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World Cocktail Day 2026 lands on 13th May, marking over two centuries since the word “cocktail” first appeared in print back in 1806. What started as a simple mix of spirits, sugar, water and bitters has evolved into a global culture of creativity and an absolute essential for hen parties.
Leading hen party company, Hen Party Deals gives us the lowdown on the most popular hen party cocktails right now and how to make them at home if you’re planning your own celebration.
Pornstar Martini: The Hen Party Favourite
If there’s one drink that screams hen party in the UK, it’s the Pornstar Martini. Despite the name, it’s less about shock value and more about indulgence. Created in the early 2000s in London, it quickly became a modern classic thanks to its sweet passion fruit flavour and that iconic side shot of prosecco.
It’s consistently ranked among the top ordered cocktails in UK bars, especially for group celebrations, and it’s easy to see why. It feels a bit special without being too complicated.
How to make it: You’ll need vanilla vodka, passion fruit purée, passion fruit liqueur, lime juice and sugar syrup. Shake everything with ice, strain into a chilled coupe glass, and garnish with half a passion fruit. Serve a small shot of prosecco on the side. Some people sip it alongside, others pour it in. There’s no strict rule, which is part of the fun.
Aperol Spritz: Light, Bright and Sociable
The Aperol Spritz has quietly taken over hen parties, especially for daytime drinking. Originating in northern Italy, it became popular in the UK over the past decade as people leaned towards lighter, lower alcohol options.
Sales of Aperol have surged in recent years, with spritz-style drinks now making up a significant share of summer cocktail orders. It’s great for hen groups because it’s refreshing, easy to sip and doesn’t slow the day down too much.
How to make it: Fill a large wine glass with ice, add three parts prosecco, two parts Aperol and one part soda water. Give it a gentle stir and garnish with a slice of orange. It’s simple, which is exactly why it works so well when you’re making rounds for a group.
Strawberry Daiquiri: Sweet and Nostalgic
Frozen or shaken, the Strawberry Daiquiri is a hen party staple. The original Daiquiri dates back to Cuba in the late 19th century, but the strawberry version became a hit much later as blenders made their way into bars.
It’s one of the most requested fruity cocktails in the UK, especially for themed nights or summer hen weekends. There’s a nostalgic element to it that people love.
How to make it: To make a classic version, blend white rum, fresh or frozen strawberries, lime juice and sugar syrup with ice until smooth. For a shaken version, skip the blender and shake with ice before straining. Garnish with a strawberry and you’re sorted.
Espresso Martini: For When the Night’s Just Getting Started
The Espresso Martini has had a huge resurgence, especially with younger groups. Originally created in the 1980s, it was designed to wake people up and keep them going, which explains its popularity on a hen night.
In the UK, coffee-based cocktails have seen a steady rise, and the Espresso Martini often tops the list. It’s less about sweetness and more about that rich, bold flavour with a creamy foam.
How to make it: Shake vodka, fresh espresso, coffee liqueur and a touch of sugar syrup with plenty of ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a few coffee beans. The key is a strong shake to get that signature frothy top.
Pimm’s Cup: A British Classic for Daytime Hens
For a more traditional hen party, especially garden parties or countryside stays, Pimm’s is still going strong. Dating back to the 19th century, it’s a British institution and often associated with summer events like Wimbledon.
It’s not as flashy as some cocktails, but it’s incredibly sociable and easy to serve in large batches, which makes it perfect for groups.
How to make it: Mix one part Pimm’s No. 1 with three parts lemonade in a jug filled with ice. Add sliced cucumber, strawberries, orange and mint. Let it sit for a few minutes so the flavours come together.
Margarita: Bold, Zesty and Always a Crowd Pleaser
The Margarita remains a go to for hen parties that want something with a bit of kick. With roots in Mexico, it’s been a global favourite since the mid-20th century and still ranks among the most ordered cocktails worldwide.
It’s versatile too, from classic lime to spicy or fruity twists, which means it suits all kinds of tastes within a group.
How to make it: For a classic Margarita, shake tequila, fresh lime juice and triple sec with ice. Strain into a salt-rimmed glass over ice or serve it straight up. If you’re making them for a group, prepping the lime juice in advance will save you a lot of time.
Quirky Hen Party Cocktails
Hen parties aren’t just about the classics anymore. There’s a growing trend towards personalised and slightly over the top drinks. Think cocktails named after the bride, colour-themed serves to match outfits or even edible glitter for that extra sparkle.
Another rising favourite is the “build your own cocktail station” where everyone can mix their own drinks using a base spirit and a range of mixers and garnishes. It’s interactive, a bit chaotic, and always memorable.
There’s also been a noticeable shift towards lower alcohol and alcohol free options, with mocktails now making up a meaningful portion of group orders. It means everyone can join in, which is really what a hen party is all about.
Raising a Glass on World Cocktail Day
World Cocktail Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate the drinks that bring people together, and hen parties do that better than most occasions. Whether you’re sticking with a Pornstar Martini, keeping it light with a spritz, or experimenting with something completely new, it’s all about choosing drinks that match the mood of the group.
At the end of the day, the best cocktail isn’t necessarily the most complex or the most fashionable. It’s the one that gets everyone chatting, laughing and staying out a bit longer than planned. What’s your go to cocktail?
