We all love a classic cocktail and here are some classy creations that will impress even the most discerning spirit lover, all made using some of your favourite top-shelf tipples.
Stick to premium spirits, and some lessons from those in the know, and you’ll bring a new level of sophistication to any soiree.
Think Grey Goose which uses spring water from Gensac-La-Pallue in France to make vodka, Bombay Sapphire’s gin incorporating exotic botanicals found from around the globe, or the handcrafted techniques for making Patron tequila – quality is best.
Here, we’ve gathered some of our favourite recipes with help from Bacardi-Martini brand ambassador Joseph Chisholm to help you make bar-quality drinks at home. Versatile, delicious and to be enjoyed year-round. Cheers to that!
A classic cocktail combo
Created by British mixologist Dick Bradsell in the 1980s, the original espresso martini is a heady mix of vodka, coffee liqueurs, strong coffee and three coffee beans as a garnish – an Italian tradition with the beans representing health, wealth and happiness. The result? A rich, creamy cocktail for any time of the night. Make it with Grey Goose vodka, created from fine French wheat and spring water.
Our top pick: Grey Goose Espresso Martini
- 45ml Grey Goose
- 15ml Tia Maria
- 5ml DeKuyper White Cacao
- 45ml Pinnacle Cold Brew Coffee
Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake. Double strain into Coupette. Garnish with three coffee beans.
Aged like a fine tequila
A tequila perfect for sipping, Patron Anejo offers expressive notes of vanilla, raisin and sweet honey. Handcrafted from the finest 100 per cent Weber Blue Agave, then carefully distilled in small batches at Hacienda Patrón distillery in Jalisco, Mexico.
It’s then aged for 12 months in a combination of French and Hungarian oak and used American whiskey barrels to create a smoky caramel finish. Mixed into an El Diablo makes for a spicy, citrus yet sweet combination.
Our top pick: Patron Anejo El Diablo
- 45ml Patron Anejo
- 15ml DeKuyper blackberry liqueur
- 25ml Lime Juice
- 75ml Fever Tree Ginger Beer
Add all ingredients in a Collins or Highball glass. Swizzle and add ice. Garnish with a fresh blackberry and lime wheel.
The bold and the classy cocktail
Using aged rum with hints of smokiness from charred American oak barrels, BACARDÍ Spiced is a gluten free rum perfect for mixing fiery cocktails. With upfront notes of creamy vanilla, wood and subtle honey, the added spice of natural cinnamon and nutmeg creates a sophisticated finish.
Our top pick: BACARDÍ Spiced Apple & Ginger
- 50ml BACARDÍ Spiced Rum
- 50ml Apple juice
- 50ml Ginger Ale
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters (optional)
- 1 Lime Wedge
Fill a highball glass with ice. Build all ingredients into the glass, then squeeze a wedge of lime and add a dash of Angostura Bitters, if desired. Stir to combine. Garnish with another lime wedge or an apple slice.
Always in fashion cocktail
Ten hand-selected botanicals from exotic locations around the world make the distinctive flavour of Bombay Sapphire Gin. These are gently infused to create a distinct vibrancy from the heat of Moroccan coriander seed to the spice of West African Grains of Paradise. A tantalising yet complex gin with a smooth finish.
Our top pick: Bombay Sapphire Gin Refashioned
- 60ml Bombay Sapphire
- 15ml Spiced Pear Syrup 2:1
- 3 dashes Whisky Barrel Bitters
- 3 dashes Orange Bitters
- 1 Lime Wedge
Stir all ingredients in an old-fashioned cocktail glass. Add a large cube of ice. Then garnish with candied pear.
