M+ HOME: Three Cocktails & Canapés for Effortless Hosting
Small gathering, big impact. These three cocktails, paired with easy canapés, are the ultimate shortcut to a stylish, relaxed evening at home. Impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen, which is exactly the type of party we love.
1. French 75 with Goat’s Cheese & Roasted Red Pepper Crostini
Why It Works: The effervescence and citrus notes of the French 75 complement the creamy tang of goat’s cheese and the sweet, smoky flavour of roasted red peppers. Light, elegant, and perfect for a celebratory vibe.
Recipe Highlights:
French 75: Shake 25ml gin, 12.5ml lemon juice, and 12.5ml simple syrup with ice. Strain into a flute and top with champagne.
Goat’s Cheese Crostini: Spread goat’s cheese on toasted baguette slices, topped with roasted red pepper strips, and a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Classic Margarita with Mini Beef Tacos
Why It Works: The zesty lime and tequila notes of a classic margarita complement the savoury richness of beef, while a creamy avocado salsa adds a refreshing contrast. Fun, bright, and ideal for casual or midweek entertaining.
Recipe Highlights:
Margarita: Combine 50ml tequila, 25ml lime juice, and 15ml triple sec over ice. Shake well and strain into a glass with a salted rim.
Mini Beef Tacos: Fill mini taco shells with seasoned ground beef, top with avocado salsa, and garnish with chopped coriander.
3. Vesper Martini with Smoked Salmon Blinis
Why It Works: Classic elegance meets effortless entertaining. The crisp, clean flavours of a Vesper Martini — gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc — cut through the richness of smoked salmon and crème fraîche, while delicate blinis provide a light, airy base. Herbal and citrus notes in the cocktail highlight the dill and freshness of the canapé, making each bite and sip feel perfectly balanced.
Recipe Highlights:
Vesper Martini: Shake (don’t stir) 45ml gin, 15ml vodka, and 7.5ml Lillet Blanc over ice, then strain into chilled martini glasses. Garnish with a lemon twist and serve straightaway.
Smoked Salmon Blinis: Top mini blinis with a dollop of crème fraiche, a slice of smoked salmon, top with fresh dill and capers.
M+ Hosting Tip:
Prepare the canapés in advance and store in the fridge.
Cocktails like the Vesper Martini can be scaled up for a crowd and kept in the freezer for a few hours before serving, Just pour into chilled or frozen glasses.
This way, you can focus on enjoying your guests rather than fussing in the kitchen.