December 10, 2018

5 Perfect Cocktails for Your Poker Night

You’ve got the poker supplies ready, with the chairs and card tables neatly arranged. Snacks are enticingly arranged on trays in the kitchen, too. So, what’s missing? Cocktails, of course. Here are some delicious poker-themed concoctions to try.

The Vesper Martini

James Bond famously likes his martinis “shaken, not stirred,” and this drink is one he discusses how to make in the “Casino Royale” book that later became a movie starring Daniel Craig. You can make it by peeling a lemon and putting it into the bottom of the glass.

Next, fill your shaker with ice. Add 1.5 ounces of Gordon’s gin and 0.5 ounces of a grain vodka. Next, put in 0.25 ounces of Lillet Blanc. Top all that off with two dashes of cinchona-infused liquor.

You’re ready to shake the ingredients now, and you should do so for at least ten seconds. You’ll know you’ve done it long enough once your shaker feels cold and is wet on the outside.

The Casino

This drink has some undeniably fruity flavors in it, making it ideal for a poker party that takes place on your patio during the summer. It’s also easy to make, which is good news if you’re often a less-than-confident bartender.

First, put two ounces of your favorite gin into your shaker. Next, add a quarter teaspoon of maraschino liqueur and a quarter teaspoon of lemon juice. Then add two dashes of orange bitters and ice.

Finally, shake vigorously and strain the beverage into glasses for your eager attendees.

The Poker Face

If you read gambling-centric content about the best games and the casinos around the world where you can play them, this drink might be mentioned. Contrary to what some people think, it’s been around much longer than the Lady Gaga hit of the same name.

Ready to make it? First, get your tequila out of the refrigerator and measure out two shots. Then, combine them with three shots of pineapple juice and a shot of triple sec. The last, crucial ingredient is a twist of lemon. Stir it all together and strain into tall glasses for your guests. If you’re in a fancy mood, add pieces of fruit and drink glass umbrellas for an artistic look that’ll show your attention to detail.

Leaving Las Vegas

It wasn’t always this way, but today’s Las Vegas casinos serve upscale cocktails that are almost as exciting as the games played inside the extravagant buildings. Traveling to Las Vegas is undoubtedly on many people’s bucket lists, but you don’t have to go to that Nevada destination to indulge in some top-notch libations. Try sipping some casino cocktails inspired by films instead. One of them is the Leaving Las Vegas, made famous by the 1995 Nicolas Cage film about an alcoholic who goes to Las Vegas and finds love without looking for it.

Pour one ounce each of vodka, light rum, gin, and triple sec into a highball glass. But the recipe doesn’t stop there. It also has an essential lemonade component. Make that by combining two tablespoons of sugar or an ounce of simple syrup with a splash of lemon-lime soda, such as 7-UP or Sprite. Stir and serve.

The Monte Carlo

The green hue of this cocktail is as memorable as the games you’ll play on poker night. First, put ice and champagne into a glass, then add a half-measure of gin and a quarter-measure of lemon juice. Finally, add a quarter-measure of crème de menthe and garnish each glass with a mint leaf.

These delicious drinks will ensure that your guests don’t get thirsty during your next poker night. Give them a try soon and see how mixed drinks make the night better than ever.