“Locktails” to try before Iso Ends

If lockdown has given us anything, it’s less cares in the world and more reasons to swap the standard 3 o’clock caffeine fix with early knock-offs hidden in the coffee mug! While being in lockdown can be a drag, (we hear you “you have NO idea”) your drinks don’t have to be. You’ve probably gotten the hang of your favourite lockdown cocktails (or as we like to say, locktails) by now, so why not add some spice to your iso-life via some easy cocktail recipes?

Here are some of our go-to locktails and quarran-tinis that are sure to get you excited for Friday drinks on Zoom with the gang and get you through the last week (Sydney) or next few weeks (Melbourne and Canberra) before lockdowns finally lift!

We’ve matched the ideal isolation mood with each lockdown cocktail, that way you can revisit this fantastic list whenever you’re soul searching for that beaker perfect beverage.

1. The Moscow Mule, for Eeyore Feels

This one’s easy if you’re feeling a little down in the dumps, but need a pick-me-up that doesn’t create a million beakers or a whole lot of cocktail shaking. Who wants to exercise right now?

Grab your go-to vodka, favourite ginger beer (we recommend Fever Tree), and some fresh limes (no, that bottled stuff will not do)! Pull out your fanciest tumbler to feel help you feel somewhat normal, or go full lockdown vibes with a tea mug – florals and all.

Here’s what you do:

In your preferred vessel, pour 30ml Vodka, 60ml Ginger Beer and the juice of half a lime. Mix together and drop in a thin slice of lime to garnish.  Voila, the Moscow Mule is complete.

2. The Quarrantini, (need we explain?)

To make the best out of lockdown, a boring repertoire of cocktails will not suffice! The infamously named Quarrantini brings together two classics, the Cosmo and the Appletini. For this easy cocktail recipe, you should have most of these ingredients on hand; if not, it’ll be a nice trip to the shops (yay, outdoor time)!

Here’s what you do:

In a cocktail shaker, add 30ml Cointreau, 30ml Cranberry Juice, 45ml Gin, and 15ml Apple Juice over ice. Shake, shake, shake! Pour into your martini glass and top up with Champagne and garnish with a slice of Apple [if you want to be a fancy little thing].

3. The Godfather, for Movie Marathon Time

When it gets to that point in lockdown when you’ve rewatched all of Sex and the City, Harry Potter and The Office, it’s time to move onto the more serious stuff. Cue The Godfather. Named after Marlon Brando for his love of Amaretto, this easy cocktail bridges the gap between sophistication and wearing socks that don’t match.

Here’s what you do:

Search for that glass that makes you feel like you’re sitting beside Hollywood’s silver screen actors and you’re about to throw your drink into Al Pacino’s face. Pour 60mls of Amaretto and 60mls of Scotch Whiskey over ice and you’re done – it’s a locktail you can’t refuse.

4. Bailey’s Espresso Martini, to Un-depresso Yourself

Getting yourself in a peppy, feel-good mood during lockdown can be difficult, especially when it seems like there’s no end in sight. Fear not, one way to bring yourself out of isolation frustration is with this revamped Espresso Martini!

Here’s what you do:

Grab your cocktail shaker and get that arm ready for a workout. Pour 30ml Vodka, 15ml Kahlua (or Tia Maria), 60ml Baileys, and 60ml freshly made espresso into your shaker over ice – and go to town with it! Shake it like a polaroid. Pour over a frosted martini or cocktail glass and pretend to be back in a buzzing, dimly-lit dive bar, eyeing off a sexy stranger in the corner while you sip the week away.

5. Classic Gin Fizz, for When Online Dating Sucks

Probably the most complex drink on our list of easy cocktail recipes, but this is totally worth the extra effort. Like a great first date, sometimes you need to put in a little more time with the right steps to get to a delicious, sweet moment! This Classic Gin Fizz encapsulates opulence with a touch of self depreciation – if this doesn’t get you back on the prowl, there’s always crushing on Chris Hemsworth to fall back on.

Here’s what you do:

Regular version: 60ml gin, 20ml lemon juice, 15ml simple or maple syrup, 1 egg white, soda water to top

Vegan version: Keep all ingredients the same except the egg – replace with 2 Tablespoons of Aquafaba (cold chickpea water)

Pour the gin, lemon juice, syrup and egg white (or aquafaba) in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds, then fill the shaker with ice and shake for another 30 seconds until frosted. Strain into your lovely tumbler or cocktail glass and top with soda water – garnish with a lemon twist if you’re game.

Why the dry shake? This helps create the foam from the egg white/aquafaba, then the ice helps solidify it into a white frothy layer ready to channel your froth moustache aesthetic.

6. Rosemary Blue Smash, aka “all fun, no hangover”

A lovely alternative to our alcoholic locktails, this Rosemary Blue Smash brings together classic aromas in a fun way without having to settle for a soft drink. This mocktail is all about fruits, fabulous flavours and fizz!

Here’s what you do:

Grab 8 blueberries, a rosemary sprig and 30mls of soft honey (or maple syrup) and muddle in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add 30mls of lemon juice and ice, and sh-sh-shake for 10 seconds! Strain into a tall glass that’s full of fresh ice, and top with sparkling mineral water and stir. Garnish with fresh blueberries and rosemary!

Enjoy these easy to make cocktails or mocktail at home, or adjust to suit with whatever you have available in your kitchen!

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