20 cocktail and mocktail recipes that will get any party started

12 tasty cocktail recipes worth toasting with

From all-time classics like a mojito or a piña colada to surprising spins on a Moscow mule or a bellini, every one of these tasty cocktails is fit for an elated “cheers”. So pull out your blender and get the party started.

These recipes include alcohol. Drink responsibility, alcohol should be consumed in moderation.

1. Margarita recipe

If you like that sweet, yet tangy situation a classic margarita has going on, you’ll love this frozen version. Same taste. Slushy texture. Chilly kick. Switch on the Ice Crush Setting of your blender if it has one or simply put it to the highest speed and you’ll slurp these in under 5 minutes.

2. Frozen mango margarita

Margarita and frozen mango. Now that’s a peculiar pair you don’t see often. This spiced up cocktail with cayenne pepper, and an icy take on a traditional margarita makes it a firework. Just remember flavourful mango is the key to this cocktail.

3. Mojito recipe

A minty mojito on a sizzling summer evening is hard to beat. So keep the flavours and simply up the chill. You don't even have to break a sweat. Just plug in your blender and make a bunch of these frozen mojitos in one take.

4. Moscow mule

What’s the deal with this Moscow mule? It’s spicy and icy. Ginger beer, vodka, mint leaves, the regulars are all there. But we’ve smartened it up with some freshly shaved ice and homemade ginger syrup. Want to do it just right? Serve it in a traditional copper mug.

5. Coconut mojito recipe

Don’t be fooled by the smooth looks of this tropical mojito. The coconut cream may soften up the flavours, but a shot of coconut liquor still brings the kick. It’s exotic, a tad fizzy and completely summerproof.

6. Piña colada recipe

The textbook definition of a tropical cocktail? A ravishing piña colada. This photogenic mélange combines sweet pineapple and tart pineapple juice with spicy brown rum and velvety coconut cream. Sipping these at your next summer get-together is highly recommended.

7. Irish coffee

The rich taste of hot coffee, the fluffiness of whipped cream and the smoothness of Irish whisky. This mighty fine cocktail sure knows how to melt people’s hearts on a cold winter night. Want to go all the way? Ignore the instant coffee in your kitchen cabinet and pour in a homemade shot of espresso. It makes all the difference.

8. Espresso martini cocktail

Is it an aperitif or a dessert? A cocktail or a coffee? No need to pick sides, this classy classic ticks all the boxes. Aiming for that bartender-standard? Tap into your inner barista and brew a double shot of espresso on the spot.

9. Strawberry daiquiri

Hot pink colour, fierce fruity taste. If Barbie had a signature cocktail this would probably be it. Serve it in a chilled glass and sip it under the sun. No fresh strawberries at hand? Just swap them with any other sunny summery fruit.

10. Sage, honey and pineapple blended cocktail

This couture cocktail takes a bit more time and skill, but it’s so worth it. The sweet, yet savoury aroma of the homemade sage and honey syrup will leave you open-mouthed, while the sweet frozen pineapple takes the edge off. Garnishing tip: top it with a sprig of charred sage to bring out the herbal flavours even more.

11. Watermelon wine slushie

This summer-party-in-a-glass has everything a good summertime cocktail needs. It’s refreshing, quick to make and just fruity enough. Its base? Mini watermelons. They’re a tad sweeter than their big brothers, which balances out the richness and complexity of the rosé perfectly.

12. Bellini shave ice

If brunch were a competition, this stunner would be a shoe-in for the medals. This frosty twist on a classic bellini is fizzy, slightly crunchy and ice-cold. The secret to it? Replace the regular peaches with peach shave ice.

8 easy mocktail recipes that will make you forget about cocktails

Have something to celebrate, but want to do it sans alcohol? You’ve got options. And they go way beyond the standard boring soda or the nonalcoholic spinoff of a classic cocktail. These 8 mocktail recipes are delicious in their own spirit-free way.

1. Cranberry mule mocktail

This blushing virgin version of a Moscow Mule tastes slightly more tart thanks to the homemade lime-cranberry puree, but it still packs a punch. Frozen cranberries are an option, but if it’s winter - a.k.a. cranberry season - use fresh ones to whip up this perfect holiday mocktail.

2. Iced melon drink

If you want a change from the standard fruit-flavoured mocktail, put this on your must-sip list. The sweet taste of melon, the crisp hint of mint — all of summer’s freshest flavours are bringing their A-game in this spirit-free blend.

3. Elderflower mocktail

Looking for a joyful, yet virgin aperitif to sip or serve during the end of year festivities? This sparkling elderflower mocktail fits the description. It stars these gorgeous red cranberries - at their best in winter - alongside the lightly floral taste of elderflower-scented water.

4. Frozen paloma mocktail

This frosted paloma is tempting you to come over to the bitter side. It’s mainly based on grapefruit, hence the tart, citrusy taste. Served in a zesty sugar-rimmed glass, you spoon and then slurp your way to the bottom of this snappy sip.

5. Aloe mocktail

Cucumber, coconut water, aloe… Judging by its ingredients, this nutrient-packed mocktail wouldn’t be out of place in a luxury wellness retreat. Maybe that’s why it tastes as exhilarating as an ice bath after a hot sauna.

6. Mango mocktail

Whatever you do, don’t skip the chilli salt rim with this one. That salty, yet tingly sensation on your tongue balances out the sweet mango-packed base of this Mexican inspired lemonade. Want a full-blown Mexican flavour wave? Pair it with tacos.

7. Fruit punch

Feel like juicing up your evening sans alcohol? This fruity spritz-lookalike blends sweet strawberries and tangy pineapple with bubbly lime soda. It will punch your taste buds in all the right places.

8. Strawberry mocktail

The base? A chilled, robust black tea. The counterpart? The juicy, sweet flavours of fresh strawberries. The result? A very brunch-friendly nonalcoholic sipper that puts the happy in happy hour.