There are few things better than a catch-up with friends, especially when it involves good drinks and great laughs. Whether you’re hosting a house party, planning a games night or just looking to spice up your next get-together, a solid cocktail and a few easy games can turn any evening into one to remember.
Here are some of our favourite cocktails to make with friends—plus some fun games to keep the vibe going.
ALL GIN COCKTAILS
There’s something effortlessly fun about Gin and Lemonade. Simple, citrusy and easy to batch-make, this drink pairs Beefeater London Dry with cloudy lemonade and a dash of bitters. Serve in jugs with lemon wheels and mint. It’s low-effort, high reward—perfect when you’d rather focus on the fun.
When hot summer nights are here, the Frozen Gin and Tonic delivers. An icy take on a classic G&T, this slushy serve is made with Beefeater London Dry Gin, tonic water, lemon juice and plenty of ice. It’s summer in a glass and a guaranteed hit during garden hangouts or heatwave house parties.
A little bitter, a little bold and always stylish, the Negroni is the go-to for more sophisticated nights with close friends. Equal parts gin, Campari and sweet vermouth, it’s stirred down and served over ice with a twist of orange. Best paired with deep conversations and a playlist full of jazz.
Fizzy, citrusy and oh-so refreshing, the Beefeater Gin Fizz is your go-to for daytime get-togethers or easygoing evenings. This classic mix of gin, lemon, sugar and soda water suits just about any occasion—from lazy Sundays to rowdy reunions.
A cocktail that looks as good as it tastes, the Aviation combines Beefeater gin with maraschino liqueur, lemon juice and crème de violette. It’s floral, tart and seriously photogenic. Whip it up for themed parties or anytime your group wants something a little extra.
Classic, sparkling and always classy, the French 75 is great for those moments that call for a toast. Beefeater London Dry, lemon, sugar and champagne come together to create a drink that feels like a celebration in every sip. Serve this one when the night hits its stride.
Bubbly, pink and guaranteed to impress, the Pink 75 is a crowd-pleasing twist on the French 75. Made with Beefeater Pink Strawberry, lemon juice, sugar syrup and topped with prosecco, it’s fresh, fruity and celebratory from the first sip. Perfect for a birthday bash, brunch with your crew or the start of a weekend wind-down.
Zesty, tart and dangerously refreshing, the Grapefruit Gin Paloma is ideal for sunny afternoons with your mates. Make it with Beefeater London Dry Gin, grapefruit soda, lime juice and a pinch of salt. Or go extra with Beefeater Grapefruit. Either way, this one keeps things light and bright. Serve in pitchers and let everyone pour their own as the games begin.
Add a bit of heat to your hangout with the Spicy Guava Collins. A fiery mix of Beefeater London Dry, jalapeño, guava and black pepper, it’s one to sip slowly while you take on your friends in a game of wits. Speaking of which…
You don’t need to drink to have fun with these games, but they do go great with a cocktail in hand:
Take turns asking “most likely to…” questions and point to the person who fits best. Hilarious debates guaranteed.
An icebreaker that never fails. Share two facts and one fib—the group guesses the lie.
Celebrities, fictional characters, or people from your office—you choose the subjects. Simple, savage, silly.
Quick-fire game. Say a word, and the next person has to say the first word that comes to mind. Keep it moving or you’re out.
Stick the name of a famous person on each person’s forehead. Ask yes/no questions to guess who you are.
The classic. But you don’t need to drink to play. Just fess up and laugh about the chaos you’ve all survived.
Download the app and start guessing. It’s a digital charades-style game with loads of categories.
Give everyone a few clothes pegs. The aim? Clip them onto people without them noticing. Most pegs placed wins.
Everyone writes down something ridiculous. Take turns reading them out while everyone else tries to keep a straight face.
Like broken telephone meets drawing game. Write a phrase, pass it on, and see how hilariously wrong it gets.
The right cocktail (and a few games) can turn a night in into something unforgettable. So stock the bar cart, gather your friends and get playing! Mix up more party cocktails or experiment with easy non-alcoholic drinks using Beefeater 0.0,
