20 Classic Cocktails

• 

A cocktail by definition is basically a mixture of different alcoholic drinks and a few other ingredients. The oldest definition of a cocktail came out in 1806 that said, ‘a stimulating beverage made from spirits of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters’. I think this is accurate enough however the definitions have been changing thereon. This particular list talks about the different, not to mention awesome, classic cocktails that you can make at your home and enjoy.

In order to make some of these cocktails and many others that are not on the list you might need a few ‘tools’. You will need a muddler, a cocktail shaker, and a strainer. These are easy to find so you don’t have to sweat. Enjoy the list of classic cocktails and tell us about your favorite cocktail.

1. Tom Collins

• 

Tom Collins is a classic alcoholic cocktail, included in the official list of Unforgettable according to the International Bartenders Association. A light summer-long drink is served in a special tall glass. The drink is ready, serve it immediately. Originally, this classic cocktail was made with Old Tom Gin (a sweetened Gin), but it is not like that anymore.

Ingredients:

1. Old Tom Gin 50 ml;
2. Lemon juice 25 ml;
3. Sugar syrup 20 ml;
4. Soda water.

How to make Tom Collins:

To make this classic cocktail you should add sugar syrup, lemon juice, and gin to a glass with ice. Then mix in the soda water and stir to combine gently. Garnish with a fresh slice of lemon and a sprig of mint.

An alternative way to make it is to use the shaker. At the initial preparation stage, you need to shake all the ingredients (except the soda) in a shaker with ice. And, voila, your cocktail is ready!

2. Mint Julep

• 

Mint Julep is also included into the top 20 classic cocktails list. It is good for its simplicity in preparation and mood. Initially, this classic cocktail was considered an exclusively aristocratic drink, and it was customary to serve it only in silver glasses. Later, the cocktail became available to ordinary people.

Ingredients:

1. Aged bourbon 50 ml;
2. Still water 10 ml;
3. Peppermint 3 g;
4. Powdered sugar 10 g;
5. Crushed ice 150 g.

How to make Mint Julep:

Take a tall bar glass and add a tablespoon of sugar syrup, a dozen mint leaves, and 3 dashes of Angostura bitters to make this one of the most famous classic cocktails. Bruise the mint with the muddler (gently) and blend the whole mix by stirring (do not use the blender). Also, make sure not to crush the mint leaves. Pour 2 ounces of Bourbon.

Remove the Julep glasses from the refrigerator and fill with crushed ice. Pour the Julep and stir for a few minutes. Add more ice and then fill with Bourbon till it reaches 1/4th of an inch from the top. You have the classic cocktail ready.

3. Gin Sling

• 

When it comes to cocktails, the term ‘sling’ refers to a drink made of sweetened spirits or water. Gin sling is a great cocktail that quickly quenches thirst. It is appropriate to use it at any time of the day. You can use absolutely any gin in order to produce a whiskey sling, a rum sling or a brandy sling.

Ingredients:

1. Ice cubes;
2. ⅔ part lemon juice;
3. 1½ parts gin;
4. ⅔ part sugar syrup;
5. Soda water;
6. Slice of lemon.

How to make Gin Sling:

One teaspoon of sugar syrup, two teaspoons of lemon juice and 3 ounces of gin is what will make this one of the most popular cocktails. Pour all the ingredients except the soda water into a shaker, where you put coarse ice in advance. If you want, you can ignore the lemon juice. Shake well, and then strain into an oblong glass like a Collins.

Now let’s add soda water to the rim. Next, garnish the drink with spiral lemon zest. Such a recipe for the Gin Sling is quite popular in bars worldwide.

4. El Presidente

• 

El Presidente is also included into a classic cocktails list. A mysterious rum-based classic cocktail with a lot of origin stories, which moreover, can be prepared in different ways.

It is considered this classic cocktail is named for the two presidents of Cuba. It is more often dedicated to Gerardo Machado. Still, it is believed that it was invented in honor of Mario Garcia Menocal, who was elected to the post in 1913, 12 years before Machado.

Ingredients:

1. 2 parts rum;
2. 1 part vermouth;
3. 5 ml of grenadine;
4. Ice cubes.

How to make El Presidente:

As with any classic cocktail, there are plenty of formulations for it. Combine vermouth, rum, and grenadine in a cocktail glass with ice cubes. Many prefer dry vermouth to make the cocktail seem less sugary. Orange zest can also be added to the glass.

Be careful, as many people think of grenadine as a raspberry liqueur. That is not correct. Grenadine is always made from pomegranates and not raspberry. Mixing these both up will mess up the drink.

5. Daiquiri

• 

The Daiquiri cocktail was born in Cuba but has become very popular and loved by many. It is generally accepted that the cocktail was invented by an American engineer who was in Cuba during the war with the Spaniards and named it after the Daiquiri beach near Santiago.

Ingredients:

1. White rum 60 ml;
2. Sugar syrup 15 ml;
3. Lime juice 30 ml;
4. Ice cubes 200 g.

How to make Daiquiri:

All you need is one part of sugar syrup, two parts of lemon juice, and eight parts of white rum (Bacardi is recommended). Fill a shaker with above-mentioned ingredients. Add the ice cubes and whisk. Pour through a strainer into a chilled champagne saucer.

Some recipes of this popular classic cocktail still add fruit juices, such as orange juice, in addition to the traditional ingredients. However, because of its simple composition and original taste, it has a lot of admirers all over the globe.

6. Sazerac

• 

Sazerac is a classic strong alcoholic cocktail prepared based on cognac and bourbon. The mix got its name in honor of the cognac brand, which is famous in the southern United States and has left the arena today.

The reason Sazerac is mentioned in this list is because of the fact that it is one of the earliest cocktails to ever come around. Not a lot of people drink this drink anymore and not many people like it either.

Ingredients:

1. Cognac 40 ml;
2. Bourbon 25 ml;
3. Absinthe 10 ml;
4. Peychaud’s Bitters 3 ml;
5. Sugar (refined) 1 cube;
6. Lemon peel;
7. Ice.

How to make Sazerac:

You will need two glasses to get started. The first is “rox” or “old-fashioned.” The second is the one in which you will be mixing the cocktail.

Fill the rox to the top with ice cubes. Pour absinthe into it. You can also add a little water. Finally, cover the glass with a small plate. This is necessary to flavor the glass for serving.

Let’s keep moving. Put a sugar cube in the glass where you will make the cocktail. Soak it in Peychaud’s Bitters. Next, you need to melt the sugar in the glass. After, it is the turn of the cognac and bourbon.

Free the absinthe glass. Using a strainer or a sieve, strain the drink into a flavored rox. Decorate this classic cocktail to your taste, but it is customary to do it with lemon peel.

7. Margarita

• 

No classic cocktails list can be without Margarita. The classic Margarita is one of the simplest cocktails you can easily make at home. It is believed that the Margarita alcoholic cocktail appeared in 1936-1948. in one of the bars in South America. It was not possible to establish the exact place and the author of the recipe.

Ingredients:

1. Tequila 40 ml;
2. Orange liqueur 20 ml;
3. Lime juice 40 ml;
4. Ice 150 g.

How to make Margarita:

Fill a shaker with ice, add tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice (you can substitute lemon juice), and shake well. After a bit of creativity, wet the edges of the glass in water and dip it in a plate with coarse salt; remove excess salt so that only a thin rim is left on the glass. Pour the contents of the shaker into the glass through the strainer and garnish with a slice of lemon or lime.

Thanks to its simple composition and excellent taste, this cocktail is considered among the most appreciated in the world. The cocktail is drunk in small sips, holding the drink in your mouth for a couple of seconds to leave a long aftertaste.

8. Sidecar

• 

Sidecar is a classic sour with a well-balanced taste. According to the most plausible legend, the cocktail was invented by the bartender of the Ritz Hotel in Paris, especially for his guest – an officer who took part in the First World War. The brave warrior came with a driver, sitting in a motorcycle sidecar, hence the name.

Ingredients:

1. Cognac 50 ml;
2. Orange liqueur 20 ml;
3. Lemon juice 20 ml;
4. Sugar 10 grams (optional);
5. Ice cubes.

How to make Sidecar:

For Sidecar, cognac must be high quality, as cheap homemade brandy spoils the classic cocktail. Also, use Cointreau or Triple Sec orange liqueur since other labels may skew the flavor.

Make a sugar rim on the glass by soaking the edges in lemon juice and dipping it in sugar. Next, mix cognac, liqueur, juice, and ice in a shaker, then pour the Sidecar through a strainer into the glass.

9. Manhattan

• 

Manhattan is also one of the top 20 classic cocktails. This classic cocktail has been around for about a hundred years. One of the world’s premier classic cocktails was coined by bartender Ian Marshal in the early 1870s at the New York Manhattan Club at a banquet in honor of US presidential candidate Samuel Tilden.

Ingredients:

1. Bourbon 60 ml;
2. Red vermouth (Rosso) 30 ml;
3. Angostura 2 ml;
4. Cocktail cherry;
5. Ice cubes.

How to make Manhattan:

Begin by filling the mixing glass and martini glass with ice cubes. Add bourbon, vermouth, and angostura to the mixing glass and mix thoroughly. Next, remove the ice from the martini glass and pour the cocktail through the strainer. Garnish with a cherry on top.

A dried fruit garnish can be served with the Manhattan cocktail as an appetizer.

10. Martini

• 

Martini is also considered one of the most popular classic cocktails in the whole world. This classic cocktail has been around for about a hundred years.

Ingredients:

1. Beefeater Gin 110 ml;
2. Dry vermouth 20 ml;
3. Ice cubes;
4. Lemon.

How to make Martini:

At first glance, making a cocktail as simple as a Martini needs no explanation. However, even in such a simple matter, things have their subtleties. Just pour quite a bit of dry vermouth into a chilled martini glass. Swirl the glass so that the vermouth stays on the walls. Empty the remainder. In an ice-filled shaker, add the gin, stir, and strain into the glass.

The secret to serving a classic martini is to make it literally scalding cold. The final touch is the lemon. We need a small piece of zest to smear around the rim of the glass. Optionally, you can add olives on a skewer.

If you ask for a Martini, technically it will not be made with Vodka so don’t make a fuss about it. Another thing you should know is a Martini or most white drinks for that matter, are always stirred and not shaken. Stir the ingredients together (not too vigorously) and you are done.

11. Negroni

• 

The Negroni is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for over a century. Crafted with gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, the Negroni is a potent and intricate cocktail that appeals to those with a taste for robust and flavorful libations.

Ingredients:

1. Gin 28 g;
2. Sweet Vermouth 28 g;
3. Campari 28 g.

How to make Negroni:

To prepare the cocktail, start by adding ice to a mixing glass, followed by the gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. Stir gently until the ingredients are well combined and chilled. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice and garnish with an orange peel.

For those who prefer a slightly sweeter Negroni, you can add a dash of simple syrup or replace the gin with a sweeter variety of vermouth.

12. Pina Colada

• 

Next time you’re longing for a tropical getaway, treat yourself to a Pina Colada and savor the taste of the Caribbean. This beloved cocktail is a timeless classic that has won the hearts of many.

Ingredients:

1. Pineapple Juice 180 ml;
2. Rum 45 ml;
3. Coconut Cream 90 ml.

How to make Pina Colada:

To create a Pina Colada, start by adding ice to a blender, followed by the rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice. Blend until the mixture is smooth and frothy. Add a pineapple slice and maraschino cherry garnish to your tall glass, and then pour the cocktail into the glass.

For those who prefer a lighter version of the Pina Colada, coconut milk can be used instead of coconut cream, or a blend of both can be used. A dash of lime juice can also be added for a slightly tangy flavor.

13. Mai Tai

• 

Made with rum, lime juice, orange curaçao, and orgeat syrup, the Mai Tai is a classic cocktail that packs a punch of tropical flavor. The origins of this drink are disputed, but it is believed to have been invented in the 1940s by Victor J. Bergeron, also known as Trader Vic.

Ingredients:

1. Rum 60 ml;
2. Lime Juice 30 ml;
3. Orange Curaçao 15 ml;
4. Orgeat Syrup 15 ml.

How to make a Mai Tai:

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until chilled. Then, strain the mixture into a glass filled with crushed ice. Finally, garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a slice of lime.

The Mai Tai is a perfect cocktail for sipping on a tropical vacation or any time you want to transport yourself to a sun-soaked beach. The combination of rum, lime juice, and orgeat syrup creates a sweet and tangy flavor that is balanced by the orange curaçao. Although it has a sweet flavor, this cocktail is quite potent. It is recommended that you consume it in moderation and savor its taste slowly.

14. Bramble

• 

The Bramble cocktail is a classic cocktail that was created in the 1980s by Dick Bradsell, a British bartender. The Bramble is a refreshing cocktail, ideal for a warm summer evening, made with gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and blackberry liqueur, delivering a fruity and zesty taste.

Ingredients:

1. Gin 60 ml;
2. Lemon juice 20 ml;
3. Sugar syrup 15 ml;
4. Blackberry liqueur 15 ml.

How to make a Bramble:

To make a Bramble cocktail, start by filling a rocks glass with crushed ice. In a cocktail shaker, add gin, lemon juice, and sugar syrup, and fill the shaker with ice. Shake the mixture vigorously and strain it over the crushed ice in the rocks glass. Finally, top off the cocktail with a splash of blackberry liqueur and garnish with fresh blackberries and a lemon wedge.

The Bramble cocktail is a delightful harmony of sweet and tangy flavors, with the blackberry liqueur contributing a fruity and mildly sweet accent to the beverage. The gin provides a strong backbone, while the lemon juice and sugar syrup add a refreshing tartness. The addition of crushed ice not only adds a pleasant texture but also makes the Bramble cocktail ideal for cooling off on a scorching summer day.

The beauty of the Bramble cocktail lies in its versatility, as it can be tailored to suit your personal preferences. Simply play around with the amount of sugar syrup or lemon juice to adjust the sweetness and tartness levels. You can also try out various brands of gin or blackberry liqueur to discover your favorite combination.

15. Gin and Tonic

• 

Gin and Tonic is a timeless and refreshing cocktail that has been enjoyed for generations. It is believed to have originated in India during the 19th century when British soldiers added gin to their daily dose of quinine tonic water, which was consumed to prevent malaria.

Ingredients:

1. Gin 60 ml;
2. Tonic water;
3. Lime wedge for garnish.

How to make a Gin and Tonic:

Begin by adding ice to a highball glass. Next, pour in the gin and top it up with tonic water. Use a gentle stir to mix the ingredients together. Finally, add a lime wedge as a garnish.

Achieving a great Gin and Tonic largely depends on the quality of the ingredients used. The gin should be a good quality London dry gin, while the tonic water should be a high-quality brand that is not overly sweet. Not only does a fresh lime garnish complement the botanicals in the gin, but it also provides a zesty burst of citrus that enhances the overall flavor of the cocktail. It’s easy to make, and the refreshing combination of gin and tonic water is always a crowd-pleaser.

16. Whiskey Tour

• 

The Whiskey Tour cocktail is a sophisticated and timeless drink that is perfect for sipping on a cozy night. It’s a whiskey-based cocktail that’s rich and warming, with a hint of sweetness and a touch of citrus. The precise origin of this cocktail remains unclear, but it is widely believed to have been created at some point during the 19th century. This cocktail is perfect for sipping on a cold night or for enjoying with friends at a dinner party. So, mix one up, sit back, and enjoy the warmth and richness of this classic cocktail.

Ingredients:

1. Whiskey 60 ml
2. Lemon juice 30 ml
3. Honey syrup 15 ml
4. Angostura bitters 2 dashes
5. Orange twist for garnish

How to make a Whiskey Tour:

In a cocktail shaker, fill it with ice and add whiskey, lemon juice, honey syrup, and Angostura bitters. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well chilled. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice and garnish with an orange twist.

The Whiskey Tour cocktail is a true classic that highlights the complexity of the whiskey. The lemon juice and honey syrup balance out the whiskey’s smokiness and add a touch of sweetness, while the bitters provide a subtle depth of flavor. The orange twist garnish adds a nice citrusy aroma and makes for an elegant presentation.

17. Singapore Sling

• 

The Singapore Sling is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed by people for over a century. It was first created at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon in the early 1900s. While the original recipe for this cocktail is lost to time, many variations of the drink have been created and enjoyed worldwide. It’s the perfect refreshment for a hot summer day or for sipping while relaxing by the pool. Its sweet and refreshing flavor makes it a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed by all. So mix yourself one, and let this classic cocktail transport you to the tropical paradise of Singapore.

Ingredients:

1. Gin 60 ml;
2. Pineapple juice 90 ml;
3. Fresh lime juice 15 ml;
4. Cointreau 7.5 ml;
5. Benedictine 7.5 ml;
6. Grenadine 10 ml;
7. Angostura bitters 1 dash;
8. Soda water;
9. Pineapple wedge and cherry for garnish.

How to make a Singapore Sling:

Prepare a cocktail shaker with ice. Mix gin, pineapple juice, lime juice, Cointreau, Benedictine, grenadine, and bitters together in the cocktail shaker. Shake the mixture for about 10-15 seconds until it’s well chilled. Strain the cocktail into a tall glass filled with ice. Top it up with soda water and give it a gentle stir. Finally, garnish the drink with a pineapple wedge and a cherry for added flavor and presentation.

The Singapore Sling is a complex and refreshing cocktail that has a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. The sweet foundation of this cocktail is derived from the pineapple juice and grenadine, while the tart notes of lime juice and bitters perfectly complement the gin. The Cointreau and Benedictine add depth and complexity to the drink, making it a true classic.

The key to a great Singapore Sling is using fresh ingredients and quality spirits. A good gin is essential, as it is the base of the drink. For best results, use freshly squeezed pineapple juice and a high-quality grenadine that is not overly sweet.

18. French 75

• 

French 75 is a classic champagne cocktail that has been a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts for decades. The French 75 cocktail was initially invented in the early 1900s and received its name from the French 75mm field gun utilized during World War I. The French 75 cocktail is a versatile drink that strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and tartness, with a slight effervescence that makes it suitable for any occasion.

Ingredients:

1. Gin 30 ml
2. Lemon juice 15 ml;
3. Simple syrup 15 ml;
4. Champagne or sparkling wine;
5. Lemon twist, for garnish.

How to make a French 75:

Start by adding the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds to chill the ingredients. Strain the mixture into a champagne flute or a coupe glass. Top it off with champagne or sparkling wine. Finally, add a lemon twist as a garnish.

This cocktail is perfect for any special occasion or celebration. It’s elegant and sophisticated, yet easy to make. The combination of gin, lemon juice, and champagne makes it a perfect drink for toasting and celebrating.

19. Dark and Stormy

• 

The Dark and Stormy is a classic cocktail that perfectly blends the sweet and spicy notes of ginger and rum. This refreshing drink is said to have originated in Bermuda during the early 1900s and has since become a beloved option worldwide.

Ingredients:

1. Dark Rum 60 ml;
2. Ginger Beer;
3. Lime wedge for garnish.

How to make a Dark and Stormy:

Begin by adding ice to a highball glass. Next, pour in the dark rum and top it up with ginger beer. Use a gentle stir to mix the ingredients together. Finally, add a lime wedge as a garnish. Creating a Dark and Stormy cocktail is simple, and the combination of bold dark rum and fiery ginger beer is guaranteed to satisfy your palate.

20. Aperol Spritz

• 

Aperol Spritz is a refreshing and vibrant Italian cocktail that has taken the world by storm in recent years. Its bright orange hue and unique flavor profile make it a popular choice for any occasion, from brunch to happy hour.

Ingredients:

1. Aperol 60 ml;
2. Prosecco 90 ml;
3. Soda water;
4. Orange slice for garnish;
5. Ice.

How to make an Aperol Spritz:

Start by filling a wine glass with ice. Next, pour in the Aperol and Prosecco, then top it up with soda water. Gently stir the cocktail to ensure the ingredients are well combined and garnish it with a slice of orange to add a hint of citrus to the drink.

This cocktail is an excellent choice for unwinding on a warm summer day or enjoying a leisurely evening with friends. The Aperol Spritz boasts a light and refreshing taste that offers a perfect reprieve from the sweltering heat. Additionally, its low alcohol content makes it an ideal option for those seeking a lighter libation.

The Aperol Spritz is a versatile cocktail that can complement various types of food, including salty snacks and fresh salads, making it a great choice for any occasion. Its ingredients can also be adjusted to cater to individual preferences, making it a customizable drink. For a sweeter version, simply add a splash of orange juice or substitute the Prosecco for Moscato.

FAQ: Most Interesting Questions About Classic Cocktails