Bored of the same old drinks each year at your Diwali parties? Worry not, we are here to fix this.
Hosting everyone during the festive season can be quite hectic, and there’s so much to manage from the decor to food to guestlists that we often forget that drinks too make an important part of the party.
This year, let us aid you to shine like the perfect host that you are. Switch boring drinks with these super simple and beginner-friendly cocktails, no matter what your preferred alcohol be. Almost all of these cocktail recipes come along in 5-7 minutes, and require the least amount of ingredients possible, making them easy to attempt.
Here are 7 beginner-friendly cocktails to add to the drinks menu at your Diwali party
1. Tom Collins
Simple, beginner-friendly, and crisp, Tom Collins is easy to add to your Diwali drinks menu and quite a conversation starter. A classic gin cocktail, it is also very well paired with a cheese platter.
And while this recipe suggests maraschino cherry for garnish, you can always go for a fruity Tom Collins by adding raspberries to the mix for a fruity profile. For an elevated version, you can also try smoking the ice.
2. Gimlet
Although considered a more spring-summery kind of alcohol, Gin is loved and consumed all ear long, and this gimlet recipe is a perfect way to have it, no matter what the season.
A variation of this cocktail also uses vodka as the base alcohol but if you’re sticking to gin, pair it with dishes that contain pecorino romano cheese for a delightful experience.
3. Mojito
A brunch favourite, Mojito is just as perfect for warm evenings. Take the tropical feel a notch higher by pairing it with grilled and spiced pineapple. If you’re moving beyond appetisers, glazed chicken is another pairing that will blow your mind.
While this is a warm-weather drink, and the recipe takes that into account, if you’d like, you could also use crushed ice and mint syrup instead of ice cubes and fresh mint, making it a fro-jito.
4. Long Island Iced Tea
Straightforward and effective, Long Island Iced Tea, or LIIT, is a classic cocktail that is the ultimate party starter. If you’re in a warmer climate and want a beachy feel to it, we also suggest adding some pineapple.
Other famous variations include adding a bit of hot sauce for a spicy LIIT, or peach schnapps for a tangier edition. No matter how you like it, LIIT is a must-have classic cocktail on your menu.
5. Sidecar
One of the most famous cognac cocktails of all time, Sidecar is a light citrus-flavoured drink, perfect for evening soirees. This classic cocktail, which is slightly tart, pairs very well with smokey and earthy dishes.
Try grilled stuffed mushrooms or if you’re considering a charcuterie board, you could also go for a smokey brie.
6. Negroni
Bold and iconic, Negroni is a classic and absolutely deserves to be on your Diwali drinks menu. The best part about Negroni is just how customisable it is. If lighter notes are what you want, go for Sbagliato. If sharper is what you seek, go for Boulevardier.
It pairs perfectly well with seafood, and if you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing it with chocolate with sea salt.
7. Dirty Martini
Bond’s drink of choice, and on a day when we crave a fine, classic cocktail, ours too. Dirty Martini is one iconic cocktail you must add to your menu, no matter how you like it, shaken or stirred.
A slightly complex flavoured cocktail, Dirty Martini’s saltiness pairs extremely well with neutral-flavoured food and is perfect to go with your hummus platter or shrimp cocktail.
Disclaimer: At ZeeZest, we do not promote or endorse drinking habits. We firmly believe in the importance of responsible consumption and awareness. Please remember that drinking alcohol can be injurious to your health. We encourage all our readers to make informed and responsible choices regarding alcohol consumption.