Published on December 21, 2023.
Ad-Hoctails - Cocktails for Everyone
Delightful drinks that only call for three or four readily available ingredients!
Cocktails are truly remarkable because even with simplicity, they
can still be incredibly delicious. You don’t have to go overboard with fancy
equipment and ingredients to create an impressive cocktail menu at your venue.
The reason why classic cocktails have stood the test of time is because they
often require just a few basic ingredients. You don’t need to stress about
memorizing complex proportions or techniques to feel like a skilled mixologist.
That’s why we’ve curated a collection of ‘ad-hoctails’ for you – delightful
drinks that only call for three or four readily available ingredients. Cheers
to easy yet amazing cocktails!
Manhattan
The Manhattan cocktail has a rich history and a delightful simplicity. It was first crafted in 1894 by a talented bartender at the iconic Waldorf Astoria in New York City. What sets this cocktail apart is its use of Scotch whiskey, giving it a unique flavour profile. To add a touch of excitement, experiment with different bitters like walnut, lavender, or black cherry. These small additions can bring a fun twist to your Manhattan experience.
Recommended: Antica Formula Vermouth 1LTR – Antica Formula’s presence behind a bar is a clear sign of the bar’s exceptional Manhattan cocktail. Renowned among skilled bartenders, this vermouth is rich, flavourful, and delightfully robust. It offers a distinct herbal aroma and a delightful blend of tropical vanilla, cocoa, orange, and a subtle touch of saffron
Ingredients
60ml bourbon
30ml sweet vermouth
2 maraschino cherry
Bitters, for serving
Method
Fill a liquid measuring cup or mixing glass with ice. Add bourbon and vermouth and stir until well chilled. Strain into a (preferably frosty) coupe glass. Garnish with cherries and a few dashes of bitters
Mimosa
When it comes to brunch, nothing sets the tone better than a refreshing mimosa. With just 2 ingredients, this classic cocktail effortlessly elevates your brunch game. For a delightful contrast to the sweet orange juice, we recommend opting for a crisp and refreshing sparkling white wine that is either dry or semi-dry.
Recommended: Della Vite Superiore Prosecco 75CL – Della Vite Prosecco DOCG is rich and extra-dry with a highly mineral palate and a lingering finish. The hints of crostini and chamomile open plenty of potential for food pairings, making it the perfect addition to your brunch mimosa.
Ingredients
60ml orange juice
Top with chilled dry Champagne, Prosecco or Cava
Orange slices, for garnish
Method
Pour the juice into a champagne flute, then top with your choice of dry sparkling wine. Garnish each with a slice of orange if desired
Calimocho (Kalimotxo)
In the UK, the notion of blending wine with anything might be met with scepticism. However, in the captivating Basque region of Spain, they not only indulge in Sangria but also have a fervent obsession with mixing wine and soft drinks. This delightful practice can be seen throughout Spain, with one of the most beloved concoctions being the renowned Calimocho, or Kalimotxo. All it takes to make a Calimocho is two ingredients: Coke and red wine. You don’t have to purchase Spanish wine, but if you’re looking to fully embrace the Basque classic, consider trying a Tempranillo or a Rioja.
Recommended: Vina Arroba Tempranillo 75CL – A soft, easy drinking dry red wine full of delicious ripe fruit flavours. Affordable price, making it perfect to mix with Coke for the Calimocho.
Ingredients
125ml Coke
125ml red wine
Lemon wheel, to garnish
Method
Fill a Collins glass with ice. Pour in the red wine and coke, then give the drink a quick stir. Garnish with a lemon wedge and serve with a straw
Dark ‘n’ Stormy
A classic Dark ‘N’ Stormy is a delightful blend of richness, subtle sweetness, and a refreshing kick of zesty lime juice. It’s a drink that goes down smoothly, leaving you craving for more. The flavour combination is so exceptional that Gosling’s took the step of trademarking it in 1991. To officially label your drink as a Dark ‘N’ Stormy, you must use Gosling’s Black Seal Rum. However, if you prefer to experiment, any dark rum can be used, just remember to update the name on your menu. Safe Harbour or Rum Mule are two popular name alternatives.
Recommended: Gosling’s Black Seal Rum 70CL – Gosling’s Black Seal has a rich, intricate flavour, well balanced and nuanced with butterscotch, vanilla, and caramel. Very fragrant with herbal sharpness. At the finish there is a softness and elegance.
Ingredients
60ml Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, or other dark rum
90ml ginger beer
Squeeze of fresh lime, to taste
Lime wheel, to garnish
Method
Fill a glass with ice, then add rum and ginger beer. Add fresh lime juice to taste. Garnish as desired
Brown Sugar Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned stands as the bedrock and cornerstone of the cocktail realm. Perhaps the most legendary and enduring cocktail of all time, its composition—consisting merely of spirit, water, sugar, and bitters—renders it remarkably uncomplicated. By incorporating brown sugar, this version gains an added touch of warmth and comfort, with a subtle hint of caramel, guaranteeing the taste is anything but old fashioned.
Recommended: Angostura Bitters 200ML – Bitters, an indispensable ingredient in bars, are extracts of flavours created by infusing various botanical elements into a liquid. Consider them as seasonings for cocktails, they hold the same significance for bartenders as salt does for chefs. The absence of bitters would mean the absence of an Old Fashioned.
Ingredients
60ml bourbon
1 tsp packed brown sugar
1 tsp water
2 dashes angostura bitters
Orange peel, for garnish
Method
Add sugar, water, and bitters to glass. Muddle until sugar is dissolved. Add bourbon and ice and stir to combine. Garnish with an orange peel.
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About the author
Madison King
Madison looks after all copywriting and proofreading for Drink Warehouse UK, working with the Marketing team to deliver educational content to all our customers. She spent many years in the hospitality sector across bars, clubs and cafes before moving to Asia to gain new experiences. You can find more from Madison about beer, cider, spirits, wine, non-alcoholic, soft drinks and RTDs all over our blogs, website, social media, and Set The Bar magazine.
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