Easy to make cocktail drinks and snacks for your next party

5 min. reading

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Whether you’re in the mood for sweet, salty, spicy, or fruity, we’ve got everything you need to throw the best party ever! From the best party cocktails to all the alcoholic drinks for parties, we have them all. And we have included some of the most delicious recipes to make the best party snacks to go with all that booze.

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The best parties are the ones that have delicious food and drinks that guests love, paired with an inviting atmosphere and plenty of laughter. However, suppose you’re hosting your next party. In that case, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by all the details that go into throwing a good party — from picking out the right snacks to setting up the perfect decorations and making cocktails your guests will enjoy.

If you’re interested in throwing the best party ever, we’ve got you covered with our list of delicious party cocktails and snacks. Follow along with this guide and host an unforgettable party!

Alcoholic drinks for parties 

A party is only as good as the snacks and drinks you serve, so be sure to check out our easy-to-make cocktail and appetizer recipes that are sure to impress your party guests! Even better, there are gluten-free options, so everyone can eat and drink to their heart’s content. If you want to get really fancy, you can use edible flowers like roses or violets in your cocktails and alcoholic drinks for parties for a beautiful presentation. So get your party hat on, and let’s celebrate!

  • Frisco cocktail

Frisco Cocktail

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A pre-Prohibition cocktail with a kick, the Frisco turns two ingredients into classic cocktail-lounge glamour. Bénédictine D.O.M., an ancient herbal liqueur originally made by monks and infused with a long, secret formula of aromatics, tempers rye whiskey with just the right amount of sweetness and mystery. The lemon-peel garnish adds a subtle blast of freshness. If you add a squeeze of lemon juice, too, this becomes a Frisco Sour.

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  • Midori sour cocktail

The best Midori sour cocktail recipe
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The best Midori sour cocktail recipe

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Midori, Japanese for green, is a melon-flavoured liqueur that lives up to its meaning and can be enjoyed in a wide variety of cocktails, long drinks and short drinks. Because it is extremely sweet, it's mixed with sour flavours to offset its sweetness.

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  • Pina colada

Piña colada recipe
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piña colada recipe

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Freezing fresh pineapple definitely makes the best impact flavor-wise in this piña colada recipe. This is the easy piña colada recipe guide that will ultimately explode your tastebuds.

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  • Homemade Affogato 

The best homemade affogato
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The best homemade affogato

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Try one of the best cold coffee recipes in the world. Easy, fast, and delicious, learn how to prepare the best affogato here!

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  • Cosmopolitan cocktail

How to make a classic cosmopolitan cocktail?
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How to make a classic cosmopolitan cocktail?

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This easy recipe teaches how to make a classic cosmopolitan cocktail at home. Don't miss it!

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  • Old fashioned cocktail

The perfect old fashioned cocktail
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The perfect old fashioned cocktail

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The Old Fashioned is a serious cocktail and it is one you really should know how to make at home. When made well, the Old Fashioned cocktail is strong, but not overly so. There’s sweetness, but it isn’t cloying or excessive.

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  • Blood and sand cocktail

Blood and Sand Cocktail

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The Blood and Sand first appeared in Harry Craddock’s classic The Savoy Cocktail Book of 1930. What to buy: Heering Cherry Liqueur was created by Peter Heering in Denmark in the early 1800s. It is viscous and sweet with an intense dark-cherry flavor.

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  • Singapore sling cocktail

How to make homemade Singapore sling cocktail?
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How to make homemade Singapore sling cocktail?

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This easy recipe teaches how to make the best homemade Singapore sling cocktail. Don't miss it!

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The accompanying snacks

Another thing to consider is what snacks go well with what type of drink. Alcoholic beverages should go well with salty snacks like chips or pretzels while fruity beverages can go well with sweets like cupcakes or cookies.

  • Tasty burger

Easy and tasty homemade burger recipe
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Easy and tasty homemade burger recipe

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It's not necessary to go to a restaurant to eat a good burger. With this easy recipe, learn how to make a tasty homemade burger. Don't miss it!

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  • Montecristo gourmet sandwich

How to make Montecristo gourmet sandwiches?
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How to make Montecristo gourmet sandwiches?

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Having gourmet sandwiches at home it's possible! Montecristo sandwich recipe is similar to the French croque-monsieur sandwich, full of tastes and delicious. Learn how to make it by yourself!

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  • Easy potato latkes

The best homemade potato latkes recipe

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As a side dish or a snack, potato latkes are always a good choice. By following this easy recipe, learn how to make the best homemade potato latkes.

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  • Chicken lollipop

Crunchy and delicious homemade chicken lollipop recipe
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Crunchy and delicious homemade chicken lollipop recipe

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Do you love chicken? This recipe is a must! Learn how to make crunchy and delicious homemade chicken lollipops. Everyone will love them!

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  • General Tso’s chicken

Homemade General Tso's chicken recipe

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General Tso's chicken is a Chinese and American dish. Following this recipe, you'll learn how to make a homemade version. Don't miss it!

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  • Greek souvlaki with piadina chips

Homemade Greek Souvlaki with piadina chips recipe
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Homemade Greek Souvlaki with piadina chips recipe

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The souvlaki with piadina chips is an easy recipe. It's tasy and quick to make. Souvlaki are an absolute classic of traditional Greek cuisine and piadina is typical from Italian food. You will bring to the table a rich dish that everyone will really like.

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  • Puffy dogs

Puffy dogs with camembert baked dipping ring recipe
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Puffy dogs with camembert baked dipping ring recipe

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This recipe goes beyond ordinary puffy dogs because it has a baked dipping ring with camembert. That's why everyone loves it! You get the sausages and the dip in one place. Learn how to prepare it here.

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  • Fried crispy chicken burger

Easiest homemade fried crispy chicken burger recipe
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Easiest homemade fried crispy chicken burger recipe

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Everyone loves fried chicken burgers and making them homemade is easy. With this recipe you'll get crispy and delicious burgers.

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  • Pretzels

The best homemade pretzels recipe
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The best homemade pretzels recipe

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Tired of spending money on your favourite snack? The homemade American pretzels are easy to prepare, cheap, and delicious. Don't miss this recipe!

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  • Crunchy cookies

The best, delicious and crunchy cookies recipe
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The best, delicious and crunchy cookies recipe

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Cookies come in thousands of shapes, flavours, ingredients, and recipes. However, the secret to having the best cookies is their texture. The real biscuits are those with a rich flavour and a crunchy texture. This recipe is simple and super tasty!

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Cocktail for parties

Cocktails are a great way to add some extra fun to your party. They're also a great way to introduce people to drinks they may not have tried before. We've put together a few tasty cocktails that are perfect for parties, along with some finger food ideas that will make your guests feel welcome. 

  • Robroy cocktail

Rob Roy Cocktail

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The Rob Roy is a blend of Scotch and vermouth sharpened by a dash of angostura bitters. It’s named for Robert Roy MacGregor, Scotland’s very own Robin Hood.

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  • Affinity cocktail

Affinity Cocktail

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To make this classic Affinity cocktail recipe—adapted from San Francisco bartender Erik Ellestad—you shake Scotch whisky and ice with equal parts of sweet and dry vermouth and a couple of drops of angostura bitters.

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  • Brown Derby Cocktail

Brown Derby Cocktail

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This suave blend of bourbon, fresh grapefruit juice, and honey was invented at the Vendôme bar in Hollywood in 1930. If you’re into brunch cocktails, the Brown Derby is perfect: tart enough to wake up the palate, but not tangy enough to jolt you. The bourbon, naturally, softens the edges of even a harsh start to the day. For more, check out our Whiskey Sour, Sazerac, and Vieux Carré.

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  • Bobby Burns cocktail

Bobby Burns Cocktail

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For this classic Bobby Burns cocktail recipe, adapted from The Essential Cocktail, Scotch whisky is stirred with vermouth and Bénédictine over ice.

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  • Homemade Mai Tai

Homemade Mai Tai cocktail recipe
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Homemade Mai Tai cocktail recipe

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The Mai Tai is a rum-based cocktail, Californian in origin and Tahitian in name.

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Alcoholic drinks for parties

There's nothing worse than a party where people are sober and bored. Plus, serving drinks can also be an icebreaker when meeting new people at your own party. And what's better than having a drink in hand when mingling? Here are some alcoholic drinks for parties that will make for an awesome night:

* Margaritas - Margaritas can be served either frozen or on-the-rocks, but they should always be served in large glasses so they look impressive.

* White Sangria - For those who prefer sweeter drinks, white sangria is perfect. It has fruit juice so it's not too sweet while still being flavorful enough to satisfy any taste buds. The key ingredient in this drink is really citrus. Lemons and oranges are needed to give it that punch of flavor, along with sugar if desired. Red wine goes into this concoction as well as brandy or vodka if desired. Serve this beverage at room temperature so it stays cold but refreshing all night long.

* Beer pong - A classic game that involves shooting ping pong balls across a table into cups filled with beer on the other end, you can't have a party without playing this fun game.

  • Best Mimosa

Best homemade mimosa recipe
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Best homemade mimosa recipe

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Who doesn't crave a fresh mimosa in summer? Although there are several recipes, the classic one with orange juice, champagne and a strawberry is ideal for a brunch with friends or to drink at any time. Don't be left with the desire and try it, they will b

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  • The best old fashioned cocktail

The best old fashioned cocktail ever
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The best old fashioned cocktail ever

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Don't miss this cocktail recipe! You won't regret being your own bartender.

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  • Classic Manhattan

The classic Manhattan cocktail recipe
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The classic Manhattan cocktail recipe

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If you want to have your favourite drink at home instead of going to a pub, don't miss this recipe for one of the best cocktails ever!

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  • Top Aperol Spritz

Top Aperol spritz recipe
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Top Aperol spritz recipe

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Spritz dates back to the 1800s, but Aperol was not created until 1919. It gained popularity in the 1920s and 1930s and soon became the bitter liqueur's most popular. It's a refreshing, sweet and sour summer drink, full of palate-pleasing sensations.

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  • Mulled Wine

The most delicious mulled wine
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The most delicious mulled wine

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Don't miss this amazing drink!

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  • Limoncello

The easiest homemade limoncello liqueur recipe
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The easiest homemade limoncello liqueur recipe

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It's always nice to have a digestive drink to round off the meal. In Italy it is common to drink limoncello, a recipe that lightens the intense lemon peel flavour with some sugar and balances perfectly with a dessert.

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  • Classic pink gin cocktail

Classic pink gin cocktail recipe
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Classic pink gin cocktail recipe

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This easy recipe teaches how to make a classic pink gin cocktail. Try it at home!

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Best party cocktails 

Having the best party cocktails is all about feeling confident that your guests will have a good time. Whether it's a wedding, a birthday party, or just a gathering of friends, you want to make sure that there are the best alcoholic drinks and snacks for everyone to enjoy. This means throwing the best party ever by ensuring you have plenty of options for both drinks and snacks. Remember, fruits like oranges and grapes always seem great at parties because they're easy to eat while standing around talking to people.

  • Hurricane cocktail

Hurricane Cocktail

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This recipe won’t yield the 26-ounce Hurricane concoction that Spring Breakers stumble around with on Bourbon Street, but a smaller (yet still dangerously and deceptively potent) cocktail. What to buy: Torani makes a passion fruit syrup that’s pretty widely available. For appetizer and dinner inspiration, see our collection of Mardi Gras recipes.

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  • White spritz

White Spritz Cocktail

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The first vestige of spritz ancestry, the white spritz, or spritz liscio, was likely — as the Italian mythos goes — born in Hapsburg-occupied northern Italy in the 19th century. This version, with soda water, emerged in the first years of the 20th century, and is a malleable blueprint created to suit each drinker’s palate. Simply add a splash of homemade syrup or fruit liqueur to a base of white wine and soda, and garnish with abandon.

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  • Bachelor Pad

Bachelor Pad Cocktail

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This uniquely delicious variation on a gin sour, the Bachelor Pad is sweet, frothy, and citrusy. The backbone of the Bachelor Pad is a good gin, preferably one with a floral character and some citrus notes, like Bruicchladdich’s “The Botanist”. Cream sherry, a sweeter, darker, and more luscious variety of the classic Spanish fortified wine, along with poppy seed syrup, brings a sweet, nutty dimension to the cocktail. Finally, an egg white is added to lighten and froth up the drink.

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  • Original Long Island

Original Long Island iced tea recipe
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Original Long Island iced tea recipe

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This original iced tea cocktail was first served at the Oak Beach Inn on Long Island. It contains up to five alcoholic drinks, but its flavour is based on the mix of the liqueurs, not their strength. Despite its name, the only thing that is tea-like about

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  • Mojito

How to make the Best Mojito - Cocktail Recipe

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The following method is based on the recipe from La Bodeguita del Medio; the Cuban bar infamous for making amazing Mojito's since around 1942.

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Best party drinks

One of the best party drinks to have at a party is a mojito. This cocktail is easy to make, refreshing, and perfect for everyone at your party. You can also add muddled fruit for extra flavour. For a non-alcoholic option, try a strawberry lemonade. All you need is some fresh strawberries, lemons, sugar, water, and ice. Blend together until it reaches your desired consistency then pour over ice in a glass or pitcher of your choice. Add some fresh mint leaves if you want to bring out more of that refreshing taste. If this isn't enough for you, here are two more great drink ideas: daiquiris and margaritas

  • Easy Negroni

Easy Negroni recipe

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Award-winning cocktail chemist Matt Seigel, formerly of Eleven Madison Park and NoMad, shows us how to make a perfect Negroni. With only three ingredients, balance is key —and so is a nice, cold glass. Be sure to pop your Old Fashioned glasses in the freezer ahead of time, and the rest is easy.

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How to make an original Negroni cocktail?
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How to make an original Negroni cocktail?

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This easy recipe teaches how to make the original Negroni cocktail. Don't miss it!

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  • Pomelo digestif

Pomelo Digestif

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Digestifs are boozy after-dinner drinks said to tame the effects of a rich, heavy meal. They’re ridiculously easy to make: Just add citrus peels or herbs to grain alcohol and steep, then strain and mix with simple syrup. Digestifs keep forever (we store ours in the freezer so they’re pre-chilled), ready whenever you want a nightcap or a cocktail mixer. This recipe relies on the peel from pomelos to create a wonderfully aromatic liqueur.

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  • Easy to make Margarita

An easy way to make coctail margarita

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One of the cocktail recipes that you can count on!

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  • Obituary cocktail

Obituary Cocktail

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This Obituary Cocktail is a little unexpected, and a lot satisfying. Basically a killer Martini with a splash of absinthe, this would certainly be a great choice of deathbed drink, but let’s hope you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy many more. For more tipples with just a trio of components, try Jackson Cannon’s Jack Rose and the Gold Rush too. And for more wickedly delicious ways to use absinthe, try our Death in the P.M. cocktail recipe, and our Sazerac cocktail recipe.

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  • Easy Paloma cocktail

Homemade Paloma cocktail recipe

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This drink represents Mexico. Paloma cocktail is one of the most delicious drinks ever and its preparation is very simple. Try it at home!

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  • The perfect Mojito

How to make the perfect Mojito
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How to make the perfect Mojito

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Mix this classic cocktail for a party using fresh mint, white rum, sugar, zesty lime and cooling soda water. Play with the quantities to suit your taste.

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  • classic White Russian cocktail

How to make a classic White Russian cocktail?
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How to make a classic White Russian cocktail?

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This easy recipe teaches how to make a White Russian, one of the most famous classic cocktails. Don't miss it!

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More party snacks to munch on

Time spent on your snacks does not necessarily equate to flavour. Everyone knows that a dish's appearance is almost as crucial as its flavour. Here, quick go-to recipes become not only helpful but also necessary. Find some great recipes for easy party snacks below.

  • Spicy buffalo wings

Spicy Buffalo Wings
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Spicy Buffalo Wings

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Enjoy this easy spicy buffalo wings recipe!

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  • Chicken wings

The best chicken wings recipe ever!
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The best chicken wings recipe ever!

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Everyone loves crispy American-style chicken wings. Learn how to make them at home here!

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  • Buttermilk chicken

Tender and crispy buttermilk chicken recipe

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Chicken is versatile. There are thousands of ways to season and cook it. Surprisingly, the result is always amazing. Chicken buttermilk is soft and crispy, learn how to make it here.

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  • Vegan sausage rolls

Vegetarian sausage rolls recipe

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Easy to prepare, vegetarian sausage rolls are the perfect party snack for vegetarians and meat-eaters! By following this simple recipe, you'll learn how to prepare them.

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  • Cheese panini pizza

Quick and easy homemade cheese panini pizza recipe
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Quick and easy homemade cheese panini pizza recipe

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In this recipe, panini and pizza can be one! Following these steps, quick and easy you'll learn how to prepare homemade cheese panini pizza.

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  • Sloppy Joe

American Sloppy Joe hot dog recipe
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American Sloppy Joe hot dog recipe

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Can your favourite sandwich be a hot dog? The answer is yes! This American Sloppy Joe version is a hot dog. The results of the recipe are amazing. Try it now!

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  • Grilled mince meat skewers

Grilled minced meat skewers "Cevapcici" recipe
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Grilled minced meat skewers "Cevapcici" recipe

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Cevapcici grilled rolls are made with minced meat. They are a popular meat dish in south-eastern Europe and the Middle East. Follow the simple steps in this recipe for easy and delicious homemade cevapcici.

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  • Korean fried chicken

Original Korean fried chicken recipe
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Original Korean fried chicken recipe

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Korean fried chicken is tastier for several reasons: it is fried twice, it is very crispy on the outside but soft and succulent on the inside, it is seasoned for a few hours with some Asian spices and sauces, batter is special and the sauce is unique.

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  • Chicken nuggets

The easiest and tastiest chicken nuggets recipe
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The easiest and tastiest chicken nuggets recipe

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Everyone loves chicken nuggets! This recipe is a variation that includes cheese. The result is very creamy and tasty nuggets because the cheese will be melted inside. They are very easy to make and totally homemade.

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  • Sweet potato chips

The best homemade sweet potato chips
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The best homemade sweet potato chips

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Sweet potato chips are a healthy and delicious snack. This recipe pleases from the elderly to the children, as it is super crispy.

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Drinks for party

Mix up a variety of drinks for your party. Everybody has their favourite drink, so it's always good to have a few options. Here are some great drinks to serve: 

- A vodka, grapefruit juice, and cranberry juice cocktail would be perfect for a girls' night in. 

- A mojito is a classic cocktail that everyone loves because of its sweet flavour. You can also use different fruit juices to make it even more flavourful.
 
- If you're having an outdoor party, beer or sangria will be great to keep things cool during the summer months. There are many other drinks to choose from too, like a cosmopolitan, whiskey on the rocks, or rum punch.

- Always remember about non-alcoholic options too; lemonade goes well with any party theme. 

  • Best Margarita

Best Margarita Recipe – Margarita Pitcher Recipe
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Best Margarita Recipe – Margarita Pitcher Recipe

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This BEST MARGARITA RECIPE is the only recipe for margaritas you will ever need! This Perfect Margarita Pitcher Recipe is perfect for serving a crowd, made with simple and fresh ingredients, and utterly delicious.

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  • Mango Daiquiri

Easy and quick homemade Mango Daiquiri
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Easy and quick homemade Mango Daiquiri

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Making your favourite drink with your favourite fruit is possible! By following the steps of this simple recipe, in just a few minutes you'll be having the best mango daiquiri ever!

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  • Stone fence cocktail

Stone Fence Cocktail

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To make this classic Stone Fence cocktail recipe, simply combine Scotch whisky and bitters over ice, then top off with club soda.

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  • Espresso Martini

Easy cocktail espresso Martini recipe
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Easy cocktail espresso Martini recipe

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Espresso Martini is what you make for after dinner drinks. Dangerously drinkable with a good slog of liquor, this coffee cocktail is made with espresso, vodka and Kahlua.

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  • Sangria

How to make homemade sangria?
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How to make homemade sangria?

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This easy recipe teaches how to make the best homemade sangria, a typical Spanish drink. Don't miss it!

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  • Big Spender Cocktail

Big Spender Cocktail

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Here’s an adaptation of a bubbly celebration drink from American mixology pioneer Dale DeGroff. It combines añejo tequila, blood orange juice, aromatic Clément Créole Shrubb liqueur, and a top-up with sparkling rosé. What to buy: Blood orange juice is available at well-stocked grocery stores and online. Clément Créole Shrubb liqueur, from Martinique, is made up of a blend of rums flavored with spices and orange. We featured this recipe in our Drinks Around the World for New Year’s Eve story.

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