Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

What one cocktail would you make to please a crowd of girls

117 replies

Droi · 22/03/2025 11:26

Hosting my sister’s birthday. I want to make cocktails. The element in my home will be pyjamas and pizza. So quite relaxed. What cocktail can i make that will suit most people (wine, beer will also be available). I like quite tangy, spicy cocktails so don’t think my go tos would be a good choice.

Pornstar Martini?
Cosmo?
Strawberry Daiquiri? (hate it)
Espresso Martinis? (Love)

OP posts:
ScottsBones · 22/03/2025 14:39

Basil & lime martini

Lychee martini

ladymammalade · 22/03/2025 14:04

Mojito

Decisionsdecisions1 · 22/03/2025 14:03

Also sometimes everyone brings an ingredient/mixer etc so you don’t have to provide the whole lot.

Decisionsdecisions1 · 22/03/2025 14:01

I’ve made cocktails for a group at a friends birthday party a couple of times - I didn’t want to make just one type but also didn’t want a million ingredients. I also wanted options that could be made stronger or more dilute as people’s alcohol tolerance varies.

Few tips below:
Plain gin or vodka as a base
A liqueur eg creme de cassis or elderflower
A vermouth if you want (eg Martini Rossi)
Soda water or Prosecco to top up, depending on preference
Limes and lemons

From the above you could make Kir Royale, Gin Spritz, Elderflower martini etc. People could even make their own. Add a couple of fruit juices and gives more options.

Watch out for flavours that can be a bit sickly after a couple (eg mojito relies on a lot of sugar; cranberry in cosmo can get a bit one note etc).

BumbleBeegu · 22/03/2025 13:57

TwoWildlings · 22/03/2025 11:33

A classic Mojito would be my 1st choice then a strawberry daiquiri

Same!

I’d probably also make a Margarita so I could do the Margarita Pyjama Dance from Practical Magic…. “You put the lime in the coconut 🥥…” 🤣

QueenOfWeeds · 22/03/2025 13:41

I’d go with a cosmo from your list. You won’t make everyone happy though, so what’s your sister’s favourite? Maybe do that and if it isn’t a crowd pleaser, tough! It isn’t their birthday.

Alternatively what about a bellini bar? Prosecco and then different fruit purées (Funkin make them for cocktails, or you could do your own or use an Ella’s Kitchen pouch). I’ve done them at a party before and it worked well - everyone can pick their own flavour or have plain Prosecco if they prefer.

faerietales · 22/03/2025 13:39

I would just get a bunch of pre-made cocktails in. They're not the best but they're better than trying to please everyone with one type of drink.

Theresacatinmykitchenwhatamigonnado · 22/03/2025 13:37

Sea breeze for me, similar to Cosmo but a bit lighter. I do not like Aperol or espresso martinis.

PlasticBags · 22/03/2025 13:36

MasterBeth · 22/03/2025 12:30

Yeah, every picky bastard has their own special reason.

Show quote history

A quick Google suggests that over 80% of people who drink caffeine within 6 hours of trying to sleep experience sleep problems. It’s hardly some niche issue.

SerenityNowSerenityNow · 22/03/2025 13:32

As you're having pizza and aperol spritz seems like a good idea... in keeping with an Italian theme 🤷🏼‍♀️
Easy to make too. Plus if anyone doesn't like aperol then Prosecco is still an option.

OurSis · 22/03/2025 13:26

From the list Cosmo. Although my favourite is espresso martini I know loads who aren’t fans.

MasterBeth · 22/03/2025 12:30

PlasticBags · 22/03/2025 12:17

I would drink Apetrol spritz by the gallon, and I like a wide range of cocktails, but quite a lot of people, including me, can’t drink coffee of any kind much after lunch or it keeps us awake that night, no matter how much booze it’s mixed with.

Show quote history

Yeah, every picky bastard has their own special reason.

PlasticBags · 22/03/2025 12:17

MasterBeth · 22/03/2025 11:32

And in the first couple of answers, you see why you are setting yourself an impossible task.

I would drink a gallon of espresso martinis or a vat of Aperol Spritz, but you'll soon have a thread full of people saying you shouldn't possibly serve either.

People are picky bastards.

I would drink Apetrol spritz by the gallon, and I like a wide range of cocktails, but quite a lot of people, including me, can’t drink coffee of any kind much after lunch or it keeps us awake that night, no matter how much booze it’s mixed with.

annoyedandbored · 22/03/2025 12:07

Does it have to be cocktails? Id just get in a few different alcohols and mixers and let people do what they'd prefer... You'll never please everyone

NordicGiant · 22/03/2025 12:04

I love a French Martini. You need vodka, Chambord, pineapple juice, and some maraschino cherries.

Don't do espresso martinis. Coffee is actually disgusting to those who don't drink it (myself included! I'd be genuinely cross about being offered a coffee drink or nothing).

CountryQueen · 22/03/2025 11:59

Nothing sweet for me. I don’t think you can really create a cocktail that everyone will like. Just make your sisters favourite

CharlotteStreetW1 · 22/03/2025 11:55

gannett · 22/03/2025 11:40

Women have a range of tastes in cocktails (as men do). The flavours you prefer aren't decided by your genitalia. Tangy and spicy is no less "feminine" than fruity and sweet.

That said I think mojitos are about as universal a crowd-pleaser as you could find. Definitely not espresso martinis, I love them but only ever one in a night unless I want to be really wired.

My DH has an incredibly sweet tooth and would love a daiquiri or pina colada. I prefer something more dry.

Never an espresso martini as I loathe the taste of coffee.

I created a "jug" cocktail once (although I can't believe it didn't already exist):

1 bottle vodka
1 bottle (2 litre) lemonade
1 carton orange juice
1 carton pineapple juice

Easy and delicious 😋🍸

PaintDecisions · 22/03/2025 11:49

Absolutely not to anything coffee, it's too niche. Keep it simple - jugs of sex on the beach, pina colada etc.

Or just buy the pre mixed stuff you add booze too so people can choose? Funkin Cocktails are pretty good.

Original poster
Droi · 22/03/2025 11:46

gannett · 22/03/2025 11:40

Women have a range of tastes in cocktails (as men do). The flavours you prefer aren't decided by your genitalia. Tangy and spicy is no less "feminine" than fruity and sweet.

That said I think mojitos are about as universal a crowd-pleaser as you could find. Definitely not espresso martinis, I love them but only ever one in a night unless I want to be really wired.

My point re tangy and spicy is it’s more niche. Some people will have an issue with spice. No need to bring gender politics into it. It’s not that deep. Just look for an inoffensive flavour that most peole find palatable.

OP posts:
Glitterybee · 22/03/2025 11:43

French martini 👌

Nottodaty · 22/03/2025 11:42

Mojito - we usually make a jug of alcoholic and alcohol free version.

CharlotteLightandDark · 22/03/2025 11:42

Margarita or French 75

festivemouse · 22/03/2025 11:42

I would go for mojitos - only because you can easily swap up the flavour, get some berries or fruit on the side and it can be classic / strawberry / orange / mixed fruit with a swap, then most people should be able to find something they like?

Teencentral · 22/03/2025 11:41

I like a limincello or Hugo spritz, whatever you go for choose something that is quick to make, bonus of going for a spritz type cocktail is if someone doesn't like it they can just drink the sparkling wine

Katrinawaves · 22/03/2025 11:41

I loathe espresso martinis with a passion even though I happily drink almost everything else!

I’d maybe go with two easy ones so you cover the spread. Maybe a Cosmo or Pornstar Martini as one (both being quite sweet) and a martini or Aperol Spritz as the other (being more astringent)