Lockdown Cocktail Hour
Check out these 5 easy cocktails you can master at home!
Whisky Sour
A cocktail classic, that’s easy to make with just 3 ingredients.
What you’ll need for each cocktail:
• 4 tablespoons of whisky
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1 ½ tablespoons of simple syrup (see below for instructions)
• Orange peel for garnish
• Ice
How to make it:
Throw the whisky, lemon juice, and simple syrup into a shaker with a handful of ice (use a big jar if you don’t have a shaker). Shake until very cold. Pour into short glasses and garnish with orange peel.
Mojito
This classic Cuban cocktail is a favorite for a reason! Aromatic, sweet, and sour, it hits all the right spots while simultaneously making you feel like you’re on vacation (which we all need these days!).
What you’ll need for each cocktail:
• 3 mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup (see below for instructions)
• 4 tablespoons white rum
• ½ cup soda water
How to make it:
In a cocktail shaker (or jar), gently mash the mint leaves with the lime juice and simple syrup. Add the rum to the shaker, fill it with ice and shake until cold.
Fill a glass with ice and then strain your cocktail over the ice. Top off with soda water and garnish with extra mint leaves.
Moscow Mule
This one couldn’t be easier to make: All you need is a glass and your three ingredients!
What you’ll need for each cocktail:
• ¼ cup of vodka
• 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice
• ½ cup of ginger beer or ginger ale
• Lime wedge for garnish (optional)
How to make it:
Traditionally, Moscow Mules are made in copper mugs – but if you don’t have one, any glass will do just fine. Mix the vodka, lime juice, and beer into the glass or mug, add ice, garnish and serve immediately!
Gin Gimlet
A Gin Gimlet is definitely a cocktail for those who like the taste of gin. Both sweet and sour, the aromatics of the gin play a big part in this cocktail, so make sure you choose a gin you love.
What you’ll need for each cocktail:
• 4 tablespoons of gin
• 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup (see below for instructions)
• Splash of soda water (optional)
How to make it:
Add the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Fill it with ice and shake until very cold. Strain the mixture into a cocktail glass or martini glass and it’s good to go. You can add a splash of soda water if you prefer the flavors be a little diluted.
Aperol Spritz
This classic Italian aperitivo originated in the 1800s but it wasn’t until the 1950s that it took form in the way we know and love this cocktail today. Make your own Aperol Spritz at home and transport yourself to the Italian Riviera for the day.
What you’ll need for each cocktail:
• 4 tablespoons Aperol, chilled
• 6 tablespoons Prosecco or any other sparkling white wine, chilled
• 2 tablespoons soda water
• Ice
• Orange wedge for garnish
How to make it:
Fill a glass with ice, add the Aperol and stir. Top with Prosecco and soda water, then squeeze the orange wedge gently and add it to the glass.
How to make simple syrup
So many cocktails call for simple syrup and it couldn’t be easier to make. Just place equal parts sugar and water into a pan, heat over a medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Don’t let the mixture simmer – just heat it until all the sugar is dissolved. Then remove from the heat, let cool to room temperature and you’ve got your simple syrup!