HOMEMADE cocktails are a delightful way to elevate any gathering or simply enjoy a relaxing evening at home. Crafting your own cocktails allows you to experiment with flavours, customise drinks to your preferences and impress your guests with your mixology skills. Below are five enticing homemade cocktail recipes that are sure to become favourites.
Classic mojito
The classic mojito is a refreshing Cuban cocktail that perfectly balances sweetness, citrus and mint flavours. It is the ideal drink for a hot day or anytime you crave a light and invigorating cocktail.
Ingredients
60ml of white rum
3ml of fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons of sugar
6 to 8 fresh mint leaves
Club soda
Lime wedge and mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
1. In a glass, muddle mint leaves with lime juice and sugar until the mint releases its aroma.
2. Fill the glass with ice cubes, pour in the rum and top with club soda.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint. Enjoy.

Spicy jalapeno margarita
This spicy Jalapeno margarita adds a kick to the classic margarita with the infusion of fresh jalapeno slices. It is a perfect blend of sweet, spicy and tangy flavours that will awaken your taste buds.
Ingredients
60ml of tequila
30ml of triple sec
30ml of fresh lime juice
2 to 3 slices of fresh jalapeno
Agave syrup (optional)
Salt and lime wedge for rimming (optional)
Instructions
1. In a shaker, muddle jalapeno slices with lime juice.
2. Add tequila, triple sec and agave syrup (if using).
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
4. Strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice.
5.Garnish with a lime wedge. Enjoy responsibly.

Berry basil smash
The berry basil smash is a delightful concoction that combines the sweetness of berries with the herbal notes of basil. It is a vibrant and aromatic cocktail that is perfect for showcasing seasonal fruits.
Ingredients
59ml of vodka or gin
30ml of lemon juice
14ml of simple syrup
4-5 fresh strawberries
3 to 4 fresh basil leaves
Soda water
Strawberry and basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
1. In a shaker, muddle strawberries and basil leaves with lemon juice and simple syrup.
2. Add vodka or gin and fill the shaker with ice.
3. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
4. Top with soda water and stir gently.
5. Garnish with a strawberry and a basil leaf. Enjoy.

Coconut pineapple mojito
The coconut pineapple mojito is a tropical twist on the classic mojito, combining the flavours of coconut, pineapple and mint. It is like sipping paradise in a glass, perfect for a getaway or any time you want to escape reality for a moment.
Ingredients
60ml coconut rum
30ml of coconut cream
30ml of fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons of sugar
4 to 6 fresh mint leaves
Pineapple chunks
Club soda
Pineapple wedge and mint for garnish
Instructions
1. In a glass, muddle mint leaves with lime juice and sugar.
2. Add coconut rum, coconut cream and pineapple chunks.
3. Fill the glass with ice cubes and top with club soda.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a sprig of mint. Enjoy the tropical vibes.

Espresso martini
The espresso martini is a sophisticated cocktail that combines the rich flavours of coffee with the smoothness of vodka and the sweetness of coffee liqueur. It is the perfect pick-me-up cocktail for any time of day.
Ingredients
45ml of vodka
30ml of coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
30ml of freshly brewed espresso
14ml of simple syrup (optional)
coffee beans for garnish
Instructions
1. Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
2. Add vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso and simple syrup (if using).
3. Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a few coffee beans. Enjoy responsibly.
These homemade cocktail recipes offer a diverse range of flavours and styles, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy. Experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create your own signature cocktails and elevate your home bartending experience. Cheers.