Garden parties are guaranteed to create memorable moments. Whether you’re planning to pre-mix some easy cocktails to delight your guests, or stock your cupboard in preparation for those ad hoc requests, let us inspire your serves with our list of delicious cocktail recipes.
Verano
When you think of garden parties, you naturally think of summer, and all of the bright, vivid colour and warmth that comes with it. Verano, inspired by the vibrant fruit of Spain, is a fruity addition to any gin cocktail that’s easy to mix up and share.
Gin has been in for a while now, and the popularity of gin cocktails is showing no sign of waning. From the sharp citrus tang of Verano Lemon to the exotic punch of Verano Passion Fruit, and the subtle sweetness of Verano Watermelon – there’s a lot to like with Verano.
Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice
Delightfully floral but definitively Hendrick’s. Midsummer Solstice is a small batch, flirtatiously floral incarnation of Hendrick’s gin. The defining Hendrick’s crisp cucumber with a whisper of rose petals is unmistakable here, topped with hints of orange blossom, zesty juniper and subtle spice.
This especially unique limited-edition gin is perfect for garden parties. Sipping on long summer days and warm drawn out evenings. It’s a delightful antidote to an ordinary gin cocktail and with it’s secretive selection of floral essences, Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice is a great addition to your spirits cabinet.
Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum
When you talk about a crowd-pleasing cocktail or spirit, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum is about as versatile as spirits get. Bold on its own, and smooth enough to blend perfectly into any rum cocktail, it’s a sure-fire hit.
Created in honour of and named after the iconic tattoo artist Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum is the product of extensive research into historic maritime rums. The same all-natural spices and flavours are used today as they were then, giving it a rich, smooth taste with top notes of vanilla and cinnamon.
Monkey Shoulder
A perfect whisky ‘made for mixing’, Monkey Shoulder opens up a world of possibilities for garden party hosts looking to broaden their guests’ horizons, offering them whisky cocktails as readily as rum or gin cocktails.
Monkey Shoulder blends different Speyside single malts together, giving it a crowd-pleasing balance of richness and vibrancy. Its fruity aroma and mellow vanilla notes make it perfect for pairing with cola, ginger ale or tonic.
Reyka
Reyka is not only made in Iceland, but made of it too. It all starts with water from a glacial spring that runs through a 4,000-year-old lava field, before reaching one of the few remaining Carter-Head stills in the world, where it is then filtered through lava rock once again.
Reyka’s unique distillation journey creates a crisp, clean taste. Reyka vodka is particularly powerful when enjoyed neat, and smooth enough to be used in any vodka cocktails you plan on serving.
Milagro
Made with 100% blue agave, Milagro is the perfect choice to introduce guests to everything that tequila has to offer. It was made to marry the integrity of traditional tequila with the vibrant, creative vibrant culture of Mexico City.
Milagro Silver is their first, classic distillation, an 100% blue agave tequila that is crisp, fresh, and like many of our other recommendations so far, class leading in its smoothness.
Drambuie whisky liqueur
The product of a secret recipe created for Bonnie Prince Charlie in the 18th century, Drambuie’s name, translated from Scots Gaelic, means “the drink that satisfies”. Drambuie is a blend of aged Scotch whisky, spices, herbs and heather honey that you can enjoy straight, on the rocks or in cocktails like the Rusty Nail, Espresso Martini or Tom Collins.
Drambuie is a liqueur that begs you to experiment with it, and its herbal aromas and golden tones couldn’t be a better fit for your garden party, so why not try it for yourself?
With these seven premium spirits you have all bases covered to cater for all guests. And with a few easy cocktail recipes up your sleeve. See our Garden Party page or our “Crowdpleasing Cocktails for Your Garden Party” article, you are sure to impress.
Make your garden party one to remember. Good luck to your friends trying to raise the bar when it’s their turn. Have fun!