I’ve written about giving up alcohol before, but I think we can all agree that now really isn’t the time for that. So, instead I’ll admit that recently I’ve been indulging my inner Don Draper (or with my current penchant for wearing PJs for long stretches, maybe at the moment I’m more “the Dude” Lebowski), and enjoying the occasional cocktail at home.
While I’m not suggesting any of us should reach for a drink to get through these strange times, if you do fancy an evening tipple, perhaps it’s best to go with one or two glasses of something special. Think quality over quantity.
With that in mind, I’ve pulled together three of my favourite cocktail recipes that are all super-simple to make – and the trick is to serve them in a beautiful glass with a garnish, so you feel like you are in your favourite bar. If you think about it, the bonus of not going out means there’s no cold or rain to face in order to partake. So cosy up, light the fire (or a candle!), and try one of these easy to make at home cocktails.
Negroni
In my opinion, Nergonis give the greatest impact for the least amount of effort. They are so simple and literally take just a couple of minutes to make. The trick to mastering a classic Negroni is all about getting the balance of ingredients right. Use equal parts gin, vermouth and Campari, and choose the best quality ingredients you have in reach.
Ingredients (makes one)
- 25ml good gin – I love Archie Rose Signature Dry Gin
- 25ml sweet vermouth
- 25ml Campari
- Ice – I like to use one oversized cube, but regular ice will do
- A sprig of thyme or an orange slice to garnish
Method
Pour the gin, vermouth and Campari into a mixing glass. Stir to mix. Pour over the large ice cube and into a glass to serve – I like to use a small tumbler (like this set by Salt & Pepper). Add your garnish as an optional touch – using thyme instead of the usual orange slice adds a woodsy, wintery aroma. Yum.
Chilli Lime Margarita
Party for one! This chilli lime marg is a spicy, boozy kick in the pants. It’s a simplified version of the classic recipe as I’ve ditched the chilli syrup in the drink, and instead just used it around the glass rim for a hint of heat. Perfect to warm you up on a chilly (pun intended) winter’s night, and oh-so simple to make.
Ingredients (makes one)
- Lime wedges
- Lime zest
- Coarse salt
- Chilli powder
- 50ml white tequila – I use Espolòn Tequila Blanco
- 25ml Cointreau
- Fresh juice of 1-2 limes
- Ice
Method
Run the lime wedge around the edge of your glass. Mix the lime zest, salt and chilli powder on a plate then dip the rim into the spicy salt. Grab a cocktail shaker and combine the tequila, Cointreau and lime juice. Add ice, then shake. Strain margarita into your glass. Garnish with lime or a fresh chilli if you want an extra kick.
Martini
There’s something about the simple martini that just screams elegance. Even when you are sipping one in PJs at home on your sofa, you feel special. They’re also incredibly potent, as like the Negroni, they are all alcohol and zero mixer. But, like I said, we are going for quality not quantity here.
Ingredients (makes one)
- 60ml vodka or gin – go for vodka if you fancy a 007 vibe!
- 1 tbsp dry vermouth
- Ice
- 1 olive, or lemon peel, to garnish
Method
Stir the gin or vodka, dry vermouth and some ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain the mix over a martini glass. Add the olive or lemon twist. Couldn’t be simpler!
What’s your favourite cocktail to make at home? Let me know in the comments below.
