Cocktails for your at-home casino night

This post is written in collaboration with Acceleron Media

You’ve arranged the tables, shuffled the cards, and found yourself a dress to impress – but what’s the most important part that’s still missing? Why, the cocktail menu, of course! What’s the point in hosting your very own casino-themed event without a tipple or three that would make any Bond lover green with envy? Whether you’re an on-the-rocks kind of gal or prefer a fruity punch that goes down in two sips, we’ve hunted high and low to bring the bright lights of Vegas to your home. We know it may be dry January, but for some, the fun doesn’t stop at NYE – so, sit down, design your menus, and get ready to pull out all the stops with these five cocktails worth shouting about. And P.S. You don't have to be a mixologist for these.

1) Vesper Martini

What’s the point in hosting a night of casino thrills without the one and only Bond’s tipple of choice – the Vesper Martini. 007 may be bold, but this one’s bolder. First invented in the Ian Flemming adaptation of Casino Royale from 1953, the Vesper is concocted from three parts gin, one part vodka, and half a part of Kina Lillet. You’ll have to do some real searching for that last counterpart, as this super-strength liquor was discontinued. Try substituting for Cocchi Americano, and your night of live casino games will be its very own Casino Royale. Pour this one with extra ice, and one thing to remember: it’s shaken, not stirred – always.

2) Poker Face

Don’t be fooled by the name; it’s a trick! This one’s a lot less poker and a whole lot more sex on the beach – but we aren’t complaining! A fruity punch that’s packed with flavor? We’ll need it after the previous martini, that’s for sure. This fruit concoction will let anyone maintain their poker face because it’s super easy to sip down. Take four parts of pineapple juice, one and a half parts of tequila, and a splash of Cointreau, pour it over ice, and stir to finish. Be careful: it tastes so good, it’ll trick your opponent on the table into believing that they’re thinking straight… Our guess is, with this one and the tequila… they probably aren’t.

3) Whiskey on the rocks

Yes, we know – nothing to see here, but we can’t help but mention the guy's drink of choice. Chances are your guests will get sick of all the fruity punches after a bit, and then they’ll be pouring themselves a whiskey on the rocks when the stakes are getting higher (and friendlier, of course). Get yourself stocked up on everyone's favorite whiskey, plus a lashing of ice cubes to fill the glasses, and leave them on display. This is one of the most popular drinks on the Vegas Strip, and now your own casino, so you’ll thank us later.

4) Lady Luck

If you couldn’t tell by the name, this one is everyone’s go-to when they’re placing a bet. Craft up the perfect Lady Luck cocktail, and give yourself the luck of the Irish in one sip. This highball cocktail needs a mix of gin, St Germain, pear or elderflower nectar, lemon juice, and grapefruit - a delicious blend that will knock your socks off. Take a gamble on the drink, and it’ll do all the work – trust us.

5) Casino Cocktail

That’s right, there’s a cocktail actually named after your drinks-themed night – we didn’t make this up! Picture this: you’re sitting at the table with your nearest and dearest, chasing 21 with two opposing players, when the waiter (*cough cough* your partner) starts dishing out the… casino cocktail. Immediately, spirits will be lifted, you’ll be parched no more, and you’ll be on the way to winning bragging rights as the best at blackjack with all your friends. That’s why you need this cocktail in your arsenal. It’s a classic, where you mix gin, lemon juice, a sprinkle of sugar, and any seltzer you can find. Add more or less sugar depending on the sweetness you like, and serve it in a martini glass for the ultimate effect – perfect.

The best part about heading to actual Vegas is always the people you go with, and the games you play – meaning that this edition at home is just as fun, if not more fun! It’s nearing midnight, the drinks are flowing, and you’ve given your pals the night of their lives. Who needs the Strip when you’ve got your home? Remember to serve up plenty of water for those sore heads in the morning, and even if you didn’t win, it’s all fun, and you’ve made some memories to last a lifetime. Who’s turn is it next? Because it’s now our turn to be the guest and get wined and dined. Need inspiration for your next amazing themed night? Check out our Cocktails For Dancing here.