It is that time of the year when we are only thinking of celebrations, in the form of food, people and shopping. And why not, Diwali, Dussera and Christmas is round the corner. Inviting people home is a ritual for most of us—and along with finger licking food cocktails open the house. The first definition of cocktail that was found in print comes from an 1806 newspaper from upstate New York. A cocktail is called “a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters…” But with time the definition had a few additions and refinements: liqueurs, fortified wines, various bits of garnish, et cetera. So when we think of cocktail, the ones that which flash up are the most popular and loved. Here we list down 5 that can make any gathering sway and happy.

Long Island Iced Tea

When i was little and under the permissible drinking age, I used to wonder why people would get delighted to have an iced tea, that i can have anytime–minus the excitement. Little did I know that the potent spirit is of the same colour as the iced tea but is a type of alcoholic mixed drink typically made with, vodka, tequila, light rum, triple sec, gin, and a splash of cola, which gives the drink the same amber hue as its namesake. “Recently Parineeti Chopra revealed in a podcast show how was introduced to this drink, and now can’t stop loving it,” says Abhinav Anand, a man who loves his drink, especially Long Island Iced tea.
Ingredients: 1 Oz Vodka,1 Oz Gin,1 Oz White Rum,1 Oz Silver Tequila ,1 Oz Triple sec,1.5 Oz Sweet and Sour mix,Splash of Coke,8 Ice cubes

Margarita

“I love the name Margarita and it sounds so feminine. But Margarita is best enjoyed with fresh ingredients though pre mix doesn’t taste that bad either. Margarita is a sure hit in any party, because it is refreshing. Get a good tequila (100% agave), a decent triple sec, and fresh limes, and you’re almost guaranteed a great drink,” says V. Sowmya, who mostly serves Margarita in her house parties.
Ingredients: 2 Oz Tequila,1 Oz Orange liqueur,Juice of 1 lime or lemon,0.5 Oz of simple syrup or Lime Cordial,8 Ice cubes or crushed ice

Apple Martini

Apple Martini as the name suggests is a is a cocktail containing vodka and one or more of apple juice, apple cider, apple liqueur, or apple brandy. This was invented in 1996 at Lola’s West Hollywood restaurant. “Apple Martini will be loved by people who like apple juices. It is a hit with the girls here,” says Debjit S, Hotelier.
Ingredients: 1.5 Oz Apple flavored vodka,1 Oz Sour apple liqueur or apple flavored schnapps,Dash Midori,1 Oz Pineapple juice,1 Oz Apple juice,8-10 Ice cubes

Mojito

Mojito is so popular that you will get alcoholic and non alcoholic Mojito in most fast food centres. “Traditionally, a mojito is a cocktail that consists of five ingredients: white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water, and mint. And it is the hint of lemon and mint that makes it a hit in tropical countries. Very refreshing,” says Partha Sarathi, a Liquor connoisseur.
Ingredients: 1 Spoon white sugar ,2 Oz White Rum,Handful of Mint leaves ,Half of one lime cut into 3 wedges ,Splash of club soda ,1.5 Oz Sweet and Sour Mix ,8 Ice cubes or crushed ice

Cosmopolitan

“Cosmopolitan is regarded as the best Vodka Sour around,” says Debjit.
Ingredients: 2 Oz citron vodka ,1 Oz orange liqueur ,1 Oz Cranberry Juice ,Dash of Lime Cordial ,8 Ice cubes or crushed ice ,Lime peel for garnish