From refreshing, citrusy spritzers to bold, spice-kissed sippers, these three easy cocktails will keep your Republic Day weekend relaxed, festive, and full of flavor.
long Republic Day weekend is the perfect excuse to slow down, invite a few friends or family over, and mix up something a little more exciting than your usual drink. Whether you prefer something light and bubbly, fruity and tropical, or deep and spirit-forward, having a few reliable cocktail recipes in your back pocket can instantly elevate the mood. The key is choosing drinks that are easy to build, use commonly available ingredients, and still feel special enough for a holiday.
Below are three cocktails tailored for a laid-back long weekend: a crisp citrus spritz for daytime sipping, a mango-ginger cooler that nods to local flavors, and a warm, spiced old-fashioned–style drink that’s perfect for slower evenings. Each recipe is simple enough for beginners yet flexible enough for you to tweak to your taste.
1. Citrus Republic Spritz (Light and Refreshing)
This cocktail is ideal for afternoon gatherings, balcony hangs, or pairing with snacks while you watch the parade highlights. It’s bright, slightly bitter, and wonderfully refreshing, with citrus notes doing most of the work.
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 45 ml dry white wine or light white vermouth
- 60 ml sparkling water or soda
- 30 ml orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
- 15 ml lime juice
- 10–15 ml simple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
- A few ice cubes
- Orange or lime slices, for garnish
- Fresh mint (optional)
Method:
- Fill a wine glass or tall glass with ice.
- Add the white wine (or vermouth), orange juice, and lime juice.
- Stir in simple syrup or honey until it’s well mixed.
- Top with sparkling water or soda, then give it a gentle stir to combine.
- Garnish with citrus slices and a sprig of mint.
Why it works for the weekend:
- Light enough for daytime, so it doesn’t feel heavy or overwhelming.
- Easy to multiply in a pitcher for a small group.
- You can make a non-alcoholic version by skipping the wine and using extra sparkling water and juice.
2. Mango-Ginger Cooler (Fruity, Spicy, Crowd-Pleaser)
Mango and ginger are a natural pair, and this cocktail leans into familiar flavors while still tasting like something you’d order at a bar. It’s great for late afternoon or early evening, especially if you’re serving finger foods or grilled snacks.
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 45 ml white rum or vodka
- 60 ml mango juice or mango puree (strained, if thick)
- 15 ml lime juice
- 10 ml ginger syrup or 2–3 slices of fresh ginger muddled
- 60–90 ml soda or sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Lime wheel and a small slice of mango, for garnish
Method:
- If using fresh ginger, add it to a shaker or sturdy glass and gently muddle to release the flavor.
- Add rum or vodka, mango juice, and lime juice.
- Fill with ice, then shake or stir well until chilled.
- Strain into an ice-filled tall glass.
- Top with soda or sparkling water and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and mango slice.
Tips and twists:
- For a sweeter drink, add a little extra ginger syrup or simple syrup.
- To make it non-alcoholic, leave out the rum or vodka and increase the mango juice and soda.
- A pinch of black salt or a salted rim can add a fun, tangy edge.
3. Spiced Evening Old-Fashioned (Warm and Bold)
As the night winds down, a slower-sipping cocktail feels just right. This spiced twist on an old-fashioned uses warm spice notes think cinnamon or clove to complement the richness of the spirit. It’s perfect if you prefer less sweetness and more depth.
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 60 ml whisky or dark rum
- 1 sugar cube or 1 tsp simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura or any aromatic bitters (if available)
- Tiny pinch of ground cinnamon or a small cinnamon stick
- 1–2 small strips of orange peel
- A large ice cube or a few regular ice cubes
Method:
- In a rocks glass, place the sugar cube and bitters (or add simple syrup and bitters together).
- Add the pinch of cinnamon (or a small piece of cinnamon stick).
- Muddle gently until the sugar dissolves with a splash of water if needed.
- Add the whisky or dark rum and stir to combine.
- Add ice and stir for about 20–30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Express the orange peel over the glass by twisting it to release the oils, then drop it in.
Why it suits a holiday evening:
- Encourages slow sipping and conversation.
- Minimal ingredients, but the spice and citrus peel make it feel special.
- Works well with dessert or as a standalone nightcap.
Hosting and Pairing Ideas
To make the most of the long weekend, pair each cocktail with simple snacks instead of complicated dishes. The citrus spritz goes well with light namkeen, roasted nuts, or vegetable sticks with dip. The mango-ginger cooler pairs nicely with spicy kebabs, pakoras, or grilled paneer. The spiced evening drink is ideal with dark chocolate, roasted almonds, or mildly sweet desserts.
If you’re hosting, you can set up a small DIY corner with labeled bottles, juices, soda, and printed recipe cards, so guests can mix their own. Keep plenty of ice, fresh fruit, and at least one non-alcoholic version of each drink so everyone feels included. Most importantly, pace your drinks, stay hydrated with water in between, and make sure anyone consuming alcohol has safe transport arranged. That way, the Republic Day weekend stays memorable for all the right reasons.
