Classic cocktail recipes

Serve this cocktail in a flute so the sugar cube sinks to the bottom – it will drive the bubbles upward. Prosecco, crémant and cava also work well

Master the art of the classic Tom Collins cocktail, plus three twists. Gin, lemon, sugar syrup and soda water are the ingredients for your cocktail cupboard

Make a classic gimlet, combining gin and lime syrup, stirred to the perfect dilution with lots of ice. A refreshing cocktail to enjoy with friends

A classic Cuban cocktail of rum, cola, lime and ice. Pour into a tall glass for the ultimate refreshing long cocktail

Master the art of the daiquiri with white rum, sugar and lime. We also have three twists on this classic cocktail that will go down a storm at any party

Bring the taste of summer holidays to your next party. Mix freshly squeezed orange juice with vodka and bitters for a classic screwdriver cocktail

Love gin and champagne? Combine the two in this classic cocktail with lemon, which is sure to be a hit at any celebration. Garnish with a strip of lemon zest

Try your hand at recreating a classic 1920s cocktail, the sidecar. It's easy to adapt – simply use cognac, or go with equal parts cognac, triple sec and lemon juice

A classic black russian cocktail is made with vodka, coffee liqueur and cola. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and serve as a decadent after-dinner drink

Enjoy a bright, zingy 'bees knees' cocktail, with honey, dry gin and lemon juice. It's great drink for showcasing a flavourful honey. Garnish with lemon zest

Bring sunshine to your cocktail repertoire in the form of a punchy, fun banana daiquiri. Garnish with banana slices, lime wedges or cocktail cherries

Mix vodka with ginger beer and crushed ice and you have yourself a Moscow mule cocktail. Serve in a metal mug and garnish with mint leaves and lime

Looking for a refreshing summer cocktail to entertain friends? Try a watermelon daiquiri with white rum, lime juice and watermelon liqueur

Get into the festive spirit with eggnog, a classic Christmas drink made with brandy, cream, eggs and vanilla. Serve with plenty of ice in tumbler glasses

Treat yourself to the classic cocktail brandy sour. With lemon juice and egg white, it's silky smooth and delicious. Serve with a slice of lemon and cherry

This Pimm's cup cocktail is a true taste of summer. Make up this fruity punch with lemonade, fresh mint leaves, cucumber, orange slices and strawberries

Treat yourself to a mai tai cocktail, with the flavours of rum and orange curacao. This recipe serves one, but it's easily multiplied for a party

Embrace balmy summer days with a jug of sangria. With red wine, Spanish brandy, sparkling water, cinnamon and chopped fruit, it's a lovely sharing cocktail

Try our refreshing take on the classic blue lagoon with lemonade and fresh citrus juice. This boozy retro classic cocktail is perfect for parties

Shivi Ramoutar's recipe for this classic Caribbean cocktail combines sweet and sour flavours for a fruity weekend tipple

Mix vodka, lemon juice and triple sec, shaken with ice to make this refreshing lemon drop cocktail. Dip the rim of the glass in sugar to impress party guests

Mix vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice and fresh lime to make this perfect party cocktail, garnished with a lime wedge (and maybe a tiny umbrella too)

This slushy cocktail is best made when strawberries are in season. With just four ingredients you can whip up this frozen strawberry daiquiri in 10 minutes.

Try our pretty-in-pink aviation cocktail for a fun, retro party drink. This easy gin-based drink is one to get the party started and is ready in just 5 minutes