Here are my favorite classic cocktail recipes that are must-try libations. This list includes Prohibition-Era cocktails to modern-day classics such as the Paper Plane and Cosmopolitan. Explore the vast array of spirits from all over the world ranging from whiskey, cognac, vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and more!

Table of Contents

• 1. Old Fashioned
• 2. Manhattan
• 3. Corpse Reviver 2
• 4. Sazerac
• 5. Aviation
• 6. French 75
• 7. Last Word
• 8. Boulevardier
• 9. Whiskey Sour
• 10. Tuxedo No. 2
• 11. Negroni
• 12. New York Sour
• 13. French 75
• 14. Paper Plane
• 15. Cosmopolitan
• 16. Aperol Spritz
• 17. Sidecar
• 18. Scofflaw
• 19. Hemingway Daiquiri
• 20. Mojito
• 21. Bee’s Knees
• 22. Margarita
• 23. Improved Whiskey Cocktail

1. Old Fashioned

Old Fashioned Cocktail

How to make the classic old fashioned drink the right way. Bourbon, bitters, simple syrup (sugar cube), and an orange peel.

2. Manhattan

Manhattan Cocktail

The Manhattan drink made two slightly different ways (classic versus perfect). Either way, it’s always constructed with bourbon, vermouth, and bitters.

3. Corpse Reviver 2

Corpse Reviver No. 2

A brightly refreshing and citrusy classic cocktail made with gin, Lillet Blanc, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice.

4. Sazerac

Sazerac

The official cocktail of New Orleans. Rye, sugar, Peychaud’s bitters, absinthe, and lemon peel.

5. Aviation

Aviation Cocktail

One of my all time favorite classic cocktails from the early 1900’s. Gin, maraschino liqueur (cherry), crème de violette, and fresh lemon juice.

6. French 75

French 75 Cocktail

A classic cocktail consisting of gin, champagne, simple syrup, and lemon juice.

7. Last Word

Last Word Cocktail

The Last Word is a well-balanced elixir consisting of equal parts gin, green chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice.

8. Boulevardier

Boulevardier Cocktail

A cognac and lemon twist on the classic boulevardier cocktail made with bourbon, cognac, Campari and sweet vermouth.

9. Whiskey Sour

Whiskey Sour

A classic Whiskey Sour cocktail recipe made with bourbon, lemon, simple sugar, and egg white. Frothy, citrusy, and refreshing.

10. Tuxedo No. 2

Tuxedo No. 2

The tuxedo no. 2 is a fantastic riff on the classic gin martini made with dry gin, dry vermouth, absinthe, maraschino liqueur, orange bitters, and a lemon twist.

11. Negroni

Negroni

The Negroni cocktail is a classic cocktail originating in Florence, Italy. Made with equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari.

12. New York Sour

New York Sour

A classic New York Sour recipe made with bourbon, lemon, simple sugar, egg white, and a red wine float. Frothy, citrusy, and refreshing.

13. French 75

French 75 Cocktail

A classic cocktail consisting of gin, champagne, simple syrup, and lemon juice.

14. Paper Plane

Paper Plane Cocktail

The Paper Plane is a citrusy cocktail most similar to the characteristics of a more bitter whiskey sour or sidecar. It’s smooth, warm, and refreshing.

15. Cosmopolitan

Cosmopolitan Cocktail

A classic Cosmopolitan cocktail recipe made with vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice.

16. Aperol Spritz

Aperol Spritz

A classic and simple refreshing Italian aperitivo cocktail. The Aperol spritz is made with prosecco, Aperol, and sparkling water.

17. Sidecar

Sidecar Cocktail

The Sidecar is one of my favorite classic cocktails, consisting of Cognac, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice. A citrusy refreshing classic.

18. Scofflaw

Scofflaw Cocktail

An unexpected and delicious Prohibition-Era cocktail made with rye, dry vermouth, orange bitters, and a touch of grenadine.

19. Hemingway Daiquiri

Hemingway Daiquiri

Ernest Hemingway’s favorite cocktail—a slight variation on the classic daiquiri.

20. Mojito

Mojito

The classic Mojito is a refreshing summer favorite made with white rum, fresh mint leaves, lime juice, simple syrup, and soda water for a little fizz.

21. Bee’s Knees

Bee’s Knees Cocktail

The Bee’s Knees cocktail is a classic Prohibition-Era cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup.

22. Margarita

Classic Margarita

Stop using margarita mix. A classic and “real” margarita recipe made with tequila, fresh lime juice, triple sec, and simple syrup.

23. Improved Whiskey Cocktail

Improved Whiskey Cocktail

The improved whiskey cocktail is a mix between a Sazerac and the Old Fashioned. Sound good? This just may be your new favorite whiskey cocktail.