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 Boulevardier Cocktail with a Twist
A cognac and lemon twist on the classic boulevardier cocktail made with bourbon, cognac, Campari and sweet vermouth.
Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe
The official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby. Bourbon, mint, simple syrup, and plenty of crushed ice.
Corpse Reviver 2 Recipe
A brightly refreshing and citrusy classic cocktail made with gin, Lillet Blanc, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice.
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.
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.
Bee’s Knees Cocktail Recipe
The Bee’s Knees cocktail is a classic Prohibition-Era cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, and honey 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.
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.
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 Whiskey Sour Cocktail
A classic whiskey sour cocktail recipe made with bourbon, lemon, simple sugar, and egg white. Frothy, citrusy, and refreshing.
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.
Last Word Cocktail Recipe
One of my favorite Prohibition-era cocktails consisting of gin, green chartreuse, and maraschino liqueur.
Brooklyn Cocktail Recipe
Manhattan lovers listen up. The Brooklyn cocktail is a classic whiskey drink made with maraschino liqueur, dry vermouth, and bitters.
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.
French 75 Cocktail Recipe
A classic cocktail consisting of gin, champagne, simple syrup, and lemon juice.
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.
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.
Negroni Cocktail Recipe
The Negroni cocktail is a classic cocktail originating in Florence, Italy. Made with equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari.
