10 Classic Cocktail Recipes for Every Occasion

Spice up your life with these tantalising flavours and fruity sensations that are easy to make, and even better to taste. All recipes serve 1, so be sure to double up on the ingredients if you need. 

Putting Together your Cocktail Making Kit

Everything you need to make these tantalising cocktail recipes:

• A shaker
• A strainer/sieve
• Shot measures/measuring cup
• A bar spoon/regular spoon
• A knife

Margarita Recipe

To make this tropical cocktail recipe, begin with dusting the top of a margarita glass with salt. Mix 60ml tequila, 20ml orange liqueur and 30ml lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Once thoroughly mixed, strain into the glass and garnish with a slice of lime.

Espresso Martini Recipe

An increasingly popular cocktail. Start your espresso martini by shaking together 50ml vodka, 25ml coffee liqueur and 25ml freshly brewed coffee with ice until the shaker is cold to the touch. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with coffee beans.

Mimosa Recipe

Also known as “Buck’s Fizz”, this classic mimosa recipe is perfect for a fancy brunch. Start by pouring 25ml orange juice into a champagne flute. Top up the glass with prosecco and garnish with a wedge of orange and a sprig of lavender.

Top tip: Finish off with a splash of grenadine to add a sunrise effect to the drink!

Mojito Recipe

To prepare this refreshing summer favourite, crush a handful of mint leaves into 30ml lime juice and 1 teaspoon of sugar in a small jug. Pour this into a tall cocktail glass and add 50ml white rum. Top up with soda water and give everything a stir. Add mint leaves for garnish.

Cosmopolitan Recipe

The ultimate classic cocktail recipe. Shake 60ml vodka, 30ml orange liqueur, 30ml cranberry juice, and the juice of half a lime with ice until cold. Serve in a martini glass and garnish with orange peel.

Long Island Iced Tea Recipe

Mix 15ml vodka, 15ml gin, 15ml orange liqueur, 15ml white rum, 15ml tequila, 30ml sugar syrup, and 30ml lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour into a glass and top up with cola, garnishing with a slice of lemon.

Strawberry Daiquiri Recipe

Blend 250g strawberries and strain through a sieve. Blend again with 50ml white rum, 100g ice cubes, and the juice of half a lime. Pour into a martini glass and garnish with strawberries and lime slices!

Bellini Recipe

To make this peachy Bellini recipe, pour 25ml peach puree into a champagne flute and top up with prosecco. Garnish with a slice of peach.

Elderflower Collins Recipe

A refreshing cocktail recipe to enjoy under the sun. Shake 50ml gin with 20ml lemon juice, 10ml elderflower cordial and 10ml sugar syrup in a cocktail mixer. Pour over rock ice in a tall glass and top up with soda water.

SPAR’s G&G Recipe

To make this delicious gin cocktail recipe, fill a balloon glass with ice and add 50ml rhubarb and ginger gin. Top up with ginger ale, stir, and garnish with a lemon wedge.