Learn to mix cocktails like a Pro
This is the definitive guide to organize epic parties, just with a couple of cocktails.
There is no party without a good cocktail. You could have the best deco, great friends, and a really cool DJ, but if your guests are unimpressed with the drinks on offer, the party or gathering is likely to flop. Of course, you could serve a few bottled drinks and just about pass the test, but what would happen if you could set up a proper cocktail experience? Absolut Blue and Sipsmith London Dry have compiled a series of simple hints for mixing drinks, as well as a list of cocktails that will be the talk of the town.
The Absolut Cocktails
Moscow Mule
Ingredients
- 2 parts Absolut Vodka
- 1 part lime juice
- Ginger beer
- 1 Wedge lime
For this cocktail, you will need a previously frozen Highball glass. Just put the highball glass in the fridge for a few hours, or fill it with crushed ice and leave it to chill. A good host always pays attention to the detail, and using the right glasses is certainly a part of this. Once the glass is chilled, fill it with ice cubes. Add 2 measures of Absolut, one measure of lime juice, and finally the ginger beer. Garnish with 1 Kamekaazi lime wedge.
Lemon Drop
Ingredients
- 3 parts Absolut Vodka
- 2 parts Triple Sec
- 2 parts lemon juice
- 1 lemon wedge
A good cocktail shaker gives you choices when setting up your bar. You can use the Boston Cocktail Shaker, a few glasses, and a strainer. Fill the Boston Cocktail Shaker with ice. Add 3 parts Absolut Vodka, two parts lemon juice, and 2 parts Triple Sec. Shake vigorously to the sides until all ingredients are mixed, and begin to cool down. A good way of knowing when the cocktail is ready is when layers of frost start to form in the cocktail mixer. Serve it in shot glasses. Share and enjoy.
The Sipsmith Cocktails
Gin Basil Smash
Ingredients
- 1 part Sipsmith® London Dry Gin
- 1/3 parts Lemon juice
- 1/3 parts sugar syrup
- 6-12 basil leaves
This aromatic modern classic uses spicy basil to complement the botanicals of London Dry Gin. A good bartender always keeps a well-stocked bar, complete with fresh fruit, as well as some of the following ingredients. Basil, Tabasco sauce, mint leaves or flower petals, all distinguish a good bar. It's not just about labels on the bottles.
Crush the basil leaves in the bottom part of the Boston, and then fill with ice. Add the Sipsmith, the lemon juice, and the sugar syrup. Mix vigorously, shaking the cocktail mixer. Double strain, and then pour into a glass filled with ice. Use whole basil leaves to garnish.
Gin&Tonic
Ingredients
- 1 part Sipsmith
- Tonic Water
- Lime
You may think that this well-known classic is a little old fashioned. However, every party can really work out well if the classic drinks are properly mixed. There are few drinks as iconic as Gin&Tonic. A simple mix that can taste like a miracle of alchemy.
Use a tall glass, filled with ice. Add one part Sipsmith, and then slowly add the tonic water to ensure that the air bubbles burst in contact with the ice, and mix well with the gin. Garnish with a freshly sliced lime wedge. It is important to ALWAYS cut through the heart of the lime, and remove the central bits, as they can add an unwanted bitter taste to the cocktail.
The Combined Cocktails
Bobbo’s Bride
Ingredients
- 1 part Absolut
- 1 part Sipsmith
- 1/2 part Campari
- 1/2 part peach liqueur
- Peach
To wrap up, we present our star products. A good way of complementing the typical flavours of vodka and gin is to add a strong fruit presence. This is why Bobbo’s Bride is a perfect choice. Fill a cocktail mixer with ice. Add one part Absolut, one part Sipsmith, and complete with 1/2 part Campari, and 1/2 part peach liquor. Mix using a spoon, and serve in a previously chilled cocktail glass. To garnish, simply add a couple of finely cut peach slices on the side of the glass.
Beverly Hills Iced Tea
Ingredients
- 2 parts Absolut
- 2/3 parts Sipsmith
- Triple Sec
- Lime Juice
- Syrup
- Champagne
- Lime
Fill the Boston cocktail shaker with ice. Add 2 parts Absolut, 2 parts Sipsmith, two parts Triple Sec, plus one part lime juice, and one part syrup. Shake vigorously, strain, and then pour into a wine glass filled with ice. You can then pour the champagne to fill up the glass, which will add bubbles to the mix.
Another good tip is to prepare all the cocktails that use champagne at the same time, which maximises the sparkling quality of a newly uncorked bottle. Finally, garnish with a lime wedge floating on ice and celebrate with Beverly Hills Iced Tea.