Best party-starting cocktails

Chilli and Coconut Martini

A chilli and coconut martini looks wicked, and before you know it, it’ll have the whole room buzzing. For each martini you’ll need 30ml of 42 Below Vodka, 30ml chilli-infused vodka (I make this by leaving two halved small red chillies in a bottle of vodka for 3-4 days), and 20ml of coconut syrup. Shake them in a cocktail shaker with a scoop of ice, then garnish with 2 thin chilli strips and 2 thin strips of fresh coconut. You can also serve this as a shot. Find shot glasses here. For a cool touch try presenting your martini shot in a frozen ice shot glass.

Jeremy Shipley, Bar Manager, Longrain Sydney recommends these fun shot drinks:

Jelly Shots

So you want to know how to make jelly shots – you’ve come to the right place! Jello shots are easy to make and a great option for bigger groups because they can be made ahead of time.

Basic formula

The basic idea behind building your own jelly shot recipe is to replace the cold water required to make actual jello with the alcohol of your choice. You pretty much can’t go wrong as long as the total amount of liquid in your recipe does not exceed the total liquid suggested on the box of jello. Below is a basic formula to get you started.

• 3 oz box of jello – flavor of your choice
• 1 cup of boiling water
• 1/2 cup of alcohol (more for stronger shots)
• 1/2 cup of cold water (less for stronger shots)

The important thing to remember is that the alcohol and cold water should add up to equal 1 cup. This recipe will make about 20 shots if you are using 2 oz cups.

How to make Black Magic Jello Shots in Cups

Start with a large measuring cup and measure 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 package of Lemon Jello (3 oz) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/4 cup of cold water, 1/2 cup of Vodka, and 1/4 cup of Coffee Liqueur . Stir well and wait until the liquid is about room temperature before pouring into jello shot cups.This recipe makes about 16 shots – adjust as needed for your party.

Margarita Jelly Shots

Start by pouring 1 1/2 cups of boiling water into a large measuring cup. Dissolve 4 packages (3 oz size) of Lime Jello for about 2 minutes. Add 2 oz of Tequila and 1 oz of Triple Sec and 5 oz of cold water and stir well. Pour the liquid directly into a 9 x 13 inch pan and chill until firm (about 3 hours).

Add some class and serve in a silver rimmed plastic shot glass.

How to make Chocolate Covered Cherry Jelly Shots

Start by measuring 1 1/2 cups of boiling water into a large glass measuring cup. Dissolve 4 (3 oz) packages of Cherry Jello (regular or dark cherry) for about 2 minutes. Add 3 oz of White Creme de Cacao, 1 oz of Vodka, and 4 oz of Rum and stir well. Pour the liquid directly into a 9 x 13 inch pan and chill until firm (about 3 hours).