10 Classic Cocktails to Know

Explore 10 timeless cocktail recipes including Martini, Negroni, Mojito and Margarita. A perfect guide for home bartenders.

10 Classic Cocktails

Here are 10 timeless cocktails every home bartender should know, with simple steps and classic proportions.

Old Fashioned

Estimated preparation time: 3 minutes

Ingredients

• 60 ml bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1 sugar cube or 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
• A few drops of water
• Orange peel
• Large ice cube

Preparation

1. Place the sugar cube in the glass.
2. Add bitters and a few drops of water.
3. Muddle until the sugar dissolves.
4. Add a large ice cube.
5. Pour in the whiskey and stir gently.
6. Express an orange peel over the drink and use it as garnish.

Pairs well with

• Grilled meat
• Dark chocolate
• Cheese platter

Martini

Estimated preparation time: 2 minutes

Ingredients

• 60 ml gin
• 10 ml dry vermouth
• Ice
• Olive or lemon twist

Preparation

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add gin and dry vermouth.
3. Stir for about 20 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with an olive or lemon twist.

Pairs well with

• Olives
• Seafood
• Light appetizers

Negroni

Estimated preparation time: 2 minutes

Ingredients

• 30 ml gin
• 30 ml Campari
• 30 ml sweet vermouth
• Large ice cube
• Orange peel

Preparation

1. Add a large ice cube to a rocks glass.
2. Pour in gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with an orange peel.

Pairs well with

• Charcuterie boards
• Olives
• Parmesan cheese

Margarita

Estimated preparation time: 4 minutes

Ingredients

• 50 ml tequila
• 25 ml fresh lime juice
• 20 ml triple sec
• Salt
• Ice
• Lime wedge

Preparation

1. Rub the rim of the glass with lime and dip it in salt.
2. Add tequila, lime juice, and triple sec to a shaker.
3. Add ice and shake well.
4. Strain into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Pairs well with

• Tacos
• Nachos
• Guacamole

Mojito

Estimated preparation time: 4 minutes

Ingredients

• 50 ml white rum
• 8–10 fresh mint leaves
• 20 ml lime juice
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• Soda water
• Crushed ice

Preparation

1. Add mint leaves, sugar, and lime juice to the glass.
2. Gently muddle the mint.
3. Add crushed ice and rum.
4. Top with soda water.
5. Stir lightly and garnish with mint.

Pairs well with

• Seafood
• Fresh salads
• Summer appetizers

Manhattan

Estimated preparation time: 3 minutes

Ingredients

• 50 ml rye whiskey
• 20 ml sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Cocktail cherry

Preparation

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
3. Stir until well chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a cocktail cherry.

Pairs well with

• Steak
• Aged cheeses
• Chocolate desserts

Daiquiri

Estimated preparation time: 3 minutes

Ingredients

• 50 ml white rum
• 25 ml lime juice
• 15 ml simple syrup
• Ice

Preparation

1. Add all ingredients to a shaker.
2. Shake with ice until chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with a lime twist.

Pairs well with

• Shrimp
• Tropical fruits
• Light desserts

Whiskey Sour

Estimated preparation time: 4 minutes

Ingredients

• 50 ml bourbon
• 25 ml lemon juice
• 20 ml simple syrup
• 1 egg white (optional)
• Ice

Preparation

1. Add all ingredients to a shaker.
2. Shake once without ice.
3. Add ice and shake again.
4. Strain into a glass.
5. Garnish with orange and cherry.

Pairs well with

• Bar snacks
• Fried chicken
• French fries

Cosmopolitan

Estimated preparation time: 3 minutes

Ingredients

• 40 ml vodka
• 15 ml triple sec
• 15 ml lime juice
• 30 ml cranberry juice

Preparation

1. Add all ingredients to a shaker.
2. Shake with ice.
3. Strain into a martini glass.
4. Garnish with a lime twist.

Pairs well with

• Light salads
• Seafood
• Fruit desserts

Piña Colada

Estimated preparation time: 4 minutes

Ingredients

• 50 ml white rum
• 50 ml pineapple juice
• 30 ml coconut cream
• Ice

Preparation

1. Add all ingredients to a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour into a tall glass.
4. Garnish with pineapple and cherry.

Pairs well with

• Tropical fruits
• Shrimp
• Coconut desserts

Responsible Drinking Notice

This content is for informational purposes only. Alcohol should be consumed responsibly and only by individuals of legal drinking age.