Six easy cocktails for those stay-at-home weekends

With nights out at our fave bars currently on the backburner, why not celebrate with a few time-tested classics in your own home? Sometimes all it takes is the ability to squeeze a few lemons, pour a mixer and add a few signature touches. With some core spirits and decent glassware – you too can become a pro at-home mixologist.


Here are six quick and easy cocktail recipes to perfect while in iso – and impress your friends with on the other side.

THE NEGRONI



Equal parts sweet, bitter, and boozy.

You’ll need:

    Stir with ice for 20-30 seconds. Strain and garnish with orange peel.

    GRAPEFRUIT GIN & TONIC



    The perfect go-to summer cocktail, with a twist.

    You’ll need:

    • 30ml gin
    • Tonic water (to preference)
    • Three ruby red grapefruit peel strips plus 2/3 cup fresh juice (from two medium sized grapefruits)
    • One rosemary sprig (or other preferred garnish)

      Place grapefruit peel strips and rosemary sprig in a glass. Muddle mixture until the peels release some liquid, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add grapefruit juice and gin. Remove and discard the grapefruit peel strips and rosemary sprig. Stir in tonic water. Pour into two ice-filled glasses and add garnish.

      THE MANHATTAN



      A Manhattan brings the spiciness of rye whiskey balanced by the sweetness of fortified wine vermouth; a great entry level cocktail for those just discovering whiskey.

      You’ll need:

      • 60ml rye whiskey
      • 30ml sweet vermouth
      • Two small splashes of bitters

        Stir the ingredients with ice, then strain into in a glass. Garnish with an orange twist or brandied cherry.

        THE DARK 'N' STORMY



        This is a year-round, tasty, highball cocktail. Combining delicious dark rum with spicy, sweet ginger beer and the acidity of a well squeezed lime wedge, it’s perfect for almost all occasions.

        You’ll need:

          Fill a glass with ice, add, rum, then top with ginger beer. Squeeze in, then garnish with a lime wedge.

          THE CLASSIC MARGARITA



          The margarita has stood the test of time by bringing sweetness and acidity into perfect harmony.

          You’ll need:

            Rub a lime wedge over the rim of a rocks glass (or Margarita glass) then twist on a plate of coarse salt so it attaches. Shake the ingredients with ice, then strain into a glass over ice.

            APEROL SPRITZ


            A timeless classic from the streets of Padua, Italy. Four basic ingredients plus ice.

            You’ll need:

            • 50ml Aperol
            • 75ml prosecco, cava or champagne
            • Sparkling water to top up
            • Olives, or orange to garnish

              Mix all ingredients in a glass over ice, and garnish.

              APEROL MIMOSA


              We’ve all had an Aperol spritz, but have you tried an Aperol mimosa?

              You’ll need:

              • 20ml Aperol
              • 20ml orange juice
              • Prosecco, cava or fchampagne to top up

                Pour the Aperol and orange juice into a champagne flute and top with your choice of bubbles.