Classic cocktails are timeless for a reason—they never go out of style. This list of 15 popular classic cocktails features iconic recipes like the Old Fashioned, Martini, and Margarita that every cocktail lover should know. Dive in and discover the drinks that have shaped cocktail culture!
Martini
A Martini is a classic cocktail known for its elegance and simplicity. The primary ingredients are gin and vermouth.
Ingredients
- 2.5 oz gin
- 0.5 oz dry vermouth
- Lemon peel or olives for garnish
Instructions
- Pour the gin and vermouth into a mixing glass.
- Add a heaping handful of ice.
- Stir for 30 seconds until very cold.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or olives.
There are variations to this classic recipe. You can tailor the Martini to your preference by adjusting the gin to vermouth ratio or the garnish.
Popular Variations
- Dirty Martini: Add a splash of olive brine.
- Vodka Martini: Replace gin with vodka.
- Gibson: Garnish with a cocktail onion instead of olives or lemon.
A perfect Martini balances the sharp, botanical flavors of gin with the subtle sweetness of vermouth. Enjoy responsibly!
Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a classic whiskey cocktail. It’s simple yet timeless and works with either bourbon or rye whiskey.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 sugar cube or 1/2 teaspoon simple syrup
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel (for garnish)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Sugar Cube Method:
- Place the sugar cube in a rocks glass.
- Add 2-3 dashes of bitters.
- Muddle until the sugar dissolves.
- Add a large ice cube.
- Simple Syrup Method:
- Add 1/2 teaspoon simple syrup to a rocks glass.
- Add 2-3 dashes of bitters.
- Stir to combine.
- Add a large ice cube.
- Pour 2 oz of your choice of whiskey over the ice.
- Stir for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute.
Garnish:
- Pare a strip of orange peel.
- Express the oils over the drink by twisting the peel.
- Drop the peel into the glass as garnish.
Enjoy your Old Fashioned immediately.
Margarita
A classic Margarita is a timeless cocktail. It’s known for its balance of sweet, tart, and salty flavors. You only need three main ingredients to make it.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz Triple Sec (orange liqueur)
- Salt for rimming the glass
- Ice
Instructions:
- Prepare the Glass: Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a glass. Dip the rim in salt.
- Mix the Ingredients: Combine tequila, lime juice, and Triple Sec in a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake It: Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
- Serve: Strain the mixture into your prepared glass over fresh ice.
Variations:
- Reposado or Añejo Margarita: Use aged tequila for a richer flavor.
- Mezcal Margarita: Swap tequila for mezcal for a smoky taste.
- Spicy Margarita: Add jalapeno slices to the shaker for some heat.
Margaritas are versatile. You can adjust the sweetness or tartness by altering the lime juice and Triple Sec ratios. Whether you prefer a classic version or a spicy twist, it’s easy to customize. Enjoy experimenting with this iconic cocktail.
Negroni
The Negroni is a classic cocktail known for its bold flavors and simplicity. This drink combines gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth in equal parts.
Ingredients
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- Ice
- Orange peel for garnish
Instructions
- Pour gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth into a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir well until the mixture is chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Garnish with an orange peel.
This cocktail was created in Italy in the early 20th century. It is an offshoot of the Americano. The balanced flavors of bittersweet Campari, aromatic gin, and sweet vermouth make it a favorite.
Try variations if you wish. Use bourbon or rye whiskey instead of gin for a Boulevardier. Use tequila and a mix of sweet and dry vermouth for a Rosita.
Enjoy crafting and sipping this timeless cocktail.
Mojito
The Mojito is a refreshing cocktail that combines mint, lime, sugar, rum, and club soda. It’s a perfect choice for hot summer days.
Ingredients:
- Fresh mint leaves: 6-8 leaves
- Lime: 1, cut into wedges
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons (or simple syrup)
- White rum: 2 ounces
- Club soda: to top
- Ice
Instructions:
- Muddle: In a sturdy glass, muddle the mint leaves with half of the lime wedges and the sugar until the mint releases its oils and the lime juice mixes with the sugar.
- Add Rum: Pour in 2 ounces of white rum. Stir to combine.
- Fill with Ice: Add ice to the glass, filling it almost to the top.
- Top with Club Soda: Pour club soda over the ice to fill the glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wheel.
The Mojito offers a crisp and cool taste, making it a delightful drink for any gathering. Whether you’re relaxing by the pool or hosting a summer party, this cocktail is sure to please. Enjoy your Mojito in a highball or lowball glass for the best experience.
Manhattan
The Manhattan is a classic cocktail known for its simple yet powerful blend of ingredients. This drink often features either bourbon or rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and a few dashes of bitters.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces whiskey (bourbon or rye)
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 maraschino cherry (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters to the glass.
- Stir well for about 20 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
The Manhattan emerged in the late 1800s and has stood the test of time. Its balance of strong whiskey, sweet vermouth, and aromatic bitters makes it a favorite.
Bourbon offers a sweeter, softer profile. Rye whiskey provides a spicier, bolder taste. Choose based on your preference.
The drink’s charm lies in the simplicity and harmony of the ingredients. The Manhattan remains a cornerstone of classic cocktails, perfect for those who appreciate a robust, well-balanced drink.
Daiquiri
A Daiquiri is a classic cocktail with a rich history. The key ingredients are rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. This combination offers a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors.
To make a Daiquiri, you will need:
- 2 ounces of light rum
- 1 ounce of fresh lime juice
- 0.75 ounces of simple syrup
Instructions:
- Add ice to a cocktail shaker.
- Pour the rum, lime juice, and simple syrup into the shaker.
- Shake well for 20-30 seconds until the shaker feels cold.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
You can garnish with a lime wedge or twisted lime peel if you like. Serve without ice to maintain the classic presentation.
The simplicity of the Daiquiri emphasizes the importance of quality ingredients. Use high-quality rum. Freshly squeezed lime juice makes a significant difference in the taste.
Variations
Daiquiris are versatile. Although the classic recipe is a favorite, you can experiment with other flavors:
- Strawberry Daiquiri: Add 2-3 fresh strawberries to the shaker.
- Avocado Daiquiri: Blend half an avocado with the ingredients before shaking.
Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail known for its tangy and refreshing taste. It mixes whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup to create a balanced drink that works well any time of day.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. whiskey
- 3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz. to 3/4 oz. simple syrup
- Optional: 1 egg white
- Optional: Angostura bitters
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
- If you’re using the egg white, add it for a creamy texture.
- Dry Shake:
- Shake the mixture vigorously without ice for 10 to 30 seconds if you included the egg white. This helps emulsify the egg white, creating a frothy texture.
- Add Ice and Shake Again:
- Open the shaker, add ice, and shake for another 15 to 20 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain and Serve:
- Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass over fresh ice or into a coupe glass without ice.
- If desired, garnish with a few drops of Angostura bitters.
The Whiskey Sour’s combination of sweet and sour elements, along with the richness from the whiskey, makes it a staple in the world of classic cocktails.
Gin And Tonic
A Gin and Tonic is a classic cocktail known for its simplicity and refreshing taste.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces gin
- 4 ounces tonic water, chilled
- Ice
- Lime wedge or twist
Instructions:
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Pour the gin over the ice.
- Top with chilled tonic water.
- Gently stir to mix.
- Twist the lime peel over the drink to release the oils, then drop it in.
Tips for the Perfect Gin and Tonic:
- Gin Choice: London dry gins like Beefeater or Bombay Sapphire are popular due to their balanced flavors.
- Tonic Water: Use high-quality tonic water to complement the gin’s botanicals.
- Lime Garnish: Adding a lime twist or wedge enhances the drink with a subtle citrus note.
Variations:
- Herbal Touch: Add a sprig of rosemary as a garnish.
- Seasonal Twists: Try cucumber slices or fresh berries for a summer twist.
Sidecar
The Sidecar is a timeless cocktail with origins tracing back to the early 20th century. This classic drink is a staple in any cocktail enthusiast’s repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Cognac (or brandy)
- 1 oz Cointreau (or other orange liqueur)
- 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Granulated sugar (for the rim)
- Lemon twist (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Glass:
- Place granulated sugar on a plate.
- Moisten the rim of a coupe or martini glass.
- Dip the rim in the sugar to coat it evenly.
- Mix the Ingredients:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add Cognac, Cointreau, and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the shaker.
- Shake thoroughly until well-chilled (about 10-20 seconds).
- Serve:
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with a twist of lemon.
The Sidecar features a balanced blend of Cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice. The sugared rim adds a touch of sweetness, complementing the cocktail’s tart flavor. Enjoy the Sidecar at any occasion, whether it’s a backyard gathering or a formal event.
Mai Tai
The Mai Tai is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed since the 1940s. It is known for its vibrant, tropical flavors. This drink originated at Trader Vic’s in Oakland, California.
To make a classic Mai Tai, you will need:
- 1 oz white rum
- 1 oz dark rum
- 0.5 oz orange curaçao
- 0.5 oz orgeat syrup
- 0.75 oz fresh lime juice
- Garnish: lime wheel, mint sprig
Instructions:
- Add the white rum, orange curaçao, lime juice, and orgeat syrup into a shaker with crushed ice.
- Shake lightly for about 3 seconds.
- Pour the mixture into a double rocks glass.
- Float the dark rum on top by slowly pouring it over the back of a spoon.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and mint sprig.
The International Bartenders Association recognizes this as an official cocktail. The ingredients may vary slightly. Variations of Mai Tai can include different types of rum and fruit juices.
For a Hawaiian-style Mai Tai, use:
- 1 oz light rum
- 0.5 oz triple sec
- 0.25 oz lime juice
- 1.5 oz each of pineapple and orange juices
- Dash of grenadine
- 0.5 oz dark rum (float)
Instructions:
- Shake light rum, triple sec, lime juice, pineapple juice, orange juice, and grenadine with ice.
- Strain into an old-fashioned glass half-filled with ice.
- Float the dark rum on top.
- Garnish as desired.
Tom Collins
The Tom Collins is a classic cocktail that is both refreshing and easy to prepare. This bubbly gin drink has been enjoyed for over a century.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 3 ounces club soda
- Ice cubes
- Lemon wheel (for garnish)
- Maraschino cherry (optional)
Instructions:
- Fill a Collins glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup into the glass.
- Stir thoroughly to mix the ingredients.
- Top with club soda.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and a maraschino cherry if desired.
This cocktail can easily be modified to suit your taste. For a sweeter version, add more syrup. For a tarter drink, increase the lemon juice. Enjoy your Tom Collins as a perfect refreshment for any occasion.
Bloody Mary
The Bloody Mary is a classic cocktail known for its savory and spicy flavors.
A Bloody Mary typically includes:
- 2 oz. vodka
- 4 oz. tomato juice
- 1/2 oz. lemon juice
- 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
- 2 dashes hot sauce
- 1 pinch celery salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 1 pinch smoked paprika
- 1 tsp horseradish (optional)
To prepare:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
- Season with celery salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Add horseradish for extra spice.
- Shake gently until well combined.
To serve:
- Roll the rim of a glass with lemon and dip it in salt.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Strain the mixture into the glass.
- Garnish with a celery stalk and olives.
Pimm’s Cup
The Pimm’s Cup is a refreshing and light cocktail. This classic drink hails from Britain. Made with Pimm’s No. 1, it’s perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Pimm’s No. 1
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 3 oz ginger ale or lemon-lime soda
- Ice
Garnishes:
- Cucumber slice
- Mint sprig
- Strawberry
- Optional: lemon and orange wheels
Instructions:
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Add Pimm’s No. 1 and lemon juice to the glass.
- Top with ginger ale or lemon-lime soda.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a cucumber slice, mint sprig, and a strawberry. Optionally add lemon and orange wheels for extra flavor.
French 75
The French 75 is a classic cocktail known for its bubbly and refreshing taste. Its origin remains debated, but it’s been popular for nearly a century.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce gin
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 3 ounces Champagne or sparkling wine
- Ice
- Lemon twist (garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well for 20-30 seconds until the mixture is chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled champagne flute.
- Top with Champagne or sparkling wine.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
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