Cocktail classics have withstood the test of time, enduring longer than many of us. From refreshing sippers to bold libations, these drinks have gained worldwide recognition and are beloved by many.
Let’s dive into the art of crafting these timeless classics!
35 Classic Cocktail Recipes
It would be challenging to rank these in order of our favorites, so we just made it aphetically. Yes, I know that is a cop-out.
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Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz is a vibrant and refreshing Italian cocktail made with Aperol, prosecco, and soda water.
Served over ice and garnished with an orange slice, it offers a delightful balance of citrusy and herbal flavors with a touch of effervescence.
Perfect for warm weather or as a pre-dinner drink, it is loved for its vibrant color and refreshing taste.
Aperol Spritz Recipe
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Boulevardier
The Boulevardier is a sophisticated cocktail that swaps gin for whiskey in a Negroni-style mix.
Combining bourbon or rye whiskey with sweet vermouth and Campari creates a rich and balanced drink.
Served stirred and strained with an orange peel garnish, the Boulevardier offers a warm, slightly bitter flavor profile highlighting the whiskey’s depth and herbal sweetness.
It’s a bold and sophisticated choice for cocktail enthusiasts seeking complexity.
Boulevardier Recipe
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Caipirinha
The Caipirinha is a refreshing cocktail from Brazil, made with cachaça, fresh lime, and sugar.
Muddled together and served over ice, it offers a zesty, slightly sweet taste with vibrant citrus flavors and hints of cachaça’s earthy undertones.
Traditionally served in an old-fashioned glass with a lime garnish, it’s a beloved drink for hot summers and festive occasions in Brazil.
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Corpse Reviver #2
The Corpse Reviver #2 is a bold and invigorating classic cocktail. It combines gin, lemon juice, orange liqueur, Lillet Blanc, and a touch of absinthe or substitute.
Served chilled in a coupe or martini glass with a lemon twist, this lively libation offers a tangy flavor profile that harmonizes gin’s botanicals with citrus and herbal notes.
Despite its name, the Corpse Reviver #2 is a complex, revitalizing choice that leaves a lingering zest on the palate.
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Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan, or “Cosmo,” is an iconic and sophisticated cocktail.
Made with vodka, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and lime juice, it offers a vibrant and tangy flavor profile. Served in a martini glass with a twist of lime, it’s associated with elegance and style.
The Cosmopolitan’s fruity and crisp taste and striking appearance have made it a classic favorite at social gatherings worldwide.
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Daiquiri
The Daiquiri is a timeless and balanced cocktail originating from Cuba.
Made with rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup, it offers a refreshing and tangy taste with tropical notes. Served chilled, its clean presentation highlights the flavors.
The Daiquiri’s versatility suits any occasion, from cocktail parties to beach outings. Its enduring appeal has solidified its status as a beloved classic.
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French 75
The French 75 is an elegant and effervescent cocktail with a sophisticated charm. It combines gin, lemon juice, sugar, and champagne for a delightful balance of flavors.
Prepared by shaking the ingredients with ice and straining them into a chilled flute or coupe glass, the French 75 offers a burst of elegance and merriment.
Its herbal gin notes, bright lemon acidity, and champagne effervescence make it a popular choice for special occasions or as a sophisticated aperitif.
French 75 Recipe
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Gimlet
The Gimlet is a classic cocktail with a clean and refreshing taste. It is made with gin and lime cordial and offers a delightful balance of botanical gin notes and tangy lime flavors.
Prepared by combining the ingredients in a shaker with ice and straining it into a chilled glass, it delivers a crisp and citrusy experience.
Garnished with lime for added freshness, the Gimlet’s straightforward preparation and invigorating taste have made it a beloved choice for gin enthusiasts and those seeking a satisfying libation.
Gimlet Recipe
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Gin Fizz
The Gin Fizz is a refreshing and effervescent cocktail showcasing gin’s versatility. This classic libation combines gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water.
The cocktail is traditionally shaken with ice and strained into a tall glass, allowing the bubbles from the soda water to create a light and airy texture. It is often garnished with a lemon twist for a citrus aroma.
The Gin Fizz offers a harmonious balance of flavors, with the botanical notes of gin complemented by the tartness of lemon and the subtle sweetness of the simple syrup. Soda water adds a crisp and refreshing element to the drink.
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Irish Coffee
Irish Coffee is a classic and comforting cocktail that combines the rich flavors of coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and cream.
This warm and indulgent drink is typically served in a glass mug and prepared by adding a shot of Irish whiskey and a spoonful of sugar to hot coffee. It is then topped with a generous layer of whipped cream.
The Irish Coffee offers a delightful contrast between the robust coffee, the smooth warmth of the whiskey, the subtle sweetness of the sugar, and the creamy finish of the whipped cream.
It is famous for cozy evenings, brunches, or a delightful treat to savor and unwind.
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Jack Rose
The Jack Rose is a classic cocktail with a delightful blend of flavors. This refreshing drink timeless libation combines apple brandy or applejack, grenadine, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
The cocktail is typically shaken with ice and strained into a chilled cocktail glass, garnished with a lemon or a cherry twist.
The Jack Rose delivers a balanced taste with the apple brandy’s distinct character complemented by the tartness of lemon and the subtle sweetness of grenadine.
Sipping on a Jack Rose is like savoring a harmonious dance of flavors, making it a beloved choice for those seeking a sophisticated and well-rounded cocktail.
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Last Word
The Last Word is a cocktail with a fascinating history that gained popularity in 2004 when Murray Stenson discovered its recipe.
This unique libation showcases a symphony of flavors, combining the herbal complexity of Green Chartreuse with the delicate sweetness of Maraschino liqueur. Lime juice and gin come together to perfectly balance this cocktail.
The Last Word’s equal parts blueprint has also inspired the creation of other modern classic cocktails, such as the Paper Place, Final Ward, Naked & Famous, and many more.
Last Word Recipe
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Long Island Ice Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea is a potent and iconic cocktail known for its deceivingly refreshing taste. Despite its name, it doesn’t contain tea but is a mix of several liquors.
This cocktail blends equal parts vodka, rum, tequila, gin, triple sec, a sour mix, and a cola float. It is typically served in a tall glass over ice and garnished with a lemon wedge.
The Long Island Iced Tea packs a punch with its combination of spirits, resulting in a boozy yet surprisingly smooth and balanced drink. It offers a medley of flavors with hints of citrus and a slight effervescence from the cola.
Long Island Ice Tea Recipe
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Mai Tai
The Mai Tai is a tropical and exotic cocktail that transports you to a paradise of flavors. This Polynesian-inspired libation combines rum, typically both light and dark varieties, with orange curaçao, lime juice, and orgeat syrup.
Shaken with ice and served in a tiki glass, the Mai Tai is often garnished with a sprig of mint and a slice of pineapple or lime.
This vibrant and fruity cocktail perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and tropical flavors. The combination of rum, citrus, and orgeat syrup creates a luscious and refreshing experience.
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Manhattan
The Manhattan is a classic and sophisticated cocktail that embodies timeless elegance. This iconic drink combines whiskey, typically rye or bourbon, with sweet vermouth and a dash of aromatic bitters.
Stirred with ice and strained into a chilled cocktail glass, the Manhattan is often garnished with a Luxardo Maraschino Cherry.
The Manhattan offers a harmonious fusion of flavors, with the rich and robust notes of whiskey blending seamlessly with the sweetness of vermouth and the complexity of bitters.
Manhattan Recipe
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Margarita
The Margarita is a vibrant and refreshing cocktail synonymous with fun and relaxation. This popular drink combines tequila, fresh lime juice, and orange liqueur, such as triple sec or Cointreau.
Shaken with ice and served in a salt-rimmed glass, the Margarita is often garnished with a wedge of lime.
The Margarita perfectly balances tangy and citrusy flavors with the tequila’s distinctive character shining through. The combination of lime juice and orange liqueur adds a delightful sweetness and complexity.
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Martinez
The Martinez is a classic cocktail that predates the Martini and offers a delightful blend of flavors. This sophisticated libation combines gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and aromatic bitters.
Traditionally stirred with ice and strained into a chilled cocktail glass, the Martinez is often garnished with a lemon twist or a cherry.
The Martinez showcases a harmonious fusion of botanical and herbal notes from the gin, the rich sweetness of vermouth, the subtle floral essence of maraschino liqueur, and the complexity of aromatic bitters.
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Martini
The Martini is an iconic and timeless cocktail that epitomizes elegance and sophistication. This classic libation is a refined blend of gin and dry vermouth.
Traditionally stirred with ice and strained into a chilled martini glass, the Martini is often garnished with a twist of lemon peel or an olive.
The Martini offers a clean and crisp taste, with the botanical nuances of gin combining harmoniously with the subtle herbal and floral notes of dry vermouth.
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Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is a refreshing and aromatic cocktail synonymous with Southern hospitality and the Kentucky Derby. This classic libation features bourbon, fresh mint leaves, sugar, and crushed ice.
Traditionally served in a silver or pewter cup, the Mint Julep is prepared by muddling the mint leaves with sugar, adding bourbon, and stirring until the sugar dissolves. Finally, the glass is filled with crushed ice and garnished with a sprig of fresh mint.
The Mint Julep offers a delightful combination of flavors, with bourbon’s bold and smooth character complemented by mint’s cooling freshness. The crushed ice melts slowly, creating a frosty and invigorating sip.
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Mojito
The Mojito is a vibrant and invigorating cocktail that is perfect for warm summer days. This Cuban-inspired libation combines white rum, fresh mint leaves, lime juice, sugar, and soda water.
Muddled with sugar and mint leaves, the Mojito is mixed with lime juice and rum before being topped off with a splash of soda water. It is typically served over ice in a highball glass and garnished with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge./p>
The Mojito offers a refreshing and zesty flavor profile, with the mint providing a cooling and herbaceous note that complements the citrusy tang of lime and the smoothness of rum. The soda water adds a touch of effervescence, enhancing the overall drinking experience.
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Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is a refreshing, tangy cocktail in a unique copper mug. This classic libation combines vodka, ginger beer, and freshly squeezed lime juice./p>
The Moscow Mule is prepared by combining vodka and lime juice in a copper mug filled with ice. It is then topped with ginger beer, adding a spicy and effervescent kick. The cocktail is often garnished with a wedge of lime.
The Moscow Mule offers a delightful balance of flavors, with the crispness of vodka harmonizing with the zingy notes of spicy ginger beer and the citrusy tang of lime. The combination creates a lively and invigorating taste experience.
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Negroni
The Negroni is a bold and sophisticated cocktail revered for its perfect balance of bitter and sweet flavors. This classic libation combines equal parts of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
The ingredients are stirred with ice and strained into a chilled rocks glass to create a Negroni. The cocktail is often garnished with an orange twist.
The Negroni offers a unique and complex taste profile, with the herbal and botanical notes of gin blending harmoniously with Campari’s bitter and citrusy character. At the same time, the sweet vermouth adds a smooth and rich dimension.
Negroni Recipe
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Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a classic and timeless cocktail that embodies simplicity and elegance. This iconic libation features whiskey, sugar, and bitters.
To craft an Old Fashioned, a sugar cube is muddled with a few dashes of bitters, and then whiskey is added. The mixture is stirred with ice and strained into a rocks glass, often garnished with orange peel or a cherry twist.
The Old Fashioned offers a rich and robust flavor profile, with the whiskey taking center stage while the sugar and bitters add depth and complexity. It is a celebration of the pure essence of whiskey, with a touch of sweetness and aromatic intrigue.
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Paloma
The Paloma is a vibrant and refreshing cocktail that originated in Mexico. This delightful libation combines tequila, grapefruit juice, soda, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
The cocktail is typically built directly in a glass filled with ice to create a Paloma. Tequila and lime juice are added, followed by a generous pour of grapefruit soda. A pinch of salt is often added to enhance the flavors of mixed drinks.
The Paloma offers a delightful balance of tangy and sweet flavors, with the bright, citrusy notes of grapefruit blending harmoniously with the earthy and agave tequila undertones. The addition of salt adds a subtle savory touch.
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Pimm’s Cup
The Pimm’s Cup is a light and refreshing cocktail that originated in England. This quintessential summer drink features Pimm’s No. 1, a gin-based liqueur mixed with lemonade or ginger ale and garnished with fresh fruits, cucumber, and mint.
To craft a Pimm’s Cup, Pimm’s No. 1 is poured over ice in a glass, and then lemonade or ginger ale is added to create a bubbly and invigorating base. The cocktail is often garnished with slices of orange, strawberries, cucumber, and sprigs of mint, enhancing its visual appeal.
The Pimm’s Cup offers a harmonious combination of fruity, herbal, and citrusy flavors, with Pimm’s No. 1 providing a unique blend of spices and botanicals. Adding fresh fruits and herbs adds a burst of freshness and complexity.
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Pisco Sour
The Pisco Sour is a classic and tangy cocktail from Peru and Chile. This beloved South American libation showcases Pisco, a grape brandy with fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and frothy egg whites.
To create a Pisco Sour, Pisco is shaken vigorously with lime juice, simple syrup, and a dash of egg white to create a frothy texture. The cocktail is strained into a glass and often garnished with a few drops of bitters.
The Pisco Sour offers a harmonious blend of citrusy and floral flavors, with the tartness of lime juice balanced by the smoothness of Pisco and the subtle sweetness of the simple syrup. The egg white adds a velvety mouthfeel and a frothy foam on the surface.
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Rob Roy
The Rob Roy classic cocktail pays homage to Scotland’s rich whisky heritage. This sophisticated libation features Scotch whisky, sweet vermouth, and a dash of bitters.
To craft a Rob Roy, Scotch whisky is stirred with sweet vermouth and a dash of bitters in a mixing glass with ice. The mixture is strained into a chilled cocktail glass, often garnished with a cherry or a twist of lemon peel.
The Rob Roy offers a bold and complex flavor profile, with the rich and smoky notes of Scotch whisky melding harmoniously with vermouth’s sweet and herbal flavors. The bitters add depth and balance to the cocktail.
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Sazerac
The Sazerac is a timeless and aromatic cocktail from New Orleans, Louisiana. This classic libation combines rye whiskey, absinthe, sugar, and aromatic bitters.
To craft a Sazerac, a glass is rinsed with absinthe to coat the inside, creating a layer of herbal and anise flavors. In a separate glass, rye whiskey is muddled with sugar and aromatic bitters, then stirred with ice. The mixture is strained into the prepared glass and garnished with a lemon twist.
The Sazerac offers a bold and complex flavor profile, with the spiciness of rye whiskey balanced by the herbal notes of absinthe. The sugar and bitters add depth and sweetness, while the lemon twist provides a refreshing citrus aroma.
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Sidecar
The Sidecar is a classic and elegant cocktail that exudes sophistication. This timeless libation features Cognac or brandy, orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Triple Sec), and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Craft a Sidecar, Cognac, or brandy shaken with orange liqueur and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. The mixture is strained into a chilled cocktail glass, often rimmed with sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
The Sidecar offers a harmonious blend of flavors, with the smoothness and depth of the Cognac or brandy complemented by the bright citrus notes from the orange liqueur and lemon juice. The sugar rim adds a delightful contrast of sweetness to each sip.
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The Aviation
The Aviation is a classic cocktail that takes flight with its delicate and floral flavors. This elegant libation combines gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and fresh lemon juice.
To craft an Aviation, gin is shaken with maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. The mixture is strained into a chilled cocktail glass, often garnished with a cherry or lemon twist./p>
The Aviation offers a unique and sophisticated flavor profile, with the botanicals of gin blending seamlessly with the subtle sweetness of maraschino liqueur and the floral notes of crème de violette. The lemon juice adds a refreshing tartness that balances the cocktail.
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Tom Collins
The Tom Collins is a classic and refreshing cocktail that embodies the spirit of summer. This timeless libation features gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda.
To craft a Tom Collins, gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup are combined in a glass of ice. The mixture is then topped off with club soda, creating a sparkling and effervescent drink. It is often garnished with a lemon slice or cherry.
The Tom Collins offers a crisp and tangy flavor profile, with the botanicals of gin shining through and the lemon juice providing a zesty brightness. The addition of simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness, while the club soda adds a refreshing carbonation.
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Vesper
The Vesper Martini is a sophisticated and potent cocktail made famous by Ian Fleming’s James Bond. This classic libation combines gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc, a French fortified wine.
To craft a Vesper Martini, gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc are stirred with ice in a mixing glass, then strained into a chilled martini glass. It is often garnished with a twist of lemon peel.
The Vesper Martini offers a bold and complex flavor profile, with the gin botanicals and the vodka’s smoothness combined harmoniously. The Lillet Blanc adds a subtle sweetness and sophistication to the signature drink here.
Vesper Recipe
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Vieux Carré
The Vieux Carré is a classic cocktail that pays homage to the vibrant flavors of New Orleans. This sophisticated libation combines rye whiskey, Cognac, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine liqueur, and dashes of the Angostura and Peychaud’s bitters.
To craft a Vieux Carré, the ingredients are stirred with ice in a mixing glass, then strained into an old-fashioned chilled glass. It is often garnished with a lemon twist or a cherry.
The Vieux Carré offers a rich and complex flavor profile, with the boldness of rye whiskey and the smoothness of Cognac taking center stage. The sweet vermouth and Bénédictine add depth and a hint of herbal sweetness, while the bitters provide a balanced touch of spice and complexity.
Vieux Carré Recipe
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Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail that strikes a perfect balance between sweet, sour, and the boldness of whiskey. This timeless libation combines whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
To craft a Whiskey Sour, whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup are shaken with ice in a cocktail shaker. The mixture is then strained into a chilled rocks glass or served over ice, often garnished with a cherry or a lemon wedge.
The Whiskey Sour offers a delightful blend of flavors, with the lemon juice’s tartness complementing the whiskey’s richness. The simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness, creating a well-rounded and harmonious cocktail.
