World Cocktail Day is celebrated on the 13th of May every year. It was created in 2013 by the Museum of the American Cocktail to commemorate the first publication of the definition of a cocktail in 1806. It was published in New York and was described as “a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water and bitters”. The day is held to raise awareness of the history and culture of cocktails and to encourage people to enjoy them responsibly. If you’re thinking of celebrating this World Cocktail Day, then you don’t need to look much further. We have compiled a list of delicious cocktails for you to try, that you can bring along to whatever you’re thinking of doing to celebrate, whether that be a cocktail party or a small gathering with friends!
First up, we have a cocktail that is sure to be a big hit this summer, the beloved and easy-to-make Aperol Spritz.
Ingredients
3 parts Prosecco (about 90ml)
2 parts Aperol (about 60ml)
1 part soda water (about 30ml)
Ice cubes
Orange slice, for garnish
Green olive, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes.
Pour in the Prosecco, followed by the Aperol.
Top it off with soda water.
Gently stir the mixture to combine the ingredients.
Garnish with a slice of orange, either by placing it on the rim of the glass or by dropping it into the drink.
Optionally, you can add a green olive as an additional garnish.
Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Aperol Spritz!
This cocktail is a quick and easy way to get you and your friends into the Summer spirit!
Next up, we have a gorgeous watermelon margarita to quench your thirst this Summer:
Ingredients
2 cups of fresh watermelon chunks
60ml freshly squeezed lime juice
60ml of tequila
30ml of triple sec or orange liqueur
1-2 tablespoons of agave syrup or simple syrup (adjust to taste)
Ice cubes
Lime wedges and watermelon slices for garnish
Salt or Tajin (optional) for rimming the glass
Instructions
Start by preparing your glasses. If desired, rim the glasses with salt or Tajin. To do this, rub a lime wedge around the rim of each glass, then dip the rim into a plate of salt or Tajin to coat evenly. Set aside.
In a blender, add the fresh watermelon chunks and lime juice. Blend until smooth.
Strain the watermelon juice through a sieve into a bowl to remove any pulp or seeds. You should have about 1 cup of watermelon juice.
In the same blender, add the strained watermelon juice, tequila, triple sec, and agave syrup or simple syrup. Add a handful of ice cubes.
Blend everything until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more agave syrup if needed.
Fill the prepared glasses with ice cubes. Pour the watermelon margarita mixture into each glass.
Garnish each glass with a lime wedge and a small slice of watermelon on the rim, if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Watermelon Margarita!
If watermelon or tequila aren’t quite up to your taste, how about a delicious and tropical Mango Mojito:
Ingredients
60 ml white rum
30 ml freshly squeezed lime juice
2 teaspoons of sugar
6-8 fresh mint leaves
60 ml mango puree
Soda water
Ice cubes
Mango slices and mint sprigs for garnish
Instructions
In a cocktail shaker, muddle together the fresh mint leaves, lime juice, and sugar until the mint leaves are lightly crushed and the sugar has dissolved.
Fill the glass with ice cubes.
Pour in the white rum and mango puree.
Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Top up the glass with soda water, leaving some space at the top.
Give the cocktail a gentle stir to mix everything together.
Garnish the cocktail with mango slices and a sprig of fresh mint.
Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Mango Mojito!
If tropical cocktails are getting you in the summer mood, why not keep the theme going and make a sweet and creamy Piña Colada :
Ingredients
60 ml white rum
120 ml pineapple juice
60 ml coconut cream
30 ml coconut milk
15 ml freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tablespoon sugar
Pineapple slices and maraschino cherries for garnish
Ice cubes
Instructions
In a blender, combine the white rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, coconut milk, freshly squeezed lime juice, and sugar.
Add a handful of ice cubes to the blender.
Blend everything until smooth and creamy.
Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness if needed by adding more sugar.
Pour the Pina Colada mixture into glasses.
Garnish each glass with a pineapple slice and a maraschino cherry.
Serve immediately and enjoy your tropical Piña Colada !
Finally, we have a gorgeous cocktail that is perfect for those who prefer a cocktail not quite as sweet, how about a quick and easy Moscow Mule:
Ingredients
60 ml vodka
15 ml fresh lime juice
Ginger beer
Lime wedge, for garnish
Ice
Instructions
Fill a copper mug (or highball glass) with ice cubes.
Pour the vodka and lime juice over the ice.
Top off with ginger beer, leaving some room at the top for garnish.
Stir gently to combine.
Garnish with a lime wedge on the rim of the glass.
Optionally, you can stir the drink again before serving.
This World Cocktail Day offers an array of delicious drinks to choose from. Whether you prefer a refreshing mojito or a super sweet Piña Colada there is something for everyone. To celebrate, you could consider hosting a get together by creating a themed cocktail menu or asking each guest to bring their favourite cocktail recipe to share. You could also set up a DIY cocktail bar with various spirits, mixers, and garnishes, allowing everyone to customize their drinks to their liking. Alternatively, why not make up your own cocktails without using any alcohol? Whatever you end up doing, lets raise a toast to World Cocktail Day!