Cocktails 101: Our Favorite At-Home Apéritifs

Let's face it, we could all use a drink right now. We may not be experts at crafting cocktails, but we do have a few go-to recipes up our puffed and printed sleeves. Grab your shakers and join us for the happiest of happy hours.

Mezcal Paloma

Smoky, spicy, and packed with a punch, consider the Mezcal Paloma your favorite margarita's edgier older sister. While we're dreaming of slowly sipping mezcal in Mexico, this Paloma will temporarily the trick. Phoebe is wearing the James Lounge Dress in Thread Embroidery.

Ingredients:

2 oz mezcal
2 oz grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed
1 oz lime juice
1/2 oz agave
sparkling water, to top off the drink
lime wedges, for wiping rim of glass
sliced jalepeño, to garnish

Chile Lime Salt:

2 tablespoons flaky sea salt
zest of half a lime
1/8 t chipotle chili powder

Instructions:

1. Combine the salt, lime zest, and chili powder in a shallow dish.

2. Wipe the rim of a glass with a lime wedge then roll in the salt mixture.

3. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the mezcal, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave and shake for about 10 seconds, until shaker is cold.

4. Pour into salt-rimmed glass and top off with sparkling water and a few ice cubes.

5. Add sliced jalepeño for an added spice.

Coconut Mojito

Talk about a crowd-pleaser. Next time you have a socially-distanced hang with friends, whip up a batch of these Coconut Mojitos. Easy and refreshing, this creamy cocktail may just transport you tropical vacations of summer's past. Just make sure you prep enough for seconds. Kasha is wearing the Ash Dress in Orange Batik Combo.

Ingredients:

1 lime, quartered
8 fresh mint leaves
1-2 teaspoons granulated sugar (optional)
1 ounce (2 tablespoons) white rum
1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) coconut rum
1/4 cup canned full fat coconut milk, well stirred
ginger beer for topping

Lime Sugar:

zest of 1 lime
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
flaky sea salt

Instructions:

1. To make the lime sugar. Combine the lime zest, sugar, and a pinch of salt on a shallow plate. Rim your glasses in sugar, then fill with ice.

2. In a cocktail shaker or glass jar, muddle the lime, mint, and sugar (if using) together, squashing everything to release the juices. Add the white rum and coconut rum. Fill with ice and shake until combined. Add the coconut milk and shake.

3. Strain into your prepared glass. Slowly top with ginger beer, then gently stir to combine. Enjoy immediately.

Dirty Gin Martini

Deliciously salty and most certainly shaken, the Dirty Gin Martini is a classic cocktail recipe to have in your back pocket. It even comes with a snack! Our version calls for 1/2 ounce of olive brine, but feel free to add more and go as dirty as you like. Close your eyes and imagine you're in your favorite local martini spot. Mackenzie is wearing the Jemima Dress in Thread Embroidery.

Ingredients:

2 1/2 ounces gin
1/2 ounce dry vermouth
1/2 ounce olive brine
Garnish: 2 to 4 blue cheese olives

Instructions:

1. Add all the ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir.

2. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

3. Garnish with 2 to 4 olives, skewered.