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10 Classic Cocktails Every Bartender Should Master
Whether you’re new to mixing drinks or looking to expand your cocktail repertoire, mastering a few classic cocktails can instantly elevate your home bartending game. These timeless drinks are simple, well-balanced, and crowd-pleasers, making them perfect for any occasion.
Here are 10 must-know classic cocktails that every home bartender should learn to mix.
🍸 1. Martini – The Epitome of Elegance
The Martini is a cocktail of sophistication, made famous by James Bond. Whether you prefer it shaken or stirred, it’s a must-know drink.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml gin (or vodka)
- 15 ml dry vermouth
- Ice
- Lemon twist or olives (for garnish)
How to Make It:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice and add gin (or vodka) and vermouth.
- Stir (or shake) until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or olives.
🍹 2. Margarita – The Ultimate Tequila Classic
A Margarita is the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and strong, making it one of the most popular cocktails worldwide.
Ingredients:
- 50 ml tequila
- 25 ml fresh lime juice
- 20 ml triple sec (e.g., Cointreau)
- Ice
- Salt (for rimming the glass)
- Lime wedge (for garnish)
How to Make It:
- Rim a glass with salt.
- Shake tequila, lime juice, and triple sec with ice.
- Strain into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
🥃 3. Old Fashioned – A Whiskey Lover’s Dream
The Old Fashioned is a simple, bold whiskey cocktail that enhances the natural flavors of the spirit.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 sugar cube (or 10 ml simple syrup)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Ice
- Orange peel and cherry (for garnish)
How to Make It:
- Muddle the sugar and bitters in a glass.
- Add whiskey and ice, then stir well.
- Garnish with an orange peel and cherry.
🍊 4. Negroni – A Bold & Bitter Classic
If you love complex and slightly bitter flavors, the Negroni is the drink for you.
Ingredients:
- 30 ml gin
- 30 ml Campari
- 30 ml sweet vermouth
- Ice
- Orange peel (for garnish)
How to Make It:
- Stir all ingredients with ice in a mixing glass.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with an orange peel.
🌿 5. Mojito – The Ultimate Refreshing Cocktail
The Mojito is a Cuban classic, perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients:
- 50 ml white rum
- 25 ml fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 6–8 fresh mint leaves
- Soda water
- Ice
- Lime wedge and mint sprig (for garnish)
How to Make It:
- Muddle mint leaves, sugar, and lime juice in a glass.
- Add rum and ice, then stir.
- Top with soda water and garnish with a lime wedge and mint sprig.
🧉 6. Whiskey Sour – Smooth & Tangy
The Whiskey Sour balances whiskey’s richness with citrus and sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml bourbon
- 25 ml fresh lemon juice
- 15 ml simple syrup
- Ice
- Lemon slice and cherry (for garnish)
How to Make It:
- Shake whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lemon slice and cherry.
🍏 7. Daiquiri – The Perfect Rum Sour
Forget frozen versions—the classic Daiquiri is a simple, refreshing rum cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 50 ml white rum
- 25 ml fresh lime juice
- 15 ml simple syrup
- Ice
- Lime wedge (for garnish)
How to Make It:
- Shake all ingredients with ice.
- Strain into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
🥒 8. Gin & Tonic – Crisp & Refreshing
One of the easiest and most refreshing gin cocktails, the Gin & Tonic is a timeless classic.
Ingredients:
- 50 ml gin
- 150 ml tonic water
- Ice
- Lime wedge (for garnish)
How to Make It:
- Fill a glass with ice and add gin.
- Top with tonic water and gently stir.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
☕ 9. Espresso Martini – The Coffee Lover’s Cocktail
A bold and smooth cocktail that’s perfect as an after-dinner pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
- 45 ml vodka
- 30 ml fresh espresso
- 30 ml coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
- 15 ml simple syrup
- Ice
- Coffee beans (for garnish)
How to Make It:
- Shake all ingredients with ice.
- Strain into a martini glass.
- Garnish with coffee beans.
🏝️ 10. Piña Colada – A Tropical Delight
If you love creamy, tropical flavors, the Piña Colada is a must-try.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml white rum
- 90 ml pineapple juice
- 30 ml coconut cream
- Ice
- Pineapple wedge and cherry (for garnish)
How to Make It:
- Blend all ingredients with ice until smooth.
- Pour into a glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry.
Final Sip – Elevate Your Cocktail Game
Mastering these 10 classic cocktails will make you feel like a professional bartender at home. Whether you prefer a simple Gin & Tonic, a citrusy Margarita, or a rich Espresso Martini, there’s a drink for every taste.
Which cocktail will you mix up first? Let us know in the comments! 🍹✨
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