Ideas and inspiration for what to pour, how to serve it and how to make the drinks part of the gathering — without making a fuss.
01
Keep the bar simple, not fully stocked
One good spirit, a mixer, fresh citrus, and one type of bitters covers most people. A fully stocked bar looks impressive but rarely gets used beyond the same three things anyway.
02
Batch drinks for a crowd, don't make them one at a time
Batch a big jug or punch bowl ahead of time instead of shaking individual drinks all night. It means you're not stuck behind a makeshift bar missing your own party.
03
Always use fresh citrus
Fresh lemon and lime juice makes a genuinely noticeable difference over bottled — it's the easiest single upgrade to any drink on this list, mocktail or otherwise.
04
Offer a signature welcoming drink
Rather than making five different cocktails, choose one beautiful drink that suits the occasion. It feels more special and makes hosting much easier
05
Think beyond the glass
Garnishes, ice, glassware and how you serve the drink can make something very simple feel considered. A sprig of rosemary or a slice of citrus can be enough.