Impressive Cocktails For Your Student Nights In

Cocktails. The very word conjures up images of James Bond and glamorous Sex in the City women. It certainly doesn't say, 'drinks for students,' or 'night in'. Or does it?

Just because you're having a night in with friends it doesn't mean it has to be boring. On the other hand, the reason you're probably having a night in is lack of funds. You want something that will impress but without costing the earth. And we've got the cocktails for you!

We suggest using cocktail glasses but a wine glass will do as long as it's chilled before use.

• 1 shot = 1 oz = approx 30 ml

Martini

The traditional and original martini is made with gin; James Bond is responsible for popularising the vodka martini.

• 2½ shots gin
• ½ shot vermouth

Pour the gin and vermouth into a large glass containing ice cubes. Stir well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and serve garnished with an olive on a stick.

Vodka Martini

• 2 shots vodka
• ½ shot vermouth

Pour the vodka and vermouth into a cocktail shaker filled with crushed ice. Shake very well. Strain into a cocktail glass filled with ice cubes. Serve garnished with a twist of lemon peel.

James Bond's Vesper (vodka martini)

• 3 shots gin
• 1 shot vodka
• ½ shot vermouth

Pour the gin, vodka and vermouth into a cocktail shaker filled with crushed ice. Shake very well. Strain into a cocktail glass filled with ice cubes. Serve garnished with an olive.

• The proper Vesper uses Lillet Blanc instead of vermouth.

Screwdriver

• 2 shots vodka
• 5 shots orange juice

Pour the vodka and orange juice into a tall glass filled with ice cubes. Stir. Garnish with a slice of orange.

Cosmopolitan

• 1½ shots vodka
• ¾ shot Cointreau or Triple sec (orange-flavoured liqueur)
• 2½ shots cranberry juice
• 1 teaspoon caster sugar
• ¼ shot lime juice

Fill a cocktail shaker with crushed ice. Add all the ingredients and shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Serve garnished with a twirl of orange.

Tom Collins

The exact quantities of this or that don't matter here. Just enjoy!

• 2 shots gin
• 1 shot lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon icing sugar
• Soda water

Shake the gin, lemon juice and icing sugar together. Strain into a tall ice-filled glass. Top with soda water.

Jelly Shots

Lemon Drops

• 1 packet lemon jelly
• 16 oz hot water
• 8 oz cold water
• 8 oz vodka

Dissolve the jelly in hot water. Stir in the cold water and then the vodka. Divide between shot glasses and refrigerate. When the jelly has set, damp the rims of the glasses and dip in caster sugar for a frosted edge.

Tequila Jelly Shot

• 3½ oz hot water
• Juice of 2 large limes
• 7 oz tequila

Dissolve the jelly square in the hot water. Add the lime juice and the tequila. Mix well. Divide between 8 shot glasses and refrigerate until set.

If you're less concerned with looking classy, buy a new bucket and mix up some Jungle Juice!

Jungle Juice

This is a very basic recipe. You can add to it whatever you like!

• 1 bottle vodka
• 3 cartons fruit juice
• 1½ l lemonade
• Fresh fruit

Chop up a selection of fruit (apples, oranges, grapes, melons) and place in the bottom of a clean plastic bin. Add the vodka and leave to soak for about 12 hours. Add the fruit juice and lemonade and served in tall glasses with ice.