INSPIRING GREAT BLENDS

Age Verification

This site contains references to alcohol. Before proceeding, please confirm that you are of legal drinking age.

To access this website, you must be 21 years old or above and you must agree to our terms and conditions, African + Eastern endorses moderate drinking and encourages you to please drink responsibly.

5 Easy and Delicious Cocktails You Can Make at Home

Going out is fun, but sometimes, staying in hits differently. It's the comfort of your own playlist, the perfect seat on your sofa, and the luxury of making a drink exactly how you like it. Whether you're hosting or enjoying a quiet night solo, mastering a few simple cocktails can turn your living room into your own private bar.

So, where do you start? Don't worry, you don't need a fancy bar cart or a shelf full of exotic bottles. We're here to walk you through five easy, delicious cocktails you can make at home, all using the premium spirits you'll find at African Eastern. These picks are quick to craft, big on flavour, and perfect for anyone ready to shake (or stir) things up.


1. Johnnie Walker Black Label Old Fashioned

For those who prefer their evenings smooth, smoky, and a little timeless.

A classic Old Fashioned is all about balance—bittersweet, strong, and aromatically inviting. But using a premium blended Scotch like Johnnie Walker Black Label takes this staple from reliable to remarkable. Its layered notes of dark fruit, vanilla, and a gentle wisp of smoke create a finish that lingers long after the last sip.

What you'll need:

  • 50ml Johnnie Walker Black Label
  • 1 sugar cube
  • 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Orange peel

Method: Muddle the sugar cube with bitters in a rocks glass. Add a large ice cube and pour over the whisky. Stir slowly. Express the oils from the orange peel over the drink and drop it in as a garnish.


2. Tequila Sunrise with Jose Cuervo

The original that never goes out of style.

Bright, refreshing, and perfect for warm evenings, the Tequila Sunrise gives Jose Cuervo its summer moment in the spotlight. The tequila's crisp bite is softened with citrus and brightened with a splash of grenadine, creating a drink that looks like a sunset and tastes like a celebration.

What you'll need:

  • 45ml Jose Cuervo Tequila
  • 90ml fresh orange juice
  • 10ml grenadine
  • Orange slice or cherry for garnish

Method: Fill a tall glass with ice, pour in the tequila and orange juice, then slowly pour grenadine down the side of the glass. Let it settle at the bottom for that signature sunrise effect. Garnish and enjoy.


3. Smirnoff Lemonade Spritz

Light, bright, and just the right amount of zing.

This vodka-based cocktail is the ultimate refresher. With Smirnoff's clean, crisp profile and the tartness of lemon, this is an easy-drinking favourite that works for brunches, lazy afternoons, or sunset hours.

What you'll need:

  • 50ml Smirnoff Vodka
  • 20ml fresh lemon juice
  • 100ml sparkling lemonade
  • Lemon wheel or mint sprig for garnish

Method: Make the drink in a tall glass over ice. Strain into a coupe or martini glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel or a mint sprig for a refreshing finish.


4. Gordon's Classic Gin & Tonic

Simple to make, easy to love.

There's a reason the G&T is a forever favourite—it's clean, crisp, and endlessly refreshing. Using Gordon's London Dry Gin elevates this easy classic with its bright botanicals and clean juniper finish.

What you'll need:

  • 50ml Gordon's London Dry Gin
  • 100ml premium tonic water
  • Lime wedge or rosemary sprig

Method: Fill a glass with ice. Pour in the gin and top with tonic. Gently stir and garnish. That's it. Sometimes simplicity wins.


5. Captain Morgan Dark Rum Boulevardier

Dark, rich, and a little rebellious.

This riff on the classic Boulevardier swaps whisky for Captain Morgan Dark Rum, bringing in bold molasses depth with notes of vanilla and spice. It's smoky, bittersweet, and deeply satisfying.

What you'll need:

  • 40ml Captain Morgan Dark Rum
  • 25ml sweet vermouth
  • 25ml Campari
  • Orange peel

Method: Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well chilled, then strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with an orange twist. Sip slowly—good drinks are made to be savoured.


A Few Tips Before You Shake

  • Glassware isn't everything, but it helps. A coupe, a rocks glass, and a highball are really all you need to start.
  • Ice matters. Bigger cubes melt slower, keeping your drink chilled without watering it down.
  • Garnish is more than decoration. A twist of peel or a sprig of herbs releases essential oils that hit your nose before the drink hits your tongue. That's where the magic starts.


Final Pour

You don't need a bartending manual or fancy kit to enjoy a proper cocktail. Just the right bottle, a few easy steps, and a little curiosity. Whether it's the smoky depth of Johnnie Walker Black Label, the zesty charm of Jose Cuervo, or the bold spice of Captain Morgan dark rum, each of these spirits brings its own rhythm to the mix.

Explore the full range of premium spirits from African Eastern, and let your home bar become your favourite place to unwind.