Food naturally takes centre stage at a dinner party. But what will your guests be drinking? Wine and beer are an obvious choice. But if you really want to leave guests impressed, a selection of dinner party cocktails are the ultimate serve.

The best drinks to drink at a party really depend on the vibe and the guests. A Mojito, for instance, may be the perfect refreshment for a summer BBQ, whereas as the Martini is a sophisticated classic that’s ideal for a black-tie event. From a celebratory welcome glass to fruity aperitifs, to the best digestif cocktails, there’s a drink for every moment. Here we share our selection of the most crowd-pleasing dinner party cocktails, each simple to make yet undeniably delicious.

This sweet and zesty drink is a safe bet for fussy drinks and bigger parties, yet still remains a crowd favourite. Mixing floral notes and fresh lemon with smooth, sweet scotch, the Elderflower Collins is a quick pour that delivers quick hosting points.

Forget after dinner espresso martinis and wake up the night The Glenlivet way. Scotch Coffee is a Scottish take on a classic post-dinner coffee cocktail made with sweet scotch, fresh brew and a whipped double cream float. It’s worth the effort, trust us.

Bring the outdoors in with our nature-inspired drink, Valley of the Bees. Representing the bees that buzz through the rolling heather moorlands, this honey whisky cocktail takes guests to the Scottish Highlands with each utterly refreshing sip.

End the night on a sweet note with a chocolate Old Fashioned, a dessert-inspired twist on a classic cocktail. The rich and creamy addition of chocolate liqueur compliments the sweet spiced notes of whisky and bitters, garnished with an orange twist.

For a rich whisky serve, try a Boulevardier, the full-bodied cousin of the Negroni. Scotch, Campari and sweet vermouth make an iconic trio, stirred with ice for a cool finish. Serve between courses for a sweet, spiced pick me up or finish your meal on a classic cocktail.

Swap an Aperol Spritz for this dinner party drink staple. The Paper Plane cocktail is an aromatic mix of herbal liqueur, whisky and Aperol – it’s bittersweet and guaranteed to get those taste buds tingling before you serve up a feast.

Perfect for autumn, spring or summer, this spiced spritz adds warmth to any get-together. The addition of whisky and sparkling wine adds an essence of luxury to this apple cinnamon cocktail – an excellent choice for a dinner party welcome drink.

Our take on a classic Brooklyn cocktail results in a sweet and simple-to-make drink with a beautiful fruity subtleness. The Glenlivet 12 Year Old adds a hint of pineapple to the stronger flavour of maraschino cherries, balanced by dry vermouth and bitters.

A Whisky Sour remains one of the best dinner party cocktails for good reason. The combination of whisky, lemon juice and sugar creates a perfectly balanced drink that works particularly well before a meal, while the silky texture and foamy top add a touch of sophistication to your drinks menu. Serve in tumblers and let guests enjoy a modern classic that never goes out of style.

Looking for a dinner party cocktail that feels a little more unexpected? The Weathered Axe balances The Glenlivet 12 Year Old with lemon juice, Combier, Cocchi Americano and ginger syrup, creating a drink that’s bright, aromatic and layered, making it a great aperitif to serve before guests sit down to eat. Garnish with a sprig of mint or rosemary for an extra touch of theatre.

Inspired by the classic Scottish dessert, the Raspberry Cranachan brings together The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve, fresh raspberries and lemon juice for a cocktail that’s fruity, vibrant and full of character. Balsamic vinegar is the secret ingredient here, keeping things balanced rather than overly sweet. It’s an excellent choice for spring and summer dinner parties and pairs particularly well with lighter desserts.

Elegant dinner parties call for elegant dinner party cocktails. Meet the Vieux Carre, a drink with complex flavours that’s somehow super easy to make. Equal parts (25ml) Cognac, sweet vermouth and The Glenlivet 15 year old scotch combine in a sweet smooth liquid, balanced by a dash of bitters and 10ml of Benedictine. Simply stir over ice, strain and garnish with a lemon twist.

Welcome guests to a night of good food, good company and good drinks with this sparkling cocktail. We’ve put a whisky twist on a classic French 75, combining smooth scotch with sweet champagne. Simply pour 35ml The Glenlivet 12 Year Old with 15ml lemon juice and 15ml honey water into a flute. Top with 80ml of champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.

For a longer, lighter serve, the Golden Highball is hard to beat. Combining The Glenlivet 12 Year Old with orange liqueur, honey and soda water, it’s refreshing, easy-drinking and ideal for entertaining. Garnished with a rosemary sprig and lemon wheel, it’s a sophisticated alternative to wine and a great option for guests who prefer something less spirit-forward.

Get more dinner party inspiration with The Glenlivet. Our collection of whisky cocktails has everything from fruity drinks to group serves. We’ve also got plenty of guides on hosting at home including how to host a cocktail party and an introduction to cooking with whisky.