Get ready to shake, stir, and sip! Every year, March 24 is observed as National Cocktail Day, the perfect occasion to celebrate the art of mixology. Whether you love timeless classics like the Old Fashioned or refreshing tropical concoctions, this day is all about indulging in your favourite drinks. Observed in countries like the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK, National Cocktail Day gives enthusiasts the perfect excuse to craft delicious cocktails at home and raise a toast to good times.
So, take this occasion to try some of the easy and refreshing cocktails right in the comfort of your home. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just getting started, we’ve got five must-try cocktail recipes that are simple to make yet packed with flavour.
Classic Margarita
Classic Margarita | Canva
A timeless cocktail with a perfect blend of sweet, sour, and salty flavours, the Margarita is a favourite for those who love citrusy drinks. The combination of tequila, lime, and orange liqueur makes it irresistibly refreshing.
Ingredients:
2 oz tequila
1 oz lime juice
1 oz triple sec
Salt for rim and ice
How to make:
Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a salt-rimmed glass, and garnish with a lime wedge.
Whiskey Sour
Whiskey Sour | Canva
This cocktail is a great choice for whiskey lovers who enjoy a hint of citrus. The blend of whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup creates a smooth yet slightly tart taste, and adding egg white gives it a silky texture.
Ingredients:
2 oz whiskey
3/4 oz lemon juice
3/4 oz simple syrup
1 egg white (optional)
How to make:
Shake all ingredients (dry shake if using egg white), then shake with ice and strain into a glass.
Mojito
A Cuban classic, the Mojito is a light and refreshing cocktail that combines rum, lime, and mint for a perfect summer drink. The fizziness of club soda enhances its crisp, cooling effect.
Ingredients:
2 oz white rum
1/2 oz simple syrup
3/4 oz lime juice
6-8 mint leaves
Club soda, ice
How to make:
Muddle mint with lime juice and syrup, add rum and ice, top with soda, stir, and garnish with mint.
Espresso Martini
Espresso Martini | Canva
The Espresso Martini cocktail blends the boldness of espresso with the smoothness of vodka and coffee liqueur. It’s slightly sweet, energising, and the perfect after-dinner drink for coffee enthusiasts.
Ingredients:
2 oz vodka
1 oz coffee liqueur
1 oz fresh espresso
1/2 oz simple syrup
How to make:
Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a martini glass, and garnish with coffee beans.
Pina Colada
Pina Colada | Canva
If you love tropical flavours, the Pina Colada is a must-try. With its creamy coconut base and sweet pineapple taste, this blended cocktail is the perfect escape to paradise in a glass.
Ingredients:
2 oz white rum
3 oz pineapple juice
2 oz coconut cream
Ice
How to make:
Blend until smooth, pour into a tall glass, and garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry.
