14 Common Cocktails You Can Make At Home

The world of cocktails is vast, but some drinks have earned a permanent place in the hearts of enthusiasts everywhere. Here, we present 14 common cocktails that are both simple to make and universally loved. These recipes are the foundation of any good bar, making them essential for anyone looking to mix up something special.

Martini

The Martini is a timeless cocktail. It has its roots in the late 19th century. The most common version uses gin and dry vermouth.

Classic Dry Martini

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 oz gin
• 1/2 oz dry vermouth
• Lemon twist or olives for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add gin and dry vermouth.
3. Stir for about 30 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or olives.

Dirty Martini

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 oz gin
• 1/2 oz dry vermouth
• 1/2 oz olive brine
• Olives for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add gin, dry vermouth, and olive brine.
3. Stir well.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with olives.

Vodka Martini

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 oz vodka
• 1/2 oz dry vermouth
• Lemon twist or olives for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add vodka and dry vermouth.
3. Stir for about 30 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or olives.

Each Martini recipe offers a simple twist on a classic. You can adjust ratios to suit your taste. Select your favorite garnish to make it your own. 

Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is one of the most popular whiskey cocktails. It uses simple, quality ingredients. This classic drink has a rich history dating back over 150 years.

To make an Old Fashioned, you will need:

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1 sugar cube or 1/2 tsp simple syrup
• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
• Ice
• Orange peel for garnish
• Optional: Maraschino cherry

Instructions:

1. Place the sugar cube in a mixing glass.
2. Add the bitters and a splash of water.
3. Muddle until the sugar is dissolved.
4. Fill the mixing glass with ice and add the whiskey.
5. Stir with a bar spoon for about 10-15 seconds.
6. Strain into a rocks glass over one large ice cube.
7. Express the oil of an orange peel over the glass, then drop it in.
8. Optionally, garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Bartenders sometimes make mistakes when preparing the Old Fashioned. They may use too much sugar, which makes the drink too sweet. Another common error is not stirring long enough. You should stir the drink for at least 10 seconds to properly chill and dilute it.

When done right, the Old Fashioned is a perfectly balanced cocktail. The whiskey shines through, complemented by the sweetness and the bitters. 

Margarita

A Margarita is a classic cocktail enjoyed by many. It combines tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur for a refreshing and tangy drink.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 oz orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
• Salt for rimming the glass
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass.
2. Dip the rim in salt to coat.
3. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
4. Add tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur to the shaker.
5. Shake well for 10-15 seconds until chilled.
6. Strain into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice.
7. Garnish with a lime wedge if desired.

The Margarita balances spirit with citrus juice and a sweet element. 

Negroni

The Negroni is a classic cocktail known for its balanced flavor profile. It is composed of three main ingredients in equal parts: gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz (30 ml) gin
• 1 oz (30 ml) Campari
• 1 oz (30 ml) sweet vermouth
• Orange peel (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
3. Stir until well chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
5. Garnish with an orange peel.

The Negroni offers a unique balance of bitterness, sweetness, and citrus notes. Its simplicity makes it easy to customize with different spirits or vermouths.

Variations like the Boulevardier use whiskey instead of gin, offering a richer profile. The Old Pal replaces sweet vermouth with dry vermouth and also uses whiskey, creating a spicier, drier drink.

Experiment with different gins and vermouths to find your perfect Negroni. This cocktail remains a timeless choice for an aperitif.

Mojito

The Mojito is a classic cocktail with origins in Cuba. It’s renowned for its refreshing mix of flavors, combining the zest of lime with the sweetness of sugar and the kick of rum.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz white rum
• 1 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 6-8 fresh mint leaves
• Club soda
• Ice cubes
• Lime wedge and mint sprig (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a glass, muddle the mint leaves with sugar and lime juice. This releases the mint’s oils.
2. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
3. Pour in the white rum.
4. Top with club soda and stir gently.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint.

You can also try variations like using simple syrup instead of sugar. This can make the drink smoother. The traditional recipe keeps granulated sugar to give a unique texture. Either way, the Mojito remains a vibrant and enjoyable cocktail. 

Manhattan

The Manhattan is a timeless cocktail, reputed for its simplicity and elegance. It dates back to the late 1800s and remains popular today.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz rye whiskey
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 3 dashes Angostura bitters
• Cocktail cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour in the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters.
3. Stir the mixture with a bar spoon for about 30 seconds until very cold.
4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
5. Garnish with a cocktail cherry.

Many variations exist due to the Manhattan’s foundational role in mixology. Other versions might swap rye for bourbon. Alternatively, use different bitters for unique twists.

Daiquiri

The Daiquiri is a classic rum cocktail known for its simplicity and refreshing taste. It consists of three main ingredients: rum, citrus juice, and sweetener. Typically, lime juice is used.

To make a Classic Daiquiri, you’ll need:

• 2 oz white rum
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.75 oz simple syrup

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the white rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake for 20-30 seconds until the shaker feels cold.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.

This cocktail is traditionally served without ice. You can also experiment with different variations by incorporating flavors like strawberry or avocado. High-quality rum is crucial because it’s the dominant flavor in the drink.

Whiskey Sour

A Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail. You can make it with just a few ingredients. It offers a balance of sweet and sour flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces whiskey (bourbon or rye)
• 3/4 ounce lemon juice
• 1/2 to 3/4 ounce simple syrup
• Optional: 1 egg white
• Optional: 3-4 drops Angostura bitters for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Shaker
   Add whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker. If using egg white, add it now.
2. Dry Shake
   Shake without ice for 30 seconds. This helps incorporate the egg white and creates a creamy texture.
3. Add Ice and Shake Again
   Add ice to the shaker. Shake again for 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
4. Strain and Serve
   Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. You can also strain into a coupe glass without ice.
5. Garnish
   Add 3-4 drops of Angostura bitters on top, if desired.

Tips

• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
• Adjust the amount of simple syrup to your taste.
• Dry shaking with egg white helps achieve a frothy top.

Gin and Tonic

The Gin and Tonic is a classic cocktail. It’s refreshing and simple to make. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients

• 2 ounces gin
• 4 to 6 ounces tonic water
• Ice cubes
• Lime or lemon wedge for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the gin.
3. Top with tonic water.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a lime or lemon wedge.

Many bartenders prefer adding gin first, then tonic. This method ensures an even mix. The Gin and Tonic originated as a disease prevention drink. Today, it’s a popular summer cocktail.

Varying the recipe can create unique flavors. For example:

• Add grapefruit juice for a citrus twist.
• Use different garnishes like cucumber or rosemary.
• Try flavored tonics for additional complexity.

The classic ratio of gin to tonic is flexible. Adjust to your taste, but 1:2 or 1:3 is standard. Experiment with these variations to find your favorite.

Bloody Mary

The Bloody Mary is a popular cocktail known for its savory flavors. This drink is often enjoyed during brunch and is famous for its potential as a hangover remedy. Here’s what you need to make a classic Bloody Mary:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Vodka
• 3 oz Tomato juice
• 0.5 oz Lemon juice
• 1 tsp Horseradish
• 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
• 2 dashes Hot sauce (like Tabasco)
• Pinch of Celery salt
• Pinch of Black pepper
• Celery stalk and olives for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Glass: Wet the rim of a highball glass with a lemon wedge. Roll the rim in celery salt to coat.
2. Mix the Ingredients: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, celery salt, and black pepper.
3. Shake and Serve: Shake gently until the mixture is well combined. Strain into the prepared glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish: Add a celery stalk and olives to garnish.

Cosmopolitan

The Cosmopolitan is one of the most iconic cocktails. Made famous by its appearance in pop culture, it’s both stylish and easy to make.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz Vodka
• 1 oz Cointreau (or any triple sec)
• 3/4 oz Fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz Cranberry juice cocktail
• Lime wedge or twist (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Add ice: Fill a cocktail shaker to the top with ice.
2. Combine ingredients: Pour vodka, Cointreau, lime juice, and cranberry juice into the shaker.
3. Shake well: Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds.
4. Strain: Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish: Add a lime wedge or twist on the rim for a finishing touch.

The Meyer Lemon Cosmo is a notable variation. It uses Meyer lemon juice instead of lime juice, which provides a unique citrusy twist.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz Vodka
• 1 oz Cointreau
• 3/4 oz Meyer lemon juice
• 1/2 oz Cranberry juice cocktail
• Lemon twist (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Fill shaker with ice: Use a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Mix ingredients: Add the vodka, Cointreau, Meyer lemon juice, and cranberry juice.
3. Shake: Shake well for about 30 seconds until chilled.
4. Strain: Strain into a martini glass.
5. Garnish: Garnish with a lemon twist.

The Cosmopolitan is a versatile cocktail. You can tweak the balance of ingredients to suit your taste. Adjust sweet or tart elements to create your perfect version.

Pina Colada

The Piña Colada is a famous cocktail. It is made from rum, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut. This drink originated in Puerto Rico. It’s sweet and refreshing.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz white rum
• 1 oz cream of coconut
• 1 oz pineapple juice
• 1/2 oz lime juice (optional)
• Ice
• Pineapple wedge and leaf for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add the rum, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, and lime juice to a shaker.
2. Fill the shaker with ice.
3. Shake the mixture vigorously for 20 to 30 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled Hurricane glass over pebble ice.
5. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and leaf.

For a blended Piña Colada, use a blender:

1. Combine 2 ounces of white rum, 1 ounce of cream of coconut, 1 ounce of pineapple juice, 1/2 ounce of lime juice, 1 cup of ice, and 1/2 cup of frozen pineapple chunks.
2. Blend on high speed until smooth, about 30 seconds.
3. Pour into a tall glass.
4. Garnish with a pineapple wedge.

Mai Tai

The Mai Tai is an iconic tiki cocktail popular for its tropical flavors. Originating from Trader Vic’s in Oakland around 1944, this drink has captivated many with its balanced, fruity taste.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Aged rum (golden or amber)
• 3/4 oz Fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz Orange curaçao
• 1/4 oz Orgeat syrup
• 1/4 oz Simple syrup

Instructions:

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add rum, lime juice, orange curaçao, orgeat syrup, and simple syrup.
3. Shake well until chilled.
4. Strain into a rocks glass over crushed ice.
5. Garnish with a mint sprig and a lime shell.

A Mai Tai combines the sweetness of orgeat and simple syrup with the tanginess of lime juice. Adding aged rum provides depth. Orange curaçao offers a fruity hint. This cocktail is perfect for summer parties. You can even multiply the ingredients for larger batches.

Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule is a classic cocktail. It originated in 1941. It combines vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 4-6 oz ginger beer
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
• Ice cubes
• Lime wedge (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Fill a copper mug with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the vodka.
3. Add the fresh lime juice.
4. Top off with ginger beer.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Notes

The copper mug enhances the drink’s flavor and keeps it cold. You can experiment with different ginger-beer brands for varying spiciness. Some variations use gin, rum, or whiskey instead of vodka.

The traditional combination offers a refreshing drink that is both spicy from the ginger beer and tangy from the lime juice.