Minimal effort, maximum impact – that’s how we’re doing it this year.
It’s officially party season. Diaries are chocked, everyone’s starting to talk about Christmas, and catch-ups are in full swing. While we may have started out with all good intentions – fancy meals prepped in advance, customised cocktails for every friend – we’re ready for a few shortcuts. If, like us, you’re also keen to hack your way to hosting success or turn up to every event with easy drinks that seriously impress, you’ve come to the right place.
There’s a chance you volunteered to host a party and now can’t remember why you got so excited. Or maybe you declared you’d bring something amazing and now want the simplest solution. It all calls for maximum-impact, minimal-effort drinks, and we have those in spades. The following selection – and our easy tips to level them up – will see you slide into every event looking like the effortless, inspired and brilliant drinks guru you really are.
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1. The ready-made Spritz
Yes, we know Spritzes are some of the easiest cocktails in existence (we have a whole guide on them, if you want to know more), but, sometimes, opening a bottle and pouring it out is the most effort we can muster. For those times, the pre-made Aperol Spritz – in a handy 750mL bottle – is your friend. This bottled Spritz has all those trademark bittersweet, zesty, bubbly orange notes in perfect balance – no measuring or mixing required.
The party trick: If you’re hosting, pour this into a jug gently so you don’t kill the fizz (and feel free to do it out of sight so people assume you’ve made it, too). Add ice and fresh-sliced orange wheels, and set out wine glasses for guests. If you’re taking a bottle to a party, pre-slice and pack some orange wheels for guests to help themselves.
2. The surprising premix to win everyone over
Circle a party, offer everyone a bourbon and lemonade, and you may not get many takers; people tend to be either in or firmly out when it comes to bourbon. But there’s a premix that’s about to change people’s minds – the Jack Daniel’s Alcoholic Southern Lemonade. Tangy, homemade-style lemonade is right at home in this whiskey mix, creating a bright and surprisingly refreshing drink. It’ll please the whiskey fans as well as those who are newer to this dark spirit.
The party trick: Crack these cans, pour them into big plastic cups filled with ice, squeeze in a fresh lemon wedge and drop it into the drink to finish for an excellent drink on arrival – especially when it’s a sunny, late-afternoon start.
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3. The fun wine (and party-food match)
Choosing a wine that keeps everyone happy isn’t easy – wine people can be a picky bunch. But rather than hunt down the fanciest bottle or whatever everyone’s raving about right now, look to a fun style with a whole lot going for it. That would be the Devil’s Vine Fruity Riesling. There’s sweetness and approachability, but also juicy lime and floral aromas, lemon sherbet notes, a chalky acidity and crisp finish. Even the wine snobs will be intrigued.
The party trick: Riesling loves food, and sweeter styles are made for spice, so a little prep goes a long way here. Whether you’re hosting or contributing, pair this wine with spicy guacamole – one with a lot of lime and a good hit of chilli. Together with quality corn chips, this bottle will slot right in.
4. The bougie cask
Glass bottles break, they’re heavy to lug around and, quite frankly, where’s the novelty factor? Enter the Tread Softly Pinot Grigio bagnum, a 1.5L bag of wine. With its pretty floral design, this pouch is made for a party – it’s enough to serve a crowd, and the wine inside is super approachable. Expect a light and aromatic white wine with flavours of lemon, lime and pear that’s bright and fresh. It’s the perfect pick for a party, especially when you put that conversation-starting bagnum on show.
The party trick: You’ll want this wine to stay cool in the glass, but forget ice. Pick up a bag of fresh green grapes, pop them in the freezer the day before, and drop a few into each glass when you serve the bagnum. This way, guests get some great – and edible – ‘ice cubes’ that won’t dilute the wine.
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5. The spicy cocktail base
The best parties call for drinks with a twist, and that’s what you get with Absolut Tabasco – a spicy vodka collab that turns the heat right up. There’s no risk of guests not picking the chilli here, either; it’s in a striking, bright red bottle, with intense aromas of aged red chilli and tangy vinegar notes that jump out of the glass. But despite its bold, fiery aromas and flavours, this is smooth and balanced, with a pleasant, gentle slow burn on the finish.
The party trick: Lemonade is an ideal mixer, but the power move here is DIY Bloody Marys. Prebatch a jug of tomato juice mixed with Worcestershire sauce, Maggi seasoning, lemon juice, salt and pepper, pop it next to the Absolut Tabasco, some ice and pre-cut celery stalks (and maybe extra Tabasco for the spice freaks), and you’ve got yourself a party. Bonus points for making guests do all the work.
6. The mixer of the season
We love the spiced, punchy, cinnamon whiskey that is Fireball, but the new Fireball Blazin’ Apple is next level. Apples and cinnamon are made for each other, and they come together beautifully in this flavoured release. Think crisp green apple flavours mingling with that trademark hot cinnamon, and even though it all sounds very autumnal, it works a treat as a top warm-weather mixer.
The party trick: Stock up on big cups, plenty of ice and quality ginger ale (ginger beer is spicier, so we’re going for the milder choice), and offer up these easy two-ingredient drinks. We’re quietly confident you’ll introduce everyone to the freshest drink of the season.
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7. The novelty keg (that tastes great)
Sure, you could buy a case of Heineken, fill the esky with those unmissable green bottles, and everyone would be happy. But we reckon you’d be missing a trick if you didn’t go for the 5-litre Heineken Draught Mini Keg instead. This Dutch pilsner has been brewed for more than 150 years, and it remains one of the best light and easy-drinking beers we know. Packaged up in that keg, it’ll impress everyone at the party.
The party trick: Turn up to a party with one of these kegs or set it up in a corner of your place, and honestly, your work here is done. Throw in a few packs of biodegradable cups and let everyone have a go at serving themselves – it’s designed to produce the perfect pour.
