Simple to serve, unforgettable to sip.
A well-crafted cocktail sets the tone the moment your guests walk in. It’s the first gesture of hospitality—a sip that says, you’re welcome here, relax, stay awhile. Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner or a celebratory soirée, having a signature drink adds an elegant, personal touch to the experience.
Here are five cocktails we love for their balance, beauty, and ease—each one refined, approachable, and designed to elevate your next gathering at home.
1. The FOYF French 75 (with a twist)
Light, bright, celebratory
1 oz gin
½ oz fresh lemon juice
½ oz elderflower liqueur (instead of simple syrup)
Top with Champagne or dry sparkling wine
Shake the gin, lemon juice, and elderflower liqueur with ice, then strain into a coupe or flute. Top with bubbles and garnish with a twist of lemon or edible flowers.
2. Rosemary Paloma
Earthy, citrusy, subtly herbaceous
2 oz tequila blanco
2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
½ oz lime juice
½ oz rosemary simple syrup
Sparkling water to top
Serve over ice in a lowball glass with a salted rim and a sprig of fresh rosemary.
3. Black Fig Old Fashioned
Moody, rich, and perfect for cozy evenings
2 oz bourbon
½ oz fig syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange peel to garnish
Stir ingredients with ice until chilled, then strain into a rocks glass over one large cube. Express the orange peel over the glass and drop it in.
4. Lavender Bee’s Knees
Floral, elegant, and effortlessly chic
2 oz gin
¾ oz fresh lemon juice
¾ oz lavender honey syrup
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a sprig of lavender or lemon twist. Light, floral, and a crowd-pleaser.
5. Cucumber Mint Spritz (Low ABV or Zero-Proof Option)
Refreshing, sophisticated, and inclusive
2 oz cucumber juice
½ oz lime juice
¼ oz agave
Sparkling water, alcohol-free spirit, or Prosecco
Fresh mint
Serve in a tall glass over crushed ice, garnished with mint and cucumber ribbon. Add vodka or gin if you want to offer a spiked version.
Hosting Tip
Pre-batch 1–2 cocktails in advance and serve them in elegant decanters or pitchers. Offer a signature cocktail alongside still/sparkling water and a crisp white wine. Effortless and elevated.
