Call me fussy (most people do), but bringing beer, vodka and wine to a party is akin to pushing the snooze button. I just about drink tonic water as a mixer and every now and then will have a rum and coke (always full fat) - but I wouldn't sit around sipping fizzy pop all day at work so I don't particularly fancy drinking it on autopilot for 5 hours at a party.
The same principles should apply to hosting at home. You might not bat an eyelash at buying a couple of £10 cocktails to catch up with friends out, but the idea of investing in some lovely spirits and liquors and making them at home yourself doesn't come naturally.
You don't have to set up the full works of a cocktail bar as I've done here to enjoy your investment either. All it takes is a jar of olives, some vermouth and a little vodka to take the edge off when you get home from work and without dying your teeth a lovely shade of streaky plum a la red wine either.
Drinks should be like small events, punctuating conversation or dancing. Crafted, cradled, savoured. Here's three unusual cocktail recipes that won't break the bank, you can bring to a party or you can make for yourself after a long hard day.
First of all, get the basics in:
Bitters (Angustora are the most commonly found and liked ones)
Vermouth (that's Martini blanco to start with) If I'm out of this, I'll use just a splash of white wine
Ice in the freezer is a must
A couple of lemons and limes hanging around your fridge (or lemon juice if you're super lazy)
A shaker - I prefer boston but they're less readily sold than this kind which you can buy from trusty John Lewis
If you like your martini dirty (I do), then green olives in brine are also a must
For a filthy martini:
Place a couple of olives and a small splash of brine in your shaker. Pour in a double shot of vodka and half a shot of vermouth (if you like it wet). Muddle the olives in the vodka with the end of a rolling pin or the bottom of a spoon if you haven't invested in a muddler. Then add ice, shake quickly and vigorously and strain into a martini glass. Take a couple of whole olives from the jar, spear them with a cocktail stick and drink.
For a blooming marvelous royal
This is a wonderful alternative to a kir royale, and makes you look well fancy pants when you're hosting at minimal effort. You can buy your hibiscus flowers in syrup here. Then all you need is some prosecco and you're done. I usually bring the flowers to the table in the glasses and pour for the guests so they can see their flower bloom - it's all in the drama dahling.
The gentleman's sour
I love a good sour. For those of you who don't know, a sour is made when you take a liqueur or spirit (adding gomme or another sugar syrup - honey will do when using an alcohol that's not already sweet), and then shaking it hard with bitters, egg whites and lemon juice and then pouring over ice. A beautifully frothy, sharp-yet-smooth drink best garnished with a maraschino cherry.
This year, in an inspired moment that had my friends giving me funny looks, I decided to make port sours. Port is slightly lighter and less sweet than a liquor so made for an interesting alternative. When not additionally sweetened you end up with a lighter, more tart alternative to my usual favourite - amaretto.
So at the risk of appearing as high maintenance as me but to the benefit of your taste buds, mental well being and health (well you won't drink a whole bottle if you're making cocktails): go forth, experiment and enjoy!
P.S. I know I owe those of you who asked a 'being good and keeping it dry' January post - I've got a lovely new juice bar review coming your way soon - in the meanwhile avert your eyes, though if you got to the bottom of this post it's probably too late - whoops.
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