Graduation is a time to celebrate and mark a major achievement. Whether you’re graduating from high school or college, it’s a cause for celebration. And what better way to celebrate than with some graduation drinks?
Here are five perfect cocktail drinks for graduation party service, each with its own unique flavor and flair.
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The Classic Margarita
The classic Margarita is a staple of any party, including a graduation celebration. This cocktail is made with tequila, fresh lime juice, and Cointreau or Triple sec. It’s a simple yet delicious drink that’s sure to be a hit at your party.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Tequila
- 1 oz Lime Juice
- 1/2 oz Cointreau or Triple Sec
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the tequila, lime juice, and Cointreau or Triple Sec to the shaker.
- Shake well for about 10-15 seconds.
- Rim the edge of a glass with salt (if desired) before pouring.
- Strain the mixture into the glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and enjoy!
This is a great graduation alcoholic drink because it’s easy to make, and it’s a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a great way to toast the graduates and their accomplishments.
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Martini
The classic Martini is a timeless cocktail for any occasion. This cocktail is made with gin and vermouth, and it’s garnished with a green olive or a twist of lemon, depending on personal preference.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Gin
- 1 oz Dry Vermouth
- Green Olive or Lemon Twist for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add the gin and vermouth to the shaker.
- Stir the mixture for about 15-20 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled Martini or coupe glass.
- Garnish with a green olive or a twist of lemon, and enjoy!
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Old Fashioned
This is another favorite that your guests will surely love. The cocktail is made with whiskey, sugar, and bitters, and it’s traditionally garnished with an orange peel or even a fancy cocktail cherry.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Whiskey (Rye or Bourbon, depending on preference)
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 2 dashes of Bitters
- Orange Peel for garnish
Instructions
- In an Old Fashioned glass, add the sugar and bitters.
- Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to mix the sugar and bitters.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Add the whiskey and stir.
- Garnish with an orange peel and enjoy!
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Whiskey Sour
A classic favorite, the Whiskey Sour is a favorite amongst many. It’s easy to make, and it’s perfect for sipping on a warm summer day.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Whiskey (Rye or Bourbon)
- 3/4 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 3/4 oz Simple Syrup
- Orange Slice for garnish
- Lemon peel for garnish
Instructions
- Add the whiskey, lemon juice and simple syrup to a shaker with ice. Shake until well-combined.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
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The Classic Daiquiri
The classic Daiquiri is simple yet delicious, with only 3 ingredients. It’s guaranteed to be a hit at your party.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Rum
- 3/4 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 3/4 oz Simple Syrup
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the rum, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Shake well for about 10-15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled glass (like a coupe or Nick and Nora glass).
- Garnish with a lime wheel and enjoy.
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Bar Tools You’ll Need When Making Cocktails
To make good cocktails for any occasion, you will need some basic bar tools. Here are a few common tools that each of the above recipes call for– and how to use them!
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- Cocktail Shaker – A cocktail shaker is used to mix and chill ingredients for cocktails. It typically consists of a metal or glass container and a lid with a built-in strainer (known as a cobbler shaker). The Boston shaker has 2 metal tins or one tin and a mixing glass. To use, simply fill the shaker with ice, add your ingredients, and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
- Cocktail Jigger – This is a small measuring cup used to measure out the ingredients for a cocktail. It typically has two sides, one measuring up to 1.5 oz or 2 ounces and the other measuring up to .75 oz or 1 ounce. This is used to ensure that ingredients are measured accurately and that the drink is consistent every time.
- Bar Spoon – A bar spoon is a long-handled spoon used for stirring cocktails. It is typically made of stainless steel and has a twisted handle to make it easy to spin. It’s used to mix ingredients in a glass or shaker and create a layered effect in layered cocktails and shots.
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- Muddler – Use this tool to crush fruits, herbs, and other ingredients in the bottom of a glass or shaker. Its purpose is to release flavors and aromas from whatever you’re muddling and is typically made of wood or plastic.
- Strainer – This is a super important tool used to remove ice or other solids from a drink after it has been shaken or stirred. It typically has a fine mesh or slotted design and can be used with a shaker or a glass.
- Citrus Press – You’ll use a juicer press to extract juice from citrus fruits. It is commonly used to add fresh citrus juice to cocktails, like the lime juice in a Daiquiri.
- Zester or Channel Knife– A zester is a handy little tool used to create thin strips of citrus zest for garnish. The most versatile one you’ll want to use has a fine grater on one end and a channel knife on the other end. You could also get a citrus peeler for short strips of peel garnish.
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Overall, these five classic cocktails are perfect to serve at your graduation party– and now you also know what tools you need to make them! These drinks are all delicious and easy to make, and they provide a great way to toast the graduates’ big achievements. With these in your arsenal, you’ll never have to wonder what drinks to serve at a graduation party. Whether you’re looking for something sweet, strong, or refreshing, these cocktails have got you covered.
