How to Make Nightclub-Quality Cocktails at Home

How to Make Nightclub-Quality Cocktails at Home

Are you throwing a party that’s only missing the perfect drinks? Have you always wanted to try your hand at being a bartender? Do you love cocktails, but aren’t too keen on going out and spending a lot of money at a fancy nightclub? Never fear – you can make quality drinks on your own, in your own kitchen!

Here are seven nightclub-quality cocktails you not only can but have to make at home.

1. Gin and Tonic

Let’s start out simple, with everyone’s favorite go-to warm weather drink. All you need is what’s in the name – as much gin as you want, and as much tonic as you want, depending on personal preference. Pour the gin and tonic over ice, and add a lime wedge for a finishing touch of color!

2. Manhattan

This drink comes with a choice: bourbon or rye whiskey? Whichever you choose, stir it up with sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters, and cracked ice. Strain the mixture, serve it with a cherry, and enjoy your sweet and spicy creation!

3. Daiquiri

The Daiquiri is a long-time favorite of cocktail lovers, a delectable combination of sweet and sour, and you can make it yourself! First you combine white rum, lime juice, and simply syrup in a mixing glass with ice, and shake it all up well. Then you strain and serve it!

4. Dark ‘n’ Stormy

It sounds like a writing cliché, but evokes classiness in all who drink and serve it. Start with a glass of ice. Choose your favorite dark rum – the Gosling’s Black Seal rum is highly recommended, but of course it’s up to you; you’re the bartender here! For every one part of rum, add two parts of ginger beer afterwards. For an acidic garnish, take a lime wedge and squeeze it into the drink before topping the glass with the wedge.

5. Margarita

You can’t go wrong with a margarita, the subject of many an island vacation love song – and you can make it for yourself and your friends! Your ingredients are silver tequila, Cointreau, and fresh-squeezed lime juice. Shake them together with cracked ice, and strain it right into the glass. When you serve it, all will admire your ability to bring sweetness and acidity into wonderful harmony.

6. Champagne Cocktail

You could use sparkling wine, of course, but why not go all out with this classic delight? First, put two dashes of Angostura bitters and a sugar cube into your Champagne flute. Second, add cognac. Third, pour in the champagne!

7. Pina Colada

If you like getting caught in the rain, add pina colada to your at-home bartending repertoire. Blend together white rum, coconut syrup, pineapple juice, cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a scoop of crushed ice. If you want a mango colada instead, use mango juice instead of pineapple. For a garnish, pick your favorite fruit – perhaps a slice of the fruit you juiced!

Now that you’re ready to wow your friends by whipping up some nightclub-quality cocktails, go ahead and plan that party with yourself as the bartender!