Whiskey, gin, vodka, rum, tequila, I’ve got everyone covered right here. Here are 22 of my favorite classic cocktails that are absolutely must-try libations. Before you jump in, here are a few tips on some tools and techniques you’ll need to make classic cocktails the right way.
Sazerac Cocktail Recipe
The official cocktail of New Orleans. Rye, sugar, Peychaud’s bitters, absinthe, and lemon peel.
Classic Gin Martini Recipe
The classic gin martini made with orange bitters and lemon peel twist. Sorry no olives here.
Manhattan Cocktail Recipe
The Manhattan drink made two slightly different ways (classic versus perfect). Either way, it’s always constructed with bourbon, vermouth, and bitters.
Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe
The official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby. Bourbon, mint, simple syrup, and plenty of crushed ice.
New York Sour Recipe
A classic New York sour recipe made with bourbon, lemon, simple sugar, egg white, and a red wine float. Frothy, citrusy, and refreshing.
Scofflaw Cocktail Recipe
An obscure, yet highly delicious Prohibition-Era cocktail made with rye, dry vermouth, orange bitters, and a touch of grenadine.
Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe
A traditional cosmopolitan cocktail recipe made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice.
Corpse Reviver 2 Recipe
A brightly refreshing and citrusy classic cocktail made with gin, Lillet Blanc, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice.
Bloody Mary Recipe
Is there a better brunch cocktail than the bloody mary? This is an easy and delicious standard bloody mary recipe just waiting to be garnished.
Aviation Cocktail Recipe
One of my all time favorite classic cocktails from the early 1900’s. Gin, maraschino liqueur (cherry), crème de violette, and fresh lemon juice.
Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe
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.
Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
How to make the classic old fashioned drink the right way. Bourbon, bitters, simple syrup (sugar cube), and an orange peel.
Negroni Cocktail Recipe
The Negroni cocktail is a classic cocktail originating in Florence, Italy. Made with equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari.
Classic Whiskey Sour Cocktail
A classic whiskey sour cocktail recipe made with bourbon, lemon, simple sugar, and egg white. Frothy, citrusy, and refreshing.
Brooklyn Cocktail Recipe
Manhattan lovers listen up. The Brooklyn cocktail is a classic whiskey drink made with maraschino liqueur, dry vermouth, and bitters.
Bee’s Knees Cocktail Recipe
The Bee’s Knees cocktail is a classic Prohibition-Era cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup.
Sidecar Cocktail Recipe
The Sidecar is one of my favorite classic cocktails, consisting of cognac, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice. A citrusy refreshing classic.
Classic Margarita Recipe
Stop using margarita mix. A classic and “real” margarita recipe made with tequila, fresh lime juice, triple sec, and simple syrup.
Hemingway Daiquiri Recipe
Ernest Hemingway’s favorite cocktail—a slight variation on the classic daiquiri.
French 75 Cocktail Recipe
A classic cocktail consisting of gin, champagne, simple syrup, and lemon juice.
