Easy Cocktail Recipes

The ancient Greek believed that ambrosia, a kind of honey mead, was the drink of the Gods, who lived high up on the summit of Mount Olympus. This modern-day version from across the Atlantic slips down equally nice.

Simplicity itself to make, this colour-rich cocktail is the perfect prelude to a romantic evening.

Reputed to have been one of Ernest Hemingway’s favourite drinks from the time when, as a young writer, he took up residence in Paris, this powerful cocktail must have been responsible in its time for many “lost” afternoons. You need to be careful when you make it as otherwise you run the risk of losing the delicate champagne bubbles.

If you like your Bellinis, you’ll adore their near relation, the Rossini, though, on this occasion, we don’t know whether the name honours the great 19th-century Italian opera composer or not.

Created by Giuseppe Cipriani, the founding father of Harry’s Bar in Venice, and named in honour of the great Venetian artist, this cocktail became a favorite tipple of a host of celebrity visitors, including the writer Ernest Hemingway and the actor and playwright Noel Coward.

At first glance, this cocktail may seem elegant and refined, but within the bubbly is a monsoon of flavors and a potency that suggests you hang on to that palm tree before you have another.

The Waldorf Astoria served up this concoction, only it was made with the sweeter Old Tom gin and called a Marguerite. This version uses London dry gin for an effervescent thirst quencher.

There are many fizzy drinks based on the refreshing combination of gin and citrus juice, but this classic is a highball that really hits the spot.

Straight from the Ritz Hotel Bar in Paris comes this sunny, citrusy variation of the classic French 75, a great alternative to serve at brunch in place of the usual Mimosa.

Sweet and spicy, this warm punch is perfect for your trim-a-tree party, New Year’s Eve bash, or Groundhog Day celebration.