Switch up your sip

Tired of ordering the same thing on a Friday night? Let one of the world’s most decorated bartenders, Ryan Chetiyawardana (aka Mr Lyan to those in the know), suggest some punchier alternatives

YOU LIKE Margaritas

‘One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor’ might usually be the slogan for your night out, but this drink is slightly longer, which means you’re less likely to be hailing a cab and kebab come 11pm. Shake two shots of 100% agave tequila (Lyan recommends a blanco, aka a tequila aged less than two months), with one part lime juice and one part apricot liqueur, then top with some soda.

YOU LIKE Blue lagoon

So you still hanker after that blue cocktail you used to drink from a jug in Wetherspoons, but can’t bring yourself to order it any more? Go for a Fog cutter – it proves blue drinks can be tasty and not get you laughed out of the bar. “Shake up a shot of gin with lemon juice, blue curaçao, Lillet and – if you’re feeling extra frisky – a splash of absinthe, and serve straight up,” says Mr Lyan.

YOU LIKE Vodka, lime & soda

Anyone attempting to stave off a pinot paunch but maintain a social life knows how dull low-calorie cocktails can get. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Start by picking a gin with a big flavour – try Gin Mare, Bullards Strawberry and Black Pepper, or Tanqueray. Pour a shot over fresh ice, add soda, then top with a splash of coconut water to sweeten it up and garnish with a sprig of mint.

YOU LIKE Drinking, but don’t like hangovers

Vowed to stay on soft drinks, but fallen off the vodka wagon two hours into a night out? If you’ve got something to get up for the next day, go light on the sugar content (it makes your hangover worse) and choose alcohol with a low ABV. Try a fino sherry with apricot liqueur and soda. Making it at home? Throw in vanilla essence, a basil leaf and an olive. It’s basically a salad.