After you’ve stocked your home bar with the essential liquors and must-have accessories, it’s time to bust out those mixologist skills! With so many cocktail options, it can be hard to decide what you want to sip. If you’re a newbie, we recommend starting with these cocktail classics that are super-easy to make at home.
Martini
The martini is believed to have originated around 1900, making it a favorite for over a century. The classic cocktail has varied over the years, with the originals containing a whole lot of vermouth. Nowadays, less is more. Try this recipe from Serious Eats:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz dry vermouth
- Dash of orange bitters
Instructions: Combine ingredients in a mixing glass and fill with ice. Stir well to chill, then strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lemon peel or olive.
Margarita
Served blended or on the rocks, this fan-favorite delivers delicious tequila paired with citrus flavors. Sometimes, margaritas are accented with fruit or flavoring, like strawberry or mango, but we prefer the classic lime variety. A good margarita is easier to make than most people think. Here’s a simple recipe from VinePair:
Ingredients:
- 1½ oz silver tequila
- 1½ oz triple sec
- 1 oz lime juice
- Coarse salt
- Lime wedge
Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake, then strain into a glass rimmed with salt. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Daiquiri
You might hear daiquiri and think of frozen strawberry slushies, but a basic daiquiri is much simpler than the fruity concoctions we see at beachfront bars. The original recipe was born in the 1800s in Cuba and contained just three ingredients! Here’s a classic recipe from A Couple Cooks:
Ingredients:
- 3 Tbsp light or white rum
- 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 Tbsp simple syrup
Instructions: Combine ingredients and shake with ice to chill, then strain into an empty glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Old-Fashioned
The old-fashioned is delicious when made right – and making one is easier than you might think. Check out this recipe from VinePair:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Sugar cube
- Soda water
Instructions: Start with a glass, preferably a short one designed for this drink, and place a sugar cube at the bottom. Cover the sugar cube with the Angostura bitters and a splash of soda water. Mash up the cube, then add bourbon. Garnish with oranges or an orange rind.
Moscow Mule
This cocktail is refreshing and can deliver decent doses of vodka without the burn. The drink itself is no trouble to make, but you need to be sure to find a good ginger beer. Some varieties are sharper and spicier than others, so make sure that yours is matched to your taste. Once you’ve found the right ginger beer, you can pull out your copper mug and get started! Try this recipe from Liquor.com:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- ½ oz lime juice
- 3 oz ginger beer, chilled
- Lime wheel
Instructions: Fill mug or glass with ice, then add vodka and lime juice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with a lime wheel.
What are your favorite cocktails to make at home? Share them with us in the comments below!