With Dry January turning to Drinking Relatively Responsibly February, we've teamed up with Michal Golecki, Head Mixologist at Studio Bar at K West Hotel & Spa to give you the low-down on making the very best cocktails in your gracious home. Or on a park bench or bus shelter, or whilst sprawled in a gutter; we don't judge.
- Your booze cupboard essentials
- The best vodka: 10 we recommend
- The best tequila: a spirit for every budget
- The finest gins
- …And the best whiskeys from Scotland and beyond
Tequila-based: Tequilita Sunrise
As Michal says, “The Tequilita Sunrise is easy to mix up at a moment's notice, beautiful to look at, and deliciously fruity”.
Ingredients
50ml Tequila; 50ml orange juice; 10ml Grenadine.
Method
Pour the tequila over ice in a tall glass and top with orange juice and add the grenadine Add more grenadine for a sweeter flavour. Garnish with a slice of orange or grapefruit.
Here's our roundup of the best tequila to buy.
Vodka based: Raspberry Caipiroska
"The Caipiroska cocktail is a Russian twist on the well-known Brazilian cocktail caipirinha," says K West's mister Golecki.
Ingredients
50ml Vodka; 4 lime wedges; 2 tablespoons sugar; crushed ice; 3 raspberries
Method
Muddle all of the ingredients together, and pour over ice into a rock glass or tumbler. Garnish with a couple of raspberries. If you like your cocktails on the sweeter side, you can always top up with lemonade.
Here's our roundup of the best vodka to buy.
Gin based: Elderflower G&T
Michal says: “This delicately coloured, refreshing take on the classic gin and tonic makes this the perfect beverage for spring."
Ingredients
50ml Gin; 25ml elderflower cordial, 15ml fresh-squeezed lime juice, tonic.
Method
Shake ingredients together with ice cubes and strain into a tall glass, top up with tonic. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Here's our roundup of the best gins to buy.
Rum-based: The Cuba Libre a Casa
“This cocktail is a great way to elevate a simple Rum and Coke!”
Ingredients
50ml dark rum; Coca-Cola; 1 lime
Method
Squeeze the lime into a highball glass over ice. Add the double shot of rum and then fill the glass with Coca-Cola. Stir and add a quarter of the lime.