The glitz and glamour of the ballroom returns this weekend as Saturday prime-time kicks into gear and the countdown to Christmas begins. We can’t think of a better way to kick-start the autumn evenings than with a hearty takeaway, a few drinks with friends, and of course, sequins galore!

We decided to pass up the wine and beer and get our hips moving to the sound of the beat. So we’ve put together this glittering guide to the best cocktails and mocktails to get your Saturday night going. Whether you’re all about the South American samba or have a penchant for a Viennese waltz, we’ve got the perfect drink to match.

Foxtrot by name and foxtrot by nature
With its soft and simple combination of walking steps and side steps, the Foxtrot is quite a classic routine that just adds a bit more jazz to a waltz-like dance. It would be remiss to suggest any other cocktail than the Foxtrot itself.

So what else would you need to make a steady start to the Strictly series than the Foxtrot cocktail? Blend some light rum and lime juice with a squeeze of orange Curaçao to raise a glass to the class of 2021.

Cha-cha champagne cocktail to blow your mind
This one might be set aside for a more seasoned drinker, as the atomic cocktail is brimming with brandy, vodka, sherry, oh, and champagne.

Did someone say Latin American? Well, you have it all with this intricate dance, with quick motions, quick spins, strong hip movement all complemented by sharp and staccato action. Whether it’s the cocktail or the reaction to the music, this one’s sure to have you jumping off the sofa.

Jiving on down to the feel of the beat
Rose Ayling-Ellis is the first deaf contestant to take to the Strictly dance floor in the 19th series. Partnered with Giovanni Pernice, the duo will tackle the jive in week one. This hippety-hoppety, energetic routine is the fastest of the Latin dances with an array of kicks and flicks. You’ll need a drink to match. Combine the tang of lime and the sweetness of orange liqueur with a strong tequila to get the right level of pzazz with a classic margarita.

Bring out the rum-ba
“Put the lime in the coconut” might be the famous lyric but putting the lime in a classic mojito is sure to get you in the mood for the raucous rumba.

Originating in Cuba, the rumba was characterised by fast, uninhibited movements but has more recently slowed into more of a cat-and-mouse chase between the female dancer and her male partner, who is keen to entice through his brooding masculinity.

With its combination of white rum, sugar, lime, soda and mint, the mojito has just plenty of pzazz to get you dancing to the beat.

Argentine tango
If you weren’t mesmerised by Ranvir Singh and Giovanni Pernice’s Argentine tango in the last series of Strictly, can you even claim to be a fan of the show? Built on connection, with a close hold and low centre of gravity, this dance serves up all of the drama.

It’s probably for the best then that you opt for one or two mocktail recipes to complement the routine. Speaking of tango, a Valencian orange tonic could be just the ticket, with its sweet taste to help cool you down after this steamy number.

Cap’s off for Nina Wadia’s Strictly debut
Sexy, sassy, steamy – the key ingredients to the ultimate samba routine. Originating from Brazil, the dance is fun and upbeat, which is dominated by rolling hip action and rhythm. It’s a tough test to start out with. Take yourself down to Copacabana Beach with a cracking caipirinha. Brazilian sugar cane liquor cachaça is blended with muddled limes, sugar, and crushed ice to get your Saturday night moving.

Standing the test of time with the Charleston
A classic like the Charleston can only dance with a fellow classic – bring out the Cosmopolitan. As with all traditional dances and drinks, innovation sees them arrive in 2021 in a wealth of guises. But sticking with your vodka, triple sec, cranberry, and lime option is just fine. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the pulse and bounce of Charleston etiquette.

Embrace your inner matador
You’re going to need a stiff drink when Katie McGlynn and Gorka Marquez take to the floor this weekend. They’re starting their Strictly campaign with the paso doble, a dance characterised by sharp movements and theatrical, flamenco-style steps. A whisky smash combines whisky with half a lemon, mint leaves, a sugar cube, and crushed ice to serve up the ideal beverage for this show of macho power.

Take your pick! These cocktails represent just a flavour of the multitude of cocktails and dances at your disposal over the coming weeks. All that’s left to do is find that cocktail shaker and get your glam on!