One of the best things about alcohol is that it has a very long use-by date. Spirits, in particular, can last months in your cocktail cabinet, so it makes sense to keep everything in stock so that you can make very basic cocktails without having to dash to the shops.
Some of the more complicated cocktails require fresher ingredients, and often, fruit juice mixers will expire soon after they have been opened. But there are some items that are used more than others, and it makes sense to keep these ready for cocktail nights.
1. Bitters
Angostura bitters are commonly used in many popular cocktails including the Singapore Sling, Old Cuban and Gin Gin Mule. Some recipes prefer orange bitters or creole bitters, and it can be helpful to have these in the cupboard too, but if you can only pick one, it should be Angostura.
2. Triple Sec
You should have a few liqueurs in your home to truly call yourself a cocktail connoisseur, but triple sec should be at the top of your list. The delicious orange flavour is used in the traditional Margarita, Long Island Iced Tea and Sidecar. If you enjoy orange-tasting cocktails, keep this handy.
3. Vermouth
A key ingredient in both the Manhattan and the Martini, this elderflower drink has become very popular, and for good reason – it’s delicious! Dry vermouth is most commonly used, but it wouldn’t hurt to have a sweet red variety for more modern cocktails like the Metropolitan and Berry Blush.
4. Sugar Syrup
An essential ingredient to sweeten many cocktails, sugar syrup, or gomme, can be purchased ready-made, but it is just as easy to make your own by dissolving sugar in hot water. Sugar syrup is used in Mint Julep, Mojito, and Vodka Sour.
5. Grenadine
That beautiful red colour is perfect for brightening up a cocktail. You can purchase this berry syrup in most stores, or you can make your own by dissolving sugar in pomegranate juice. Find grenadine in Tequila Sunrise, Shirley Temple and Hurricane Suzy.
6. Maraschino Liqueur
A decadent liqueur made from maraschino cherries, a little bit of this rich drink goes a long way in cocktail-making. Used in Purple Rain, Hemingway Daiquiri and the Succulent Mule, this is one worth investing in for your cocktail bar.
7. Coffee Liqueur
If you don’t like coffee, then you could skip this one, but coffee liqueur is an important ingredient in cocktails like the Espresso Martini, White Russian and B52. If you love coffee, and alcohol, then this is one that will need replenishing regularly.
8. Champagne
Bubbles have the ability to liven up any cocktail and Champagne is a key ingredient in Mimosas and Bellinis. Prosecco is an acceptable alternative in most cases.
9. Crème de…
Crème de Cassis and Crème de Cacao crop up in a lot of recipes, so it is worth having both to hand. Crème de Cassis is a blackcurrant liqueur found in Kir Royale, while Crème de Cacao has a chocolate flavour and is used in the Grasshopper.
10. Spirits
Obviously, your cocktails would be lacking without some base spirits in your cupboard. Vodka, Gin, Rum, Tequila, Bourbon, Scotch and Brandy are all popular base spirits, so make sure you have your favourites sitting in your cupboard.
Perishable items like fruit garnishes and fruit juices should only be purchased on the day you intend to use them. But everything else can be bought in advance and used again and again! Happy cocktail hour!
<p>The Grasshopper cocktail, also known as the "Shamrock Shake," is a creamy and refreshing drink with a history dating back to the early 1900s. It is believed to have been created in a New Orleans bar, and became popular during the 1950s and 1960s.</p><p>The cocktail has a bright green color and is traditionally made with equal parts cream, Creme de Cacao, and Creme de Menthe, giving it a sweet and minty flavor profile. The creamy texture and combination of chocolate and mint impart a dessert-like quality to the drink, making it a popular after-dinner choice.</p><p>Variations of the Grasshopper can include different liqueurs or the addition of ice cream for added richness. It is a beloved classic cocktail that continues to be enjoyed for its indulgent and delightful taste.</p>
<p>The Kir Royal is a sophisticated, effervescent cocktail that is often associated with celebrations and special occasions. A sparkling variant of the classic Kir cocktail, which traditionally combines white wine with crème de cassis, the Kir Royal takes it up a notch by using Champagne instead of still wine.</p><p>This lends the drink a luxurious fizz and elevates its status. The flavor profile includes the sweet, rich berry essence of crème de cassis, which is beautifully balanced by the crisp, dry notes of the Champagne.</p><p>These simple yet elegant ingredients come together in a harmonious blend, typically presented in a wine glass to enhance the indulgent experience. The Kir Royal is truly a toast to simplicity and refinement in the cocktail world.</p>
<p>The B52 is a popular layered cocktail that has been around since the 1970s. Its name is derived from the US B-52 bomber plane, as the layers of ingredients in the drink resemble the layers of the aircraft.</p><p>This cocktail typically consists of three layers – Bailey's Irish Cream, an orange liqueur such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier, and coffee liqueur, usually Kahlua. The result is a visually striking drink with a rich and creamy texture and a sweet, slightly bitter taste.</p><p>The Bailey's adds a smooth and creamy element, while the orange liqueur provides a bright and zesty citrus flavor. The coffee liqueur adds a hint of bitterness, balancing out the sweetness of the other ingredients.</p><p>This classic cocktail is often served as a dessert drink and is the perfect after-dinner indulgence. It can also be set on fire for added drama and flavor.</p>
<p>The White Russian is a classic cocktail that is known for its smooth and creamy texture. It is believed to have originated in the 1940s and gained popularity in the 1960s.</p><p>The drink is made with a simple combination of vodka, cream, and coffee liqueur, which creates a rich and indulgent flavor profile. The base spirit of vodka provides a subtle hint of alcohol, while the cream adds a velvety texture and sweetness.</p><p>The coffee liqueur brings a bold and robust coffee flavor, balancing out the creaminess of the other ingredients. This cocktail is often served on the rocks, making it a refreshing and delectable choice for any occasion.</p><p>Whether enjoyed as an after-dinner drink or a dessert cocktail, the White Russian is a beloved classic that continues to delight taste buds all over the world.</p>
<p>The Hurricane Suzy is a vibrant and tropical cocktail that exudes the essence of the Caribbean. It is a fruity and refreshing blend with a complex layering of flavors.</p><p>The citrusy tang of lime and orange juices is seamlessly intertwined with the rich sweetness of grenadine and sugar syrup, complementing the deep notes of the dark rum and the crispness of the white rum. The passion fruit juice adds a lush and exotic touch, making this drink a feast for the senses.</p><p>It is typically served in a tall, curvaceous hurricane glass that enhances its visual appeal, making it not just a drink but an experience that harks back to island breezes and sun-kissed shores.</p>
<p>The Shirley Temple cocktail is a non-alcoholic beverage that has been enjoyed by both adults and children for decades. Named after the famous child actress, this mocktail is believed to have originated in the 1930s during a visit by the actress to the famous Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood.</p><p>The classic recipe consists of lemon juice, ginger ale, and a splash of grenadine, giving it a sweet and tangy flavor profile. The bright red color and fruity taste make it a popular choice at children's parties and can also be made with different variations of lemon-lime soda and grenadine.</p><p>This refreshing and easy-to-make drink has stood the test of time and is still a fan favorite to this day.</p>
<p>The Tequila Sunrise is a vibrant and visually striking cocktail known for its layered color effect that mimics a sunrise. Served in a highball glass, this refreshing beverage combines the crisp, agave notes of tequila with the sweet, citrus flavors of orange juice, yielding a smooth and tropical taste.</p><p>The addition of grenadine, a pomegranate-flavored syrup, not only sweetens the drink but also creates the characteristic red-to-orange gradient that gives the Tequila Sunrise its name. This cocktail is typically garnished with an orange slice, adding an extra touch of fruitiness and enhancing its presentation.</p><p>The Tequila Sunrise is a popular choice for those seeking a sweet and fruity cocktail with a tequila base.</p>
<p>The Vodka Sour is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for decades. It is a simple yet versatile drink that has a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors.</p><p>The base of the drink is 60ml of vodka, which provides a smooth and clean taste. The addition of 30ml of fresh lemon juice adds a tangy and citrusy kick, while 15ml of sugar syrup brings a touch of sweetness.</p><p>Two dashes of Angostura bitters give the drink a subtle depth and complexity. The addition of 15ml of egg white gives the cocktail a creamy and frothy texture, making it a delight for the senses.</p><p>The Vodka Sour is a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail that is perfect for any occasion.</p>
<p>The Mojito is a classic Cuban cocktail that has gained worldwide popularity for its refreshing qualities. It features a tantalizing mix of crisp lime juice, aromatic mint leaves, and the smoothness of white rum, all balanced with a touch of sugar for sweetness.</p><p>These ingredients are complemented by the effervescence of soda water, making the Mojito an invigorating and light beverage. Traditionally served in a highball glass, this cocktail offers a balance of citrus and herbal flavors with a cool, minty finish, making it particularly enjoyable on warm days or as an uplifting pre-dinner drink.</p>
<p>The Mint Julep is a classic Southern cocktail that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the late 1700s or early 1800s, with its roots traced back to Virginia.</p><p>The drink is traditionally made with fresh mint leaves, bourbon whiskey, and a touch of sugar. The mint leaves are commonly muddled in the bottom of a glass to release their aromatic oils and then combined with bourbon, creating a refreshing and slightly sweet flavor profile.</p><p>The Mint Julep is often served in a silver or pewter cup, filled with crushed ice, and garnished with a sprig of mint. This cocktail is a staple at the Kentucky Derby and is known for its ability to cool and refresh on a hot summer day.</p><p>With its simple yet delightful combination of ingredients, the Mint Julep remains a timeless and beloved drink by many.</p>
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<p>The Berry Blush is a refreshing and fruity cocktail that is perfect for a night out with friends or a summer afternoon by the pool. This vibrant drink is made with a mix of Vodka, orange juice, cranberry juice, sugar syrup, and red vermouth.</p><p>The flavors of the cocktail are balanced perfectly, with the sweetness from the orange juice and sugar syrup, tartness from the cranberry juice, and a hint of bitterness from the red vermouth. The addition of fresh raspberries not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the berry flavor.</p><p>The overall taste profile of this cocktail can be described as sweet, tangy, and slightly floral. Whether you prefer a stronger or sweeter drink, the Berry Blush can easily be adjusted to suit your taste buds.</p><p>So sit back, relax, and enjoy this delicious and colorful cocktail that is sure to leave you feeling refreshed and rosy-cheeked.</p>
<p>The Metropolitan cocktail is a classic brandy-based drink that’s been around since at least the late 19th century, rivaling the Manhattan or Martinez in terms of age and simplicity. This cocktail is a fantastic way to highlight a good bottle of brandy, blending it with a few complementary ingredients for a refined, elegant flavor.</p><p>Dating back to around 1900, the Metropolitan combines brandy, white vermouth, sugar syrup, and a couple of dashes of bitters. It's sometimes called the "Brandy Manhattan," though the traditional Manhattan-style drink typically skips the Metropolitan’s sugar syrup, making this version slightly sweeter and rounder in flavor.</p><p>The origins of the Metropolitan can be a bit of a mystery. Although it’s not found in Jerry Thomas's iconic The Bar-Tender’s Guide, it does make an appearance in O. H. Byron’s Modern Bartender’s Guide from 1884. Some believe that Byron was a pseudonym, and that many of the drinks in his book were inspired by recipes from bars where Thomas, the "Father of American Mixology," worked. Whether or not Thomas himself created the Metropolitan, it’s likely his influence played a role in its creation and popularity.</p><p>With its simple combination of brandy, vermouth, syrup, and bitters, the Metropolitan seems like an inevitable discovery—a perfect blend of foundational cocktail ingredients. While some may argue that it’s just a variation of the Manhattan, others see every variation as a new and subtly different experience. For those interested in experimenting, the choice of bitters can make a significant difference. The original recipe likely called for something similar to Angostura bitters, but feel free to explore with Peychaud’s, orange bitters, or even a more unique option like Bittercube Blackstrap Bitters for a unique twist. Each type will take the Metropolitan in a slightly different direction, making it a versatile drink for any palate.</p>
<p>The Manhattan is a classic cocktail that exudes elegance and sophistication, offering a harmonious blend of red vermouth, Angostura bitters, rye whiskey, and bourbon. Served in a chic cocktail glass, this drink is a staple of refined social gatherings and upscale bar menus.</p><p>Originating from New York City in the late 19th century, the Manhattan cocktail boasts a rich history and a flavor profile that balances the sweetness of vermouth with the complexity of whiskey and the subtle spiciness of bitters. Its enduring popularity makes it an essential component of the cocktail aficionado's repertoire, perfect for those who appreciate a timeless drink with depth and character.</p>
<p>The Sidecar is a classic cocktail steeped in history, believed to have been invented around the end of World War I in either London or Paris. The Sidecar strikes a balance between the robust warmth of cognac and the sharp, citrus notes provided by freshly squeezed lemon juice, complemented by a touch of sweetness and complexity from the triple sec.</p><p>Traditionally served in a chilled cocktail glass, the drink's presentation is elegant and timeless. Its flavor profile is a harmonious blend of tart and sweet, making it a sophisticated choice for a before-dinner aperitif.</p><p>The Sidecar remains a favored choice among those who appreciate classic cocktails with an illustrious past.</p>
<p>The Long Island Ice Tea is a classic cocktail characterized by its deceptive potency and refreshing taste, despite a hefty mix of spirits. A medley of white rum, gin, tequila, vodka, and a hint of Cointreau, it is balanced with the tang of lemon juice and the sweetness of sugar syrup.</p><p>The inclusion of cola not only contributes to the drink's iconic appearance—resembling a non-alcoholic iced tea—but also adds a familiar, effervescent flavor that complements the complexity of the spirits. Traditionally served in a highball glass, the Long Island Ice Tea is a favorite for those who enjoy a cocktail that packs a punch while remaining pleasantly palatable.</p>
<p>The Margarita is a classic cocktail that originated in Mexico and has become a beloved drink all over the world. It is a simple yet delicious combination of tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.</p><p>The history of the Margarita is a bit murky, with several stories claiming to be the origin. Some say it was created in the 1930s by a bartender named Don Carlos Orozco, while others credit socialite Margaret Sames for inventing the drink in the 1940s.</p><p>Regardless of its exact origins, the Margarita has stood the test of time and remains a popular choice among cocktail enthusiasts. The flavour profile of this drink is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, with the tequila providing a smooth and slightly smoky kick.</p><p>The salt on the rim of the glass adds a touch of savouriness and enhances the overall flavour experience. Whether you prefer it frozen, on the rocks, or straight up, the Margarita is a must-try for any cocktail lover.</p>
<p>The Gin Gin Mule is a refreshing and zesty cocktail that combines the herbal notes of dry gin with the spice of ginger and the tartness of fresh lime juice. Sweetened with a hint of sugar syrup and topped with bubbly ginger beer, it serves as a twist on the classic Moscow Mule with gin substituting vodka.</p><p>The Angostura Bitters adds an extra layer of complexity to the drink. Served in a highball glass and often garnished with a sprig of mint, the Gin Gin Mule is a popular choice for those who appreciate a cocktail with a lively kick and a balance between sweetness and spice.</p>
<p>The Old Cuban cocktail is a refreshing and elegant blend of Caribbean and Cuban flavors. This cocktail was created in the late 1990s by renowned mixologist Audrey Saunders at the Pegu Club in New York City.</p><p>Inspired by the classic Mojito, this cocktail replaces the soda water with champagne for a sophisticated twist. The lime juice provides a tangy and citrusy kick while the mint leaves add a refreshing herbal note.</p><p>The aged rum adds a depth of flavor and richness, balanced out by the sweetness of the sugar syrup. A couple of dashes of Angostura Bitters bring a subtle spicy complexity to the drink.</p><p>The combination of these classic ingredients results in a well-balanced and flavorful cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. Whether sipping on a warm summer evening or toasting to a special occasion, the Old Cuban is a must-try for any cocktail lover.</p>
<p>The iconic cocktail, Singapore Sling, is believed to have originated in Singapore's Raffles Hotel in the early 20th century. Its vibrant red hue and tropical undertones make it a popular choice among cocktail lovers.</p><p>The drink is a refreshing mix of Cointreau, lime juice, pineapple juice, gin, grenadine, and a dash of Angostura bitters. The addition of cherry liqueur and DOM Benedictine adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the flavor profile.</p><p>The resulting concoction is a fruity and well-balanced drink with a hint of spice, perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. The cocktail has gained worldwide recognition and is often associated with the vibrant and bustling city of Singapore.</p>
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