Quick note: the measurements for all the cocktails result in 1 serving unless stated otherwise.
- “360”: Tequila Sunrise
This one is for the girlies who are still reminiscing about the Workman’s five euro cocktails. Packed with sugar and tequila, this is the ultimate party drink, because it (hopefully) won’t leave you sobbing on the bathroom floor an hour later.
The recipe: Fill a tall glass with ice, add two shots of orange juice and a shot of tequila. Stir to combine. Add a dash of grenadine and garnish with a slice of orange or maraschino cherry.
Top tip: Add the grenadine AFTER the orange and tequila, that way you’ll get the iconic gradient!
2. “Club Classics”: Spicy Margarita
If I’m in the club, I’m only drinking tequila based drinks because it doesn’t make me tired or sad the way that beer and wine does. This recipe is a little more complicated, intended for hardcore party people. It’s spicy, it’s refreshing, it’s strong, it’s definitely a special treat – just like when the DJ plays Kylie Minogue. Drink this and I promise you’ll be dancing until dawn.
The recipe: Makes four. First, start with making chilli syrup. Do this by heating one sliced red chilli and four tablespoons of golden caster sugar with four tablespoons of water. Simmer until the sugar has dissolved and then let it cool completely. While it’s cooling, make the salt chilli rim. In a small bowl mix a small handful of coriander leaves, the zest of half a lime, two teaspoons of salt and half a teaspoon of chilli flakes. Once mixed, tip onto a plate. Next, add four shots of tequila, two shots of triple sec, one shot of chilli syrup, one shot of mango juice, one shot of lime juice and lots of ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake until the outside of the shaker is cold and pour the mixture into a jug with ice. Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass and dip the glass into the salt. Finally, pour your mixture into the glass, and there you have it!
3. “Sympathy is a Knife”: Gin & Tonic
Nothing quite says disillusioned and worn out quite like a Gin & Tonic. The drink of choice for many a scorned woman, it’s bitter and strong, exactly what you need when the world is getting you down. Careful though – too many of these and you’ll start trying to tell the guy at the chipper your life story. At least, that’s what I hear happens…
The recipe: Add one large shot of gin to a glass filled with ice. I prefer a tall glass but you can use a goblet too. Add 120 mls of tonic water and garnish with a slice of lime.
4. “I Might Say Something Stupid”: Whiskey Sour
This cocktail screams maturity and sophistication. It’s melancholic, it’s reflective, it’s the girl’s version of Bill Murray in Lost in Translation. The perfect drink for when you want to have a main character moment, or do something risqué.
The recipe: Fill a shaker with ice and add two shots of whiskey, one shot of lemon juice, half a shot of sugar syrup, one egg white and three dashes of bitters. Shake and strain into your most pensive little square glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
- “Von Dutch”: Pornstar Martini
This cocktail was invented in 2002 by a guy called Douglas Ankrah who said it was “pure indulgence, sexy, fun and evocative” which is exactly the essence of “Von Dutch.” This is for the princesses out there, the lip gloss lovers and the little dog owners. I’m talking about Sharpay’s level of tack and glamour.
The recipe: Into a shaker filled with ice, pour one shot of vanilla vodka, one shot of passion fruit liqueur, one shot of passion fruit puree, half a shot of lime juice and half a shot of simple syrup. Shake well. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Serve with a shot of prosecco – fabulous!
6. “Everything is Romantic”: Aperol Spritz
As the song goes “drinking neon orange drinks on the beach,” the Aperol Spritz is the ULTIMATE summer cocktail. Even if you haven’t managed to flee this rainy island in search of sunnier destinations, you can console yourself with one of these (especially now that Lidl does a fantastic Aperol dupe!).
The recipe: Grab the biggest wine glass you can find and fill with ice. Pour a shot of aperol into it and top with prosecco. Garnish with a slice of orange. Simple as!
7. “So I”: Long Island Iced Tea
Look: if you’re listening and relating to “So I” on a daily basis, you need a stiff drink. A Long Island Iced Tea is just the tonic.
The recipe: Into a jug, add ice, a shot of gin, vodka, white rum, tequila, cointreau, and lemon juice, and a half teaspoon of sugar syrup. Stir this VERY well and strain into the serving glass filled with ice. Top with coke until full and serve with a slice of lemon. Enjoy and be careful, that stuff is lethal!
8. “Girl, So Confusing”: Espresso Martini
Look, we’re all confused by the espresso martini. Is it a cocktail or dessert? Does it actually taste nice or are we all just pretending? This cocktail is the height of sophistication and any complex female friendship can be solved over a couple of these in a swanky apartment.
The recipe: Into a cocktail shaker, add a shot of vodka, a shot of coffee liqueur, one shot of espresso and a half shot of simple syrup. Shake for fifteen seconds until a foam appears at the top of the liquid. Strain into a coupe glass, using a sieve. Powder the top of the glass with cocoa powder and garnish with three coffee beans.
9. “Apple”: Appletini
Just like how Charli almost didn’t include this banger on the album, this cocktail is criminally underrated. This is for all of my Y2K/90s girlies who just want to wear low rise pants and drink cocktails that don’t taste like alcohol (I know you’re out there!).
The recipe: Add ice, a shot of vodka, a shot of apple juice, half a teaspoon of lemon juice and half a teaspoon of maple syrup to a shaker and shake until the outside is very cold. Strain and serve in a tall skinny glass with a slice of apple.
10. “B2b”: Naked and Famous
I have to admit, this is my favourite BRAT song. However, I found it particularly difficult to match this with a cocktail. What cocktail screams I’ve moved on from my ex but not really? And then I discovered the Naked and Famous. This cocktail is dangerously drinkable, so much so that after two or three you’d almost be tempted to text your ex…
The recipe: Add a shot of mezcal, aperol, chartreuse and lime juice to a shaker with ice and shake until cold. Strain into the most glamorous glass you can find (chilled of course).
This drink, just like BRAT, is truly a symbol of the intimidating chic city girl with a messy love life and a great wardrobe; the energy we are all trying to channel this summer
11. “Mean Girls”: Cosmopolitan
What else truly captures the “It Girl” except for the iconic Carrie Bradshaw cocktail? It’s strong, it’s sexy, it comes in a fantastic glass. Need I say more? This drink, just like BRAT, is truly a symbol of the intimidating chic city girl with a messy love life and a great wardrobe; the energy we are all trying to channel this summer.
The recipe: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice and lime juice. Shake until the outside of the shaker is very cold. Strain and serve in a tall skinny glass with a lime peel.
12. “I think about it all the time”: The Shirley Temple
Listen, not all cocktails have to be alcoholic! This is an oldie but a goodie. Particularly for those who want to stay out late for the chats and vibes but don’t fancy getting tipsy, it’s full of sugar so it’ll certainly keep you awake until the wee hours!
The recipe: Fill a glass of ice and add a shot of lime juice and half a shot of grenadine. Top with ginger ale and garnish with a maraschino cherry.
13. “365”: Mojito.
Nothing about this song or cocktail is sweet or coquettish, a welcome relief from last year’s Barbie Pink Summer. This song is messy, improvised and fresh just like the mojito. This drink is perfect for when you want to cause a bit of drama and make some memories; the ultimate “fuck it” drink.
The recipe: Muddle (smash) about five mint leaves at the bottom of a shaker. Add two shots of rum, one shot of lime juice, half a shot of simple syrup and some ice. Shake well. Strain into a glass filled with ice, top with tonic water and slice of lime.
You can listen to BRAT here as you sip your cocktails!
