Our Essential Guide to Cocktails You Should Know
Classic Cocktails That You Might Want To Try
Whether it's on a Friday night with friends or a date night with your significant other, a good cocktail is always the perfect way to unwind from a long day at work or school. Unfortunately, not many people know how to make classic cocktails, so they usually resort to ordering something from the bar.
If you want to impress your guests or want to learn how to make some delicious drinks, then keep reading for a list of the top classic cocktails that you should try.
Classic Margarita
Tequila, a liquor made from agave, has some great cocktails that showcase its flavor profile. You can find some fantastic recipes for tequila cocktails that are worth trying and will impress everyone. One such drink is the margarita. The classic margarita is tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and salt on the rim of the glass.
Classic Manhattan
Another classic cocktail with tequila is the Manhattan. This drink is made with bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters. The tequila replaces the traditional whiskey in this cocktail.
Classic Martini
The martini is a classic cocktail that uses gin as its main liquor. However, you can also make a martini with vodka or tequila. A classic martini is made using gin, dry vermouth, and orange bitters. It’s often garnished with an olive or lemon twist.
Classic Sidecar
The sidecar is a classic drink made with cognac, Cointreau, or triple sec, and lemon juice. The tequila gives this cocktail an orange flavor instead of the usual grapefruit found in most drinks with curaçao. Just like the margarita, you can rim your glass with salt for more authenticity if desired! You can also bring in some simple syrup to make it sweeter on your palate.
A Mojito
Another classic cocktail you should try to make is a Mojito. This summertime drink has Cuban origins and can be served as either an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage. The traditional ingredients of the mojito include:
- Light rum.
- Sugar (most commonly in the form of simple syrup).
- Lime juice.
- Sparkling water/club soda.
- Muddled fresh mint leaves.
- Ice cubes
However, some variations exist, such as adding lemon instead of limes; blackberries or raspberries for fruitiness; cucumber slices for refreshing flavor; Aperol instead of Campari, which adds sweetness without bitterness; grapefruit juice cuts through any sweetness that might remain from the added fruit juices and syrups.; egg whites add to this already creamy drink a frothy head and make it more filling.
To make a mojito:
- Start by adding the sugar, lime juice, rum, club soda/sparkling water, and mint leaves to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake the combo until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty, then strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and serve immediately.
The Moscow Mule
This drink is a vodka-based cocktail that was first created in 1941. It's made with ginger beer, lime juice, and vodka, and it's usually served in a copper mug.
To prepare this drink, you'll need:
- Ice cubes (optional)
- Lime wedges or the peel of a lemon or orange (for garnish)
- Vodka (ideally 40% alcohol by volume)
- Ginger beer
- A copper mug or a highball glass
Instructions:
- Stir vodka with ice cubes, ginger beer, and lime juice together.
- Pour it into your glasses filled with ice cubes.
- Garnish with lemon/lime wedges for added taste!
You can also add sugar syrup if you want that extra sweetness! Enjoy responsibly.
The Bloody Mary
For this cocktail, you need vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Tabasco sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients with ice and strain into a glass.
You can get creative with this cocktail and add whatever you want! For instance, you can also add some fun toppings to your Bloody Mary, like bacon or shrimp.
A Daquiri
How about a daiquiri to start things off? This drink is made with white rum, lime juice, and sugar. It's a refreshing drink that is perfect for any occasion.
To prepare a daiquiri, you will need:
- Rum
- Lime Juice
- Sugar/Simple Syrup
- Ice
How to Prepare
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour the ingredients into your shaker and shake until it's well combined. You can also make this drink in a blender if you prefer cold drinks instead of shaken ones. Pour the mixture over the ice, and voila!
Negroni
If you're looking for a strong drink but not too bitter, then try the Negroni. It is very easy to make, making it perfect for beginners or people looking to save money. Typically this classic cocktail contains one part gin, one part sweet vermouth, and one part Campari (although some recipes replace the Campari with another type of amaro). Sometimes bartenders also add orange peel as garnish.
Mint Julep
This is also another popular iced drink best enjoyed during the summer season. There are two types of Mint Julep, one with bourbon and another without it. The recipe that doesn’t have bourbon is made with sugar, water, and fresh mint leaves. The bourbon version contains bourbon, sugar syrup, water, and mint leaves.
Both cocktails are refreshing and flavorful due to fresh mint leaves. If you want to make this drink at home, mix all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice and strain it into a glass filled with crushed ice. You can also add a sprig of fresh mint as a garnish for extra flavor and presentation.
Dark and Stormy
Last in the list of classic cocktails is the Dark and Stormy. This cocktail has a straightforward combination of ginger beer, dark rum, and lime juice. The drink was first served in Bermuda by local bartender Gosling Black Rum, and it remains one of the most popular drinks there today. It's also common to add a splash of Angostura bitters into this drink, which enhances its flavor even more! If you love a little spice with your sweet, then definitely give this delicious beverage a try next time you're out at happy hour or have some friends over for dinner.
Cocktails have become popular recently, and for a good reason. They can be complex and exciting or simple and refreshing. Whatever your preference, there’s a cocktail out there that will fit the bill. So if you want to add a little bit of flair to your next party or want something new to sip on during happy hour, why not try one of these classic cocktails mentioned in this article. You might find your new favorite drink.