The secrets to picking the perfect cocktails to match your party

As the days start getting warmer, the lure of cooking outdoors gets stronger. From relaxed family occasions to low-key entertaining with friends, you just can’t beat alfresco dining. Here’s what to serve:

A classic PIMM’S cocktail sets a tone of casual elegance. Keep it simple by serving light crudités or even chips and dip with this summery drink.

There's no reason to cut the fizz for the main meal. Bring out beautiful summer fruit flavours like raspberry and pomegranate to complement barbecued meats like lamb and beef.

The mint julep is a gorgeous late-afternoon cocktail, perfect for sipping while the sun sets on your party. Garnish with plenty of mint and serve with simple accompaniments like a bowl of the crunchiest pistachios.

The best dinner parties are rarely the ones with the most elaborate menus or expensive champagne. What they do have in common is food that tastes good, drinks that match and a relaxed, friendly vibe. Take the stress out of your occasion by serving some crowd-pleasing classics and a carefully considered drinks menu, and you’ll be  off to a great start.

A glass of vodka and apple punch is an eye-catching and easy drink to serve on arrival. It’s well suited to foods that complement the fresh fruit flavours: apple, lemon and cucumber. Think delicate smoked salmon tartlets or a classic prawn cocktail.

Generally, the main rule when matching cocktails to food is the more complex the dish, the more simple the cocktail should be, and vice versa. The Cuba Libre is light enough to complement heavier meals, and it pairs well with more exotic menus. Try it with tender pulled pork or spicy seafood tacos.

A complex rum with spicy aromas, like Bundaberg Rum Blenders Edition, works really well with an indulgent chocolate pudding, but you could cheat and combine dessert and cocktail in one with a simple-yet-delicious rum affogato.

For me, the secret to any drinks party is inviting the right people (basically those who are going to have fun)! Following that, you just need to make sure there’s enough food and drink. Follow these rules and it's hard to go wrong.

To make guests feel special from the moment they arrive, hand them a glass of that most elegant of cocktails, the PIMM’S Royale. This combination of PIMM’S and chilled champagne lifts any occasion. A platter of crostini topped with macerated strawberries and goat’s cheese is the perfect partner.

Malt whisky works brilliantly with a classic cheese platter, particularly blue cheese. Add Stilton to a savoury biscuit dough for an excellent party nibble, or knock up some jaffles with blue cheese and pear to complement the flavours of the whisky. A Salted Maple Old-fashioned provides an interesting twist, but make sure you use real maple syrup — none of that maple-flavoured stuff.

When the music gets turned down and the guests start heading indoors, it’s the perfect time to bring out the Baileys. Combining Irish cream and coffee, this after-dinner treat works really well with chocolate. Sprinkle some liberally around the top of the glass or serve with truffles or homemade rocky road for a memorable finish.