Classic Cocktails Everyone Should Know
You don’t have to be a master bartender to throw a party people will remember. Here are five classic cocktails with five ingredients or less, made in five steps or less.
Old Fashioned
THE VIBE: Classic, sophisticated, and often considered a staple of the whiskey cocktail world. Ideal for a night out with friends or a formal occasion.
SERVED IN: A rocks glass
INGREDIENTS:
2 oz Bourbon or Rye Whiskey
1 tsp simple syrup
2 dashes of Angostura bitters
Orange peel (for garnish)
DIRECTIONS:
In a rocks glass, muddle the orange slice, cherry, and simple syrup with bitters.
Fill the glass with ice cubes.
Pour the whiskey into the glass.
Stir the ingredients together until well combined.
Garnish with an additional orange slice and cherry, if desired.
Classic Margarita
THE VIBE: Casual, fun, and often associated with warm weather and tropical locations. Ideal for a backyard BBQ, a beach vacation, or a night out with friends.
SERVED IN: A margarita glass or rocks glass
INGREDIENTS:
2 oz Tequila
3/4 oz fresh lime juice
1/2 oz triple sec
Salt (for rim, optional)
DIRECTIONS:
Rim the glass by rubbing the rim with a lime wedge and then dipping it in salt.
In a shaker, combine the tequila, triple sec, and lime juice.
Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well combined.
Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with ice.
Garnish with a lime wedge, if desired.
Martini (both ways)
THE VIBE: Elegant, sophisticated, and often considered the quintessential cocktail– ideal for a special occasion or a night out at an upscale bar or restaurant. The classic version is made with gin, but I prefer vodka!
SERVED IN: A martini glass
INGREDIENTS:
2 1/2 oz Gin or Vodka
1/2 oz dry vermouth
Olive or lemon peel (for garnish
DIRECTIONS:
Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
Add gin or vodka and vermouth.
Stir until well chilled.
Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
Add a lemon twist or olive for garnish.
Manhattan
THE VIBE: Classic, elegant, and often seen as a symbol of sophistication. Ideal for a formal occasion, such as a wedding or a business dinner.
SERVED IN: A martini glass or rocks glass
INGREDIENTS:
2 oz Bourbon or Rye whiskey
1 oz sweet vermouth
2 dashes of Angostura bitters
Ice cubes
Maraschino cherry or lemon twist for garnish
DIRECTIONS:
Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
Add bourbon or rye whiskey, vermouth, and bitters.
Stir until well chilled.
Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass or rocks glass.
Add a cherry or lemon twist for garnish.
Daiquiri
THE VIBE: Refreshing, light, and often associated with tropical locations. Ideal for a hot day or a night out with friends.
SERVED IN: A cocktail glass or coup glass
INGREDIENTS:
2 oz light rum
1 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz simple syrup
Ice cubes
DIRECTIONS:
Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
Add rum, lime juice, and simple syrup.
Shake until well combined and chilled.
Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass or coupe glass.