50 Drinks To Make That Will Impress Your Guests

When it comes to entertaining, the right drink can elevate your gathering from mundane to memorable. Whether it’s a cozy dinner, a festive holiday party, or a summer barbecue, serving impressive drinks can set the tone and leave a lasting impression on your guests. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 50 delicious and innovative drinks you can easily make at home to dazzle your friends and family. From cocktails to mocktails and everything in between, you’ll find a plethora of beverage ideas that cater to all tastes and occasions.

1. Classic Martini

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin or vodka
• 1/2 oz dry vermouth
• Lemon twist or olive for garnish

How to Make:

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add gin (or vodka) and dry vermouth.
3. Stir well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist or an olive.

The classic martini is the epitome of sophistication and will certainly impress your guests with its timeless charm.

2. Mojito

Ingredients:

• 10 fresh mint leaves
• 1 oz lime juice
• 2 oz white rum
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• Club soda
• Lime wedges and mint sprig for garnish

How to Make:

1. In a glass, muddle the mint leaves with sugar and lime juice.
2. Fill the glass with ice.
3. Pour in the rum and top with club soda.
4. Stir gently and garnish with lime wedges and a mint sprig.

A mojito is a refreshing drink that packs a flavorful punch and brightens up any occasion.

3. Pina Colada

Ingredients:

• 2 oz white rum
• 1 oz coconut cream
• 1 oz heavy cream
• 6 oz fresh pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup crushed ice
• Pineapple wedge and cherry for garnish

How to Make:

1. Combine rum, coconut cream, heavy cream, pineapple juice, and crushed ice in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour into a chilled glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge and a cherry.

Transport your guests to a tropical paradise with this creamy and sweet cocktail.

4. Espresso Martini

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 1 oz espresso
• Coffee beans for garnish

How to Make:

1. Brew a shot of espresso and allow it to cool.
2. In a shaker, combine vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso with ice.
3. Shake vigorously and strain into a martini glass.
4. Garnish with a few coffee beans.

Ideal for coffee lovers, this cocktail marries the flavors of caffeine and alcohol perfectly.

5. Wine Spritzer

Ingredients:

• 3 oz white wine (or rosé)
• 3 oz club soda
• Fresh fruit (citrus slices, berries) for garnish

How to Make:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour in the white wine and top with club soda.
3. Garnish with fresh fruit slices.

A wine spritzer is a light and refreshing choice, perfect for warm afternoons.

6. Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1 sugar cube
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel for garnish

How to Make:

1. In an Old Fashioned glass, muddle the sugar cube and bitters with a splash of water.
2. Fill the glass with large ice cubes and add the whiskey.
3. Stir gently and garnish with an orange peel.

This classic cocktail is a true testament to the beauty of simplicity and tradition.

7. Gin and Tonic

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin
• 4 oz tonic water
• Lime wedge for garnish

How to Make:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Add gin and top with tonic water.
3. Squeeze a lime wedge over the drink and drop it in.

The refreshing combination of gin and tonic is a perennial favorite that never goes out of style.

8. Bellini

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Prosecco
• 1 oz peach purée

How to Make:

1. In a chilled flute, pour the peach purée.
2. Slowly add Prosecco.
3. Gently stir to combine.

This fruity and bubbly drink is perfect for brunch gatherings or special celebrations.

9. French 75

Ingredients:

• 1 oz gin
• 1/2 oz lemon juice
• 2 oz champagne
• Lemon twist for garnish

How to Make:

1. Shake gin and lemon juice with ice and strain into a flute.
2. Top with champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.

The French 75 is a sparkling cocktail that adds a touch of elegance to any occasion.

10. Mimosas

Ingredients:

• 1 part orange juice
• 2 parts champagne

How to Make:

1. In a chilled flute, pour the orange juice.
2. Top with champagne and stir lightly.

Mimosas are simple, yet they add a festive flair to your brunch or morning celebrations.

11. Margarita

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1 oz triple sec
• Salt for rimming the glass
• Lime wedge for garnish

How to Make:

1. Rim a glass with salt and fill it with ice.
2. Shake tequila, lime juice, and triple sec with ice.
3. Strain into the prepared glass and garnish with a lime wedge.

A margarita is a vibrant and tasty cocktail that’s always a hit at parties.

12. Moscow Mule

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz lime juice
• 4 oz ginger beer
• Lime wedge for garnish

How to Make:

1. In a copper mug, combine vodka and lime juice.
2. Fill with ice and top with ginger beer.
3. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.

Moscow Mules offer a spicy kick and a refreshing finish that will keep your guests coming back for more.

13. Paloma

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz lime juice
• 4 oz grapefruit soda
• Lime wedge for garnish

How to Make:

1. In a glass, combine tequila and lime juice.
2. Fill with ice and top with grapefruit soda.
3. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.

This delightful tequila-based cocktail provides a refreshing twist on traditional drinks.

14. Dark ‘n’ Stormy

Ingredients:

• 2 oz dark rum
• 3 oz ginger beer
• Lime wedge for garnish

How to Make:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Add ginger beer and top with dark rum.
3. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.

This drink brings together the bold flavor of dark rum with the spiciness of ginger beer for a unique experience.

15. Daiquiri

Ingredients:

• 2 oz white rum
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1 oz simple syrup

How to Make:

1. In a shaker, combine rum, lime juice, and simple syrup with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.

The classic daiquiri is a sweet and tangy cocktail that’s refreshing in any season.

16. Tequila Sunrise

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila
• 4 oz orange juice
• 1/2 oz grenadine

How to Make:

1. Fill a glass with ice and pour in tequila and orange juice.
2. Slowly add grenadine; it will sink and create a sunrise effect.
3. Garnish with an orange slice if desired.

The beautiful gradient of this drink makes it visually stunning and perfect for any morning gathering.

17. Blue Lagoon

Ingredients:

• 1 oz vodka
• 1 oz blue curaçao
• 4 oz lemonade

How to Make:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour in vodka and blue curaçao.
3. Top with lemonade and stir.

This vibrant blue cocktail is bound to be a conversation starter at your next party.

18. Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup lemon juice
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 cups water

How to Make:

1. Blend strawberries with a little water until smooth and strain to obtain juice.
2. In a pot, combine lemon juice, sugar, and water. Heat until sugar dissolves.
3. Mix in strawberry juice and basil leaves, serve over ice.

This refreshing non-alcoholic drink combines fruity and herbal flavors that everyone will enjoy.

19. Mint Julep

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• Fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Crushed ice

How to Make:

1. Muddle mint leaves and simple syrup in a glass.
2. Fill the glass with crushed ice and pour bourbon over.
3. Stir gently and garnish with a sprig of mint.

This Southern classic is perfect for warm-weather gatherings and adds a touch of nostalgia.

20. Coconut Water Mojito

Ingredients:

• 10 fresh mint leaves
• 1 oz lime juice
• 2 oz coconut water
• 2 oz white rum
• Club soda
• Lime wedges for garnish

How to Make:

1. Muddle mint leaves with lime juice and coconut water in a glass.
2. Fill with ice, add rum, and top with club soda.
3. Stir gently and garnish.

This twist on the classic mojito is refreshing and hydrating, perfect for sunny days.

21. Rum Punch

Ingredients:

• 2 oz dark rum
• 2 oz pineapple juice
• 2 oz orange juice
• 1 oz grenadine

How to Make:

1. In a shaker filled with ice, combine dark rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and grenadine.
2. Shake well and strain into a glass over ice.

Rum punch is a tropical favourite that will transport your guests to an island paradise.

22. Cherry Limeade

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 cups water

How to Make:

1. Blend cherries with a little water until smooth and strain to obtain juice.
2. In a pot, mix lime juice, sugar, and water. Heat until sugar dissolves.
3. Stir in cherry juice and serve over ice.

Refreshing and colorful, cherry limeade is a fun, non-alcoholic option for gatherings.

23. Chocolate Martini

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz chocolate liqueur
• 1 oz cream
• Chocolate shavings for garnish

How to Make:

1. In a shaker with ice, combine vodka, chocolate liqueur, and cream.
2. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
3. Garnish with chocolate shavings.

Indulgent and rich, this dessert-inspired cocktail will delight your sweet-toothed guests.

24. Lavender Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp dried lavender
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice
• 4 cups cold water

How to Make:

1. In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and lavender. Heat until sugar dissolves.
2. Steep for 15 minutes, then strain and cool.
3. Combine lavender syrup with lemon juice and cold water. Serve over ice.

This aromatic drink is both refreshing and elevates the traditional lemonade experience.

25. Grapefruit and Rosemary Fizz

Ingredients:

• 2 oz grapefruit juice
• 1 oz vodka
• 1 oz rosemary syrup (rosemary infused simple syrup)
• Club soda
• Rosemary sprig for garnish

How to Make:

1. In a glass, combine grapefruit juice, vodka, and rosemary syrup with ice.
2. Top with club soda and stir gently.
3. Garnish with a rosemary sprig.

This sophisticated drink adds complexity with the infusion of rosemary, making it a unique choice.

26. Raspberry Lemon Spritzer

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 2 oz lemon juice
• 2 cups sparkling water
• Mint leaves for garnish

How to Make:

1. Muddle raspberries with lemon juice at the bottom of a pitcher.
2. Add sparkling water and stir gently.
3. Serve over ice and garnish with mint leaves.

Fresh and fruity, this drink is perfect for summer gatherings and can be made in large batches.

27. Watermelon Cooler

Ingredients:

• 2 cups watermelon juice (blended watermelon)
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• Mint leaves for garnish

How to Make:

1. Blend seedless watermelon until smooth and strain for juice.
2. Mix watermelon juice with lime juice and simple syrup.
3. Serve over ice, garnished with mint leaves.

This refreshing drink is a hydrating addition to your summer parties.

28. Apple Cider Mule

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 4 oz apple cider
• 1 oz lime juice
• Ginger beer
• Apple slices and cinnamon stick for garnish

How to Make:

1. In a glass, combine vodka, apple cider, and lime juice with ice.
2. Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
3. Garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick.

Perfect for fall gatherings, the apple cider mule carries the flavors of the season beautifully.

29. Spiced Pear Cocktail

Ingredients:

• 2 oz pear vodka
• 1 oz ginger liqueur
• 1 oz lemon juice
• Pear slices for garnish

How to Make:

1. In a shaker with ice, combine pear vodka, ginger liqueur, and lemon juice.
2. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.
3. Garnish with pear slices.

Deliciously fruity and spicy, this cocktail is a perfect fall or winter option.

30. Cucumber Gin Fizz

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz cucumber juice (pureed cucumber)
• 1 oz lime juice
• Simple syrup (to taste)
• Club soda

How to Make:

1. Combine gin, cucumber juice, lime juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
3. Top with club soda and stir gently.

This light, refreshing cocktail is a perfect summer sip that will delight your guests.

31. Blackberry Bramble

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 1 oz blackberry liqueur
• Fresh blackberries for garnish

How to Make:

1. In a shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice. Shake and strain into a glass over crushed ice.
2. Drizzle blackberry liqueur over the top and garnish with fresh blackberries.

A visually stunning and fruity cocktail that encapsulates the essence of summer in every drop.

32. Chocolate Orange Martini

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz chocolate liqueur
• 1 oz orange liqueur
• Orange twist for garnish

How to Make:

1. Combine vodka, chocolate liqueur, and orange liqueur in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
3. Garnish with an orange twist.

With the rich flavors of chocolate paired with the brightness of orange, this cocktail is a sumptuous treat.

33. Grapefruit Mimosa

Ingredients:

• 1 part grapefruit juice
• 2 parts champagne

How to Make:

1. In a chilled flute, pour in the grapefruit juice.
2. Top with champagne and stir gently.

A refreshing twist on the classic mimosa, perfect for brunch or festive occasions.

34. Pineapple Ginger Smash

Ingredients:

• 2 oz pineapple juice
• 1 oz ginger syrup
• 1 oz vodka
• Fresh mint for garnish

How to Make:

1. In a glass, combine pineapple juice, ginger syrup, and vodka with ice.
2. Stir gently and garnish with fresh mint.

This cocktail is both tropical and spicy, offering an exotic flair to your beverage offerings.

35. Peach Iced Tea

Ingredients:

• 2 oz peach puree
• 6 oz iced tea
• Lemon wedge for garnish

How to Make:

1. In a glass, combine peach puree and iced tea.
2. Stir well and serve over ice.
3. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Combining the sweetness of peaches with refreshing iced tea makes for a delightful summer drink.

36. Cinnamon Spiced Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• Whipped cream for topping

How to Make:

1. In a saucepan, whisk together cocoa powder, sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Gradually add milk and heat until warm.
3. Serve in mugs, topped with whipped cream.

Indulgent and comforting, this hot chocolate is a perfect treat for cozy gatherings.

37. Blood Orange Margarita

Ingredients:

• 2 oz blood orange juice
• 1 oz lime juice
• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz agave syrup

How to Make:

1. In a shaker, combine blood orange juice, lime juice, tequila, and agave syrup with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.

This vibrant, citrusy cocktail adds a twist to the classic margarita experience.

38. Sour Cherry Collins

Ingredients:

• 2 oz sour cherry juice
• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz lemon juice
• Club soda
• Lemon wedge for garnish

How to Make:

1. In a glass, combine sour cherry juice, gin, and lemon juice with ice.
2. Top with club soda and stir gently.
3. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

This cocktail is refreshing and fruity, making it a perfect choice for gatherings.

39. Vanilla Almond Milkshake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups vanilla ice cream
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Whipped cream for topping

How to Make:

1. In a blender, combine vanilla ice cream, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Serve in glasses topped with whipped cream.

This milkshake provides a comforting and rich flavor that’s sure to please guests of all ages.

40. Strawberry Aguas Frescas

Ingredients:

• 1 cup strawberries, hulled
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 4 cups water

How to Make:

1. Blend strawberries with 1 cup of water until smooth.
2. Strain the mixture into a pitcher and stir in sugar, mixing until dissolved.
3. Add remaining water and serve over ice.

This non-alcoholic drink is both vibrant and fruity, perfect for a refreshing thirst-quencher.

41. Cantaloupe Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 2 cups ripe cantaloupe, cubed
• 1 banana
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cup ice

How to Make:

1. In a blender, combine cantaloupe, banana, yogurt, and ice.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.

A nutritious and refreshing option that is perfect for summer gatherings.

42. Pineapple Coconut Agua Fresca

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup coconut water

How to Make:

1. Blend pineapple with sugar and 2 cups of water until smooth.
2. Strain into a pitcher and mix in coconut water and remaining water.
3. Serve over ice for a tropical refreshment.

This tropical drink is sweet, refreshing, and perfect for sunny days.

43. Maple Bourbon Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz maple syrup
• Lemon slice for garnish

How to Make:

1. In a shaker with ice, combine bourbon, lemon juice, and maple syrup.
2. Shake well and strain into a glass with ice.

The sweetness of maple syrup mellows the bourbon’s bite, creating an inviting and unique cocktail.

44. Hot Buttered Rum

Ingredients:

• 2 oz dark rum
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• Hot water or apple cider

How to Make:

1. In a mug, combine butter, brown sugar, and dark rum.
2. Fill with hot water or hot apple cider and stir until combined.

This cozy drink is perfect for chilly nights and festive gatherings.

45. Lemon Basil Martini

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Fresh basil for garnish

How to Make:

1. In a shaker with ice, combine vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
2. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.
3. Garnish with fresh basil.

This light and zesty martini is refreshing and sophisticated.

46. Pumpkin Spice Latte

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup brewed coffee
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 tbsp sugar
• Pumpkin pie spice

How to Make:

1. In a saucepan, heat milk, pumpkin puree, and sugar until steaming.
2. Whisk to combine and pour over brewed coffee.
3. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle pumpkin pie spice.

A cozy fall treat that makes for an excellent festive drink.

47. Thai Iced Tea

Ingredients:

• 2 cups brewed Thai tea
• 1 cup half-and-half or sweetened condensed milk
• Sugar (to taste)
• Ice

How to Make:

1. Brew Thai tea and let cool.
2. Serve over ice and pour milk or half-and-half on top, sweetening to taste.

This sweet and creamy drink is a delightful addition to any meal or gathering.

48. Grapefruit Rosemary Spritzer

Ingredients:

• 4 oz grapefruit juice
• 1 oz rosemary syrup
• Club soda
• Rosemary sprig and grapefruit slice for garnish

How to Make:

1. In a glass filled with ice, combine grapefruit juice and rosemary syrup.
2. Top with club soda and stir gently.
3. Garnish with rosemary and grapefruit.

The fragrant rosemary pairs beautifully with the tart grapefruit, offering a unique beverage experience.

49. Chai Spiced Horchata

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• Ground cinnamon

How to Make:

1. Soak rice in water for 4 hours, then blend with fresh water until smooth.
2. Strain the mixture and combine with milk, sugar, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
3. Serve over ice.

This creamy and aromatic beverage intertwines cultures beautifully and is refreshing on warm days.

50. Cucumber Lime Sparkler

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 oz lime juice
• 4 oz sparkling water
• Mint for garnish

How to Make:

1. In a tall glass, muddle cucumber slices with lime juice.
2. Fill with ice and top with sparkling water.
3. Garnish with mint.

Light and refreshing, this mocktail is perfect for any occasion!

Conclusion

Creating impressive drinks for your guests doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With this list of 50 fantastic drink recipes, you’re fully equipped to please a variety of palates and add a touch of creativity and flair to your gatherings. From classic cocktails to invigorating mocktails, each drink provides a unique flavor combination that is sure to spark conversation and elevate your hosting game. Don’t hesitate to experiment and adapt these recipes to match your style; after all, the best part of entertaining is sharing delicious moments with loved ones. Happy mixing!