If you’re new to making cocktails, there are absolute classics you can make that are sure to impress. These recipes are simple to make and would cost a pretty penny if made in a bar. But at home, you can all these incredible drinks at a fraction of the price!
The cocktail recipes in this list are perfect for any occasion and will help you fall into your after-work routine.
You’ll find some great cocktails that hit any flavor profile so they’ll please any palate, any time.
There are easy cocktail recipes you can master in minutes and others that will take more consideration when putting together.
These alcoholic drinks should be consumed responsibly, of course, but they will taste so good you might need a second.
A whiskey sour is a great cocktail to start with if you’re learning how to make your own cocktails.
The whiskey sour starts out as a simple drink that has only a handful of ingredients and it’s customizable for each person because everybody should like something different in their drink.
It has a beautiful foam on top that helps the drink have some extra texture.
This sweet cocktail balances tart and sweet flavors seamlessly, so it’s likely you’ll end up making a few of these over the next few months.
It’s a great one to make for parties because the ingredients are simple and the taste is a crowd-pleaser.
This is one of those unknown drinks you can really impress someone with the next time you’re bartending.
It’s a fun one too because you can garnish it with the fruit and herbs you have to make it look like a bird resting on the drink.
Serve it on the table and someone else is guaranteed to ask for one. Just be careful because you might be stuck in the kitchen making these all night long.
A Moscow mule is another drink that is great to have during a warm summer’s day.
It’s even better if you serve it in a classic copper mug.
The Moscow mule is a fun drink to have because it’s got a bit of kick to it and the ginger beer gives it just enough zing while not overpowering the vodka taste.
This drink is one that you can make in bulk too because even though you mix everything together, the ginger beer fizzes up so the drink tastes just as good even if it’s been sitting there for ten minutes.
Few drinks are as simple to make but taste as good as the gin and tonic.
You can make this drink with pretty much any gin you like because they all taste like juniper berries which are the most prominent flavor in gin. Juniper berries give off a pine-y flavor that is great for cold-weather cocktails.
This is also one of those simple recipes where, if need be, you can just dump the ingredients in a highball glass and serve it up.
It’s one of those classic drinks with a classy feel to it so if you want something your guests will remember, this is the drink for you.
It also has that nose-tingling quality when you smell it that makes it worthwhile to have when having a few drinks with friends.
The cosmopolitan is a vodka cocktail drink that is pretty simple to make and tastes great.
The cranberry juice is a good combination with the vodka and triple sec because it gives it a sweet twist on a sour taste.
This is another one of those drinks made for special occasions because the presentation makes you feel like you need to be wearing something nice, or at least feeling important.
This drink is just like any other cocktail in that you can add more ingredients to it, but this one mixes the cranberry juice with cranberry vodka so be careful not to overdo it on the mixer.
If you’re looking for a good party starter then look no further than the cosmopolitan cocktail.
You can serve this drink up in a fancy flute and really get the party going because it’s sure to make everyone say, “Cheers!”
This drink is basically made up of three ingredients: champagne, sugar syrup, and angostura bitters, but you’ll add orange peel to give it that extra something special.
If you’re looking for drink recipes that will satisfy any palate, take a look at this Gin Gimlet.
To make sure you get the full experience, use a good gin like Beefeater or Tanqueray and a lime cordial syrup that has been infused with fresh limes. Fresh limes are key to getting that fresh bite of lime taste in this drink.
The traditional way is served over ice but you can also serve it straight up if you want to let the taste of gin really come out.
Another thing that can take this drink to the next level is by garnishing it with a fresh lime wedge.
This gimlet recipe harkens back to another time when people’s taste buds were much more attuned to bitter flavors. These days, a lot of people can’t handle the sourness that comes with a gimlet.
You can always add in some more simple syrup if it’s too bitter or sour for people.
You can also make variations of the Aperol spritz by adding lemon juice or vodka. You can even muddle some fresh berries into it to give it that extra zing.
You can order an old fashioned at pretty much any bar in the world.
It’s a pretty simple drink to make, but you have to make sure that you stick pretty close with the recipe because a lot of places make it wrong.
You can make an old fashioned bourbon or rye whiskey depending on your preference. The recipe can be slightly different for both types of whiskey, but the basic ingredients are the same.
This is the perfect after-dinner drink to settle you for the night.
The boulevardier cocktail is a little more bitter and rich than your average drink.
The boulevardier is made with bourbon, Campari (an Italian bitter liqueur), sweet vermouth, and garnished with an orange wedge.
People will either love or hate the boulevardier because it’s made with bourbon, which is an acquired taste.
You can serve this up in a coupe glass to make it look even more appealing.
This drink is simple but it looks like you actually put some effort into making it.
This is another refreshing drink, but it’s definitely heavier than the French 75. The boulevardier will be perfect for sitting on your porch after dinner with a little bit of bourbon in your glass.
What you need to make great cocktail recipes at home
Wondering what you’ll need in order to make your own great cocktails at home?
The best way to start is to pick out a recipe you really like above and then buy those ingredients at the store first.
A lot of these recipes will repeat the same ingredients over and over again so once you buy a bottle of something you can switch up what you make pretty easily.
A jigger would be helpful to buy because it measures the exact size of one shot of alcohol. You can convert the measurements to tablespoons if you don’t want to get a jigger.
Our 30+ BEST Great Cocktail Recipes (+Whiskey Sour)
These recipes are sure to please. So, gather your family and friends and enjoy. Let us know your thoughts!
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
