Step into the world of mixology and indulge in the exquisite flavors of the most beloved, Most Popular cocktails that have stood the test of time. Cocktails aren’t merely beverages; they’re a delightful fusion of spirits, mixers, and garnishes that have captured the hearts and palates of people worldwide. From the iconic Martini to the zesty Margarita and the timeless Old Fashioned, join us on a journey through the classics that continue to define elegance, flavor, and enjoyment. Let’s explore the allure and craftsmanship behind these renowned concoctions, each with its distinct blend of ingredients, history, and cultural significance.
Old Fashioned Recipe
The Rum Old Fashioned is the perfect vehicle for showcasing an aged rum’s distinct barrel character. The addition of allspice dram, Demerara syrup, and bitters play up the rum’s inherent spice and vanilla notes, much like how simple syrup and bitters work together in a traditional Old Fashioned.
Old Fashioned Ingredients
- 2 ½ oz Bourbon (or Rye Whiskey)
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 3 dash Angostura Bitters
- 1 each Lemon and orange twist
Old Fashioned Directions
- Combine first three ingredients in a rocks glass.
- Stir ingredients.
- Add ice.
- Garnish with a lemon and orange twist and enjoy.
Sidecar Recipe
Brandy, a tragically underrepresented spirit on this list, earns a well-deserved moment in the spotlight in one of the world’s most ordered cocktails. The Sidecar is a good place to start for those not familiar with the distilled wine: The drink mixes brandy, lemon, and triple sec, making for a tart and refreshing sipper.
Sidecar Ingredients
- 1 ¾ oz Brandy
- 1 oz Lemon
- 3/4 oz Triple sec
Sidecar Directions
- Combine all ingredients in shaker tin
- Add ice to small shaker tin.
- Shake vigorously, until tin is frosted over.
- Strain into chilled cocktail glass, rimmed with sugar
- Garnish with lemon twist and enjoy.
Manhattan Recipe
It’s hard to stray from the Manhattan, and the ascent of rye whiskey makes it even more difficult. Rye, sweet vermouth, and two dashes of Angostura are simply stirred, strained, and garnished with a brandied cherry for a drink that can make you feel like a true class act.
Manhattan Ingredients
- 2 ½ oz Rye
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura
Manhattan Directions
- Combine all ingredients in mixing glass with ice.
- Stir.
- Strain into chilled cocktail glass
- Garnish with a cherry and enjoy.
Whiskey Sour Recipe
This dependable drink is an easy fit for whiskey lovers, as well as those wary of the brown spirit: Its lemony lift and slight sweetness make it appealing for citrus lovers, too. The simple recipe calls for whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar.
Whiskey Sour Ingredients
- 2 ounces whiskey (preferably bourbon)
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- ¾ ounce simple syrup
- 1 egg white
- Garnish: brandied cherry, Angostura bitters (to taste), or lemon peel
Whiskey Sour Directions
- Add all ingredients to a mixing tin and shake with ice (wet shake) until properly chilled.
- Remove the ice and shake again (dry shake) to emulsify.
- Double strain over ice into a rocks glass and garnish as you please.
Gin Martini Recipe
A well-made dry Martini is essentially elegance in a glass. Garnish the classic mix of gin and dry vermouth with a lemon twist or a few olives to make it your own.
Gin Martini Ingredients
- 2 ¾ oz Gin
- ¾ oz Dry vermouth
- Lemon twist or olives for garnish
Gin Martini Directions
- Combine ingredients in an ice-filled mixing glass or shaker.
- Stir vigorously for 15 seconds.
- Strain into chilled coupe or Martini glass.
- Garnish with lemon twist or olives and enjoy.