It’s no doubt that cocktails are the quintessential drink for any stylish soiree or upscale event.
Beyond just alcohol, a well-crafted cocktail is a delicate blend of flavors that come together to create a sophisticated sip. And as any mixologist knows, there’s an art to combining liquors, bitters, fruits, and herbs that elevate a cocktail to sensational status.
If you’re looking to class up your home bar collection, getting back to the basics with these classic cocktail recipes is essential.
Today we’ll discuss the drinks that have stood the test of time. Master these and you’ll be sipping in style at your next dinner party or date night!
#1 Whiskey Sours
This tart and tangy whiskey drink has been around since the late 1800s.
The combination of bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white creates a smooth, frothy texture that’s light and refreshing.
While traditionally made with egg white, you can opt for an egg-free version that’s just as delicious. The sour flavor paired with spicy rye or bourbon makes this a go-to vintage cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 1 egg white
- Lemon wedge and cherry for garnish
Directions:
- Add all ingredients except garnish to a cocktail shaker filled with ice
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until frothy
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass
- Garnish with lemon wedge and cherry
#2 Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned originated in the 1880s and was popularized at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York.
And let’s face it, you can’t discuss classic cocktails without the Old Fashioned.
This spirit-forward drink allows the nuances of rye or bourbon to take center stage. The bitters and sugar enhance the flavor of the whiskey rather than mask it.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz rye or bourbon
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- 1 sugar cube
- Few dashes of plain water
- Orange twist for garnish
Directions:
- Place sugar cube in an old-fashioned glass and soak with bitters and water
- Use a muddler to muddle until dissolved
- Fill the glass with ice cubes
- Add rye or bourbon
- Garnish with an orange twist
#3 Martini
Possibly the most iconic cocktail of all time, the classic martini exudes sophistication.
While the exact origin is debatable, martinis first appeared in the early 1900s.
This classic drink combines gin and vermouth in a perfect balance. You can personalize it to your liking — make it “dirty” with olive brine, “dry” with less vermouth, or add a fruity twist with muddled berries. Your drink, your rules.
Ingredients:
- 2.5 oz gin or vodka
- 0.5 oz dry vermouth
- Lemon twist or olives for garnish
Directions:
- Fill the mixing glass with ice
- Add gin or vodka and vermouth
- Stir for 30 seconds until chilled
- Strain into a martini glass
- Garnish with lemon twist or olives
#4 Manhattan
The Manhattan brings together robust flavors of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters for a strong, spirits-forward cocktail.
Originating in New York City in the 1870s, this drink honors the Manhattan cocktail style focused on whiskey rather than gin. Manhattan became widely popular during prohibition.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- 1 dash of plain water
- Cherry for garnish
Directions:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice
- Add rye, vermouth, bitters, and water
- Stir for 30 seconds until chilled
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
- Garnish with a cherry
#5 Daiquiri
Best known as a tropical, blended drink, the classic daiquiri is a simple shaken cocktail invented in the early 1900s.
Made with rum, lime juice, and sugar, a daiquiri is light, tart, and refreshing.
To make it extra frothy, vigorously shake and pour unstrained into a chilled glass. For flavor variations, muddle fresh fruit like mango, strawberry, or peach.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz white rum
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- Lime wheel for garnish
Directions:
- Add rum, lime juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass
- Garnish with a lime wheel
Mastering classic cocktails not only lets you appreciate the different flavors but also impresses any guests lucky enough to sample your handcrafted drinks. Want to skip the leg work and treat yourself to a night out? Have someone else do the work. Our mixologists create the best cocktails at Marvino’s Italian Steakhouse in Cypress! Our bar offers a laid-back ambiance for you to unwind. Enjoy the rich notes of red wine or top-shelf cocktails from our diverse selection. Don’t miss our signature drinks and lively happy hour atmosphere!
