Types of home-made cocktails for the whole family 

Cocktails are harmonious combinations of ingredients that become drinks. Apart from the classic distinction of with or without alcohol, they can be divided into different groups according to how they are made, their main ingredients and, as in this case, their main purpose.

Aperitifs

• Are served in small quantities.
• Generally, have a dry taste and a high alcohol content.
• Induce a feeling of hunger.
• Are prepared with a base of vodka, white rum or gin.
• The majority have fruity citrus flavours: orange, lemon, mandarin, as well as melon and grapes.
• A classic would be the Martini.

Digestives

• Are served in small quantities.
• They have a high alcohol content and a very sweet flavour based on creamy liqueurs.  
• Ideal for after meals and usually accompanied by herbs, such as mint, which aid digestion.
• In this group, you will find the gin-tonic, a mixture of gin and tonic.

Refreshers

• Drinks served in larger sizes because they aim to quench the thirst and cool the heat.  
• Prepared with less alcohol, as well as without.
• They have a more festive component than the rest and prefer more daring combinations and decorations.
• An example would be the pina colada.

Restoratives

• Contain nutritional elements among their ingredients.
• Rich in vitamins and protein.
• They use fruit, eggs, chocolate and milk.
• One of the most representative drinks of this group is the bloody Mary.

Stimulants

• Heighten attention levels.
• Are served hot and with plenty of spices. Cinnamon, nutmeg or cloves may be some of their ingredients.  
• In less recommended drinks, they are mixed with energising drinks or have a high caffeine content.
• This would be the case for the coffee cocktail, or the typical mulled, spiced wine that is drunk during the winter in the colder parts of Europe.