High Concepts, Easy Preparations: Five Cocktails You Can Make Right Now
Sometimes it can feel like cocktail recipes require degree in chemistry and mathematics. For when you’re craving something simple yet lavish, here are five cocktails that fit the bill.
Chambord Royale
Chambord Royale. Image: Getty.
Serve this at a party with a dress code involving velvet or sequins. When the playlist is heavy on French disco, and everyone pretends they didn’t plan their outfit, the vibe of this drink is also somehow the opening scene of a heist movie—stylish and mysterious.
Ingredients:
4 oz Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut Champagne (750mL from $68.00 at ReserveBar)
.5 oz Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur (750mL from $40.00 at ReserveBar)
Raspberries (for garnish)
Method:
Combine prosecco and Chambord in a coupe glass.
Garnish with a raspberry.
“Sands of Time” Old Fashioned
Inspired by Prince of Persia: Sands of Time, the “Sands of Time” Old Fashioned is perfect for when you need to indulge in a little Hollywood edge and an unexpected take on a famously classic cocktail. With BACARDÍ’s Sevillian Orange Cask Finish lending its zesty elegance as a rum, this cocktail balances citrus sophistication with a touch of cinematic flair.
Ingredients:
2 oz BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho Sevillian Orange Cask Finish (750mL from $40.00 at ReserveBar)
.25 oz honey syrup
2 dashes of Angostura Bitters
Orange slice (for garnish)
Method:
Combine all ingredients in a shaker.
Add ice and stir for 10-15 seconds.
Pour over a large cube.
Garnish with an orange slice.
Cointreau Cold Brew
Cointreau Cold Brew. Image: Cointreau.
With the rich warmth of Mocha Mousse—Pantone’s Color of the Year—this cocktail blends velvety coconut milk, bold cold brew, and Cointreau’s signature orange twist. Serve it at a minimalist brunch, a coffee-infused cocktail hour, or enjoy as a moody after-dinner sip in a grand library.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Cointreau (750mL from $48.00 at ReserveBar)
2 oz Cold Brew Coffee
1 oz Coconut Milk
Espresso beans
Method:
Combine all ingredients into a shaker with ice.
Shake then strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
Garnish with espresso beans.
Apple Cider Whiskey Smash
Apple Cider Whiskey Smash. Image: Kale Junkie.
Do you consider autumn a personality trait? Do you know your way around a well-layered outfit? With Teeling Whiskey bringing its smooth, warming charm to fresh apple cider, this cocktail is an ideal sip for fireside gatherings, sweater-weather, or the playlist is heavy on acoustic covers.
Ingredients:
1 oz Teeling Small Batch Whiskey (750mL from $42.00 at ReserveBar)
4 oz apple cider
1/2 oz lemon juice
Method:
Combine all ingredients into a shaker with ice.
Shake until thoroughly chilled.
Pour over ice.
Cipriani’s Classic Bellini
Bellinis. Image: For The Love of Mary.
Hardly obscure but often overlooked, there is no need to overcomplicate this iconic toast, famously served at Harry’s Bar since 1948. Perfect for a balmy holiday in Palm Beach or a midafternoon refreshment any time of year, the Bellini’s sophistication is unmistakable.
Ingredients:
4 oz Martini & Rossi Prosecco (750mL from $21.00 at ReserveBar)
2 oz White Peach Purée
Method:
Make the peach puree. Puree peaches in a blender until smooth.
Pour peach puree into a coupe or flute.
Top with Prosecco.
Stir gently to combine.
Shortcut to the Perfect Bellini
Whether fresh peaches are out of season or you’re short on Prosecco, the originator of the Bellini has bottled its iconic cocktail with Bellini Cipriani, a fully prepared cocktail in a delightful 200mL serving.
