Six Tips To Craft The Perfect Welcome Drink by Yangdup Lama
When and how a welcome drink is served is as important as what you serve, writes celebrated mixologist Yangdup Lama.
A WELCOME DRINK is a key part of a social gathering, whether you're hosting a small get-together at home or a larger event. The first drink your guests receive can significantly enhance their experience and create a positive first impression. It's not just about how the drink tastes; how it looks and how quickly it is served also matter. Serving drinks promptly helps guests feel welcomed, encouraging them to engage with each other from the moment they arrive. Here are six tips to crafting the perfect welcome drink:
Time It Well
Nobody likes to wait, especially for a drink. Unlike food, which can be enjoyed at leisure later in the event, a curated welcome drink serves as a thoughtful first impression and conversation starter.
Pick The Right Base
When choosing a welcome drink, it’s best to start with a versatile base. Light options like vermouth or sherry create a friendly atmosphere, while spirits such as Tanqueray London Dry Gin, vodka, tequila (such as Don Julio Blanco) or light rum can lend themselves to exciting cocktails. The choice of base should match the vibe of your gathering.
A Matter Of Taste
Flavour is crucial too. It’s best to keep tastes subtle. Strong flavours may not appeal to everyone, especially in a diverse group. Delicate hints of citrus, herbs or spices can invite enjoyment without overwhelming any palate.
The Right Look: Glassware Edition
Presentation is key when it comes to welcome drinks. Attractive glassware, colourful garnishes, and creative ice choices can transform an ordinary drink into a visual delight. The right glassware can elevate the drink's appearance and enhance how guests perceive it. Having a selection of glasses from simple rocks glasses to tall Collins or highball glasses can help you serve each drink appropriately. Stem glasses, like short-tasting sherry glasses or tall stem cocktail glasses (coupette), can make it easy to pour the right amount.
The Right Look: Garnish Edition
The right garnish is also essential for finishing your drink, both in appearance and flavour. A good garnish should be edible and ideally connect with the drink’s ingredients or enhance its taste. Keep garnishes simple, but feel free to be creative — just ensure they elevate the drink's overall appeal.
Zero Chill
Ice is a crucial component of any drink experience, with good quality being essential. Today, there are many options for sourcing high-quality ice in various shapes and sizes. However, it's important to remember that sometimes the simplest ice, clear and hard, made from clean drinking water, can be the best choice. The right ice not only enhances the drink but also elevates the overall presentation and sparks conversation.
Two Welcoming Serves
Black Tea Vermouth Spritzer
Preparing a thoughtful welcome drink requires some planning. It should be easy to enjoy and complement the vibe of your event. An aperitif, for instance, is a great option: you can create spritzers using bases like vermouth, sherry or port mixed with fizzy drinks like Prosecco or tonic water. Here, we’ll explore a vermouth spritzer with Tanqueray No. Ten gin.
Ingredients:
- 30 ml Black Tea Vermouth (black tea infused with rosso vermouth)
- 15 ml Tanqueray No. Ten Gin (or any premium gin of your choice)
- 3 Fresh Mint Sprigs
- 90 ml Classic Tonic
Method:
- In a tall glass, drop in the fresh mint sprigs and gently tap them to release their flavor.
- Measure in the tea vermouth and gin, fill the glass with ice, and top with classic tonic.
- Finish with a fresh slice of orange; squeeze it in and drop it into the glass.
Dry Fruit Sangria (serves 12-14)
Another simple option is a classic style sangria, made with a mix of seasonal fruits, which allows for creativity while maintaining a balance of sweetness and tartness. Here’s a recipe for a sangria bowl with a little twist.
Ingredients:
- 750 ml Red Wine (1 bottle)
- 100 g Dried Fruits (like raisins, cherries, or cranberries)
- 50 g Spice Mix (cinnamon, cloves, black pepper)
- 50 g Dried Nuts (walnuts, almonds)
- 100 g Fresh Orange Slices
- 100 g Strawberries, blackberries, or blueberries
Method:
- In a large glass jar, combine all ingredients.
- Cover the jar with cling film and let it infuse in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
- After infusing, strain the mixture into a fresh jar and serve chilled, adding freshly diced red and green apples, along with strawberries.
- Serve in tall stem all-purpose wine glasses (150ml each).
Last Sip
The welcome drink is more than just a beverage, it’s a way to set the tone of your gathering from the first moment. By serving it quickly, designing it thoughtfully, and presenting it beautifully, one can create a warm atmosphere that helps guests feel comfortable and engaged.
While planning your next gathering, remember that the welcome drink plays a vital role. Choosing seasonal ingredients and focusing on presentation can set the tone for a memorable occasion. Cheers to the art of the welcome drink, a key element in crafting a wonderful celebration.
About the author:
Yangdup Lama is a celebrated bartender, entrepreneur, and author who has been at the forefront of India’s cocktail revolution for over two decades. Co-owner of the award-winning Sidecar in New Delhi, he has been named “Industry Icon” by Asia’s 50 Best Bars and featured in Drinks International’s Bar World 100 list.
