Mixed drinks are a fun way to enjoy alcohol with friends. They combine different liquors, juices, and other ingredients to create tasty beverages. You can make many mixed drinks easily at home with just a few items.
Learning to make mixed drinks can help you impress guests and save money compared to buying them at bars. This article will cover 36 popular mixed drinks you can try. It includes classic cocktails as well as newer creations. With some practice, you’ll be mixing drinks like a pro bartender in no time.
The Mai Tai is a classic tiki cocktail that brings tropical flavors to your glass. You’ll need white rum, dark rum, lime juice, orange curaçao, and orgeat syrup to make this drink.
Start by filling a shaker with ice. Add the white rum, lime juice, orange curaçao, and orgeat syrup. Shake well to chill and combine the ingredients.
Pour the mixture into a glass filled with crushed ice. Float the dark rum on top for an extra kick. Garnish your Mai Tai with a mint sprig, lime wheel, or cherry for a festive touch.
This fruity and potent cocktail is perfect for sipping by the pool or at your next tiki-themed party.
The Mojito is a refreshing Cuban cocktail perfect for hot summer days. To make one, you’ll need white rum, fresh lime juice, sugar, mint leaves, and club soda.
Start by muddling mint leaves with sugar in a glass to release the mint’s oils. Add lime juice and white rum, then fill the glass with ice.
Top it off with club soda and stir gently. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wheel for a classic look.
The key is to muddle the mint just enough to release its flavors without tearing the leaves. This keeps the drink looking fresh and prevents bitter flavors.
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that’s simple yet elegant. You’ll need bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar, bitters, and ice.
Start by placing a sugar cube in a glass. Add a few dashes of Angostura bitters and a splash of water. Muddle these together until the sugar dissolves.
Next, add ice to the glass. Pour in 2 ounces of your chosen whiskey. Stir gently to mix and chill the drink.
For a finishing touch, cut a thin strip of orange peel. Twist it over the drink to release the oils, then drop it in as a garnish.
The Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail that combines whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup. You can use bourbon or another type of whiskey as the base spirit.
To make a Whiskey Sour, mix 2 ounces of whiskey, 1 ounce of lemon juice, and 3/4 ounce of simple syrup in a shaker. Add ice and shake well.
For a frothy texture, you can add an egg white to the mix. If using an egg white, shake all ingredients without ice first, then add ice and shake again.
Strain the cocktail into a glass over fresh ice. You can garnish with a cherry, lemon peel, or a few drops of bitters for extra flavor.
The Pina Colada is a tropical cocktail that brings the taste of paradise to your glass. This Puerto Rican drink blends pineapple, coconut, and rum for a sweet, creamy treat.
To make a Pina Colada, you’ll need white rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice. Blend these with ice for a frosty version, or shake them together for a smoother drink.
For extra flair, garnish your Pina Colada with a pineapple wedge or maraschino cherry. You can also rim the glass with shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply leave out the rum. The mix of pineapple and coconut still creates a delicious tropical drink.
The Cosmopolitan is a popular cocktail that gained fame in the 1990s. It’s a pretty pink drink that’s easy to make at home.
To mix a Cosmo, you’ll need vodka, orange liqueur, lime juice, and cranberry juice. These ingredients create a balanced flavor that’s not too sweet and not too tart.
Pour the vodka, orange liqueur, and lime juice into a shaker with ice. Add a splash of cranberry juice for color. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
For a fancy touch, garnish your Cosmopolitan with a twist of orange peel or a lime wedge. This elegant drink is perfect for parties or a night in with friends.
The martini is a classic cocktail that’s both elegant and simple. You can make it with gin or vodka, mixed with dry vermouth. The ratio of spirits to vermouth varies based on personal taste.
To make a basic martini, mix your chosen spirit with vermouth in a shaker filled with ice. Shake or stir, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with an olive or a lemon twist.
There are many variations of the martini. You might try a dirty martini with olive brine, or a Gibson garnished with cocktail onions. For a sweeter twist, try an espresso martini or a chocolate martini.
The Long Island Iced Tea is a strong cocktail that packs a punch. It combines five different spirits: vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and triple sec.
To make this drink, mix equal parts of the spirits with lemon juice and simple syrup. Shake the mixture well with ice, then strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
Top it off with a splash of cola for color and flavor. The result looks like iced tea but tastes much stronger.
Garnish your Long Island Iced Tea with a lemon slice. This drink is perfect for those who want a potent cocktail with a mix of flavors.
Remember to enjoy responsibly, as this drink has a high alcohol content. You might be surprised by how smooth it goes down despite its strength.
The Negroni is a classic Italian cocktail known for its bold, bitter flavor. You can make this drink by combining equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
To prepare a Negroni, fill a mixing glass with ice. Add 1 ounce each of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Stir the mixture for about 30 seconds until well-chilled.
Strain the drink into a rocks glass filled with ice. For a finishing touch, garnish with an orange peel. You can express the oils from the peel over the drink for extra aroma.
The Negroni’s simplicity and balance make it a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts. Its bright red color and complex taste offer a unique drinking experience.
Gin and tonic is a classic cocktail that’s easy to make. You’ll need gin, tonic water, ice, and a garnish.
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour in 2 ounces of gin. Top it off with 4-6 ounces of tonic water, depending on how strong you like it.
Gently stir to mix the ingredients. Add a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice for extra flavor. Garnish with a lime or lemon wedge.
For the best taste, use high-quality gin and tonic water. Experiment with different gins to find your favorite. Some people like to add cucumber slices or herbs for a unique twist.
The Boulevardier is a classic cocktail that dates back to the 1920s. It’s similar to a Negroni, but uses whiskey instead of gin.
To make a Boulevardier, you’ll need equal parts bourbon or rye whiskey, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Combine the ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir well.
Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice. For a fancy touch, you can garnish with an orange peel.
The Boulevardier has a rich, complex flavor. You’ll taste the sweetness from the vermouth, bitterness from the Campari, and warmth from the whiskey.
This sophisticated cocktail is perfect for sipping slowly and savoring. It’s a great choice when you want something a bit stronger than a typical mixed drink.
The Caipirinha is Brazil’s national cocktail. You make it with cachaça, lime, and sugar. Cachaça is a spirit made from sugarcane juice.
To prepare a Caipirinha, cut a lime into wedges and muddle them with sugar in a glass. This releases the lime juice and dissolves the sugar. Add crushed ice and pour cachaça over the top.
Stir well to combine all the ingredients. The result is a refreshing drink with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. You can adjust the sugar to suit your taste preferences.
The Aperol Spritz is a refreshing Italian cocktail perfect for sunny days. You’ll love its bright orange color and unique flavor.
To make it, you need Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water. The classic recipe uses a 3-2-1 ratio of these ingredients.
Fill a wine glass with ice. Pour in 3 parts Aperol, 2 parts Prosecco, and 1 part soda water. Give it a gentle stir and add an orange slice for garnish.
This drink is lighter and less bitter than other Italian aperitifs. It’s a great choice before dinner to stimulate your appetite.
The Mint Julep is a refreshing bourbon-based cocktail perfect for hot summer days. You’ll need bourbon whiskey, fresh mint leaves, sugar, and crushed ice to make this classic drink.
Start by muddling mint leaves with sugar or simple syrup in a julep cup or tall glass. This releases the mint’s oils and flavors. Add bourbon and fill the glass with crushed ice.
Stir until the outside of the glass frosts over. Top with more crushed ice and garnish with a fresh mint sprig. For extra flair, you can add a few drops of bitters on top.
Sip your Mint Julep slowly and enjoy the cool, minty flavors mixed with the warmth of bourbon.
The Tom Collins is a classic gin cocktail that’s refreshing and easy to make. You’ll need gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda.
To make one, fill a tall glass with ice. Add 2 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup.
Stir these ingredients well. Top off the drink with club soda and give it a gentle stir. Garnish with a lemon slice and a maraschino cherry if you like.
This cocktail has a bright, citrusy flavor that’s perfect for warm days. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less syrup to suit your taste.
The French 75 is a classy cocktail that mixes gin, lemon juice, sugar, and champagne. It’s a perfect drink for celebrations or when you want to feel fancy.
To make a French 75, you’ll need gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and chilled champagne. Shake the gin, lemon juice, and syrup with ice, then strain into a flute glass.
Top off your drink with champagne and give it a gentle stir. You can garnish with a lemon twist if you like. The result is a bubbly, refreshing drink with a nice balance of sweet and sour flavors.
The Bellini is a classic Italian cocktail that originated in Venice in the 1930s or 1940s. It’s named after the 15th-century Venetian artist Giovanni Bellini.
To make a Bellini, you’ll need peach puree and Prosecco. Start by adding 2 ounces of peach puree to a champagne flute. Then slowly pour in 4 ounces of chilled Prosecco.
You can use fresh peaches to make the puree or buy it pre-made. If using fresh peaches, peel and pit them before blending until smooth.
The Bellini has a light, fruity flavor that’s perfect for brunch or summer parties. You can garnish it with a small peach slice if desired.
The Sidecar is a classic cocktail that combines cognac, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice. It’s a tangy and refreshing drink with a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors.
To make a Sidecar, you’ll need cognac, Cointreau (or another orange liqueur), and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Mix these ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake well.
For an extra touch, rim your cocktail glass with sugar. Pour the strained mixture into the glass and garnish with an orange twist. The Sidecar is best served in a chilled coupe glass.
You can adjust the ratio of ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Some recipes call for equal parts of each, while others use more cognac for a stronger drink.
The Sazerac is a classic cocktail from New Orleans. You’ll need rye whiskey, sugar, Peychaud’s bitters, and absinthe to make it.
Start by chilling an old-fashioned glass with ice. In a mixing glass, muddle a sugar cube with water and Peychaud’s bitters. Add rye whiskey and ice, then stir well.
Empty the ice from your chilled glass and coat it with absinthe. Strain the whiskey mixture into the glass. Finish by twisting a lemon peel over the drink to release its oils.
The Sazerac offers a strong, balanced flavor with hints of anise from the absinthe. It’s perfect for sipping slowly and savoring each taste.
The Kir Royale is a classic French cocktail that’s easy to make and very tasty. You’ll need just two main ingredients: champagne and crème de cassis.
To make a Kir Royale, pour a small amount of crème de cassis into a chilled champagne flute. Then carefully add chilled champagne or sparkling wine.
You can garnish your drink with fresh raspberries for a pop of color and flavor. Some people like to use a lemon twist instead.
For a twist, try using Chambord (raspberry liqueur) instead of crème de cassis. This version is called a Kir Impérial and has a slightly different berry flavor.
The Singapore Sling is a fruity gin cocktail with a rich history. It was created in the early 1900s at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel, Singapore.
This drink combines gin, cherry liqueur, and pineapple juice. It also includes lime juice, Cointreau, and Benedictine for added flavor.
To make a Singapore Sling, mix these ingredients with ice in a shaker. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Top with a splash of soda water for some fizz.
Garnish your drink with a pineapple slice and a cherry. The result is a refreshing, tropical cocktail that’s perfect for warm days.
You can adjust the sweetness by changing the amount of cherry liqueur or pineapple juice. Experiment to find your ideal balance of flavors.
The Hurricane is a fruity and potent cocktail that originated in New Orleans. It’s made with rum, fruit juices, and grenadine, giving it a vibrant red color.
To make a Hurricane, you’ll need light rum, dark rum, passion fruit juice, orange juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and grenadine. Mix these ingredients in a shaker with ice and strain into a tall glass.
The drink is typically served in a hurricane lamp-shaped glass, which is how it got its name. You can garnish it with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry for a tropical look.
Hurricanes are sweet and easy to drink, but be careful – they pack a punch! They’re perfect for parties or anytime you want a taste of the Big Easy.
The White Russian is a classic cocktail that’s simple to make and delicious to drink. You’ll need just three ingredients: vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream.
To make a White Russian, fill a glass with ice. Pour in 2 ounces of vodka and 1 ounce of coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa). Top it off with 1 ounce of heavy cream.
You can stir the drink to mix the ingredients or leave it layered for a nice visual effect. Some people prefer to use milk instead of cream for a lighter version.
The White Russian is perfect for sipping after dinner or as a dessert drink. It’s smooth, creamy, and has a nice balance of flavors.
The Espresso Martini is a popular cocktail that combines caffeine and alcohol. It’s made with vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup.
To make one, shake the ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass. The result is a frothy, creamy drink with a rich coffee flavor.
This cocktail was created in the 1980s by British bartender Dick Bradsell. It’s perfect for coffee lovers who want a boozy twist on their favorite drink.
You can enjoy an Espresso Martini as an after-dinner drink or to kick off a night out. Some bars and companies now offer canned versions for easy at-home enjoyment.
The Blue Lagoon is a bright, refreshing cocktail with a beautiful azure color. It’s easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.
To create this drink, you’ll need vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade. Fill a shaker with ice and add the vodka and blue curaçao. Shake well to chill.
Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Top it off with lemonade and give it a gentle stir. For a fancy touch, you can garnish with a lemon wheel and a maraschino cherry.
This cocktail is perfect for summer parties or anytime you want a cool, fruity drink. Its eye-catching color makes it a showstopper at gatherings.
Sex on the Beach is a popular fruity cocktail that’s perfect for summer. You can easily make this refreshing drink at home with a few simple ingredients.
To create this tropical treat, mix vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, and orange juice in a glass filled with ice. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
For a colorful presentation, garnish your drink with an orange slice or a maraschino cherry. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less cranberry juice to suit your taste.
This cocktail is great for beach parties or backyard gatherings. Its fruity flavor and vibrant appearance make it a crowd-pleaser. You can also try variations by using different fruit juices or adding a splash of grenadine for extra color.
The Amaretto Sour is a sweet and tangy cocktail that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need amaretto liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
Mix equal parts amaretto and lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Add a splash of simple syrup to taste. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
For extra flavor, you can add a small amount of bourbon. Some recipes also include egg white for a frothy texture.
Garnish your Amaretto Sour with a lemon twist or cherry. This drink is perfect for sipping on warm evenings or serving at parties.
The Zombie is a potent tiki cocktail that packs a punch. It blends multiple types of rum with fruit juices for a tropical taste.
This drink was created in the 1930s by Donn Beach, helping spark the tiki cocktail trend. Its recipe often includes light and dark rums, along with fruit juices like pineapple and passion fruit.
The Zombie’s smooth, fruity flavor can mask its high alcohol content. It’s known for being strong, so sip carefully. Some versions add a secret ingredient for extra kick.
You can make this cocktail at home, but it requires several ingredients. It’s perfect for channeling tropical vibes or impressing guests at your next party.
Planter’s Punch is a classic rum cocktail with a tropical flair. You’ll love its refreshing blend of flavors.
The drink typically contains dark rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. Some recipes also add grenadine or pineapple juice for extra sweetness.
To make it, shake the ingredients with ice and strain into a tall glass. Top with a splash of club soda for a fizzy finish.
Garnish your Planter’s Punch with a mint sprig or fruit slices. It’s perfect for sipping on a hot day or serving at your next party.
History And Evolution
Mixed drinks have a rich history spanning centuries. They evolved from simple medicinal concoctions to elaborate cocktails enjoyed worldwide.
Origins Of Mixed Drinks
Mixed drinks started as medicine in ancient times. People mixed herbs and spices with alcohol to make remedies. In the 1600s, British sailors mixed rum with citrus juice to prevent scurvy.
The word “cocktail” first appeared in print in 1806. It referred to a mix of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters. Bartenders in the 1800s began experimenting with new combinations.
Jerry Thomas, known as the “father of American mixology,” published the first cocktail recipe book in 1862. This helped spread drink recipes across the U.S.
Influence Of Different Cultures
Different cultures have shaped mixed drink traditions. The British Navy created drinks like pink gin. American bartenders invented many classic cocktails between 1860 and 1920.
Cuban bartenders created refreshing rum drinks like the mojito and daiquiri. These became popular during Prohibition when Americans traveled to Cuba for alcohol.
Japanese bartenders brought precision and artistry to cocktail making. They introduced techniques like hard shaking and hand-carved ice.
Latin American influences brought ingredients like tequila and pisco into mixed drinks. This expanded the range of flavors in cocktails.
Key Ingredients And Techniques
Making mixed drinks requires a set of essential spirits and proper mixing methods. You’ll need to stock your bar with key liquors and master a few basic techniques to create delicious cocktails at home.
Essential Spirits
Vodka, rum, gin, whiskey, and tequila form the backbone of most mixed drinks. Vodka is versatile and mixes well with many flavors. Rum adds sweetness to tropical drinks. Gin gives a herbal touch to classics like martinis. Whiskey brings depth to strong cocktails. Tequila shines in margaritas and palomas.
Keep some liqueurs on hand too. Triple sec, vermouth, and bitters add complexity. Don’t forget mixers like tonic water, soda, and fruit juices. Fresh citrus is key for many recipes.
Stock up on garnishes like olives, cherries, and citrus wheels. They add flair and flavor to finished drinks.
Mixing Techniques
Shaking and stirring are the two main ways to mix cocktails. Use a shaker for drinks with citrus, dairy, or eggs. The vigorous motion blends ingredients well.
Stir spirit-forward drinks like martinis in a mixing glass. This keeps the drink clear and avoids over-dilution.
Muddling releases flavors from fruits and herbs. Use a muddler to gently press ingredients in the glass.
Layering creates pretty effects in shots and cocktails. Pour ingredients over the back of a spoon to keep them separate.
Straining removes ice and solid bits from shaken drinks. Use a Hawthorne strainer or the built-in strainer on your shaker.
Health Considerations
Mixed drinks can impact your wellbeing. Knowing their calorie content and following safe drinking guidelines helps you make smarter choices.
Caloric Content
Mixed drinks often pack a lot of calories. A standard margarita has about 200-300 calories. A piña colada can have over 500 calories. These drinks get most calories from sugar in mixers and syrups.
The CDC says adults who drink should do so in moderation. This means:
Up to 1 drink per day for women
Up to 2 drinks per day for men
One “standard” drink is:
12 oz of beer (5% alcohol)
5 oz of wine (12% alcohol)
1.5 oz of 80-proof spirits (40% alcohol)
Drink water between alcoholic drinks. This helps you stay hydrated and slows your intake. Eat food when you drink. This slows alcohol absorption. Don’t drink if you’re pregnant, under 21, or have certain health issues.
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.
