Ice, Ice Baby.
Marie Claire recommends NOLET’S Silver for a Chill Summer Cocktail. Mixologist Julie Reiner of Clover Club in Brooklyn whips up a frozen NOLET’S Silver Gin drink, The Roman Holiday. This slushy libation will inspire and cool down every summer celebration. Sweet strawberries combined with bitter Campari make for a fashionable twist on a classic Gin lemonade.
Click here for the recipe to make your own.
Raise a Glass to these 7 Creative Cocktail Hour Ideas
Hosting a gathering at home can be tons of fun — all of your friends gathered in one place to enjoy each other’s company over drinks. It’s the epitome of a classy yet relaxed gathering. However, cocktail hour can become a bit routine if you do the same thing week after week.
If you want to host a soiree but feel that your drink plans need a kick in the rear, don’t worry—we’ve got your back. From expanding your mixology repertoire to ornamenting your bar with decorative pieces, try mixing things up with these seven suggestions for hosting more creative cocktails next time you have the crew over for drinks at your place.
Take the road less traveled.
For a subtle twist, make classic drinks with unusual ingredients, such as NOLET’S® Silver Gin. Unlike most gins, which have a piney, juniper-heavy flavor profile, NOLET’S Silver is floral and fruit-forward, with notes of Turkish rose, peach and raspberry.
Find beautiful glassware.
Dressing up the bar is sure to refresh cocktail time. Replace plain glasses with a beautiful vintage set, or better yet find elegant new barware to update your entertaining space. Just be ready to fend off all the compliments from your friends.
Experiment with garnishes.
Uncommon garnishes, like fresh berries or herbs, can do wonders for perking up a tired cocktail. Try the NOLET’S Silver Basil Smash (recipe below), which uses fresh basil to enhance the aromatic qualities of the drink.
Go around the world.
Host a theme party by setting up stations with different exotic cocktails and snacks, each representing a specific country. If you have multiple rooms available, you can even include a playlist that matches the international theme in each space.
Have fun freezing.
Try freezing various edible items into ice cubes for a signature drink. Fruit and edible flowers both make a gorgeous statement suspended in ice. For example, freeze lavender sprigs into ice cubes for a NOLET’S Silver Lavender Gin + Tonic (recipe below).
Pair perfectly.
Match drinks with complementary hors d’oeuvres to enhance both and provide a little variety to the evening. For example, this recipe for Figs with Lavender makes a lovely partner for the NOLET’S Silver Gin + Tonic (mentioned above).
Expand your horizons.
If you’re making the same few drinks every time you have people over, no wonder you’re bored of the same old routine. Shake up the schedule by making a cocktail you’ve never heard of, such as the NOLET’S Silver Dutch 75 (see recipe below).
Recipes:
NOLET’S Silver Basil Smash
- 1.25 oz NOLET’S Silver Gin
- 0.75 oz Simple Syrup
- 1 oz Lemon Juice
- Basil Leaves
Muddle basil with simple syrup and lemon juice in a mixing tin. Add NOLET’S Silver, ice and shake well. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with a basil leaf.
NOLET’S Silver Lavender Gin + Tonic
- 1.25 oz. NOLET’S Silver Gin
- 0.25 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
- 0.25 oz. Simple Syrup
- 2 Fresh Lavender Sprigs
- Tonic Water
Add all ingredients, except tonic water, to a mixing glass with ice. Shake well and strain into a highball glass over fresh ice. Top with tonic water. Garnish with fresh lavender sprigs.
NOLET’S Silver Dutch 75
- 1.5 oz. NOLET’S Silver Gin
- 0.5 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
- Champagne
Pour lemon juice and NOLET’S Silver into a mixing glass with ice. Shake well. Strain into a Champagne flute. Carefully top with Champagne. Garnish with a lemon twist.
