Happy Hour! Easy to make cocktails and mocktails

With social isolation and distancing in full swing, one thing we’re missing is going out and visiting our favourite bars with our friends and families. However, there is some good news. Most of our favourite cocktail recipes are really easy to make from home so you can create your very own ‘Happy Hour’ from the comfort of your couch.

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite recipes so you can whip up your own drinks at home.

Espresso Martini (alcoholic)

The humble espresso martini is a great go-to cocktail that is easy to make at home. All you need is one-part vodka, (or two parts if it’s been a long day) one-part Kahlua, one-part fresh coffee and ice. Add all your ingredients into a cocktail shaker, add ice and shake until frothy. Strain into a chilled martini glass (or any glass you have on hand). Garnish with a few coffee beans.

If you want to add a twist, try adding salted caramel syrup to make a Salted Caramel Espresso Martini.

Recipe: BWS

Lychee Mojito (non-alcoholic)

This mojito is a sweet alternative to the normal rum heavy mojito. Simply add 30ml of lycee syrup, 30ml lime 15ml of super syrup and 10 clapped mint leaves into a cocktail mixer filled with ice and shake well. Pour (don’t strain) the liquid into a tall glass and top with soda water. Garnish with some more lime and some lychees on a skewer.

Recipe: Huffington Post Australia

Aperol Spritz (non-alcoholic)

This is the perfect cocktail for a sunny Autumn afternoon. Simply pour 60ml of Aperol, 90ml of Prosecco and 30ml of soda water to a large chilled wine glass. Fill with ice and garnish with an orange wedge or two.

Recipe: Aperol.com

Margarita (alcoholic and non-alcoholic version)

The margarita is a timeless refreshing cocktail that is sure to add some zest to your at home happy hour. This cocktail can be served straight up, served with ice or blended. To create this cocktail, combine 50ml of tequila, 15ml of Cointreau, 30ml of lime juice and 15ml of sugar syrup to a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice and give it a shake. Prepare your glass by running a wedge of lime around the rim and dip into salt. Strain the liquid into your glass, garnish with some lime and enjoy.

For a kick, try a Spicy Margarita. Our favourite recipe is the Spicy Margarita via Cointreau.com

For a non-alcoholic margarita, leave out the tequila and Cointreau and up for lime juice (50ml) and add 30ml of lime cordial and 10ml of sugar syrup.

Recipe: Dan Murphy’s

Mojito (alcoholic and non-alcoholic version)

With splashed of soda water, white rum, lime, sugar syrup and mint, the mojito is the perfect warm weather cocktail and it is so easy to make at home.

Simply fill a tall glass with ice and add in 6-8 mint leaves (make sure you tear it in half and ‘clap’ it to release the flavour). Then add in the white rum, lime juice and sugar syrup. Top with soda water and give it a good mix.

For a non-alcoholic version, just exclude the white rum. You can add a dash of ginger beer for a sweet spin.

Recipe: Steve the Bartender

Negroni (alcoholic)

Originally created in Italy over 100 years ago, the bitter-sweet Negroni has become an essential on many cocktail lists. Given it is made with just three ingredients, the Negroni is super easy to make at home.

Add 30ml of gin, 30ml of Campari and 30ml of sweet vermouth to an ice filled glass (to replicate a bar version, use a large ice cube). Garnish with orange peel and enjoy.

Recipe: The Australian Bartender

Other cocktail inspiration

For some more cocktail inspiration, we’ve listed some of our favourite Instagram and YouTube accounts:

• Aussie Instagrammer Bondi Mumma and her husband Sammy have released a great IGTV series featuring a Cocktail A Day. Make sure you tune in for some great cocktails and a few laughs! • Adelaide man Steve Roennfeldt is the face behind the YouTube account Steve The Bartender. He serves up daily cocktail videos ranging from complex to easy three ingredient recipes. • The Australian Bartender have a huge assortment of great cocktail recipes on their website featuring all your favourite liquors. • Another great Instagrammer to follow is Nicky from Nicky and Nine Toes. She creates a whole range of great cocktails that can easily be made from home.

*Please follow all government regulations in regards to moderation and restrictions. Cocktails are for those 18 years or older.