Essential cocktails for your year-end get-togethers

At this time of year, it is common for numerous opportunities and invitations to fraternize to arise, be it with family, friends, or at work. Besides, we cannot forget that, starting at the end of November, we will be cheering for our country in the World Cup, another reason to promote meetings. Check out below good options for you to amaze, whether you are hosting guests in your home or preparing it for friends wherever you are. These cocktails are a guaranteed success to celebrate the coming new cycle.

Maker's Mule

Who says bourbon is only for cold weather? Although perfect for warm days, this variant of the classic Moscow Mule can be enjoyed all year round. Maker's Mark is a small-batch bourbon with a full-bodied flavor and a smooth finish, making it an excellent choice for the recipe we'll share below. The ingredients are two parts Maker's Mark, half a part squeezed lemon, muddled pieces of fresh fruit, a dash of Angostura or the aromatic bitter of your choice, and ice-cold ginger beer. To prepare, macerate your fruit in a cocktail shaker, add the Maker's Mark, lemon, and bitter. Mix it well, pour it preferably into the iconic copper Moscow Mule mug, and top it off with the ginger beer. Serve with a straw!

Pomegranate French 75

The French 75 is a traditional cocktail for celebrations. How can you not love a delicious mix of chilled gin and a little sparkling wine? Add pomegranate juice, which has the sweetness of the fruit and a touch of sour, and your guests will have plenty of reasons to toast! With notes of rose petals and cucumber, Hendrick's Gin makes a wonderful base for this cocktail. Start by adding 2 oz. of Hendrick's gin, 2 oz. ml of pomegranate juice, and 1 oz. of simple syrup to a glass with plenty of ice. Shake well for 15 seconds, then strain and serve in glasses. Top it off with your favorite champagne or Prosecco, garnish with pomegranate seeds, and enjoy!

Tropical shake (with a Kahlua special touch)

What holiday party is complete without this drink that tastes just like summer? There are few recipes as easy to make as this one. Vodka, Kahlua, fruit juice and condensed milk make up this smooth and sweet drink, but full of personality. To create it, place ice cubes in a glass, pour in 1 oz. Grey Goose Vodka, 1 oz. Kahlua, and top it off with 2 oz. of the fruit juice or puree of your choice. Stir. To add a special touch, before adding the ice, spread condensed milk on the rim of the glass, and then dip it in a dish with crushed sweet cookies. Serve the drink and finish with condensed milk, a splash of fruit syrup and a slice of pineapple.

Patrón Appletini

Surprise your guests with this delicious tequila drink and we are sure that everyone will ask for the recipe! This combination is made with 45 ml of Patrón Silver, 15 ml of Oloroso Sherry, about 20 ml of apple cider, the same amount of honey or simple syrup, and some sparkling water. Start by almost filling a cocktail shaker with ice. Then add all the ingredients except the sparkling water. Strain into a chilled martini glass, pour in some sparkling water, and garnish with a hibiscus flower for a lovely, refreshing summer treat.

Gin Spritz

Are you out of time? Then this one is for you. With just a few ingredients and a couple of minutes, you will be able to create a visually striking, refreshing, and delicious cocktail to welcome friends home at the end of a busy day. The star of this recipe is Edinburgh Gin's Bramble and Honey Gin, a superior version of the renowned gin that is charged with sweet honey and hawthorn fruit. To prepare, add 1.5 oz. of gin to a tall glass with ice. Then pour in just a little bit of elderflower cordial and top it off with soda. To finish it off, squeeze a lemon. Besides being delicious, this drink looks beautiful in the glass thanks to the characteristic color of this special gin.

Tanqueray 0.0% and Tonic with Lemon and Raspberry

There are often people among us who want to enjoy the party and celebrate without consuming any alcohol, and that's great! Tanqueray 0.0% contains all the wonderful citrus, botanical, and juniper notes perfectly balanced, but without the effects of alcohol. Start with a glass full of ice, pour in 1.5 oz. of Tanqueray 0.0%, 1.5 oz. of your favorite premium tonic water, add raspberries and lemon slices to garnish, and you're done! Now it's all about guilt-free toasting.

Champagne Cocktail

This celebratory drink dates to the 1850s, and is the perfect after-dinner digestive, and ensures that the laughter and conversation continue until dessert is ready! A classic recipe like this can only be truly enjoyed using a champagne as luxurious and revered as Moët & Chandon Moët Impérial. Start by filling a glass halfway with ice, then add 2.5 oz. Moët & Chandon Moët Impérial, 0.5 oz. simple syrup, and two pinches of bitter. Stir briefly so as not to burst the champagne bubbles, fill the rest of the glass with crushed ice, garnish with lemon zest, and serve with a smile. Happy Holidays!