Is it finally time to celebrate your birthday, or a holiday get-together? Whatever the case may be, this auspicious day definitely calls for a celebration. Who knows what we are talking about when we say “party,” since parties these days are slightly weird?
The shift in the past couple of years
Rather than the usual 20+ person invite list, we have been obliged to reduce it significantly, to the point of nil. Especially, in the past two years or so, instead of our usual get-togethers, we are using Zoom to hold birthday parties and weddings. The reason is obvious! In these changing times, we had to adapt to many changes that come with our usual festivities, but one thing that is still intact is our passion for good classic cocktails.
There could be no better way to turn a boring Friday night into a celebration than by trying some of the drinks on this list? Even the most ardent vodka soda stans will be wowed by this list, which is chock-full of refreshing juices, surprising splashes of color, and festive favorites.
Nothing will affect how great these drinks are, whether it is a one-on-one party or a virtual gathering with friends or family. Continue reading for some iconic party cocktails and some new recipes that will quickly become favorites.
- Whiskey Sour
A sour is one of the earliest types of cocktails, which consists of equal parts of sweet and sour, and two parts strong liquor (in this case, whiskey). With sweet and acidic flavors, a whiskey sour is a perfect combination of whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar syrup. Since the late 1800s, whiskey sours have been prominent. Use any whiskey you choose herein, rye or smooth Canadian whisky work well.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces whiskey
- 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3/4 ounce simple syrup
- Ice
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry
Instructions
- Blend ice, whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a mixing glass.
- Shake to chill.
- Pour into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Serve with a cherry on top.
- Perfect Shirley Temple
This childhood mocktail is an all time favorite of all and sundry. All you need is just a can of soda transformed into the perfect non-alcoholic fizzy beverage with the addition of sweet grenadine and fresh lime juice.
Ingredients
- Ice
- 3 c. soda (lemon-lime)
- 1 lime’s juice
- grenadine, 4 tsp
- Serve with maraschino cherries
Directions
- Fill four glasses halfway with ice. Divide soda and lime juice between glasses, and garnish off with grenadine.
- Add a maraschino cherry on top.
3.Tom and Jerry
Another of the hot whiskey party cocktails that tastes like creamy, warm, boozy eggnog is the Tom and Jerry. It is a popular drink, especially in the winter, because of its creamy sweet qualities. You can prepare your own Tom and Jerry batter or use a store-bought mix.
Ingredients
- 6 separated eggs
- 2¼ cups sugar, split
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup of milk
- Bourbon or whiskey
- Nutmeg, freshly grated
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites until firm peaks form. Fold in half a cup of sugar.
- Whisk the egg yolks together in a separate dish. Make sure to fold them into the egg white.
- Add the remaining 3/4 cup sugar and the vanilla extract.
- Refrigerate until you are ready to prepare the cocktail, covered. It has a one-week shelf life.
- Heat one cup of milk until it is warm to prepare the drink. Pour 134 ounces of whiskey or bourbon into a cup and add three teaspoons of the chilled mix.
- Sprinkle freshly grated nutmeg on top of each mug.
- Black Velvet
There is no need to pick between Champagne and beer with the black velvet. These classic cocktails are nothing more than proportionate pours of Champagne and Guinness Stout, and that’s all. The dark, heavy beer runs brilliantly against the light, mellifluous wine, producing a flawless balance and the best of both worlds. The first sip will reveal why this magnificent drink has been around for almost a century.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces chilled Champagne
- 4 ounces chilled stout
Instructions
- Pour the Champagne into a wine flute, filling the glass about midway.
- Pour the stout slowly over the top to fill the glass. Serve and have fun.
- The Fisherman’s Margarita
Combine 1 1/2 oz. tequila, 3/4 oz. triple sec, and 3/4 oz. lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Fill a rocks glass halfway with ice and pour into it.
To bring life, add a dash of Blue Curacao and a garnish with a lemon.
Takeaway
Since the early 1900s, the classic cocktails party has been a popular social gathering. They are ideal for entertaining friends or business acquaintances, and a guest list of roughly 10 people makes for a modest occasion for the host. Cocktail parties are also great for open homes and receptions, both professional and personal, on a bigger scale. Try these above-discussed drinks with your favorite company and enjoy the moment!