Cocktail Hour: London Calling

Time Several Hours

Budget $ $$$

Skill Level

WORDS BY Gillian Grefe

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Published on November 14, 2017

Any party needs a signature cocktail (or two!) to really make it special. Guests love the novelty of drinking something special, and hosts should never lose an opportunity to be on-theme. If your celebration style is London Calling, you’re likely a fan of classic brown liquor, but aren’t afraid to try something new. Below, find two cocktails perfect for pulling a party together.

Mother’s Ruin Punch

Named after British slang for gin, this punch serves a crowd and makes a fun, unusual addition to the bar service. Serve in an irreverent tortoise shell glass for maximum effect.

Ingredients:

½ cup granulated sugar

¾ cup chilled club soda

1 ½ cups gin

1 ½ cups fresh grapefruit juice

¾ cup fresh lemon juice

¾ cup sweet vermouth

2 ¼ cups chilled champagne

Ice

Directions:

Stir sugar with club soda until dissolved in a large pitcher. Add in gin, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, and vermouth and stir. Refrigerate until chilled. Transfer to punch bowl, gently stir in champagne. Add sliced grapefruit wheels for garnish. Serve with a ladle.

Brandy Alexander

If the punch gets the party started, the sweet Brandy Alexander keeps it going. A favorite drink of John Lennon and perfect for an after-dinner treat, it looks amazing served in a martini glass.or coupe. Choose one with black or metal accents for a little bit of an edge.

Ingredients:

1 oz. brandy

1 oz. creme de cacao

1 oz. heavy cream

Nutmeg

ice

Directions:

Shake brandy, creme de cacao, and cream with ice. Strain into a glass and finish with grated nutmeg.

Surprise your guests with not one but two on-theme cocktails! If you need barware or other coordinating items, don’t forget to shop our London Calling list