14 Delicious Well Cocktails

If you’ve ever ordered a “rum and Coke” or a “vodka soda,” you’ve had a well cocktail. These classic, no-fuss drinks are made with affordable, widely available ingredients that still taste amazing. Here are 14 delicious well cocktails you can easily mix up anytime.

Vodka Soda

The Vodka Soda is a classic, simple cocktail that many enjoy. It’s light and refreshing. You can easily make it at home or order it at any bar.

Ingredients

• 2 oz. vodka
• 4 oz. soda water
• Lime wedge

Instructions

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour the vodka over the ice.
3. Add soda water.
4. Squeeze a lime wedge into the drink.
5. Stir gently.

This cocktail is popular for its ease and light taste. You get a hydrating, crisp drink.

It’s perfect for any occasion. The vodka adds a mild flavor, while the soda water keeps it refreshing. The lime adds a touch of tartness.

You can use any vodka you like. Premium vodka can enhance the drink.

Experiment with flavored vodkas if you prefer. The simplicity allows the vodka to shine.

For a twist, add a splash of fruit juice. Cranberry or grapefruit juice works well. It adds a bit of sweetness and color.

Gin And Tonic

Gin and Tonic stands as a timeless well cocktail. Perfect for any occasion, its simplicity doesn’t compromise its elegance.

To make a classic Gin and Tonic, start with these ingredients:

• 1.5 oz of gin
• 3 oz of tonic water, chilled
• Ice cubes
• Lime wedge or twist

Directions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Add the gin, pouring it over the ice.
3. Top off with tonic water.
4. Squeeze a lime wedge over the drink to release the oils, then drop it in.

Variations abound, and there’s no limit to your creativity. Here are a few variations:

Grapefruit Gin and Tonic

Ingredients:

• 0.5 oz grapefruit juice
• 1.5 oz Cinzano 1757 dry vermouth
• 0.5 oz Nikka gin
• 1.5 oz London Essence Grapefruit & Rosemary Tonic

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a highball glass with ice.
2. Stir gently to mix.
3. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit.

Herbal Spicy Gin and Tonic

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Bombay Sapphire gin
• 3 oz tonic water, chilled
• Ice cubes
• Lime twist

Directions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Bombay Sapphire gin.
3. Add the tonic water.
4. Twist a lime peel over the drink and drop it in for extra zest.

Experiment and find your perfect Gin and Tonic. Balance the gin’s botanicals with the bitterness of the tonic. Enjoy each variation responsibly.

Whiskey Sour

A Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail that combines the bold flavor of whiskey with the citrusy tang of lemon. You will love its balance of sweet and sour notes.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces whiskey
• 3/4 ounce lemon juice
• 1/2 to 3/4 ounce simple syrup
• 1 egg white (optional)
• Ice
• Lemon slice for garnish

Instructions:

1. Pour whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker.
2. If using an egg white, add it to the shaker as well.
3. Shake without ice for 30 seconds to froth the egg white.
4. Add ice to the shaker and shake again for 30 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a lemon slice.

Tips:

• Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
• Adjust the amount of simple syrup to suit your taste.

A Whiskey Sour can be your go-to drink for both casual and special occasions. Its simple ingredients and easy preparation make it a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.

Rum And Coke

Rum and Coke is a timeless well cocktail known for its simplicity.

To make a classic Rum and Coke, you’ll need:

• 2 ounces of rum
• 4 ounces of cola

Pour the rum into a highball glass. Add the cola next. Stir gently.

For a sweeter version, try:

• 2 ounces of rum
• 6 ounces of cola

Pour the rum into a highball glass. Add the cola. Stir lightly.

Experiment with lime juice for extra flavor:

• 2 ounces of rum
• 4 ounces of cola
• Juice of half a lime

Squeeze lime juice into the glass. Add the rum and cola. Stir well. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Optionally, add a dash of Angostura bitters for a more complex taste:

• 2 ounces of rum
• 4 ounces of cola
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters

Combine rum, cola, and bitters in the glass. Stir gently.

Serve cold. Use plenty of ice for a refreshing drink.

Keep your ingredients chilled for the best experience. Enjoy responsibly.

Tequila Sunrise

The Tequila Sunrise is a vibrant and colorful cocktail. This drink features layers that resemble a sunrise. It’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 oz tequila (preferably blanco)
• 4 oz orange juice
• 0.5 oz grenadine
• Ice cubes
• Orange slice and cherry for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour the tequila and orange juice into the glass. Stir to mix well.
3. Slowly drizzle the grenadine down the side of the glass. Let it sink to the bottom.
4. Do not stir after adding grenadine to keep the layered effect.
5. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.

For a larger batch, use this ratio: 1 part tequila to 2 parts orange juice. Add grenadine to each glass for the best visual effect. Enjoy your Tequila Sunrise!

Margarita

The Margarita is a popular well cocktail. This classic drink is simple to make and refreshing.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. tequila
• 1 oz. lime juice
• 1 oz. orange liqueur
• Ice
• Lime wedge (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
2. Add tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur.
3. Shake for 20 seconds or until the shaker feels cool.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.

You can add a sweetener if desired. Adjust to taste. This enhances the drink’s flavor balance.

Try using different types of tequila. It affects the taste profile.

Serve Margaritas in a salt-rimmed glass for an extra touch. Enjoy this well cocktail at your next gathering.

Whiskey Ginger

The Whiskey Ginger is a classic cocktail. It blends whiskey with ginger ale. This simple mix offers a refreshing taste.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz whiskey
• 4-6 oz ginger ale
• Ice
• (Optional) Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour 2 oz whiskey over the ice.
3. Top with 4-6 oz ginger ale.
4. Stir gently.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge if desired.

Variations:

Kentucky Mule

• Ingredients: Bourbon, ginger beer, ½ oz lime juice
• Instructions: Mix bourbon and ginger beer in a copper mug filled with ice. Add lime juice. Stir gently.

Presbyterian

• Ingredients: Scotch, ginger ale
• Instructions: Combine scotch and ginger ale in a glass with ice. Stir gently.

A Whiskey Ginger can also be part of more complex cocktails:

Whisky Mac

• Ingredients: Scotch, ginger wine
• Instructions: Mix equal parts scotch and ginger wine in a glass with ice. Stir gently.

Tom Collins

The Tom Collins is a classic gin-based cocktail. It has been a favorite since the late 1800s. It combines gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• Club soda
• Ice
• Lemon slice and a cherry for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Fill a tall glass with ice.
2. Combine the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker.
3. Add ice and shake well.
4. Strain the mixture into the glass.
5. Top off with club soda.
6. Stir gently.
7. Garnish with a lemon slice and a cherry if desired.

A Tom Collins is refreshing and easy to make. It’s known for its balanced sweetness and tanginess.

The cocktail can be enjoyed on hot days or as a light evening drink. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

Vodka Cranberry

The Vodka Cranberry, also known as the Cape Codder, is a popular well cocktail.

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour 1.5 ounces of vodka over the ice.
3. Add 4 ounces of cranberry juice.
4. Stir gently with a bar spoon.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.

A Madras is another twist on the Vodka Cranberry.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 ounces vodka
• 2 ounces cranberry juice
• 2 ounces orange juice

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Add 1.5 ounces of vodka.
3. Pour 2 ounces each of cranberry and orange juices.
4. Stir gently and enjoy.

For a citrusy variation, try the Sea Breeze.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 ounces vodka
• 3 ounces cranberry juice
• 1 ounce grapefruit juice

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Add 1.5 ounces of vodka.
3. Pour in 3 ounces of cranberry juice.
4. Top with 1 ounce of grapefruit juice.
5. Mix well.

These Vodka Cranberry variations offer refreshing options for any occasion.

Whether you prefer it simple or with a citrus twist, there’s a version to suit your taste.

Rum Punch

Rum Punch is a classic cocktail that combines multiple flavors into one refreshing drink. Known for its tropical essence, it is a popular choice at parties and gatherings.

Here are the ingredients you will need for a single serving:

• 1 oz light rum
• 1 oz dark rum
• 2 oz pineapple juice
• 1 oz orange juice
• 1 oz lime juice
• ½ oz grenadine
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Add light rum, dark rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, and grenadine into a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
3. Strain into a Hurricane glass filled with fresh ice.
4. Garnish with a maraschino cherry or a slice of pineapple.

For a crowd, multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need:

• 1 part light rum
• 1 part dark rum
• 2 parts pineapple juice
• 1 part orange juice
• 1 part lime juice
• ½ part grenadine

Prepare in a large punch bowl:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a punch bowl.
2. Add plenty of ice.
3. Stir well to mix the flavors.
4. Serve in individual glasses with a cherry or pineapple slice for garnish.

Rum Punch is versatile and can be adjusted to taste.

For a sweeter version, add more grenadine or simple syrup.

For a more tart flavor, increase the lime juice.

Gin Fizz

The Gin Fizz is a delightful, light cocktail. It’s perfect for warmer days or social gatherings. This drink combines gin with citrus and a bit of sugar, then tops it with a fizzy sparkle.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces gin
• 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
• 0.75 ounces simple syrup
• Club soda
• Ice

Instructions

1. Combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker.
2. Add ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice.
4. Top off the drink with club soda.
5. Garnish with a lemon slice, if desired.

The Gin Fizz has a balanced flavor. It’s a bit sweet, a bit tart, and very refreshing. Serve it cold to make it even more enjoyable.

Whiskey Coke

Whiskey Coke is a classic and simple well cocktail. It’s enjoyed by many due to its straightforward ingredients and refreshing taste. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

• 2 ounces whiskey (bourbon, rye, or your choice)
• 4 ounces cola (any brand you prefer)
• Ice (enough to fill your glass)
• Lemon twist (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Add ice: Fill a double rocks glass or highball glass with ice.
2. Pour whiskey: Measure and pour 2 ounces of whiskey over the ice.
3. Add cola: Top with 4 ounces of cola.
4. Stir gently: Mix briefly and gently to combine.
5. Garnish: Add a lemon twist if desired.

Variations

• Crown & Coke: Use Crown Royal Whisky instead of bourbon.
• Irish Whiskey & Coke: Substitute with Irish whiskey like Jameson.
• Scotch & Coke: Popular in Europe, use J&B or Ballantine’s.

Note: Feel free to experiment with different types of whiskey to find your favorite combination.

Cape Codder

Introduction

The Cape Codder is a classic cocktail you need in your bartending repertoire. Easy to make and refreshing, this drink combines vodka and cranberry juice.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz vodka
• 4 oz cranberry juice
• Lime wedge for garnish
• Ice

Instructions

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour 1.5 oz of vodka into the glass.
3. Add 4 oz of cranberry juice.
4. Stir briefly to combine.
5. Squeeze a lime wedge over the glass.
6. Drop the lime wedge into the drink for garnish.

Tequila Sour

The Tequila Sour is a refreshing, tangy cocktail that blends tequila with citrus and a hint of sweetness. This drink is known for its beautiful foam top, achieved by shaking it with an egg white. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 1 oz lime juice
• 3/4 oz simple syrup
• 2 dashes of bitters
• 1 egg white
• Lime wedge or cocktail cherry for garnish

Instructions

Dry Shake

• Add tequila, lemon juice, lime juice, simple syrup, bitters, and egg white to a cocktail shaker.
• Shake without ice for 15-20 seconds to mix the ingredients well.

Shake Again

• Add ice to the cocktail shaker.
• Shake for an additional 10-15 seconds until the shaker feels frosted on the outside.

Strain and Serve

• Strain the drink into a glass.
• Garnish with a lime wedge or a cocktail cherry.