Help with Cocktails

[Mike Gayner]

We're having a house warming party tomorrow night and I want to do some cocktails for the early arrivals. However, I don't want to spend a lot of money due the the fact that buying a house has made me pretty much broke. So in that respect, I want to buy just two bottles of liquor that can make the widest range of cocktails with a bunch of mixers and fruit.

I'm thinking a spirit (probably white rum or vodka) and a liqueur (parhaps Midori or a triple-sec?) - what are the two most versatile bottles I should be buying to do a bunch of nice cocktails? What are everyone's favourite cocktails?

 

[ahenkel]

I'd make a pitcher or 2 of something easy to whip up like a margarita on the rocks, or something like that.

 

[TheVrolok]

Just buy the usual call liquors. Get any combination of rum/vodka/whiskey and then the appropriate mixers.

 

[guyver01]

Win... in a bucket.

 

[Mike Gayner]

Yeah none of these suggestions is really what I was looking for...

A bucket of margarita mix isn't really in fitting with the mood I'm aiming for.

 

[GodlessAstronomer]

You're all class guyver

 

[guyver01]

You're all class guyver

only the best for my buddies down under

 

[alkemyst]

depends on what your FRIENDS like to drink.

 

[Mike Gayner]

depends on what your FRIENDS like to drink.

In my experience if you provide 3 or 4 decent cocktails only the douchiest douche won't find something they like.

 

[alkemyst]

as long as you are having a decent wine selection and beers you should be good.

 

[Mike Gayner]

as long as you are having a decent wine selection and beers you should be good.

I think you might be missing the point of this thread.

 

[geno]

Why don't you just get some assorted sodas? Who needs alcohol to have a good time, anyways? If your friends need to get liquored up to have a good time around you, that may be saying something.




(the above is in jest of those who aren't addressing your question )


I think you're on the right track with Rum and Vodka. Anything else will be a tad too specific if you're trying to please everyone. Along with some more minor ingredients, you could whip up mojitos, screwdrivers, cape cods, sex on the beach, etc. Maybe you could include gin in case anyone would like a gin and tonic, gimlet (never had one of these) or a martini. The tough / expensive part is building your stash up from scratch, since a lot of drinks have a trick ingredient (like mojitos needing mint)

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I think you might be missing the point of this thread.

Alkemyst is correct though. Most people like to lounge around with a glass of wine or a beer rather than a cocktail.

With that being said, vodka and rum seem to be pretty useful for a variety of drinks. At my house, we have a fully stocked bar and we seem to go through vodka and triple sec the fastest, but that's because my wife likes certain drinks. We've recently been on a margarita kick as well, so tequila is a must for that.

If you want to try something "different," grab a bottle of cachaça, some limes, and make everyone caipirinhas.

 

[Mike Gayner]

Alkemyst is correct though. Most people like to lounge around with a glass of wine or a beer rather than a cocktail.

I want to do some cocktails for the early arrivals.

I'm not throwing cocktails all night, just a few for some people. Would I be asking about cocktail recipes if I didn't think people would want them? Don't you think I know my friends better than you do?

Also, if people wound up "lounging around" I would consider my party a failure.

 

[Kirby]

+

 

[dawp]

maybe try here?

http://www.mixeddrinkrecipes.net/

not sure if that site is any good tho. just googled 'mixed drinks recipes"

 

[IceBergSLiM]

madori is nasty and triple sec is only good for a couple drinks.

Do what was suggested and make a pitcher of something.

 

[lxskllr]

I think the problem's limiting it to 2 bottles. It would be best to get a small selection of rail spirits. If you really can't do that, I'd get rum, and maybe gin. Rum mixes with a lot of things, and gin and tonic is pretty tasty with a wide appeal. It's dry enough that non candy drinkers will like it, and sweet enough that chicks will like it.

Get a bottle of Famous Grouse for me. It doesn't cost that much ;^)

 

[ElFenix]

get a bottle of vodka because everyone likes it. put some olives in it and you've got a kangaroo cocktail. mix with orange juice for a screwdriver (good frozen)

it's coldish down there right now so i'd probably get whiskey. get some cherries, citrus, and bitters (don't forget the bitters!), and you can make old fashioneds and manhattans. plus whiskey mixes ok with coke or sprite or whatnot. or with soda and a twist.


i wouldn't blow money on fruity tasting liqueurs. just buy some fruit and mash it up in the bottom of the glass. tastes better too.

 

[calvinbiss]

Don't waste time on a liqueur, only a few people like them as the sole alcohol in a drink, most of the time its just part of a larger mix.

This is simple, 3 bottles of liquor: vodka, rum and a whiskey. Set-ups: coke, diet-coke, sprite, tonic, club soda, OJ and cranberry. Have some cut lemon and lime wedges and plenty of ice.

Done.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I'm not throwing cocktails all night, just a few for some people. Would I be asking about cocktail recipes if I didn't think people would want them? Don't you think I know my friends better than you do?

Also, if people wound up "lounging around" I would consider my party a failure.

What do you expect people to do? Run laps around your house? At a housewarming party, people lounge around and chit chat. Besides that, if it is a "housewarming" party, you will probably get some booze as gifts.

Besides, if you know your friends so well, why are you asking us what to get? You should already know what they like and therefore, what to get. I gave some other advice too, which pretty much matches what others are saying -- vodka and rum. Calvinbliss gave good suggestions as well.

 

[krylon]

Roasting in a pail thread

 

[rudder]

Oh the tales I could tell you about my cock in college...oh you said tails. My bad.

 

[rudder]

Win... in a bucket.

That shit is horrible. Better off with tequila, triplesec, rose's lime juice and ice. There is some other stuff I just bought that is replaced by the triple-sec.. but I cannot remember the name.

 

[rudder]

I want to buy just two bottles of liquor that can make the widest range of cocktails with a bunch of mixers and fruit.

Rum for sure

Rum and coke
Rum, pineapple juice, touch of orange juice, grenadine
Rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream
Rum, lime juice, sugar (then your favorite fruit to make daiquiri)

All easy to mix before hand.