COCKTAIL RECIPES
Enhance your menu and delight your customers with these classic cocktails, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to refresh your summer offerings or add some sophisticated new choices, these drinks are sure to impress. From the refreshing Pimm’s Cup to the sophisticated Black Velvet, these recipes celebrate the best of flavours and tradition.
Each cocktail recipe includes easy-to-follow instructions, helping your staff quickly master the preparation process. These drinks are designed to suit a wide range of tastes, from fruity and floral to rich and warming. Plus, they offer an exciting variety of base spirits—from gin and vodka to elderflower liqueur and stout—ensuring that your bar has something for everyone.
Why use these recipes?
- Authenticity: These recipes showcase well-loved cocktails, allowing you to bring a taste of the world to your customers.
- Versatility: From light and refreshing to bold and complex, these drinks cover all the bases for your diverse clientele.
- Easy to Prepare: Each recipe is designed to be simple to execute, ensuring that your bar staff can serve drinks efficiently, even on busy nights.
- Perfect for All Occasions: Whether it’s a summer garden party or a sophisticated evening out, these cocktails cater to any setting.
- Attractive & Profitable: These cocktails not only look fantastic but also offer a good opportunity for upselling with premium spirits and creative garnishes.
With these recipes in hand, your staff will be ready to serve the perfect cocktail for any customer, ensuring that every drink experience at your venue is a memorable one.
British Cocktails
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Pimm’s Cup
The quintessential British summer drink, the Pimm’s Cup is a refreshing and fruity cocktail made with Pimm’s No. 1, lemonade, and an assortment of garnishes such as cucumber, strawberries, and mint. Ideal for lazy afternoons in the garden or at summer parties.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Pimm’s No. 1
- 150ml lemonade (or lemon soda)
- Cucumber slices
- Mint leaves
- Strawberries (sliced)
- Orange slices
- Ice
How to make: Fill a tall glass with ice. Add Pimm’s No. 1, then top up with lemonade. Stir gently and garnish with cucumber slices, mint leaves, strawberries, and orange slices.
Bramble
A British classic, the Bramble blends gin, blackberry liqueur (Crème de Mûre), and fresh lemon juice, creating a balance of sweet and tart flavours. It’s a visually striking cocktail with its dark berry hue and is perfect for anyone who loves fruit-forward drinks.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Gin (preferably a London Dry Gin)
- 25ml Crème de Mûre (blackberry liqueur)
- 25ml Fresh lemon juice
- 10ml Simple syrup
- Ice
- Blackberries for garnish
How to make: Fill a glass with ice. Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir gently. Slowly pour the crème de mûre over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect. Garnish with blackberries.
Black Velvet
A sophisticated and smooth combination of stout beer (like Guinness) and Champagne, the Black Velvet is a cocktail that marries the richness of stout with the effervescence of bubbly. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to enjoy something unique.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Stout beer (such as Guinness)
- 50ml Champagne
How to make: Pour the stout into a glass, then carefully top with Champagne, pouring slowly over the back of a spoon to keep the layers separate. Serve chilled.
The Duke
The Duke is a refreshing and slightly spicy cocktail that combines gin with lemon juice, honey syrup, and ginger beer. The addition of honey and ginger gives it a smooth sweetness with a bit of a kick, making it a perfect balance of flavours for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Gin (preferably a good British gin)
- 15ml Fresh lemon juice
- 10ml Honey syrup
- 10ml Ginger beer
- Ice
How to make: In a shaker, mix gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass. Top with ginger beer and stir gently. Garnish with a lemon slice.
The London Mule
A British variation of the popular Moscow Mule, the London Mule swaps vodka for gin, creating a citrusy, gingery delight. This cocktail is refreshing, with the perfect balance of spice from the ginger beer and zesty lime, making it a great choice for a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Gin
- 25ml Fresh lime juice
- 150ml Ginger beer
- Ice
How to make: Fill a copper mug or tall glass with ice. Add gin and lime juice, then top with ginger beer. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.
British Garden
A vibrant and floral cocktail that brings together gin, elderflower liqueur, and apple juice, creating a drink reminiscent of a sunny garden. The fresh mint and zesty lemon juice elevate this cocktail into a refreshing, aromatic delight.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Gin
- 25ml Elderflower liqueur
- 25ml Fresh lemon juice
- 50ml Apple juice
- Ice
- Fresh mint leaves
How to make: In a shaker, combine the gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and apple juice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
English Garden
A crisp and light cocktail, the English Garden combines gin with apple juice, elderflower cordial, and lime juice. It’s an elegant, refreshing drink that transports you to a serene garden setting with its delicate flavours and fresh, citrusy notes.
Ingredients:
- 40ml Gin
- 25ml Apple juice
- 15ml Lime juice
- 15ml Elderflower cordial
- Ice
- Fresh mint leaves
How to make: Combine gin, apple juice, lime juice, and elderflower cordial in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with mint leaves.
Espresso Martini
A modern classic, the Espresso Martini is a coffee-lover’s dream. This British twist uses freshly brewed espresso, vodka, and coffee liqueur to create a rich, energizing cocktail. It’s the perfect pick-me-up after a long day or as a dessert cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Vodka
- 25ml Coffee liqueur
- 25ml Freshly brewed espresso
- 10ml Simple syrup
- Ice
How to make: Shake all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with 3 coffee beans.
Pink Gin & Tonic
A vibrant, fruitier take on the classic Gin & Tonic, the Pink Gin & Tonic combines the smoothness of gin with a refreshing twist of tonic water and the tang of citrus. It's a lively, easy-drinking cocktail perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Pink Gin (such as Beefeater Pink)
- Tonic water
- Ice
- Lemon or lime wedges
How to make: Fill a glass with ice and pour over the pink gin. Top with tonic water. Stir gently and garnish with lemon or lime wedges.
Corpse Reviver No. 2
A classic cocktail from the golden age of mixology, the Corpse Reviver No. 2 combines gin, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, and a drop of absinthe. It’s a light, aromatic drink with a delicate herbal finish—ideal for those who appreciate vintage cocktails with a bit of mystery.
Ingredients:
- 25ml Gin
- 25ml Cointreau
- 25ml Lillet Blanc (or white vermouth)
- 1 drop Absinthe (or pastis)
- Ice
- Lemon twist for garnish
How to make: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
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The Windsor Fizz
A refreshing twist on the classic Gin Fizz, the Windsor Fizz adds a touch of elderflower liqueur for a floral, light flavor that’s perfect for sunny afternoons. The mix of gin and elderflower creates a unique, bubbly refreshment with a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Gin
- 25ml Elderflower liqueur
- 25ml Fresh lemon juice
- Top with soda water
- Ice
How to make: Add gin, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice to a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Top with soda water and garnish with a lemon twist.
Greenwich Garden
A vibrant cocktail combining gin and fresh cucumber, this drink has a refreshing herbal flavor. It’s perfect for a light afternoon refreshment or as a pre-dinner drink.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Gin
- 25ml Fresh cucumber juice
- 15ml Fresh lemon juice
- 10ml Simple syrup
- Ice
How to make: Muddle a few cucumber slices in a shaker. Add gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice. Shake well, strain into a chilled glass, and garnish with a cucumber ribbon.
The Yorkshire Sour
A twist on the classic whiskey sour, this version uses British whiskey and adds a dash of red wine for a rich, tart finish. It’s a complex cocktail with sweet and sour notes, perfect for whiskey lovers.
Ingredients:
- 50ml British whiskey
- 25ml Fresh lemon juice
- 15ml Simple syrup
- 10ml Red wine (preferably a dry red)
- Ice
How to make: Shake whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice. Strain into a rocks glass over ice. Carefully pour red wine over the back of a spoon to create a float on top. Garnish with a lemon wheel.
The Cotswold Cooler
A crisp and refreshing gin-based cocktail that incorporates British sparkling cider, offering a light and bubbly drink with hints of apple and citrus.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Gin
- 50ml British sparkling cider
- 10ml Fresh lemon juice
- Ice
How to make: Add gin and lemon juice to a glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling cider and stir gently. Garnish with a thin apple slice.
West End Cooler
This cocktail combines gin with a splash of fresh fruit juices, creating a light, vibrant drink that’s perfect for sipping on a night out. The addition of mint adds a refreshing twist.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Gin
- 20ml Fresh lime juice
- 20ml Fresh orange juice
- 10ml Simple syrup
- Mint leaves
- Ice
How to make: Muddle mint leaves in a shaker. Add gin, lime juice, orange juice, and simple syrup. Shake with ice, strain into a highball glass filled with ice, and garnish with a sprig of mint.
Summer’s Day Sling
This cocktail offers a delicious British spin on the classic Singapore Sling. A vibrant blend of gin, cherry brandy, and citrus fruits brings a burst of freshness, making it perfect for warm-weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 40ml Gin
- 20ml Cherry brandy
- 20ml Fresh lime juice
- 10ml Grenadine
- Dash of Angostura bitters
- Ice
How to make: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Garnish with a cherry and an orange slice.
Norfolk Punch
This punch combines the warming flavors of dark rum with fresh fruit juices, offering a smooth and slightly spicy finish. It’s a wonderful party drink that can be served in large batches.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Dark rum
- 25ml Fresh orange juice
- 25ml Fresh lime juice
- 10ml Grenadine
- Ice
How to make: Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a slice of orange.
The Royal Navy
A strong, bold drink inspired by the British Navy, this cocktail combines gin, vermouth, and a dash of orange bitters for a sophisticated, slightly herbal flavor.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Gin
- 25ml Dry vermouth
- Dash of orange bitters
- Ice
How to make: Stir gin, vermouth, and orange bitters with ice in a mixing glass. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a twist of orange peel.
The Edinburgh Twist
Combining Scotch whisky and honey, this cocktail gives a nod to the traditional whisky-based drinks while offering a smooth, warming flavor with a sweet finish. Perfect for cozy evenings.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Scotch whisky
- 15ml Honey syrup
- 10ml Fresh lemon juice
- Ice
How to make: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a glass over ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a drizzle of honey.
Brighton Breeze
This cocktail combines the fruity notes of rum with the zing of ginger beer and lime, offering a tangy and refreshing drink that's perfect for seaside days.
Ingredients:
- 50ml White rum
- 25ml Fresh lime juice
- 150ml Ginger beer
- Ice
How to make: Fill a glass with ice, add rum and lime juice, then top with ginger beer. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.
Worldwide Cocktails
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Pimm’s Cup
The quintessential British summer drink, the Pimm’s Cup is a refreshing and fruity cocktail made with Pimm’s No. 1, lemonade, and an assortment of garnishes such as cucumber, strawberries, and mint. Ideal for lazy afternoons in the garden or at summer parties.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Pimm’s No. 1
- 150ml lemonade (or lemon soda)
- Cucumber slices
- Mint leaves
- Strawberries (sliced)
- Orange slices
- Ice
How to make: Fill a tall glass with ice. Add Pimm’s No. 1, then top up with lemonade. Stir gently and garnish with cucumber slices, mint leaves, strawberries, and orange slices.
Bramble
A British classic, the Bramble blends gin, blackberry liqueur (Crème de Mûre), and fresh lemon juice, creating a balance of sweet and tart flavours. It’s a visually striking cocktail with its dark berry hue and is perfect for anyone who loves fruit-forward drinks.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Gin (preferably a London Dry Gin)
- 25ml Crème de Mûre (blackberry liqueur)
- 25ml Fresh lemon juice
- 10ml Simple syrup
- Ice
- Blackberries for garnish
How to make: Fill a glass with ice. Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir gently. Slowly pour the crème de mûre over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect. Garnish with blackberries.
Black Velvet
A sophisticated and smooth combination of stout beer (like Guinness) and Champagne, the Black Velvet is a cocktail that marries the richness of stout with the effervescence of bubbly. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to enjoy something unique.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Stout beer (such as Guinness)
- 50ml Champagne
How to make: Pour the stout into a glass, then carefully top with Champagne, pouring slowly over the back of a spoon to keep the layers separate. Serve chilled.
The Duke
The Duke is a refreshing and slightly spicy cocktail that combines gin with lemon juice, honey syrup, and ginger beer. The addition of honey and ginger gives it a smooth sweetness with a bit of a kick, making it a perfect balance of flavours for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Gin (preferably a good British gin)
- 15ml Fresh lemon juice
- 10ml Honey syrup
- 10ml Ginger beer
- Ice
How to make: In a shaker, mix gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass. Top with ginger beer and stir gently. Garnish with a lemon slice.
The London Mule
A British variation of the popular Moscow Mule, the London Mule swaps vodka for gin, creating a citrusy, gingery delight. This cocktail is refreshing, with the perfect balance of spice from the ginger beer and zesty lime, making it a great choice for a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Gin
- 25ml Fresh lime juice
- 150ml Ginger beer
- Ice
How to make: Fill a copper mug or tall glass with ice. Add gin and lime juice, then top with ginger beer. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.
British Garden
A vibrant and floral cocktail that brings together gin, elderflower liqueur, and apple juice, creating a drink reminiscent of a sunny garden. The fresh mint and zesty lemon juice elevate this cocktail into a refreshing, aromatic delight.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Gin
- 25ml Elderflower liqueur
- 25ml Fresh lemon juice
- 50ml Apple juice
- Ice
- Fresh mint leaves
How to make: In a shaker, combine the gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and apple juice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
English Garden
A crisp and light cocktail, the English Garden combines gin with apple juice, elderflower cordial, and lime juice. It’s an elegant, refreshing drink that transports you to a serene garden setting with its delicate flavours and fresh, citrusy notes.
Ingredients:
- 40ml Gin
- 25ml Apple juice
- 15ml Lime juice
- 15ml Elderflower cordial
- Ice
- Fresh mint leaves
How to make: Combine gin, apple juice, lime juice, and elderflower cordial in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with mint leaves.
Espresso Martini
A modern classic, the Espresso Martini is a coffee-lover’s dream. This British twist uses freshly brewed espresso, vodka, and coffee liqueur to create a rich, energizing cocktail. It’s the perfect pick-me-up after a long day or as a dessert cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Vodka
- 25ml Coffee liqueur
- 25ml Freshly brewed espresso
- 10ml Simple syrup
- Ice
How to make: Shake all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with 3 coffee beans.
Pink Gin & Tonic
A vibrant, fruitier take on the classic Gin & Tonic, the Pink Gin & Tonic combines the smoothness of gin with a refreshing twist of tonic water and the tang of citrus. It's a lively, easy-drinking cocktail perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Pink Gin (such as Beefeater Pink)
- Tonic water
- Ice
- Lemon or lime wedges
How to make: Fill a glass with ice and pour over the pink gin. Top with tonic water. Stir gently and garnish with lemon or lime wedges.
Corpse Reviver No. 2
A classic cocktail from the golden age of mixology, the Corpse Reviver No. 2 combines gin, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, and a drop of absinthe. It’s a light, aromatic drink with a delicate herbal finish—ideal for those who appreciate vintage cocktails with a bit of mystery.
Ingredients:
- 25ml Gin
- 25ml Cointreau
- 25ml Lillet Blanc (or white vermouth)
- 1 drop Absinthe (or pastis)
- Ice
- Lemon twist for garnish
How to make: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
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Singapore Sling (Singapore)
This iconic cocktail originated in Singapore in the early 1900s. With gin as the base, it combines tropical fruit flavors with a touch of herbal complexity, making it a perfect choice for a summer gathering.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Gin
- 25ml Cherry brandy
- 10ml Cointreau
- 10ml Benedictine
- 15ml Fresh lime juice
- 100ml Pineapple juice
- Ice
How to make: Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice and garnish with a cherry and pineapple slice.
Mai Tai (United States)
The Mai Tai is a tropical cocktail from California, often associated with tiki culture. It’s a sweet and strong drink with a rum base, perfect for enjoying on a sunny day.
Ingredients:
- 50ml White rum
- 25ml Dark rum
- 15ml Lime juice
- 15ml Orange curaçao
- 10ml Orgeat syrup
- Ice
How to make: Shake the white rum, lime juice, orange curaçao, and orgeat syrup with ice. Strain into a glass filled with ice and float the dark rum on top. Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wheel.
Irish Coffee (Ireland)
This classic drink from Ireland combines strong coffee with Irish whiskey, sugar, and cream. It’s a warming, indulgent cocktail that’s perfect for cold evenings.
Ingredients:
- 40ml Irish whiskey
- 150ml Fresh hot coffee
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- Fresh cream
- Ice (optional)
How to make: Stir the whiskey and sugar into the hot coffee until the sugar dissolves. Float the cream on top by pouring it gently over the back of a spoon. Serve hot.
Rattlesnake (United States)
This cocktail has its roots in the United States and features rye whiskey, egg white, and a touch of absinthe. It’s a smooth, balanced drink with a hint of herbal complexity.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Rye whiskey
- 15ml Fresh lemon juice
- 10ml Simple syrup
- 1 Egg white
- 2 dashes Absinthe
- Ice
How to make: Shake all ingredients without ice to emulsify the egg white, then add ice and shake again. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
Penicillin (Scotland)
The Penicillin is a modern classic from Scotland, blending smoky Scotch whisky with honey, ginger, and lemon for a warming and slightly spicy drink. It’s perfect for a cool evening or when you need a little extra comfort.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Blended Scotch whisky
- 25ml Fresh lemon juice
- 20ml Honey syrup
- 10ml Fresh ginger juice
- Ice
- 10ml Smoky Islay Scotch whisky (optional, for floating)
How to make: Shake the blended Scotch whisky, lemon juice, honey syrup, and ginger juice with ice. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Float the smoky Islay whisky on top and garnish with a slice of ginger.
Tom Collins (United Kingdom)
A refreshing cocktail that combines gin, lemon, and soda water, originating from London. This is a simple, crisp drink that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Gin
- 25ml Fresh lemon juice
- 15ml Simple syrup
- Top with Soda water
- Ice
How to make: Shake the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice and top with soda water. Garnish with a lemon wedge.
Hugo (Italy)
A popular aperitif from Italy, the Hugo is a light and refreshing cocktail made with elderflower syrup, Prosecco, and a splash of sparkling water. Perfect for a sunny afternoon.
Ingredients:
- 100ml Prosecco
- 25ml Elderflower syrup
- Top with Sparkling water
- Ice
- Fresh mint leaves
How to make: Combine the elderflower syrup and Prosecco in a glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling water and garnish with mint leaves and a lime wheel.
Black Russian (Russia)
A simple yet potent cocktail from Russia, the Black Russian is made with vodka and coffee liqueur. It’s a smooth, rich drink that’s easy to make and perfect for sipping after dinner.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Vodka
- 25ml Coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
- Ice
How to make: Pour the vodka and coffee liqueur into a glass filled with ice. Stir gently and serve.
Clove & Citrus Punch (United Kingdom)
A fruity punch with the perfect balance of citrus and clove flavors. Originating in the UK, it’s ideal for large gatherings and can be made in advance.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Gin
- 100ml Orange juice
- 15ml Fresh lemon juice
- 10ml Honey syrup
- 2 cloves
- Ice
How to make: Shake the gin, orange juice, lemon juice, and honey syrup with ice. Strain into a punch bowl or large glass filled with ice. Garnish with cloves and an orange slice.
Ginger Smash (United States)
A refreshing cocktail that combines bourbon, fresh ginger, and mint. The Ginger Smash offers a spicy kick with a soothing balance of mint and citrus flavors, making it a great choice for a twist on the classic smash.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Bourbon
- 10ml Fresh lime juice
- 5-6 Fresh mint leaves
- 5-6 Slices of fresh ginger
- 10ml Simple syrup
- Ice
How to make: Muddle the ginger and mint leaves in a glass. Add bourbon, lime juice, and simple syrup, then fill with ice. Shake and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with mint leaves.