Aperitif recipes

Love pre-dinner cocktails? Serve the perfect aperitif by blending Aperol or Campari with sparkling water and a generous amount of your favourite champagne

Mix saké with sherry, madeira, elderflower and maple syrups to make this aperitif cocktail. Garnish with a piece of grapefruit zest for the ultimate finish

Serve this classic crowd-pleasing aperitif spritz before a dinner party. It's made with red amaro liqueur, prosecco and garnished with an orange peel twist.

Try this spritz for a party. It's sure to impress with a hint of lavender putting a lightly floral twist on a Perfect (sweet vermouth, dry vermouth and gin)

A sparkling wine cocktail to start a lovely evening

A spicy cocktail to get your party started - you can buy the grappa at most off-licences

Our version of the ultimate classic cocktail is stirred, not shaken. Serve your martini with a twist of lemon, or an olive

To make the perfect classic negroni cocktail all you need is balance: use equal parts gin, vermouth and Campari, and choose the best products you have in reach

Need a sophisticated cocktail for entertaining? Cucumbers are used to garnish instead of olives in this refreshing twist on the classic martini

Get a taste of summer with our take on this classic Italian cocktail. Mix up this Aperol spritz using just three ingredients: Aperol, prosecco and soda

This Italian grapefruit liqueur is bitter on first sip, but with orange slices and plenty of ice there isn't a refresher like it

Make an easy vodka martini with our simple recipe for an elegant party tipple. Serve your cool cocktail with an olive or a twist of lemon peel

Add sherry to negroni instead of traditional gin to introduce a softness to this classic cocktail. It's a perfect aperitif cocktail or can be drank anytime

Serve this cocktail in a flute so the sugar cube sinks to the bottom – it will drive the bubbles upward. Prosecco, crémant and cava also work well

Serve this fun 'pink lady' gin cocktail to someone special. Make your own grenadine-style syrup for the wow factor

Plenty of fresh ingredients lift this simple mezcal cocktail to create a sweet, light and wonderfully balanced drink

Enjoy a springtime twist on a brandy alexander with a white rabbit cocktail. It's a blend of amaretto, cream, lemon curd and vanilla, finished with flowers

Make a classic gimlet, combining gin and lime syrup, stirred to the perfect dilution with lots of ice. A refreshing cocktail to enjoy with friends

An elegant vodka-based drink that'll wow your guests - it's made with creamy advocaat liqueur and homemade fruit syrup

Dry and sweet, this picture-perfect strawberry cocktail is a dream summer drink made with vodka and a dash of absinthe

This autumnal hedgerow cocktail has a blend of botanical notes from the gin, infused with a juniper syrup, which makes for a sweet-sharp tipple

Enjoy a bright, zingy 'bees knees' cocktail, with honey, dry gin and lemon juice. It's great drink for showcasing a flavourful honey. Garnish with lemon zest

The classic Sixties sidecar cocktail is given a Viennese twist with flavours of apple strudel - a tasty tipple for the Eurovision Song Contest

Impress your Christmas party guests with this festive cocktail - with vodka, orange syrup, crème de cacao and grated chocolate