Classic Cocktails

As the world of mixology continues to evolve and grow, one thing remains constant: the popularity of classic cocktails. These timeless concoctions have stood the test of time and have remained a staple on bar menus for generations.

But why are classic cocktails so important in mixology? There are a few reasons. Classic cocktails are often the foundation upon which modern cocktails are built. They set the standard for ingredients and techniques, and provide a reference point for aspiring mixologists.

Another reason is that classic cocktails are often simple yet highly effective. They use just a few ingredients, often relying on the quality of those ingredients and the skill of the bartender to bring out their full potential. In a world where flashy, Instagram-friendly drinks are the norm, there’s something refreshing about a well-crafted classic cocktail.

Classic cocktails have a timeless appeal. They harken back to a bygone era, evoking images of stylish men and women sipping martinis in smoky lounges. By drinking a classic cocktail, you’re not just enjoying a drink – you’re experiencing a piece of history. Below are a few of the most loved classic cocktail recipes every aspiring mixologist would want to master.

Old Fashioned

One of the most famous classic cocktails is the Old Fashioned. This cocktail has been around since the 1800s and is considered the original cocktail. It is a simple yet elegant drink that consists of bourbon or whiskey, sugar, bitters, and an orange peel. The instructions for making an Old Fashioned are as follows:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1 cube of sugar or 1 teaspoon of simple syrup
• 2 dashes of angostura bitters
• 1 orange peel
• Ice

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass, muddle the sugar cube with a splash of water until it dissolves.
2. Add the bitters and a large ice cube, followed by the bourbon or whiskey.
3. Stir until well-chilled and strain into an old fashioned glass over a large ice cube.
4. Garnish with an orange peel, twisting it over the drink to release the oils.

Martini

Another classic cocktail that has stood the test of time is the Martini. This iconic drink is made with gin or vodka, vermouth, and an olive or lemon twist garnish. The instructions for making a Martini are as follows:

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 oz gin or vodka
• 1/2 oz dry vermouth
• Ice
• Olive or lemon twist

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass, stir the gin or vodka and vermouth with ice until well-chilled.
2. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
3. Garnish with an olive or a lemon twist.

The Manhattan

A third classic cocktail that has earned its place at the bar is the Manhattan. This cocktail is made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters and is best served straight up in a chilled glass. The instructions for making a Manhattan are as follows:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz whiskey
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes angostura bitters
• Ice
• Maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass, stir the whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters with ice until well-chilled.
2. Strain into a chilled Manhattan glass.
3. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

The Negroni

The Negroni is another classic cocktail that has gained a resurgence in popularity in recent years. This cocktail is made with gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari and is garnished with an orange peel. The instructions for making a Negroni are as follows:

Ingredients:

• 1 oz gin
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 1 oz CampariIce
• Orange peel for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass, stir the gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari with ice until well-chilled.
2. Strain into a rocks glass over ice.
3. Garnish with an orange peel.

Here are a few more classic cocktail recipes that are worth a try:

Daiquiri

Ingredients:

• 2 oz white rum
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 3/4 oz simple syrup
• Ice

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, combine the rum, lime juice, and simple syrup with ice.
2. Shake until well-chilled and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
3. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Tom Collins

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Club soda
• Ice

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, combine the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice.
2. Shake until well-chilled and strain into a Collins glass filled with ice.
3. Top with club soda and stir gently.
4. Garnish with a lemon wheel.

Sidecar

Ingredients:

• 2 oz cognac or brandy
• 3/4 oz Cointreau
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• Sugar for rimming
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of a cocktail glass and dip it in sugar to rim the glass.
2. In a shaker, combine the cognac or brandy, Cointreau, and lemon juice with ice.
3. Shake until well-chilled and strain into the prepared glass.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Sazerac

Ingredients:

• Absinthe or Herbsaint
• 2 oz rye whiskey
• 1 cube of sugar or 1 teaspoon of simple syrup
• 2 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters
• Lemon peel for garnish
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Rinse a chilled old fashioned glass with absinthe or Herbsaint and discard the excess.
2. In a separate mixing glass, muddle the sugar cube with a splash of water until it dissolves.
3. Add the rye whiskey and Peychaud’s bitters to the mixing glass and fill it with ice.
4. Stir until well-chilled and strain into the prepared old fashioned glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon peel.

Classic cocktails are more than just drinks; they are a piece of history and are beloved by cocktail enthusiasts for a reason. The balance of flavors and easy-to-follow recipes make them approachable for home bartenders and a great starting point for those interested in mixology. So why not grab your shaker and try making a classic cocktail tonight? Cheers to timeless libations!