It’s Tuesday evening, the Sainsbury’s Basics table wine is flowing, and everyone is descending into increasing levels of drunken numbness and jollity. Someone arrives with a bottle of cheap vodka and mixers: it’s cocktail time. But for anyone who doesn’t enjoy the corrosive burning of paint stripper and ice cream (aka vodka and cream soda), there are lots of easy and quick ways to add a bit of sophistication to your pre-drinks. Forget buying watered-down cups of juice in clubs (£7?!?) and make use of what you (mostly) already have. 

Gin and Tonic

The Gin and Tonic is already an excellent start to a classy night, but with a few simple additions can be transformed from a reliable staple into a perfectly pizazzed pre-drink. The golden ratio of one shot of gin to three shot-equivalents of tonic water gives a good balance without drowning out subtle notes of the gentle gin infusion, whilst the soft aromatics of the cucumber and mint are surprisingly complementary:

3 shots tonic water

1 shot gin

1/2 shot elderflower cordial

Cucumber

Mint to garnish

Combine all the ingredients, be sure to stir the cordial, and serve with plenty of ice.

Musical accompaniment: ‘Time Out’ by the Dave Brubeck Quartet

Dress code: Smart casual; lounge suits, cocktail dresses

Aperol Spritz

A cheeky Aperol Spritz will instantly transport you from the ominous grey concrete facades of Sidgwick to the fiery heart of Southern Italy. Unleash your inner hipster with this simple, refreshing (and exotically coloured) summer drink:

3 shots white wine/prosecco

2 shots aperol

1 shot sparkling water

1 shot gin (if you’re feeling adventurous)

Orange slice and cocktail umbrella to garnish

Start with aperol/gin, add the wine, sparkling water and stir with ice to finish.

Musical accompaniment: ‘I giardini di marzo’ by Lucio Battisti

Dress code: Shorts, linen shirts, sunglasses, vespa (optional)

Martini

For when only a glass of gin will do, an elegant, well-made Martini hits the spot. Prance about like James Bond, pretending that you actually enjoy the taste:

1 shot dry vermouth

2 shots gin (or 3, or 4)

Green olive to garnish

Combine the ingredients and stir with ice for about 30 seconds, then strain into a glass.

Musical accompaniment: Theme Song from From Russia With Love

Dress code: Black Tie

Note: Maybe it’s time to repurpose an old case as a drinks cabinet. Ask friends to leave their drinks, and you will unwittingly become master of the cabinet… just make sure it doesn’t go straight to your head.

Dark and Stormy

When a heavy night at Cindies is looming, prime yourself with a (perhaps foreboding) Dark and Stormy, a heavy, spicy concoction balanced by the sharp acidity of the lime:

2 shots dark rum

4 shots ginger beer

dash of lime juice

wedge of lime

Combine ingredients with ice, stir, and coat rim of the glass with lime juice.

Musical accompaniment: ‘The Circle of Life’ from The Lion King

Dress code: Neon

The Twinkle

The Twinkle is the shining star of your drinks arsenal, the perfect sparkling trophy and pat on the back after that long essay you’ve finally pretended to finish:

1 shot vodka

1 shot elderflower cordial

3 shots prosecco 

Shake/stir the vodka and cordial, fill with prosecco to finish.

Musical accompaniment: ‘The One and Only’ by Chensey Hawkes

Dress code: Glitter

Note: Maybe it's time to repurpose an old case as a drinks cabinet. Ask friends to leave their drinks, and you will unwittingly become master of the cabinet... just make sure it doesn't go straight to your head.