My 5 favorite, easy to make Quarantine Cocktails!
While practicing social distancing, I’ve been missing going out for a really great cocktail. Since I’ve also got some extra time on my hands, I’ve been learning how to make some of my favorite cocktails right at home.
If you’re gathering for a virtual happy hour or just relaxing after a long day at the “office,” these cocktails can be a little sweet escape to when things were “normal.”
Please enjoy responsibly! Cheers!
Mojito
A refreshing cocktail, perfect for enjoying the warm weather outdoors. I’m not a big fan of rum after a childhood encounter with it be poured on my fried ice cream to then be flambéed (gross!). But, white rum in a cocktail is delicious.
Ingredients:
- 5 mint leaves
- Half of a fresh lime, cut into quarters
- 2 oz. of white rum
- 1/2 oz. simple syrup
- 4 oz. Club Soda
In a glass, combine the mint sprigs and lime quarters. Using a muddler or anything that will help you muddle the ingredients, vigorous mash everything together to release the juice and flavors. Next, add the simple syrup and white rum. Finish it off with the club soda. Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of mint. Enjoy!
Bloody Mary
Usually a breakfast/brunch cocktail, this drink has more nutritious value than many others. While you can certainly created the Bloody Mary mix on your own, there is a really delicious and easier option, which is buying the “Tres Agave Bloody Mary Mix.” It’s available at most liquor stores or wherever alcohol is sold near you.
Ingredients:
- 4 oz. Tres Agave Bloody Mary Mix
- 2 oz. vodka
- Squeeze of lemon
- Dash of cracked black pepper
- 1 pickle spear (garnish)
Combine all the ingredients together and stir. Pour over glass with lots of ice. You’ve got lots of garnish options here: pickle spear, celery stick, lemon wedge, etc.
Blood Orange Margarita
Whether you are celebrating Cinco de Mayo or just relaxing after work, this drink is always refreshing. You can serve this straight or blended with ice, salted rim or no salt at all, whatever you prefer. For a little twist on the classic, I use blood orange liqueur.
Ingredients:
- 3 oz. Tequila
- 1 tsp. Blood Orange Liqueur
- 2 oz. fresh lime juice
- 1 oz. simple syrup (half water and half sugar)
- Kosher salt for the rim
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add all ingredients minus the salt. Shake vigorously. Take a lime wedge, cut a slot to rim the glass with the juice, dip in kosher salt plate to create salted rim. Pour shaker mixture into the glass and enjoy!
Moscow Mule
One of the first cocktails I learned how to make. I’m a big fan of Ginger Beer, so I’ve included my favorite company below. But, if you have something else you prefer, go with that.
Ingredients:
- 6 oz. Crabbie’s Ginger Beer
- 2 oz. vodka
- 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice
In a cup filled with ice, pour in the vodka and lime juice. Top it off with the ginger beer. Add a lime wheel.
A copper mug is optional!
French 75
I love a great champagne cocktail and the French 75 is probably my favorite. It has a delightful fresh citrus and juniper taste, with lots of bubbles. While here it is served in a martini glass, you can also serve this in a champagne flute.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz. simple syrup
- 2 oz. gin
- Champagne
In a cocktail shaker with lots of ice, combine the fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and gin. Shake vigorously and then pour into glass. Top off with champagne. Enjoy with a lemon peel on the rim.
Cheers!
Whether enjoying by yourself, over a virtual happy hour, or with your quarantine buddies, be sure to drink in moderation. It can be easy to rely on alcohol when you become bored and just want something to do. In times when your health and the health of others are at stake, please keep in mind that drinking too much or too often will lower your immunity levels. Just a “sobering” reminder of how our actions impact others and can mitigate the disaster that is happening around us.
Cheers to discovering that your favorite cocktail is even better tasting when you make it!
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