If you’re anything like me, you’re probably not an expert mixologist. But making drinks at home can be fun, especially if you’re making stuff up on the go. However, if you want some loose ideas for drinks, here are some easy cocktails for those over 21. For a non-alcoholic option, I also recommend one of my favorite mocktails.
Vodka lemonade
If you’re looking for something that is completely customizable depending on how much of each ingredient you put in, a vodka lemonade is the way to go. Not only is this one of the simplest drinks to make, with only two ingredients, but it’s also my go-to for a cocktail after I’ve done my homework and I’m settling in with a book in bed.
First, you’ll want to get your favorite brand of lemonade; I would suggest one that is actually made with fresh lemon juice since I think natural flavors often pair better with alcohol than artificial mix-ins. My preference is Simply Lemonade with raspberry for a less tart flavor and a fun pink color.
our yourself a glass of lemonade — I typically aim for about 12 to 16 ounces — and add a shot or two of your choice of vodka. Although it’s a bit pricier than other brands, Grey Goose Vodka is my favorite because of its smooth and non-overpowering flavor, which I think makes it worth the expense.
After that’s done, simply stir and enjoy!
Ginger beer pineapple punch
Here’s a great mocktail recipe to pull out at parties or if you’re just looking for a drink to make for fun. Despite its name, there is actually no beer in this drink.
The ingredients you’ll need for this recipe are 6 ounces of canned pineapple juice, about 8 ounces of either Fever-Tree or Bundaberg ginger beer, because of their spiciness, and about an ounce of lime juice — either freshly squeezed or from a bottle.
You’ll want a little more ginger beer than pineapple juice in a 16-ounce glass. Then, squeeze some fresh lime juice into the drink.
If you want, you can add a quarter teaspoon of aromatic bitters to enhance the warm flavors of the drink. However, if you want to keep it strictly alcohol-free, that’s completely optional.
The spiciness of the ginger beer really helps to cut through the tartness of the pineapple juice, making a fresh sparkling beverage to sip on. Unless you’ve already chilled your ingredients, I suggest adding some ice to the glass for the most refreshing and energizing result.
Spiked mimosa
“A spiked mimosa?” I hear you asking. “Don’t mimosas already have prosecco?”
Yes, dear reader, but to make this drink even more special, you’ve got to add a shot of golden tequila to the mix.
My friend introduced me to this drink and it quickly became a favorite of mine. You’ll want quality ingredients for a great turnout, so I would recommend Simply Orange Juice, Ocean Spray white cranberry and peach juice, Jose Cuervo golden tequila and your favorite sparkling white wine — mine is Mionetto.
You’ll want to go about half and half with the orange juice and prosecco in a 12-ounce glass, leaving room for the other ingredients. Then pour a shot of the tequila and a shot of the cranberry peach juice into the mix.
Be careful with this one. For some reason, the juice and sparkling wine combo really blends well with the tequila and almost neutralizes the alcohol flavor, making it quite easy to drink quickly.
So, the next time you’re out shopping, maybe pick up some ingredients you can use to make a quick drink.
