No-Fail Cocktails for Any Dinner Party

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(Source: Pexels) Image: https://images.pexels.com/photos/316891/pexels-photo-316891.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=650&w=940

What’s a dinner party with a little booze?

If you’re looking to up your hostess game this season, we’ve got 5 extremely easy cocktails to take your party up a notch.

And don’t worry if you’re not that great at mixing drinks. Everything on this list is just as simple and foolproof as Happy Camper’s very own winter brunch cocktail, Tarragon and Quince. Though in case you mess up on these recipes, or a guest isn’t a huge fan of your concoction, it doesn’t hurt to have a couple bottles of wine as a backup.

While we love our booze, we’d just like to remind you that alcohol is a diuretic. Pretty Me indicates the ratio of booze to water is 1:1, so make sure your guests readily have access to water to avoid getting dehydrated, as well as nasty hangovers!

Let’s get right into it!

1. Gimlets

One of our absolute favorite pre-prohibition style drinks, and also according to The Spruce Eats, this classic cocktail goes well with almost anything, and guests will have a hard time not falling in love with it.

You will need:

  • 700 ml bottle of gin (try making it with an American or botanical style gin like Amethyst Gin from Washington state)

  • Lime cordial (make your own from leftover lime juice!)

  • Lime wedges

  • thyme garnish

To make:

Pour 2 oz of gin and ¾ oz lime cordial in a mixing glass with ice. Mix thoroughly, then strain into a cocktail glass of your choice. Serve with a lime wedge and garnish with the fresh herbs.


2. Earl Grey Martinis

Courtesy of BBC Good Food, this martini is extremely easy to make and is a great alternative to after-dinner tea. Plus, you can make it in a huge batch ahead of time since there are not any citric or sugar ingredients that would break down over time and taste poorly if batched.

You will need:

  • 1 tbsp loose leaf Earl Grey Tea

  • 700 ml bottle of gin

To make:

Scoop Earl Grey tea into a large jug. Pour the gin into the jug and mix with a long spoon for a minute. Using a funnel, pour the liquid back into the bottle. Wash and dry the jug, then strain the gin back into the jug with a coffee filter or cheesecloth. Stores in the refrigerator for months. Shake with ice, or pour over ice to serve.


3. Molasses-Spiced Spiked Cider

Leaning towards a warm cocktail for this holiday season? This spiked cider from Real Simple is packed with amazing flavors to turn up the heat.

You will need:

  • 4 cups apple cider (buy local for ultimate taste!)

  • 3 tbsp molasses

  • 2 cinnamon sticks (optional: extra for garnish)

  • 1 in piece of ginger, peeled

  • 1 orange, quartered

  • ½ cup (4 oz) gold rum or bourbon

To make:

Add apple cider, molasses, cinnamon sticks, ginger, and orange into a pot. Heat on medium high until simmering, then turn down to low and cover. Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, then remove from heat. Pour liquid through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a heatproof bowl or pitcher. Stir in rum. Serve warm in mugs or teacups.


4. Pineapple Party Punch

Distract your guests from the cold winter days with this fruity punch from Crazy for Crust. You might not be anywhere near a beach, but the tropical vibes of this beverage will totally make up for it.

You will need:

  • 4 cups pineapple juice, chilled

  • ½ cup white rum (we love Flor de Cana 4 year rum)

  • 750 ml bottle of prosecco

  • 2 cups chopped pineapple, frozen

To make:

Pour all ingredients into a large pitcher. Stir and serve immediately.


5. Candy Cake Vodka

Is there anything more fitting for the holiday season than this candy cane vodka? Courtesy of Rachel Ray Every Day, this can be served on its own or used to spike winter beverages.

You will need:

  • 12 candy canes

  • 750 ml bottle of vodka

To make:

Pulse candy canes in a food processor or blender. Pour the candy cane dust into the vodka bottle using a funnel. Screw the lid on and shake to mix. Let the vodka sit, shaking every now and then until vodka is red and candy is fully dissolved after 30 minutes. Add to homemade eggnog, hot chocolate, or serve it over ice.





Prepared solely for happycampercocktailcompany.com

Authored by Cindy France