From martinis that make us feel like James Bond to iced matcha lattes that make us feel like we’re that girl, fancy drinks are a whole mood. It’s romanticising the little things, like sipping your sparkling water from a crystal coupe, that can add a special touch to the everyday. 

In this guide, we’ll share all of our favourite upscale drinks that you can either make at home or order at a bar. From posh soft drinks to fancy cocktails, we’ll share a list of delicious drinks that are bound to make you feel glamorous, as well as tips on how to serve them to a sensational standard. 

The Best Posh Soft Drinks 

Romanticising soft drinks is a trend that’s taken social media by storm lately and we can see why. It isn’t alcohol that makes a drink special, it’s the taste of the drink and the way it’s served. Here are some of the best upscale soft drinks to perk up your Friday night:

Sparkling Pressé

Made from carbonated water, pressed fruit juice and sugar, sparkling pressés are light and refreshing while still being packed with flavour. You can find lots of fancy flavours in most supermarkets, such as pomegranate and elderflower or mint and ginger. Or, you can also make your own pressé by combining one part sparkling water with one part pressed juice. 

Infused Sparkling Water

Fruit infused sparkling water is a posh soft drink that’s as hydrating as it is delicious. With lots of flavours to choose from, such as DASH’s peach, mango and cucumber, they feel especially fancy when poured into a highball glass over ice with a garnish of fruit. What’s more, the subtle taste of the fruit as well as the sharpness of the carbonation makes sparkling water a perfect soft drink to pair with fancy meals. 

Fresh Tonic

If you’re looking for a posh wellness soft drink, then a fresh, homemade tonic is a must. Many juice bars serve superfood tonics, like Joe and the Juice’s iconic Herb Tonic made with turmeric, black pepper, pineapple, red bell pepper and apple, however, you can also make simpler versions at home. This Lemon and Ginger Tonic recipe by Lydia Millen is so easy to make and tastes deliciously sharp and invigorating. 

Iced Green Tea 

Iced green tea feels like a luxurious drink but is actually one of the cheapest to make. Simply make green tea with boiling water as usual, then let it cool for ten minutes and pour it over ice. With its icy earthy taste, it’s one you can drink slowly and savour every sip!

You can also make sparkling green teas by mixing equal parts green tea with lemon sparkling water. In fact, the Ritz London serves something similar called the Summer Scent soft drink, made with green tea, sparkling water, cucumber ice cubes and basil leaves to garnish. 

Elderflower Cordial

One of the simplest soft drinks on the list, elderflower cordial is a cupboard staple if you’re a fan of fancy soft drinks - or it’s available from most bars too! Elderflower feels a lot more luxurious than standard fruit cordials, plus its light, dry flavour makes it a good drink to serve at dinner. 

Kefir 

If you’re looking for a drink that’s unique and often unheard of, then kefir is a great choice. A cultured, fermented milk drink has countless gut health benefits, it makes a tasty - and posh - breakfast drink, so it’s a good drink to serve if you’re hosting a brunch! You can either make this at home, using a simple recipe like this one from BBC good food, or you can buy ready-made kefir from health food shops. 

Tropical Fruit Juice 

We know fruit juice may not instantly scream ‘upscale’, but that all depends on the flavour you choose! Instead of reaching straight for apple or orange juice, why not try an unusual tropical flavour? Juices like lycee, passion fruit and guava are bursting with so much flavour that they feel a lot more special than standard juices. 

Upscale Cocktails You Can Make at Home or Order in a Bar

Champagne Cosmopolitan 

A cosmopolitan is already a classic posh drink, but topping it with champagne can make it even more luxurious. You can make this exactly the same way you would a usual cosmopolitan, with a measure of vodka and a measure of orange liqueur topped with cranberry juice and a squeeze of lime. But just leave a few centimetres to fill with champagne for a mouthwatering, upscale drink.  

Dirty Martini 

Making a martini dirty involves adding a few drops of olive juice to the drink - and the sharp taste of olives somehow makes everything feel fancier. As well as being one of the most iconic, martinis are one of the easiest drinks to make too, mainly because they include very few ingredients. Simply mix a double shot of gin or vodka with one tablespoon of dry vermouth. 

Tom Collins 

When it comes to cocktails, it seems to be the most traditional and simple drinks that feel the most high brow. A Tom Collins certainly fits the bill, especially when paired with good, high quality gin and sparkling water. You can find the best Tom Collins recipe here, along with the fascinating old New York tale behind the drink. 

Peach Bellini 

Another upscale drink that’s so simple to make is a Bellini, made with a measure of peach purée topped with Champagne or Prosecco. This is a perfect drink to make at a soirée because it can be whipped up in seconds and is bound to impress. It also looks very elegant served in a flute or coupe. 

Hard Seltzer 

When made with high quality spirits and sparkling water, a hard seltzer is another posh drink that’s perfect for parties. You can even set up a seltzer bar, filled with a variety of spirits, flavoured sparkling waters and fruit garnishes. That way, guests can create their own drinks, or you can suggest recipes such as lemon & brazil or cucumber & lime hard seltzers. 

DASH Water is perfect for when you’re feeling fancy and is available to buy in bulk, on its own or as part of a subscription. Shop our real fruit-infused sparkling water today.