As a bartender, I have seen my fair share of drinks. From the classic Old Fashioned to the trendy Espresso Martini, I have mixed and served them all. But there's something special about a cocktail that catches your eye before you even take a sip.
It's the kind of drink that makes you want to take out your phone and snap a picture before you even pick it up. These are the prettiest cocktails, and they're not just pleasing to look at – they taste just as good as they look.
There's a reason why people say we eat with our eyes first. Visual appeal is a crucial part of the dining and drinking experience. When it comes to cocktails, presentation can make or break the experience.
A beautifully crafted drink can elevate the entire experience, making it more memorable and enjoyable. And let's be honest, we all love a good Instagram-worthy cocktail.
But prettiness alone is not enough. A great cocktail needs to have the right balance of flavors, textures, and aromas.
It needs to be refreshing, satisfying, and delicious. The best prettiest cocktails do just that – they are not only visually stunning but also a delight to the taste buds.
In this blog post, I will share with you some of the best prettiest cocktail recipes that I have come across in my years as a bartender. These drinks are not only beautiful but also delicious and perfect for any occasion.
Whether you're looking for a refreshing summer sipper or a festive cocktail for a special occasion, there's something for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired by some of the prettiest cocktails you've ever seen.
1. Pink Elephant Cocktail
The Pink Elephant Cocktail is a fun and flavorful drink that is perfect for any party. Made with vodka and Fentimans' rose lemonade, it has a sweet and fragrant taste that is balanced with a twist of lime juice.
The use of Aval Dor Vodka, a premium 'plough to bottle' vodka made from King Edward potatoes, ensures that this cocktail is of the highest quality.
2. Smashed Berry Rosè Spritz
The Smashed Berry Rosè Spritz is a perfect cocktail for entertaining guests. It is a refreshing and delicious drink that can be made in under 10 minutes. The cocktail is made with fresh berries, tequila, St. Germain, and a good bottle of rosé. The basil adds a summery flavor and a pop of green color.
The drink is garnished with star-shaped peaches, making it a perfect addition to 4th of July festivities. The cocktail can be served in mason jars, which adds to the decor of the party. Overall, the Smashed Berry Rosè Spritz is a must-try for anyone who loves a good pitcher drink.
3. Cranberry St. Germain Cocktail
The Cranberry St. Germain Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a festive and pretty cocktail this holiday season. This ruby-red cocktail is made with St. Germain elderflower liqueur and cranberry juice, and is garnished with a sparkly lime sugar rim. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors make for a refreshing and delicious drink that will be a hit at any holiday party.
Not only is it tasty, but the vibrant red color and sparkly rim make it a visually stunning addition to any cocktail spread. Whether you're dressed up in your holiday best or lounging in your comfiest sweatpants, this cocktail is sure to make you feel merry and bright.
4. Strawberry Shortcake Mimosa
The Strawberry Shortcake Mimosa is a delightful champagne cocktail that is perfect for brunch or any special occasion. With only three ingredients, this cocktail is easy to make and looks absolutely stunning. The secret ingredient, vanilla vodka, adds a touch of sweetness and flavor that makes this mimosa taste like a strawberry shortcake.
The use of strawberry ice cream or sorbet adds a unique twist to the drink, making it a refreshing and delicious choice for any brunch menu. The cocktail is perfect for those who love strawberries and want to add a little bit of sweetness to their champagne. If you're looking for a pretty and delicious cocktail to serve at your next brunch, the Strawberry Shortcake Mimosa is definitely worth trying.
5. Grapefruit Elderflower Rosé Vodka Cocktail
The Grapefruit Elderflower Rosé Vodka Cocktail is a spring-inspired drink that's perfect for any occasion. Made with Hangar 1 Rosé Vodka, pink grapefruit juice, elderflower liqueur, and sparkling rosé, this cocktail is a delightful blend of floral and fruity flavors.
The Rosé Vodka, which is made by blending vodka with California rosé wine, gives the drink a sweet and mild flavor that's less strong than straight vodka. The grapefruit juice adds a tangy and refreshing taste, while the elderflower liqueur adds a hint of floral complexity. Overall, this cocktail is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making it a great choice for a garden party or a brunch with friends.
6. Orange Blossom Gin Fizz
The Orange Blossom Gin Fizz is a classic cocktail with a twist. The addition of orange blossom water gives it a unique flavor that sets it apart from other gin fizzes. The frothy top adds to its appeal, making it one of the prettiest cocktails you can serve.
Although the Gin Fizz fell out of favor due to the effort required to make it, this version is worth the extra effort. There are many variations of this historic cocktail, but this recipe is a must-try. If you're looking for a beautiful and delicious cocktail to impress your guests, the Orange Blossom Gin Fizz is a perfect choice.
7. Tropical Strawberry Hibiscus Rum Spritz
The Tropical Strawberry Hibiscus Rum Spritz is a stunning and refreshing cocktail that is perfect for spring and summer. The drink features a beautiful red layer of hibiscus tea on top of a mix of mint, lime, mango juice, coconut water, and rum. The flavors come together to create a tropical and fruity taste that is sure to transport you to a sunny beach.
The addition of fresh hibiscus flowers adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the cocktail. This drink is perfect for impressing guests at a summer party or for sipping on a warm afternoon. Overall, the Tropical Strawberry Hibiscus Rum Spritz is a must-try cocktail for anyone who loves a pretty and delicious drink.
8. Spring Mocktail
Looking for a refreshing and pretty mocktail to serve at your next spring gathering? Look no further than the Spring Mocktail! Made with Simply Orange and Sprite, this mocktail is both beautiful and delicious. The bright orange color of the Simply Orange juice is complemented by the clear Sprite, making for a visually stunning drink.
And the taste? The combination of sweet and tangy flavors is sure to please any palate. So whether you're hosting a dinner party or just looking for a fun drink to enjoy on a warm spring day, the Spring Mocktail is a must-try!
9. Rosemary 75 Champagne Cocktail
The Rosemary 75 Champagne Cocktail is a beautiful and unique twist on the classic French 75 cocktail. With a homemade rosemary-infused simple syrup and a natural butterfly pea flower extract that creates a stunning blue ombre effect, this cocktail is perfect for any celebration.
The addition of the rosemary garnish and lemon wedge adds a refreshing touch to this surprisingly strong drink. This cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a visually stunning and delicious drink to impress their guests.
10. Hibiscus Martini
The Hibiscus Martini is a delightful and visually stunning cocktail that is sure to impress your guests. This pretty pink drink is made with homemade hibiscus vodka and dry white vermouth, resulting in a soft floral flavor that is both refreshing and delicious.
The cocktail is garnished with a hibiscus flower, adding an extra touch of elegance to an already beautiful drink. Whether you're hosting a fancy dinner party or just looking to impress your friends, the Hibiscus Martini is a must-try cocktail that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
11. Lavender Lemonade Mojitos
The Lavender Lemonade Mojito is a perfect summer cocktail that is sure to impress your guests. The drink is made with a lavender simple syrup, homemade lemonade, mint, and rum. The lavender simple syrup adds a unique flavor to the drink and gives it a beautiful purple color.
The mint and rum add a refreshing taste that makes it perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. This cocktail is perfect for those who love floral and herbal flavors. It's a great drink to serve at a summer party or to enjoy by the pool. If you're looking for a unique and refreshing cocktail to impress your guests, the Lavender Lemonade Mojito is definitely worth a try.
12. Strawberry Champagne
The Strawberry Champagne is a delightful cocktail that is perfect for Valentine's Day or any special occasion. Made with a homemade strawberry simple syrup and champagne, this cocktail is sweet, crisp, and has a hint of strawberry. The recipe is easy to follow, and you can also use Torani Strawberry Syrup as a substitute for the homemade syrup.
This cocktail is perfect for those who love champagne and want to add a fruity twist to it. The Strawberry Champagne is sure to impress your guests and add a touch of elegance to any event. So, if you're looking for a pretty and delicious cocktail to serve at your next party, give the Strawberry Champagne a try.
13. Strawberry Tequila Sunrise
The Strawberry Tequila Sunrise is a refreshing and visually stunning cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. This cocktail replaces the traditional grenadine syrup with fresh strawberry puree, giving it a unique and delicious twist. The combination of fresh squeezed orange juice and strawberry puree creates a beautiful gradient effect that is sure to impress your guests.
This cocktail is perfect for Cinco de Mayo celebrations or any brunch gathering. The tequila options are endless, but the recipe recommends using blanco or gold for the best flavor. If you're looking for a delicious and visually stunning cocktail, the Strawberry Tequila Sunrise is a must-try.
14. Tropical Cranberry Sangria
The Tropical Cranberry Sangria is a delightful winter twist on a classic summer drink. Made with Mija Sangria, orange juice, and fresh cranberry juice, this cocktail is perfect for any holiday party or cozy night in.
The white Mija Sangria, mixed with the tart cranberry juice, creates a beautiful layered look that is both festive and delicious. The addition of orange slices and cranberries as garnish adds to the overall presentation of the drink. This cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking to add a touch of tropical flavor to their winter drink lineup.
15. The Empress Q1908
The Empress Q1908 is a visually stunning gin sour cocktail made with Empress 1908 Gin, which incorporates Canadian water, 7 organic botanicals, and the hotel's signature tea blend.
The gin's vibrant indigo color comes from the butterfly pea blossom, which reacts to acid and changes color to a soft lavender when mixed with lemon juice. This cocktail is a signature drink at the Fairmont Empress Hotel's Q Bar and is perfect for those looking for a unique and visually stunning drink that is sure to impress.
16. Hibiscus Vodka
The Hibiscus Vodka cocktail is a stunning and flavorful drink that is perfect for any occasion. Made with fresh hibiscus petals and your favorite brand of vodka, this infusion has a soft floral flavor that is just slightly sweet.
The gorgeous pink color makes it an ideal choice for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, or any event where you want to impress your guests with a beautiful and delicious cocktail. The Hibiscus Vodka is a must-try for anyone who loves infusions and is looking for a unique and flavorful drink. So, why not give it a try and impress your guests with this stunning and delicious cocktail?
17. Pink Sangria With Rosé Wine
If you're looking for a refreshing and pretty cocktail to serve at your next summer party or girls' night, look no further than Pink Sangria With Rosé Wine. Made with a combination of rosé wine, vodka, and berries, this cocktail has a beautiful pale pink color that will impress your guests.
The addition of fresh fruit and mint gives it a light and sweet flavor that is perfect for sipping on a hot day. Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ or a fancy brunch, this sangria is sure to be a hit with your guests. So why not give it a try and see for yourself?
18. Elderflower Spanish Gin & Tonics
The Elderflower Spanish Gin & Tonic is a must-try cocktail for anyone who loves a refreshing and visually stunning drink. This cocktail is a twist on the classic Gin & Tonic, with the addition of elderflower tonic and a beautiful garnish of grapefruit, rosemary, and juniper.
The Spanish style of serving this cocktail elevates it to another level, making it a perfect choice for a summer day or a fancy cocktail party. The use of high-quality gin and tonic is essential to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. Overall, the Elderflower Spanish Gin & Tonic is a delicious and visually stunning cocktail that is sure to impress anyone who tries it.
19. Christmas Margaritas
If you're looking for a festive and pretty cocktail to serve at your holiday party, look no further than the Christmas Margarita. This frozen cocktail is made with fresh orange, lime, and pomegranate juice, orange liqueur, silver tequila, and Master of Mixes Simple Syrup Light.
The result is a beautiful, frosty drink that's perfect for sipping by the fire or pairing with a hearty meal. The cocktail is garnished with sugared sage leaves and pomegranate arils, which add to its festive appeal. Whether you're a fan of margaritas or just looking for a fun and colorful cocktail to serve at your next gathering, the Christmas Margarita is sure to impress.
20. Blueberry Gin and Sage Punch
The Blueberry Gin and Sage Punch is a refreshing and effervescent cocktail that is perfect for the holiday season. This cocktail is made with gin, lemon, blueberry sage infused simple syrup, and a splash of Prosecco. The combination of flavors is divine and will leave your taste buds wanting more.
The frozen blueberries and fresh sage add a festive touch to this make-ahead cocktail that is perfect for large gatherings. The Blueberry Gin and Sage Punch is a must-try for anyone looking for a pretty and delicious cocktail to serve at their next holiday party.
21. Coconut Grapefruit Margaritas
The Coconut Grapefruit Margarita is a refreshing and delightful twist on the classic lime margarita. It's a perfect cocktail for Cinco de Mayo or any type of party. The cream of coconut used in this recipe balances the tart grapefruit very well, giving it a sweet coconut flavor. The large flaked coconut used as a garnish adds a beautiful touch to the cocktail.
This pale pink drink is perfect for bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and girls' nights. The Coconut Grapefruit Margarita is a simple recipe that can be prepared ahead of time and kept refrigerated for a few hours. If you're looking for a festive and easy-to-make cocktail, the Coconut Grapefruit Margarita is a must-try.
22. Raspberry Mint Kir Royale
The Raspberry Mint Kir Royale is a refreshing and sweet cocktail that is perfect for any spring or summer occasion. Made with Chambord raspberry liqueur and champagne, the cocktail is topped with a minty simple syrup made from fresh mint leaves.
The cocktail is garnished with fresh garden mint, making it a beautiful addition to any table. Served in gold stemless champagne flutes, the Raspberry Mint Kir Royale is sure to impress guests and add a touch of elegance to any event. If you're looking for a delicious and visually stunning cocktail, the Raspberry Mint Kir Royale is a must-try.
23. Coconut Blood Orange Margaritas
Coconut Blood Orange Margaritas are a must-try for anyone who loves a sweet and tart cocktail. The vibrant dark juice of blood oranges turns this drink into a beautiful shade of pink, making it a perfect addition to any cocktail party. The creamy coconut flavor adds a tropical twist to the classic margarita, making it a refreshing and delicious drink.
Garnish it with a slice of blood orange and a slice of lime, and you've got one pretty-looking cocktail that is sure to impress your guests. If you're looking for a unique and beautiful drink to serve at your next gathering, Coconut Blood Orange Margaritas are definitely worth a try.
24. Tequila Sunrise Margarita
The Tequila Sunrise Margarita is a visually stunning and refreshing cocktail that combines the classic flavors of a margarita with the beautiful colors of a Tequila Sunrise.
The combination of tequila, orange juice, lime juice, and grenadine creates a delicious and refreshing flavor that is perfect for any time of year. The vibrant colors of the drink are sure to catch your eye and make you want to try it.
