Like our food, Meet & Eat takes drinks seriously, and that’s why we love to present our guests with a stocked cocktail menu to pair with your meal. But what do you do when you want to make something delicious for a night in? We’ve got you covered with a list of some of the essential cocktail ingredients. Even better, you probably already have a few of these lying around.
Spirits
We know it’s obvious, but spirits (or their non-alcoholic alternatives) are key to any good cocktail. What you choose as your base is completely up to you, however, you should be aware that not all add-in ingredients pair well with every base, so choose wisely! The most common choices are vodka, tequila, gin, whiskey, and rum. Don’t feel pressured to stock up on all of these, rather, pick your favorite and stick with it!
Mixers
Mixers are what makes a cocktail a cocktail! Rather than being straight-up alcohol like a glass of wine, you mix a spirit with a non-alcoholic liquid to create something new. This can be literally anything, from fruit juice and carbonated waters to more savory sauces and the brines from things like pickles. This is where you get to get as creative as you want, or follow a traditional recipe for a foolproof drink.
Add-ins and Garnishes
While not required, many people like to add a splash of something sour or acidic to help balance out any sweetness or bitterness from your spirits and mixers. Think a dash of lime or an orange slice.
A great alternative for citrus is the tart or tangy flavor of berries, or even the herbaceous taste of flowers or herbs like rosemary. While garnishes and add-ins help level out the taste of your cocktail, they can also be a way to up the aesthetics of the drink! Think décor and theme your drink however you like!
No matter what your skill level is when it comes to making cocktails, there really is no wrong answer. Simply use a combo of these ingredients to make one of your favorite restaurant classics, or blend together what sounds good for something completely new! If all else fails, you can stop by Meet & Eat for one of our house-made drinks and enjoy it with a delicious meal.