 75mm field gun, which was a powerful weapon used in World War I. 

The original recipe calls for gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Champagne. Over the years, there have been many variations of the French 75, but the basic recipe remains the same. Preparing a French 75 is fairly easy. You’ll need 2 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of lemon juice, ½ ounce of simple syrup,  4 ounces of Champagne or sparkling wine, Lemon twist for garnish.

To make the drink, simply combine the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well, and strain the mixture into a Champagne flute. Top with the Champagne, and garnish with a lemon twist or a cherry. Sip and enjoy! 

Daiquiris

Daiquiris are a classic cocktail that originated in Cuba. The traditional recipe calls for just three ingredients: rum, lime juice, and sugar. But there are many variations of the daiquiri, including frozen daiquiris, fruit-flavored daiquiris, and even daiquiris made with other types of alcohol. 

To make a classic daiquiri, you will need 2 ounces of light rum, 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice, ½ ounce of simple syrup, and ice cubes.Simply combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously until the mixture is well-chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a lime wheel. That’s it! 

You can also make a frozen daiquiri by combining the ingredients in a blender with plenty of ice. For a fruit-flavored daiquiri, simply add your favorite fruit to the blender along with the other ingredients.

Cocktails are so versatile and we’re here for it. On that account, rather than sulking over why you’re still single this year, get yourself together and treat your people to the smoothest cocktails that will give those high-end bars a run for their money. 

Do you know any other homemade cocktails not mentioned here? 

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