Whether you didn’t expect to have company over, or suddenly have the urge for a stiff drink, don’t shy away from being creative when it comes to curating a cocktail for the occasion. There are several ways to concoct or create a delicious alcoholic beverage using whatever is in your fridge. Even the most sparse refrigerators might likely have something you can use to satisfy your need to imbibe.
Continue below to learn some ways you can make an impromptu cocktail with what you have in your kitchen right now!
Make the Best with What You Have on Hand
When it comes to creating a cocktail, your basic element will be your liquor of choice, or whatever alcohol you have on hand. From there, you can build upon your drink by combining your own personal creativity with the current options you have on hand. But don’t stop at your refrigerator either; the pantry and cabinets might also house ingredients that will improve or complete your concoction. Even your garden or landscape might provide a certain element for your desired cocktail.
Items to Look for in the Fridge:
▸ Soda
▸ Sparkling Water
▸ Juice
▸ Fruit Cups
▸ Jelly
▸ Olives
▸ Citrus Fruit
▸ Berries
▸ Fresh Herbs
▸ Jalapeños
Items to Look for in the Pantry or Cabinet:
▸ Sugar
▸ Agave
▸ Jams
▸ Honey
▸ Maple Syrup
▸ Cayenne
▸ Tajín
▸ Salt/Pepper
Some Ideas to Spark Your Ingenuity
🍯 Jam and Honey
Do you have a lemon and a jar of preserves? A tablespoon of jam can really enhance the flavor of a cocktail. Whiskey pairs well with fig jams, marmalades, and berry jams. All other common liquors can be paired well with any flavor jam, from grape and strawberry, to hot pepper jelly, pineapple compote, and much more. Add a slice of lemon to balance the flavor profile, and you’ve got yourself a great drink! If you like margaritas, choose a citrus-based jam and pair it with a lime. Sugar, honey, and agave work well as sweeteners or rimmed garnishes for any cocktail.
🌿 Herbs and Spices
Whether your herb and spice collection come from the fridge or the pantry, they can help you make a good cocktail with very little other ingredients. Upon your base liquor of choice, muddle or garnish your cocktail with herbs like mint, basil, rosemary, or ginger. White rum combined with mint, sugar, soda, and lime will give you a classic mojito. Vodka, rosemary, soda, and lemon is refreshing and satisfying take on the classic mojito. Pair bourbon and basil together, alone or with ginger beer for another great drink. Want something spicy? Muddle some jalapeños, add a Tajín rim or sprinkle in some cayenne.
Other Ideas:
► Use the juice of a fruit cup as a mixer.
► Muddle green olives and add olive juice to vodka or gin.
► Add a few drops of maple syrup into a bourbon.
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Where to Get Great Cocktails in Downtown Indianapolis
Contact English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to hear about our delicious dinner and drink specials we offer at our Downtown Indianapolis bar and restaurant! We gladly accept wall-ins, reservations, and even carryout orders. From classic wings and beer, to prime rib, cocktails, stage entertainment, and more, we have exactly what you are looking for in both flavor and fun! With neighborhood prices and the kindliest service around, you will be fully-satisfied with every visit. We look forward to being friends!
