Go make yourself a drink and I’ll be down in two shakes of a lamb’s tail

This was Uma Thurman’s line to a fidgety John Travolta over the intercom in a scene from Pulp Fiction. As Travolta programs himself to play his cards right and not mess up with his boss’ wife, Thurman’s cool and dismissive suggestion is inspiration that cocktails are never a hard task to do. This party season, creating a splash means going against the gin and tonic trap. Being festive means experimenting with different flavors, textures and laying it thick with the color! The best part is that these ce-libations come with all the glory minus the sweat!

When blending cocktails, remember to keep the golden stuff in its virgin state. In other words think sacrilege when making a champagne cocktail out of vintage Krug or a sangria with good wine. The great thing about these party cocktails is that they cease to be as high maintenance as the company that savors them. With that said it’s time to get the lowdown on chic tipple!

For A Small Dinner:

A good welcome drink would be a glass of bubbly. Bubbly cocktails have been the fave arm candy of socialite ice queens and movie goddesses of all sorts. After all what is there to hate? It’s sweet, refreshing and gives you the appropriate amount of giggles to keep an otherwise dull evening interesting.

A good bubbly (Jacob’s Creek multi-awarded sparkling wine or Masach’s Cava – both available at a fraction of what Champagne usually costs) mixed with some puree make for a very enticing treat as your guests walk in the door. I adore mixing bubbly with either a combination of peach and grape puree (I call it the tango for its tangy taste) or strawberry puree(tart for its seductively sharp flavor.) A bit of a sugar cube adds extra fizz and zest. Serve with generous flutes and don’t be afraid to put a mint leaf for garnish. It’s your party!

For After-Dinner:

Instead of surrendering to the wicked resolve of carrot cake, a tempting ender for your hearty meal that will surely make your guests want more is something that is deceptively sinful and thoroughly intoxicating. Moisten and sugar the rim of a high ball glass with sugar and then fill it with ice. Add a jigger (or two if you’re serious) of vanilla vodka and a hearty dash of frangelico. I swear it’s liquid chocolate cake!

For Afternoon Gatherings:

Sangria is the most common choice of daytime revelers. Although the red wine sangria mix will always be a no-fail staple there are other variations that will allow you to be the belle of the ball with an edge. Blonde sangrias are equally as wicked as their crimson cousins and more treacherous if I may add. A bottle of white wine, mixed with some diet sprite or 7 UP (kill the useless sugar please!), some peach juice and fresh orange juice mixed in with sliced fruit (berries are great to add some piquant flavor). Add some ice and put on some Kylie (this is an alternative Sangria!).

For Big Parties:

Shaking that cocktail bullet may seem cute in movies, but in real life it can be a pain (believe me). When throwing a party you should be one of the revelers. So in order to keep the lubrication at an exquisite maximum without compromising your fun time, think of pre-mixed cocktails. Yeah sure, it’s not as glamorous but sensible thinking gives more time for hanky panky! For a fruity holiday cocktail fit for the tropics, mix curacao, coconut rum and some pineapple juice in equal parts. Put in plastic pitcher and keep in the fridge. Pour onto chilled empty Bette Davis glasses and refill when needed. For a more heady drink try doing mandarin vodka and chocolate liquer. Rim the glass with cocoa powder and garnish with orange wedges. Another variant would be vodka mixed with banana liquer and a dash of mint (careful with the mint it can end up tasting like toothpaste) on a highball glass filled with ice. Martini bars are also a great and chic alternative. On a rectangular table, put some gin (Bombay or Tanqueray the best), a spritzer of vermouth, a tray with a variety of olives, olive juice (for those who prefer it dirty) and lots of ice, keep a couple of shakers and chilled glasses handy for your DIY guests! This makes a great conversation hub and keeps your hands free for other conquests. If you wish there’s nothing blasse about keeping a selection of juices for fruit cocktails, just don’t do it if you are a expecting a company of martini enthusiasts!