You really can't beat champagne! With a touch of the gorgeously coloured Creme de Cassis it will make a Kir Royale or why not try it with Sloe Gin instead. Very easy to do, but very impressive.

There are a squillion cocktails that you could serve, half of which would be naff. So I say, don't muck around, serve caipirinhas. It is the most uplifting of drinks, leaves everyone in a good mood (unlike gin or vodka-based cocktails), gives a Latin kick to the evening and is a cinch to make.

I suggest either or both of the following cocktails, the key ingredient being cachaça which is readily available in supermarkets and high street off-licences (although my favourite, Magnifica, is only available through Las Iguanas (see www.iguanas.co.uk for details).

The Classic Caipirinha
Cut one fresh lime into eight equal wedges, add two teaspoons of caster sugar and ‘muddle’ with a pestle in a glass. Add 50ml of cachaça. Fill the glass with crushed ice, add a straw and serve.

The Orange and Ginger Caipirinha
Mix together 50ml of fresh orange juice, 50ml of cachaça, two teaspoons of caster sugar and some freshly grated ginger. Mix thoroughly, fill the glass with crushed ice, add a straw and serve.

Enjoy!!