After a long day, especially with a demanding job, we all need to relax. But somehow, one of our usual definitions of relaxation, going out for a laid-back evening with friends or colleagues, can be hard to achieve. So, we try to recreate that relaxing atmosphere in the comfort of our own home. We may not be able to go out and have a few drinks, but it’s comforting to know there are cocktails we can prepare right in our own kitchen. Even better? Kawaii cocktails that we can make and customize ourselves.
I definitely have a love-hate relationship with cute food and drinks. I mean, will I ever have the willpower and heart to drink something so pretty and adorable to look at? So far, not yet. But that doesn’t mean I won’t indulge in one or two cute treats (and probably spend the next 10 minutes just looking at them or taking a thousand photos from every angle).
But a pretty drink after a long, tiring day, snuggled up in bed, warm and cozy? Absolutely.
Here are 10 kawaii cocktails/mocktails you can try making at home, so grab your cocktail shaker!
Magical color-changing cocktails
The YouTube channel Food & Wine discovered the adorable magic of what they call Butterfly Pea Flower tea. This herbal tea is mixed with different concoctions, creating a stunning gradient effect in cocktails that’s absolutely gorgeous to look at. For a bit of background, Butterfly Pea Flower tea is a caffeine-free infusion made from the blossoms of the Clitoria ternatea plant.
This video will show you 3 simple, cute cocktails you can make with ease. One of the most fun parts is that they also demonstrate how to use Butterfly Pea Flower tea without any alcohol, just with regular lemonade, to create the exact same dreamy gradient effect.
Check these out! Another set of gorgeous color-changing cocktails, this time from the YouTube channel Vlad SlickBartender. The key ingredient here is Empress 1908 Gin, mixed with fruits and other elements. The magical color change comes from the gin itself, which is made with a natural compound that shifts color when mixed.
Mocktails – Homemade drinks
This last video focuses on mocktails, specifically drinks made with Sprite, mixed with other liquids like Gatorade and fruit syrups, plus a variety of fresh fruits for a vibrant, refreshing taste. More than the ingredients, it’s the presentation (which plays a huge role in the relaxing vibe) that makes these drinks truly beautiful. If you want easy mocktails using ingredients from your fridge and tips on how to make them look stunning, check out this video from YouTuber Mary’s Channel.