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.
Classic Margarita Recipe
Stop using margarita mix. A classic and “real” margarita recipe made with tequila, fresh lime juice, triple sec, and simple syrup.
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.
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.
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 Mojito Recipe
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.
Sazerac Cocktail Recipe
The official cocktail of New Orleans. Rye, sugar, Peychaud’s bitters, absinthe, and lemon peel.
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.
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.
Classic Gin Martini Recipe
The classic gin martini made with orange bitters and lemon peel twist. Sorry no olives here.
Corpse Reviver 2 Recipe
A brightly refreshing and citrusy classic cocktail made with gin, Lillet Blanc, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice.
Last Word Cocktail Recipe
One of my favorite Prohibition-era cocktails consisting of gin, green chartreuse, and maraschino liqueur.
French 75 Cocktail Recipe
A classic cocktail consisting of gin, champagne, simple syrup, and lemon juice.
Scofflaw Cocktail Recipe
An obscure, yet highly delicious Prohibition-Era cocktail made with rye, dry vermouth, orange bitters, and a touch of grenadine.
Hemingway Daiquiri Recipe
Ernest Hemingway’s favorite cocktail—a slight variation on the classic daiquiri.
Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe
The official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby. Bourbon, mint, simple syrup, and plenty of crushed ice.
Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe
A traditional cosmopolitan cocktail recipe made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice.
Brooklyn Cocktail Recipe
Manhattan lovers listen up. The Brooklyn cocktail is a classic whiskey drink made with maraschino liqueur, dry vermouth, and bitters.
Classic Boulevardier Cocktail with a Twist
A cognac and lemon twist on the classic boulevardier cocktail made with bourbon, cognac, Campari and sweet vermouth.
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.
Classic Whiskey Sour Cocktail
A classic whiskey sour cocktail recipe made with bourbon, lemon, simple sugar, and egg white. Frothy, citrusy, and refreshing.
