In the ever-evolving world of mixology, there are certain cocktails that have stood the test of time, becoming beloved staples in bars and home bars alike. These classic cocktails not only delight the senses with their balanced flavors but also carry with them a rich history and cultural significance. In this article, we’ll explore 10 of the most iconic and timeless cocktail recipes that every aspiring bartender or cocktail enthusiast should have in their repertoire.
1. Old Fashioned
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 tsp simple syrup
- 1 orange slice
- 1 maraschino cherry
Instructions:
1. In an old-fashioned glass, muddle the orange slice and cherry with the simple syrup and bitters.
2. Add the whiskey and fill the glass with ice.
3. Stir gently until well-chilled.
4. Garnish with an additional orange slice or cherry.
2. Negroni
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth (such as Cinzano or Carpano Antica)
- Orange slice for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a rocks glass with ice.
2. Add the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
3. Stir gently until well-chilled.
4. Garnish with an orange slice.
3. Margarita
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 oz triple sec or Cointreau
- Lime wedge for garnish
- Coarse salt (optional, for rimming the glass)
Instructions:
1. Rim a chilled margarita glass with lime juice and dip in coarse salt (if using).
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add the tequila, lime juice, and triple sec.
4. Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
5. Strain into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge.
4. Manhattan
- 2 oz rye or bourbon whiskey
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, vermouth, and bitters.
3. Stir gently until well-chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
5. Daiquiri
- 2 oz light rum
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the rum, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.
6. Martini
- 2 1/2 oz gin
- 1/2 oz dry vermouth
- 2-3 green olives or a lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the gin and vermouth.
3. Stir gently until well-chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with green olives or a lemon twist.
7. French 75
- 1 1/2 oz gin
- 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 2-3 oz chilled Champagne or sparkling wine
- Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled Champagne flute.
5. Top with chilled Champagne or sparkling wine.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist.
8. Mojito
- 2 oz white rum
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 8-10 fresh mint leaves
- Club soda
- Lime wedge and mint sprig for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a highball or Collins glass, gently muddle the mint leaves with the lime juice and simple syrup.
2. Fill the glass with crushed ice.
3. Add the rum and top with club soda.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge and a mint sprig.
9. Moscow Mule
- 2 oz vodka
- 4-6 oz ginger beer
- 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add the vodka and lime juice.
3. Top with ginger beer and stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge.
10. Boulevardier
- 1 1/2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- Orange twist for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
3. Stir gently until well-chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled rocks glass.
5. Garnish with an orange twist.
READ MORE: The Mixology Magic: How to Craft Creative Cocktails at Home
These 10 classic cocktail recipes represent some of the most beloved and iconic mixed drinks in the world of bartending. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a home bartender looking to expand your repertoire, mastering these recipes will ensure you can craft delicious, balanced, and visually appealing cocktails that will impress your guests and satisfy your own discerning palate.