How to Host Your Own Cocktail Masterclass at Home
Perfect for date night, getting the girls round or just an excuse to shake things up!
It honestly couldn’t be easier to host your own cocktail masterclass at home. No fancy kit, no obscure ingredients, no mixology degree required. All you need to do is follow a few simple cocktail principles - then have fun, play around, and experiment your way to a new favourite tipple.
And to make it even easier, there’s a downloadable version at the end of this blog that you can print off and use at home - perfect for date night, mate night, or whenever you fancy shaking things up. Use what you already have, get creative with your cupboards and fridge, and skip spending loads of money. Think of it as creative, boozy problem-solving! 🍸
What You’ll Need
The basics
- A few different spirits (gin, vodka, tequila - whatever’s hanging around)
- A few fruit juices (for example, cranberry, pink grapefruit, apple)
- Lemons and limes
- Sugar syrup or honey, maple syrup, or agave
- Ice
Equipment
- A cocktail shaker (a jam jar or travel mug works perfectly)
- A jigger or measuring spoons
- Glasses to serve - martini, wine glasses, tumblers… no rules here
Garnishes
- Fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, basil, mint)
- Citrus fruits for peel
- Fresh fruit (such as raspberries, blueberries, strawberries)
- Salt, sugar, or chilli flakes for rimming glasses
How to Turn This Into a Mini Masterclass
Want to make it feel like a proper event? Try this:
- Set everything out on the table like a tasting station
- Compare drinks and vote on favourites
- Give your creations ridiculous names (this is mandatory)
For date night, split the roles - one shakes, one garnishes. Or make them for each other.
For mate night, make it competitive. Loser does the washing up?
The Simple Cocktail Formula
Once you understand this formula, you can make almost anything. Think of it as your masterclass blueprint:
🥃 SPIRIT – 50ml
Choose your hero spirit.
Gin, vodka or tequila are all great places to start.
🍎 SQUEEZE – 25ml
Pick a juice for body and flavour.
Cranberry, pink grapefruit, apple - whatever you have.
🍋 SOUR – 15ml
Add acidity with freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice.
🍯 SWEET – 10ml
Balance it out with something sweet.
Sugar syrup, honey, maple syrup or agave all work beautifully.
🍾 ‘SPIN’ (OPTIONAL)
Time to get creative:
- Top with soda for a light, refreshing spritz
- Add prosecco for something a bit special
- Try egg white for a silky texture and foamy top
🍸 SERVE
Choose your glass.
Will it be neat? Over ice? Long and refreshing or short and strong?
🌿 SPRIG
The final flourish.
A herb sprig, citrus peel, fresh fruit - or even a salty, sugary or spicy rim to finish things off.
Final Tip: There Are No Rules
If it tastes good, you did it right.
Too sour? Add sweetness.
Too sweet? Add citrus.
Too strong? Ice or soda is your friend.
Hosting your own cocktail masterclass is about experimenting, laughing, and discovering drinks you’d never normally order - but absolutely love.
And don't forget to tag me in your creations - @cocktail.carmen - I love to see what you're making at home!
Cheers to that 🥂