It’s been a difficult year and a half. We—and yes, I believe we as a group—need a drink now. Ideally, beside a pool or other body of water. Alternatively, you may sit on some grass. Even the foetal posture on your verandah can suffice.

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While a glass of rosé or a summer ale is lovely, there are moments when you need something stronger. And the party cocktail is here to quench that thirst: it’s crisp, invigorating, and it’s created with hard alcohol.

In these changing circumstances, we’ve had to adapt to a lot of the changes that come with our usual holidays, but one thing that shouldn’t have to evolve is our passion for a great cocktail.

And what better way to turn a boring Saturday night into a celebration than by trying some of the drinks on this list?

What should be your party cocktail of choice, you ask?

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Keep reading for some classic cocktails and some new recipes that will quickly become your favourites.

White Winter Cosmopolitan

In a cocktail shaker, combine 30 mL white cranberry juice, 15 mL lime juice, and 15 mL Cointreau. Ice should fill 3/4 of the shaker. Shake for about 12 seconds, or until cooled. Strain into a cocktail glass and serve with a slice of lime as a garnish.

Amber Punch

2 cups sugar, 2 cups water, 1 cup lemon juice, and 2 cups peeled, smashed cucumbers make a “punch mix.” In a large glass, combine 88 mL punch mix, 45 mL lemon juice, and 45 mL gin for each cocktail. Pour in the crushed ice, top with club soda, and garnish with a cucumber slice.

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Champagne Daiquiri

Make a Champagne syrup first. Combine 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 cup of flat, dry Champagne (any brand). Heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has fully dissolved.

Allow to cool before storing in the refrigerator when not in use. Combine 60 ml white rum, 22 ml fresh lime juice, and 22 ml Champagne syrup in a mixer with ice for each cocktail. Strain into a flute and serve with a lime pear as a garnish.

Sex On the Beach

15 mL Vodka, 15 mL Peach Schnapps, 2/3 cup orange juice, and 14 mL cranberry juice combined in a cocktail shaker.  Serve garnished with an orange slice.

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Aperol Spritz

In a glass, pour 88 ml of Prosecco or other sparkling wine. 30 ml Aperol, a dash of soda water, and sparkling water or club soda are mixed together. Serve with an orange garnish and some ice.