Cocktails are mixed drinks that are made by combining a combination of spirits, liqueurs, syrups, bitters, and mixers. The origins of cocktails can be traced back to the early 18th century, when they were primarily made with spirits, sugar, water, and bitters. As time went on, the ingredients used in cocktails expanded to include a wide variety of spirits, liqueurs, and mixers, allowing for the creation of a virtually limitless number of cocktail recipes.
There are many different types of cocktails, including classic cocktails, which are well-known and widely popular drinks that have been around for many years; contemporary cocktails, which are new and modern twists on classic cocktails; and seasonal cocktails, which are made with ingredients that are typically associated with a specific season or holiday.
To make a cocktail, you will need a shaker or mixing glass, a strainer, ice, and the ingredients for the specific cocktail you are making. The process for making a cocktail involves measuring out the ingredients, adding them to the shaker or mixing glass, and then shaking or stirring the ingredients together to combine them. Once the cocktail has been mixed, it is typically strained into a glass and garnished with a slice of fruit, a sprig of herbs, or a twist of citrus peel.
Here are 15 cocktail recipes to try at home:
Martini: To make a classic martini, combine 2 ounces of gin and 1 ounce of dry vermouth in a shaker or mixing glass. Add ice and stir or shake until well combined. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a lemon twist or an olive.
Old Fashioned: To make an Old Fashioned, combine 2 ounces of bourbon or rye whiskey, 1 sugar cube, and 2 dashes of bitters in a mixing glass. Add a splash of water and muddle the ingredients together to dissolve the sugar. Add ice and stir until well combined. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice and garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.
Margarita: To make a margarita, combine 1 1/2 ounces of tequila, 3/4 ounce of lime juice, and 1/2 ounce of orange liqueur in a shaker or mixing glass. Add ice and shake until well combined. Strain into a glass rimmed with salt and garnish with a lime wedge.
Gin and Tonic: To make a gin and tonic, combine 2 ounces of gin and 4 ounces of tonic water in a highball glass filled with ice. Stir to combine and garnish with a lime wedge.
Cosmopolitan: To make a cosmopolitan, combine 1 1/2 ounces of vodka, 1/2 ounce of lime juice, 1/4 ounce of cranberry juice, and 1/4 ounce of orange liqueur in a shaker or mixing glass. Add ice and shake until well combined. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a lime wedge.
Mojito: To make a mojito, combine 2 ounces of rum, 1/2 ounce of lime juice, 1/2 ounce of simple syrup, and a handful of mint leaves in a shaker or mixing glass. Add ice and shake until well combined. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice and top with club soda. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge.
Whiskey Sour: To make a whiskey sour, combine 2 ounces of bourbon or rye whiskey, 1 ounce of lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup in a shaker or mixing glass. Add ice.