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The neutral taste of vodka might seem a bit intense for most, to down as shots, but serves as an ideal canvas for crafting drinks with different flavour permutations. Besides the usual martini and cosmopolitan that are widely consumed, modern favourites like the Moscow mule offer refreshing simplicity. For a tropical twist, adding a dash of vodka with pineapple juice or a citrus-infused mojito is sure to transport your taste buds to paradise. The almost non-existent taste of vodka forms a great foundation for many a cocktails that is sure to enliven your party by a couple of notches, to say the least.
Cosmopolitan
A fashionable and zesty cocktail, renowned for its vibrant pink colour and invigorating citrus flavours is one that is meant to keep all the ladies at your party more than happy to down a few at a time. Use the availability of fresh citrus to your advantage and add an orange peel twist for a delicious aroma.
Ingredients
- 44 ml vodka
- 30 ml triple sec
- 15 ml cranberry juice
- 15 ml fresh lime juice
- Lime twist or wedge for garnish
- Ice
Method
- Add ice cubes to a cocktail shaker and mix in some triple sec, cranberry juice, lime juice and vodka.
- Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a martini glass. Add a lime twist or wedge as garnish.
Moscow Mule
This flavoursome and invigorating cocktail showcases the combination of ginger beer and lime, elegantly presented in a unique copper mug. The Moscow mule is a refreshing drink that would ideally be pefect for the summers, but hey, who really needs a reason to drink one at a party?
Ingredients
- 45 ml vodka
- 89 ml ginger beer
- 15 ml fresh lime juice
- Lime wedge for garnish
- Ice
Method
- Place ice cubes in a copper mug or highball glass and pour the vodka and freshly squeezed lime juice.
- Top up with ginger beer and stir lightly before serving with a lime slice.
Lemon Drop Martini
A delicious mix of sweet and sour flavours, with the sharpness of lemon and the smoothness of vodka contribute to the flavour profile of what is essentially candy for adults, in cocktail form. Relish sipping on this drink while you take a few bites from the grazing board and catch up with friends.
Ingredients
- 45 ml vodka
- 30 ml triple sec
- 15 ml simple syrup
- 15 ml fresh lemon juice
- Lemon twist or sugar for rimming (optional)
- Ice
Method
- Use a lemon twist to rim a cold martini glass.
- Add ice in a shaker and mix the ingredients before straining into a martini glass after vigorous shaking. Finish with a touch of lemon wedge and serve chilled.
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Blue Lagoon
An aesthetically pleasing, soothing blue cocktail offers a refreshing combination of citrus flavours that contribute to its overall appeal. What most would jokingly consider to be ‘radioactive,’ the Blue Lagoon is sure to beat away any of the holiday blues and put your guests right at ease.
Ingredients
- 45 ml vodka
- 30 ml blue curaçao
- Lemonade, to top up
- Lemon slice or maraschino cherry for garnish
- Ice
Method
- Fill a highball glass with ice and combine the blue curaçao and vodka.
- Pour some lemonade or lime soda to top up and stir lightly before garnishing and serving.
Watermelon Punch
The watermelon punch – although summery is perfectly pink and refreshing for a tropical-themed gathering at home. For those of us that aren’t blessed with a chilly winter to celebrate Christmas in, the mint-infused watermelon punch sounds just exactly like the kind of drink we need to keep company, while enjoying ourselves.
Ingredients
- 45 ml watermelon vodka
- 60 ml watermelon juice
- 30 ml lemonade
- Fresh mint sprig, for garnish
- Ice cubes
Method
- Fill a serving glass with ice cubes and combine the watermelon vodka and juice, lemonade and a few leaves of fresh mint.
- Stir gently and garnish with a watermelon slice and another sprig of mint.
Espresso Martini
All coffee fanatics at your party deserve to be rewarded with a crisp espresso martini. A caffeinated and indulgent cocktail with a perfect blend of vodka and coffee liqueur, ensure to use good quality espresso as the base for this deliciously bitter but rich drink.
Ingredients
- 45 ml vodka
- 30 ml coffee liqueur
- 30 ml freshly brewed espresso
- 15 ml simple syrup
- Coffee beans for garnish
- Ice cubes
Method
- Fill up a cocktail shaker with ice cubes and add the vodka, coffee liqueur, freshly brewed espresso and simple syrup.
- Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with coffee beans and serve immediately.
