Cocktail 101

Classic cocktails are timeless for a reason—they've stood the test of time and remain popular for their balanced flavors and iconic status. Here’s a list of some of the classic oldies but goodies.

1. Martini

• Ingredients: Gin (or vodka), dry vermouth, lemon twist or olive
• Description: A sophisticated and simple cocktail, the martini can be tailored to your taste with varying amounts of vermouth. Garnish with a lemon twist or an olive.

• 2 1/2 ounces (75 ml) of Gin or Vodka
• 1/2 ounce (15 ml) of dry vermouth
• Ice
• Lemon twist or olive for garnish
• Optional Additives
• 1/2 ounce of Olive Brine (for a dirty martini)
• 1/2 ounce of hot sauce for a hot an dirty martini

2. Old Fashioned

• Ingredients: Bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar cube, Angostura bitters, orange twist
• Description: A smooth and slightly sweet cocktail, the Old Fashioned is muddled with sugar and bitters, then topped with whiskey and garnished with an orange twist.

Try It!

• 2 ounces (60 ml) of bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1 sugar cube or 1/2 teaspoon of granulated sugar 
• 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
• Ice (preferably a large cube)
• A twisted orange peel as a garnish
• Maraschino cherry (also a slight dash of cherry juice I prefer)

3. Manhattan

• Ingredients: Rye or bourbon, sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters, cherry
• Description: Known for its rich and complex flavor, the Manhattan combines whiskey with sweet vermouth and bitters, served up with a cherry.

Try It!

• 2 ounces (60 ml) of your choice of rye whiskey (or bourbon)
• 1 ounce (30 ml) of sweet vermouth
• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
• Ice (for stirring)
• Maraschino cherry as a garnish
• Lemon twist as an optional garnish

4. Margarita

• Ingredients: Tequila, lime juice, Cointreau or triple sec, salt (for rimming the glass)
• Description: A refreshing and tangy cocktail, the Margarita is a blend of tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur. Served with a salted rim for an extra kick.

5. Negroni

• Ingredients: Gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, orange twist
• Description: A bitter yet balanced cocktail, the Negroni features equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, garnished with an orange twist.

• 1 ounce (30 ml) of Gin
• 1 ounce (30 ml) of Campari
• 1 ounce (30 ml) of sweet vermouth
• Ice
• Fresh orange peel as a garnish

6. Mojito

• Ingredients: White rum, lime juice, sugar, mint leaves, soda water
• Description: A refreshing Cuban classic, the Mojito combines rum with lime juice, fresh mint, and a splash of soda water for a light and invigorating drink.

Try It

• 2 ounces (60 ml) of white rum
• 1 ounce (30 ml) of fresh lime juice (preferably)
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar (or 1/2 ounce simple syrup)
• 6-8 fresh mint leaves
• Soda water (club soda)
• Ice
• Lime wedge and a mint sprig as a garnish

7. Daiquiri

• Ingredients: White rum, lime juice, simple syrup
• Description: A simple yet elegant cocktail, the Daiquiri is made with rum, lime juice, and a touch of sweetness from simple syrup, shaken and served up.

Try It

• 2 ounces (60 ml) of white rum
• 1 ounce (30 ml) of fresh lime juice
• 3/4 ounce (22.5 ml) simple syrup (or 1/2 ounce if you prefer a less sweet drink)
• Ice

8. Whiskey Sour

• Ingredients: Bourbon or rye whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, cherry (optional)
• Description: The Whiskey Sour is a classic combination of whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup, shaken and served over ice, often garnished with a cherry.

Try It

• 2 ounces (60 ml) of whiskey (bourbon or rye)
• 3/4 ounce (22.5 ml) of fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce (15 ml) of simple syrup
• Ice
• Lemon twist or cherry as a garnish

9. Cosmopolitan

• Ingredients: Vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, lime juice
• Description: A modern classic, the Cosmopolitan is a mix of vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice, served up with a lime twist.

Try it

• 1 1/2 ounces (45 ml) of vodka (citrus-flavored if you'd like)
• 1 ounce (30 ml) of cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
• 1/2 ounce (15 ml) of triple sec (or Cointreau)
• 1/2 ounce (15 ml) of fresh lime juice
• Ice
• Lime twist or wheel as a garnish

10. Tom Collins

• Ingredients: Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, soda water
• Description: A fizzy and refreshing cocktail, the Tom Collins combines gin with lemon juice and simple syrup, topped with soda water and garnished with a lemon slice and cherry.

Try It

• 2 ounces (60 ml) of Gin
• 1 ounce (30 ml) of fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce (15 ml) of simple syrup
• Soda water (club soda if you'd like)
• Ice
• Lemon slice and maraschino cherry as a garnish

These classic cocktails are perfect for a every occasion, and diverse tastes, with a range of flavors from sweet and tangy to bitter and sophisticated. More importantly they are enjoyable all year long. Cheers!