So, you’re thinking about going BYO for your Big Day – we don’t just mean wedding; we’re talking 21st birthday party, 35th wedding anniversary, work Christmas party, Aunty Sheryl’s cat’s birthday… you get the idea. But now your scratching your head trying to work out what booze to buy for your next event and what you should be putting on the menu that will make your function shine.

We’re here to help; you already know that we love BYO, how to throw a good party and that our bar team are experienced cocktail making veterans. We’ve selected a few of our favourite cocktails to keep the drinks simple, tasty and sure to please even your cousin Joe, who used to work in a bar and believes that no-one makes a better fruit tingle than he does.

Firstly, round up the basics; beer, wine (white and red) and some bubbles. If you’re hosting an event in Spring or Summer or somewhere outdoors, consider putting an apple cider or a rosé on the menu too.

Now with the cocktails, we’ve kept it simple and tried to use similar base spirits in each of them to keep your costs down. We’ve gone one better and broken our recommendations down by season or venue location.

SUMMER LIST

These cocktails are perfect for any outdoor event, Spring soirée or warmer weather party:

1. Strawberry Rose Sparkler

At the top of our summer cocktail list is this fun and fresh cocktail sparkler that not only tastes like summer – but looks beautiful. Think champagne, rose sparkling and fresh strawberries and the result is simple, delicious, and ideal for entertaining.

2. Aperol Spritz

You’ll love sipping on this beautiful and refreshing Italian cocktail. Prosecco and Aperol are the two main ingredients and make you feel on a refreshing holiday. An Aperol Spritz is a light and refreshing Italian cocktail with the perfect balance of sweet and bitter (think orange peel and rhubarb).

3. Tom Collins

The classic cocktail is the master of cool and sophistication, and the perfect drink to have in hand for those hot summer days. Based on gin, this lemonade cooler cocktail is a crowd favourite with the young and more seasoned event guests. Looking to give this classic cocktail recipe a twist, fresh raspberries give this colour and taste pop.

4. Mint Julep

The Mint Julep is an iconic and refreshing bourbon cocktail traditionally served in a Highball glass. Crowd pleasure and best using a high quality bourbon.

5. Gin Sour

The Gin Sour is a classic cocktail consisting of gin, fresh lemon juice and a dash of simple syrup to bring out the flavours. The “sour” in the name is a reference to the lemon juice, but the simple syrup in this recipe balances out the flavor nicely to ensure that it still has the ideal amount of sweetness. Yes, gin Sours include an egg white, which is used in sour cocktails to produce a thicker, frothier drink. Yes please!

6. Cosmopolitan

A cosmopolitan, or more know as a cosmo, is a classic cocktail made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and freshly squeezed or sweetened lime juice. Instant hit with the guests.

7. Passionfruit Moscow Mule

As soon as we hear the word Moscow, we think sub-zero temps and vodka… You’ve got the vodka bit right, but this cocktail is a zesty summertime classic with a side bite of ginger.

8. Pink Gin Spritz

Enjoying a pink gin spritz at a wedding, garnished with fresh berries – there is nothing sweeter. Add a splash of lemonade and Prosecco to the tonic, and garnishes with seasonal fresh berries to help balance out the flavour profile.

9. Pineapple Lychee Martini

These are literally as juicy (and delicious) as they sound! Served in a Martini glass you’ll have all your guests introducing themselves by their surname.

10.     Moscow Mule

As soon as we hear the word Moscow, we think sub-zero temps and vodka… You’ve got the vodka bit right, but this cocktail is a zesty summertime classic with a side bite of ginger.

11. Jerry Loves Ginger

Think Moscow Mules, but swap in a spiced rum (we love Sailor Jerry). The original Sailor Jerry spiced rum is blended with the finest rums from the Caribbean & our recipe of natural spices.

12. Pimms Sundowner

Try a variation of the traditional Pimm’s cocktail. The Pimm’s Sundowner is a Pimm’s cocktail recipe served over ice for a refreshing drink to unwind after a long day.

13. Elderflower Fizz

Raise a toast with this zesty cocktail based on gin and sparkling prosecco. This summer refresher is a light and fragrant drink.

WINTER LIST

Try these five cocktails for an evening wedding, Autumn engagement party or Winter work event:

1.     Bramble

Even the name conjures up visions of a misty morning in the English countryside. This cocktail is the perfect answer for those who love anything fruity in the warmer months.

2.     Espresso Martini

Our list wouldn’t have any legitimacy if we didn’t include this tried and tested party favourite! The Espresso Martini is an instant crowd pleaser and combines two of our favourite things, coffee + spirits.

3.     Old Fashioned

This classic can be made on whiskey, bourbon or rum (we’d recommend the whiskey variety). It’s one of those drinks that oozes sophistication and knowledge of a good spirit – the key to this one is it’s all in the glassware.

4.     Manhattan

This is one of those “I know my drinks” drinks, again this drink can be made on whiskey or bourbon. So, if you’re looking to pair up your alcohols to keep the cost down for your BYO event we’d suggest popping both the Old Fashioned + Manhattan on the list.

5.     Amaretto Sour

Sweet and tart, the Amaretto Sour is one of our personal favourites – partly because the maraschino cherries instantly transport us to Christmas and mostly because they’re damn-well delicious!

Now that you’re in the know of what you need to do to impress your guests with your signature drink, pass the booze on over to us and let us help you turn the drink making into an experience your guests will be sure to rave about!