How to mix a quarantini, and other cocktails to drink during digital happy hour
- Get creative with the contents of your liquor cabinet with these riffs on classic cocktails, then Zoom your friends and compare results
- For example, if life gives you a sad lemon, mix it with jam to make a surprisingly delicious daiquiri
We are living in unusual times, which will be long remembered for what we couldn’t get (masks, toilet rolls, hand sanitiser) and what we couldn’t do (work, travel, party). Among the things I have missed the most is catching up with friends over drinks.
Many of us can rustle up a gin and tonic at home, but how about something more interesting? With time on our hands, take the opportunity to look through your drinks cabinet and make something different.
If you want to connect with friends, pick a cocktail and host a Zoom happy hour for everyone to talk about their own variations. All drinks should be shaken or stirred – no blenders allowed.
Here are a few essentials to keep at home: spirits, including vodka, gin, rum (white or amber) and tequila; triple sec; vermouth – a dry one such as Noilly Prat and a sweet red such as Martini Rosso; Campari; mixers – tonic, soda or sparkling water and lime cordial; and Angostura bitters. In the fridge (hopefully): limes and lemons.
Round 1: The Quarantini
Quarantinis have certainly been popular. A quarantini should have a generous amount of vitamin C, so you can pretend it’s healthy. There are different versions, but the one I like is essentially a vodka martini with half a Berocca vitamin tablet dropped into it, shaken and served in a martini glass with lemon zest.
Another tasty version starts with a basic vodka martini, to which is added half a teaspoon of turmeric powder, half a teaspoon of honey and the juice of half a lemon. Shake and serve.
