You might be making cocktails at home a little more these days. And you might be realizing that pouring flat diet soda over the top of the off-brand vodka you found at the back of a cabinet doesn’t actually count as “making a cocktail.” If you’re not sure where to start, try a cocktail kit from the Bacardi family of brands. They have everything you need to make a cocktail for two or eight people, and none of them involve flat soda.
Bacardi Rum Banana Daiquiri
If you’re looking for something refreshing, a daiquiri is a very good place to start. This Bacardi twist on the classic adds in banana and will make you feel like you’re sitting underneath a palm tree (even if you’re not).
Perfect For: Pretending You’re On A Beach Vacation
Grey Goose French Passion
Figuring out your signature shaking technique is an important part of bartending, and this tropical, summery cocktail is a good place to start. Put all the ingredients that come in the kit - passionfruit, lime juice, cinnamon syrup, and vodka - into a shaker, shake elaborately, and you’re ready to drink.
Perfect For: Sunday Afternoon Cocktail Hour
Patron Tequila Watermelon Basil Margarita
We’re willing to bet you’ve had a few margaritas in your life. If you’re looking to change things up from the regular old lime and tequila, try this watermelon basil version.
Perfect For: At-Home Date Night
Bombay English Garden Gimlet
A very good way to impress friends on your next Zoom Happy Hour is to tell them you’re drinking a basil and lavender-infused gimlet. All you need is a garden (or an English garden Zoom background) to drink it in.
Perfect For: Virtual Drinks
Dewar's Scotch Emporium Highball
We’ve already established that soda + alcohol does not equal cocktail. Dewar’s + club soda + earl grey syrup, however, equals an Emporium Highball - so a cocktail, but with about the same amount of effort.
Perfect For: A Drink While Watching A Vintage Cricket Match
Tequila Cazadores the Huntsman
An excellent end of the night drink, The Huntsman combines the smoke and spice of ancho chili with vanilla agave syrup, and citrus-y Cazadores Reposado.
Perfect For: Drinks In The Dark While You Watch A Horror Movie