When entertaining at home, you will want to have a small variety of cocktails for your guests. Don’t choose too many, or you will be making drinks all night long and unable to join your own party.

Take a look over at over at alcoholprofessor.com to find cocktail recipes, advice on pairing liquors, cheeses and so much more.

For now, here are 4 awesome cocktail recipes to try at home:

1. The Great Gatsby

This is a light, fruity drink that will make you feel on top of the world, kind of like The Great Gatsby did.

You will need:

• 1 ounce of Lillet Blanc – this is a white wine of medium color created from Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc Grapes. It has a honey, mint and orange aroma.
• 1 ounce of Vodka
• 2 ½ ounces of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice

Small slice of orange for garnish

Using a mixing glass with half of it filled with ice, add the vodka, grapefruit juice and Lillet Blanc. Continue stirring until nice and cold. Using a strainer, pour over fresh ice and add an orange slice to the rim of the glass.

2. Dark and Stormy

This is a twist on the classic highball, the tart-sweet-boozy drink where the lime juice cuts through the sweetness of the ginger beer, and the dark rum heightens the sharpness of the same beer.

You will need:

• 2 ounces of a black seal rum – there are several different brands available so choose the one that tastes the best to you.
• 4 ounces of ginger beer – again, choose your best
• 3/4 ounce of fresh lime juice – typically two or three limes

Carefully add the liquid into a highball glass with ice in this order and in layers: lime juice, ginger beer and finally the rum. Serve with a straw, but tell your guests to stir before drinking so they get the entire drink and not simply one portion at a time, which is not as tasty.

3. Martini

This drink featured prominently in a famous movie, can be created with gin or vodka and can be shaken or stirred. It is a serious and strong drink no matter which ingredient you choose.

You will need:

• 1/2 ounce dry vermouth   
• 3 ounces of gin or 3 ounces of vodka

1 green olive for garnish

Add ice three-fourths of the way up in a shaker, then add the gin or vodka over the ice. Next comes the vermouth. Add the lid and shake until you see condensation on the outside of the shaker. This tells you the drink is cold enough to serve and blended to perfection. Strain over a chilled martini glass, garnish with olive and serve.

4. Zombie Drink

This is a drink for those that really like rum. It is also great for a beach-themed event or a Halloween costume party.

You will need:

•  1-ounce lime juice
• 1 teaspoon pineapple juice
• 1 teaspoon papaya juice
• 1 ½ ounce Golden Rum
• 1-ounce Dark Rum
• 1/2-ounce White Rum
• 1/2 ounce 151-proof rum

In a tall glass half-filled with ice, add all the rums, except for the last one. Add the three juices and stir until all ingredients are combined. Gently stir in the final rum and serve.

To be a good host, remember to serve your guests responsible. You will need to know when to close the cocktail bar and offer rides or a place to sleep for the evening.