Making a diverse selection of cocktails using a limited number of essential ingredients to stay within a tight budget
In a world where creativity and taste merge into one, it is easy to feel left behind with an empty wallet, as possibilities for flavourful drinks seem endless. Yet, what if I told you that the key to a fun evening with a variety of cocktails lies within a handful of key ingredients that won’t make your wallet suffer (I can’t say the same for your hangover).
Whether it’s a pre-drinks party, fancy homemade dinner, or getting over a breakup, none of these should be done with a boring drink in hand. However, going ‘all out’ for a few drinks can easily cost you an arm and a leg! And why does it always require a million different ingredients and equipment to make one drink? I’m going to share some of my favourite recipes for drinks, which always leave my friends under the impression that I am a rich cocktail expert. The key ingredient in all of these is the one and only, Tequila. And if you don’t like Tequila, don’t worry, nobody does!
Tequila Lime:
- 60 ml Tequila
- 20 ml Fresh Lime Juice
- 15 ml Sugar Syrup
- Ice
- Lime slice for garnish (if you’re feeling fancy)
I know sugar syrup scares you, but don’t worry, it’s just it's just warm water and sugar mixed in a 1:1 ratio for 5 minutes over a low heat on the stove. The process is simple! Grab your shaker or a glass with a spoon (we’ve all been there), and combine ice, tequila, fresh lime juice, and sugar syrup. A tip for a clean kitchen is to add the ice first. Mix well and pour it into a glass filled with ice. For extra bragging rights add a slice of lime into the glass, and voila your first cocktail is ready to go!
Tequila Mojito:
- 60 ml Tequila
- 30 ml Fresh Lime Juice
- 30 ml Simple Syrup
- 6-8 Fresh Mint Leaves
- Sparkling Water
- Ice
- Lime wedge and mint for garnish (optional)
In your favourite tall glass, mix fresh mint leaves with lime juice and the sugar syrup so it merges into one. Top it off with ice and tequila as well as fill the rest of the glass with sparkling water. Use a spoon to gently stir and add a lime wedge with some extra mint, and it is ready to be served!
Paloma:
- 60 ml Tequila
- 120 ml Grapefruit Soda (or 60 ml Grapefruit Juice and 60 ml sparkling water)
- 15 ml Lime Juice
- Fresh mint for garnish (optional)
If preferred, start by adding salt to the edge of the glass. To do so, dip the rim of the glass in some lime juice and dip it into salt. Fill it up with ice and pour tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime juice over it. Gently stir and add mint for extra photo opportunities.
Tequila Sunrise!
- 60 ml Tequila
- 120 ml Orange Juice
- 15 ml Grenadine
- Ice
- Orange slice for garnish (optional)
Start by filling the glass with ice. Pour tequila and orange juice over it and mix it into one. Slowly pour grenadine over the back of a spoon or by drizzling it down the side of the glass, allowing it to settle at the bottom. With that everyone will know you didn’t come to play around! Garnish with an orange slice and do not mix until served.
In every sip, you will taste your hard work and remember the fun time you had while preparing these drinks. All the ingredients can be bought between 20-30EUR (depending on which tequila brand you prefer) at any supermarket near you. So next time you want to impress your friends, family, or significant other, remember these recipes and you will be saved!
