Next time you’re planning to gather with friends or family and cook a special meal, why not serve some of these innovative mixed drinks alongside the food? There is nothing wrong with wine and beer, but if you really want to impress, cocktails are the way to go. All it takes is a quick trip to the Towson liquor store (and the grocery store for mixers) to gather everything you need!

Cosmopolitan

If you’re looking for something light and fruity to sip, a Cosmopolitan (Cosmo for short) is a great choice. To make one, mix one and a half parts vodka, one half part triple sec, one part cranberry juice and one-half part either lemon or lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. You can adjust the amount of each ingredient as needed, depending on the size of your party. To give your recipe a twist, use flavored vodka.

Margarita

Your blender isn’t just for making smoothies and soups! Margaritas are always a crowd favorite, especially if tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas or nachos are also on the menu. You can make them sweet or tart, depending on your preference and that of your guests. A classic margarita contains just three ingredients – tequila, cointreau and lime juice – but you can always add simple syrup or other complementary ingredients. Don’t forget to add salt on the rim!

Champagne Cocktail

Popping a bottle of champagne adds a celebratory, festive feel to any gathering. To make a glass of champagne even more bubbly and exciting, turn it into a champagne cocktail! All you need to do is drop in a sugar cube and a few dashes of bitters. If you’re feeling crafty, you can garnish it with a lemon twist.

If you’re looking to spice up your next dinner party, one of these classic cocktails should do the trick. They’re fun to create and are sure to be a hit with all of your guests. Cheers!