The Easter break is fast approaching, and if you are having a social gathering you may like to serve a few pre-dinner drinks. It’s the perfect time to test out your mixology skills with some fun Easter-themed cocktails. These can reflect the festive traditions of the season, or simply be a nod to the joys of the awakening of spring!
Here are a few refreshing and easy cocktail creations to delight your guests this Easter.
Bunny’s Gin
With a playful nod to the Easter Bunny, this fragrant cocktail is sure to be a talking point that will make your gathering a memorable one. To make one serving, you will need two slices of peeled ginger about the size of a coin, 60ml of carrot juice, 40ml of fresh orange juice, 25ml of gin, 15 ml of triple sec, and a whole carrot sliced lengthwise.
Muddle the ginger to release the flavour, and place it in a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the rest of the ingredients apart from the sliced carrot, and shake vigorously. Strain the mixed liquid into a coupe glass and pop in the sliced carrot to garnish. The drink has a vibrant bright orange colour and pleasing zingy yet sweet taste that will sure to charm your guests.
The Bunny Mary
For a bolder take on the bunny theme, the Bunny Mary is a fun twist on the classic Bloody Mary cocktail. It is perfect for those guests who don’t have a sweet tooth, or are maybe seeking a hangover cure due to some overzealous celebrations the night before. It can’t be guaranteed to cure a bad head, but it will certainly be a great pick-me-up.
To make, you will need 2 oz vodka, 4 oz of carrot juice, two dashes of hot sauce, one dash of Worcestershire sauce and salt and pepper to taste. Combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well. Fill a highball glass with ice and strain the liquid into the glass. Garnish with a celery stalk and a sprig of parsley.
The After Five
If you or your guests prefer something a little sweeter, the After Five with chocolate shavings is the perfect combination of Easter indulgence and smoothness. You will need 50ml of vodka, 20 ml of Baileys, 20 ml of half-and-half (a combo of half single cream, half milk), a handful of fresh mint, and chocolate shavings and Matchmakers chocolates to garnish.
To make, simply shake all of the ingredients together except for the garnishes with ice. Strain over crushed ice into coupe glasses, add line the rims with grated chocolate. Serve with a single Matchmaker in the glass for a garnish, or for an extra sweet treat, serve the cocktail alongside a plate of irresistible Matchmakers or other minty chocolate.
