Cocktails are a great way to add sophistication to your home entertaining. And luckily, many classic cocktails are simple and easy to make at home. All you need to get started is a few essential ingredients, a couple of tools, and suitable drinkware. Most of the following drinks are simple combinations of spirit, juice, water, and ice, but they can easily be dressed up with additives, garnishes, and simple syrup. Here are some easy, fun cocktails to mix up for guests:
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1. Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is a classic cocktail that’s easy to make at home. It contains a mixture of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice served over ice in a copper mug. The drink got its name because the original recipe calls for a vodka made in Russia.
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2. Mojito
The mojito is a classic cocktail that can be served any time of day. It’s perfect for after-work or an afternoon pick-me-up on a hot summer day. Mojitos are fresh mint leaves, rum, lime juice, and sugar.
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3. Dry martini
A classic martini is made with gin and a few drops of vermouth. It’s shaken or stirred and served straight up in a wide-rimmed glass. The simple combination of these ingredients results in a cocktail of complex flavors, but it all begins with a suitable base spirit.
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4. Gin and Tonic
A great gin and tonic is a rare thing. The proper ratio of tonic to gin is 2:1, but feel free to experiment with different proportions in search of your own perfect G&T. Use fresh lime juice, but remember that it’s best not to add any extra sugar: the flavor should be citrusy, not syrupy sweet.
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5. Manhattan
The Manhattan is a cocktail invented in Manhattan, New York City. The drink is made of whiskey and vermouth, specifically Martini & Rossi sweet vermouth and rye whiskey. This classic cocktail is straightforward to make, and it’s a great drink to serve at parties because it tastes good with strong flavors such as bacon or other salty snacks.
You can make basic cocktails at home that are as good and easy as anything you would get at a fancy cocktail bar. You don’t need to devote hours to practice, invest in expensive equipment, or learn dozens of obscure recipes. While there is no better way to practice and perfect your skills than working behind the bar in your local neighborhood tavern, these recipes make it possible for a novice bartender to impress friends with quality cocktails at home.
