The Host’s Cocktail Guide brings together mixologists’ recommendations for every kind of gathering. As the season of parties, celebrations and easy get-togethers arrives, your home bar deserves cocktails that are as memorable as the occasion. From refreshing sundowners and leisurely brunches to festive soirées and intimate dinners, these expert picks offer something for every mood. Discover cocktails that are easy to enjoy, full of character and designed to impress from familiar favourites with a twist to inventive creations that are sure to surprise your guests.
Pushpa is a sunglasses-up kind of cocktail. A nod to the southern blockbuster film, it brings together mango, ginger and curry leaf, making it refreshing and familiar, yet intriguingly exotic. Vodka-based with a sweet finish, it is an easy, refreshing choice for a leisurely daytime drink.
Bagan Bari, which literally translates to “garden house” and evokes the cool shade of trees on a hot summer day. Made with lychee, rose, lime and gin, it is fresh and fragrant, with enough acidity to pair beautifully with the bold flavours of Indian food.
Synthesis is fruity, tropical and playful, making it a great cocktail to begin a gathering with. It is bright, approachable and easy to enjoy — the kind of drink that sets the mood and gets the evening started on a lighter, sweeter note.
Ancestral, on the other hand, takes things in a completely different direction. It is savoury and umami-driven, with a more unexpected flavour profile and presentation. It is the kind of cocktail that becomes a conversation starter and works beautifully as the evening progresses.
Negroni, Manhattan or Martini - For an intimate dinner, I would recommend something elegant and spirit-forward, such as a Negroni, Manhattan or a well-made Martini. These drinks encourage slower sipping and work beautifully when the evening is centred around conversation.
Highballs, Spritzes - For a larger house party, Highballs, Spritzes and Collins-style drinks are ideal. They are refreshing, easy to drink and, most importantly, simple for the host to prepare consistently. A Gin & Tonic with a seasonal garnish, a Whisky Highball or a citrus-led Spritz works particularly well.
Bellinis, Mimosas or Palomas - For a brunch or afternoon gathering, I would keep the drinks lighter and fresher. Bellinis, Mimosas, Palomas or a light herb-and-citrus Spritz are great choices as they are refreshing without overwhelming the palate.
Clearly Misunderstood – Add some Tequila, Dondakaya, Rice Vinegar, Green Chilli and shake up this cocktail that is great for your cocktail party. This one is for guests who like their cocktails a little more unexpected. Tequila meets dondakaya, rice vinegar and green chilli in an adventurous combination, with dondakaya adding a subtle bitterness and distinctive character. Bold yet approachable, it makes for an intriguing conversation starter at any cocktail party.
Seriously Playful – This one is perfect for your Mehendi afternoon. Stir some Whiskey, Strawberry Shrub, Hojicha Soda, this one is best suited for relaxed afternoon gatherings. This one brings together dark amber and ruby tones that complement the rich greens, florals and jewel tones of a Mehendi beautifully. An intriguing botanical highball, it is refreshing and easy to sip, making it an ideal choice for a relaxed afternoon celebration.
Green Room - A refreshing cocktail made with gin, green apple, Gondhoraj lime, basil and soda. Perfect for a casual evening with friends or a relaxed dinner, it is fresh, crisp and easy to drink. The green apple lends a subtle fruity note, while Gondhoraj lime adds character and basil keeps the drink bright and refreshing.
After Hours - A late-night cocktail featuring whisky, cold brew coffee, vanilla, coconut and bitters. Ideal for an after-dinner drink or a relaxed late-night gathering, it is my take on an Old Fashioned. The cold brew adds bitterness and depth, while vanilla and coconut lend a smooth, rounded finish. Simple yet distinctive, it leaves a lingering aftertaste.
Ume Collins -A refreshing welcome drink made with Don Julio Blanco, mezcal, ume liqueur, citrus cordial, yuzu kosho and carbonation. Its tart-sweet plum notes, gentle smokiness and subtle heat make it both familiar and intriguing. Light, sparkling and citrus-led, it is easy to serve and keeps the conversation flowing through the evening.
Negroni – This is best suited for an Intimate dinner parties and small get-togethers. With a perfect blend of Palo Santo Bombay Sapphire, Orange Amaro Blend, Rosso, this is a sophisticated pre-dinner drink, this Negroni balances bitterness with orange-infused amaro and the warm, aromatic notes of Palo Santo gin. Stirred and served over a large ice cube, it is elegant, easy to prepare and perfect for easing guests into the evening.
The Golden Hour – Mix some Bacardi Gold, Bitter Aperitif, W Blend Juice, Hand-Pressed Lime and Caramel create a cocktail that is best suited for sunset gatherings and sundowners with friends. A cocktail punch made for the transition from day to night, The Golden Hour balances the richness of Bacardi Gold with bitter aperitif, citrus and a touch of caramel. Easy, vibrant and refreshing, it is an ideal choice for relaxed sunset gatherings and sundowners.
Fire in the Sky – Some Aperol, Sweet Cherry, Carbonated Water, Sparkling Wine creates this cocktail that is best suited for celebrations, cocktail parties and festive gatherings. It’s Bright, sparkling and visually striking, Fire in the Sky is designed for occasions that call for a little more energy. Aperol and sweet cherry bring a fruity character, while sparkling wine and carbonation add a celebratory lift.
Margarita - A perfect brunch cocktail—refreshing, with the right balance of sweet and sour. Lime cuts through rich food, tequila keeps it crisp, salt enhances flavours, while agave syrup complements savoury and spicy dishes. With some tequila blanco, lime juice, triple sec/Cointreau, agave syrup, drop of saline solution and ange bitters this is a blast in a glass. I would suggest add some raw mango cordial and rim the glass with chilli-garlic salt. For a classic version, try it frozen.
French 75 - A crisp, citrusy and lightly sweet celebratory cocktail that works beautifully for any occasion. It is easy on the palate and simple to prepare. Mix some gin, fresh lemon juice and simple syrup. Shake and strain and then top with dry sparkling wine. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Awa Guava - This one is a mix of Tequila, Dry Vermouth, Guava, Sichuan Pepper, Fizz. It’s Fruity, fresh and subtly spicy, it is an elegant highball that works beautifully for dinners, cocktail evenings and relaxed conversations.”
Peach & Jasmine Martini – A perfect mix of Vodka, Peach, Jasmine Tea, Dry Vermouth . This Vodka Martini with peach and jasmine is fruity and light. It’s perfect for brunches, house parties and lively celebrations. Both cocktails strike a balance between freshness, flavour and approachability, making them effortless choices for hosting.
The Jaguar of Selva- This drink captures the spirit of its namesake—bold and powerful, yet elegant and elusive. Built around Tonka Bean Whiskey, the cocktail combines Irish whiskey infused with tonka beans through a gentle sous vide process, creating warm notes of vanilla, almond and spice. A house-made Sour Plum Sherry, made with sour plum, Choya Umeshu and sweet vermouth, adds depth and fruitiness, while Salted Earl Grey Agave brings fragrant bergamot, subtle salinity and a touch of citrus brightness.
Finished with fresh lemon and orange blossom, the cocktail opens with rich, aromatic warmth before evolving into a bright, floral and beautifully balanced finish.
Vipet’s Venom- Tart, snappy and striking, Viper’s Venom is a small yet potent twist on the classic Dirty Martini. Its vivid green hue evokes venom, while the triangular glass mirrors the sharp, distinctive head of a viper. Built around raw mango gin and raw mango tiger’s milk, the cocktail develops layers of bright acidity, umami and savoury depth, with cherry tomato adding further richness.
White chocolate vermouth lends subtle creaminess and a luxurious mouthfeel, balancing the drink’s sharp, savoury character without making it sweet.