Cocktails add fun and excitement to any gathering. From classic drinks to creative new mixes, there’s a cocktail for every taste.
You can make many amazing drinks at home with just a few ingredients.
This article will show you 32+ great cocktail recipes to try. You’ll find options for different spirits, flavors, and occasions.
Whether you like sweet, sour, strong, or light drinks, you’ll discover new favorites to shake up. Get ready to become your own bartender and impress your friends with tasty homemade cocktails.
1. Mojito
The mojito is a classic Cuban cocktail perfect for summer sipping. You’ll love its refreshing blend of mint, lime, and rum.
To make a mojito, muddle fresh mint leaves with sugar and lime juice in a glass. Add white rum and fill with ice.
Top it off with club soda for a fizzy finish.
For a twist, try a coconut mojito. Use coconut rum and add a splash of cream of coconut. This tropical version is creamy and delicious.
Mojitos pair well with light appetizers or seafood dishes. Serve them at your next backyard barbecue or pool party for a crowd-pleasing drink.
2. Margarita
The margarita is a classic cocktail you’ll want to master. It blends tequila, lime juice, and triple sec for a perfect balance of sour and sweet.
To make a basic margarita, mix 2 ounces of tequila blanco, 1 ounce of lime juice, and 1 ounce of triple sec. Shake with ice and strain into a salt-rimmed glass.
You can easily customize this drink. Try adding fresh fruit like strawberries or blackberries for a fruity twist.
Or use mezcal instead of tequila for a smoky flavor.
For a unique spin, mix in some coffee liqueur or iced coffee. This creates an interesting blend of flavors that works surprisingly well.
3. Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. It’s simple yet elegant, making it a favorite among cocktail lovers.
To make an Old Fashioned, you’ll need whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a twist of orange peel. Start by muddling a sugar cube with a few dashes of bitters in a glass.
Add ice and pour in your chosen whiskey. Stir gently to combine the flavors. Finish by garnishing with an orange peel.
You can try different types of whiskey to change up the flavor. Some people like to add a cherry for extra sweetness.
4. Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is a refreshing cocktail that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need vodka, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice.
Fill a copper mug or glass with ice. Add 2 ounces of vodka and 1/2 ounce of lime juice.
Top it off with 4-5 ounces of ginger beer.
Stir gently to mix the ingredients. Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge for a finishing touch.
The copper mug isn’t required, but it keeps your drink extra cold. You can use any type of glass if you don’t have a copper mug.
This cocktail pairs well with grilled meats, sushi, or fish tacos. The zesty flavors complement a variety of foods.
5. Daiquiri
The Daiquiri is a classic cocktail that’s simple yet delicious. You’ll need white rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup.
Mix these ingredients in a shaker with ice and strain into a chilled glass.
For a twist, try a frozen Daiquiri. Blend the ingredients with crushed ice for a refreshing slushy drink.
You can also add fruit like strawberries or bananas for extra flavor.
The Hemingway Daiquiri is a popular variation. It includes grapefruit juice and maraschino liqueur alongside the traditional ingredients. This creates a tart and slightly sweet cocktail.
6. Pina Colada
The Pina Colada is a tropical cocktail that brings the taste of paradise to your glass. This creamy drink blends white rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice for a sweet and refreshing flavor.
To make a classic Pina Colada, combine the ingredients in a blender with ice. Blend until smooth and pour into a tall glass.
Garnish with a pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry for a picture-perfect presentation.
You can also try variations like adding coconut vodka for extra coconut flavor or using frozen pineapple chunks for a thicker texture.
For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the rum and enjoy a virgin Pina Colada.
7. Tom Collins
The Tom Collins is a classic gin cocktail that’s perfect for warm days. You’ll love its refreshing blend of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
To make one, mix 1 1/2 oz gin, 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
Shake well and strain into an ice-filled Collins glass.
Top it off with club soda and garnish with a lemon slice. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less syrup.
For a twist, try using honey syrup instead.
The Tom Collins has been around since the 1800s. It’s a timeless drink that’s easy to make and sure to impress your guests.
8. Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan is a classic cocktail that’s both elegant and easy to make. You’ll need vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and triple sec.
Shake these ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. For a fancy touch, add a twist of orange peel as a garnish.
Want to mix it up? Try a Cherry Cosmo by adding cherry liqueur. Or make a Coco-Cosmo by swapping the triple sec for coconut-flavored liqueur.
For a fruitier version, you can add a splash of raspberry liqueur to create a Berryopolitan. These variations keep the drink fresh and exciting.
Remember to use fresh lime juice for the best flavor. Serve your Cosmo in a coupe or martini glass for a stylish presentation.
9. Mai Tai
The Mai Tai is a classic tiki cocktail that brings tropical vibes to your glass. It blends rum, lime juice, and orange liqueur for a refreshing drink.
To make a Mai Tai, you’ll need light rum, dark rum, lime juice, orange curaçao, and orgeat syrup.
Shake the ingredients with ice and strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.
Garnish your Mai Tai with a mint sprig and a lime wheel. Some recipes add a float of dark rum on top for extra flavor and visual appeal.
This drink pairs well with seafood dishes or spicy Asian cuisine. Its sweet and sour profile complements a variety of flavors.
10. Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail that balances sweet and sour flavors. It’s easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.
You’ll need whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. The typical recipe calls for 2 ounces of whiskey, 3/4 ounce of lemon juice, and 1/2 to 3/4 ounce of simple syrup.
To make the drink, combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well until cold, then strain into a glass filled with ice.
For a frothy texture, you can add an egg white before shaking. This creates a silky smooth drink with a nice foam on top.
The Whiskey Sour dates back to the 1800s. It first appeared in print in Jerry Thomas’ 1862 book “The Bartender’s Guide.”
11. Manhattan
The Manhattan is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. You’ll love its rich, smooth flavor and elegant simplicity.
To make a Manhattan, you’ll need whiskey (traditionally rye), sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters.
Combine these ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir well.
Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass. For the finishing touch, garnish with a cocktail cherry or an orange twist. The result is a sophisticated drink with a perfect balance of sweet and bitter notes.
You can try variations by adjusting the whiskey type or vermouth ratio. Some people prefer bourbon for a slightly sweeter taste.
12. Gin and Tonic
The Gin and Tonic is a classic cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make and incredibly refreshing.
To make a Gin and Tonic, you’ll need gin, tonic water, and lime. Fill a glass with ice and add 2 ounces of gin.
Top it off with 4-6 ounces of tonic water.
Squeeze a lime wedge into the drink and drop it in as a garnish. Give it a gentle stir to mix the flavors.
The key to a great Gin and Tonic is using high-quality ingredients. Choose a gin you enjoy and pair it with a good tonic water.
Feel free to experiment with different gins and garnishes to find your perfect combination. Some people like to add cucumber or herbs for extra flavor.
13. Bloody Mary
The Bloody Mary is a classic brunch cocktail that packs a flavorful punch. You’ll need vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce as the base ingredients.
Mix these together in a tall glass with ice. Add horseradish, celery salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
For garnishes, try a celery stick, bacon strip, or pickled vegetables. Olives, cherry tomatoes, and cheese cubes on a skewer make tasty additions too.
You can customize your Bloody Mary by adjusting the spice level or trying different garnishes. Some recipes even use beef bouillon for extra savory flavor.
14. Paloma
The Paloma is a refreshing Mexican cocktail that’s perfect for warm days. To make one, you’ll need tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and soda water.
Start by rimming a tall glass with salt. Fill it with ice, then add 2 ounces of tequila and 2 ounces of grapefruit juice. Squeeze in the juice of half a lime.
Top off your drink with soda water and give it a gentle stir. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge or lime slice.
For a spicy twist, try adding a dash of chili powder to the salt rim. You can also use mezcal instead of tequila for a smoky flavor.
15. Bellini
The Bellini is a classy cocktail that originated in Venice, Italy in 1948. It’s perfect for celebrations and brunches.
To make a classic Bellini, you’ll need peach purée and Prosecco. Use white or yellow peaches for the best flavor. Mix 2 parts Prosecco with 1 part peach purée.
You can try different versions of this drink. An apricot Bellini swaps peach for apricot purée.
For a non-alcoholic option, use sparkling grape juice instead of Prosecco.
Pair your Bellini with light appetizers like bruschetta or prosciutto wraps. It also goes well with seafood pasta dishes.
16. Martini
The martini is a classic cocktail that’s simple yet sophisticated. You can make it with gin or vodka, paired with dry vermouth. Shake or stir the ingredients with ice, then strain into a chilled glass.
For a traditional martini, use a 5:1 ratio of gin to vermouth. Garnish with an olive or lemon twist.
If you prefer it drier, use less vermouth or just rinse the glass with it.
Try variations like the dirty martini with olive brine, or a Gibson garnished with cocktail onions. For a sweeter twist, make an espresso martini with vodka, coffee liqueur, and freshly brewed espresso.
17. Negroni
The Negroni is a classic Italian cocktail that packs a flavorful punch. You’ll love its perfect balance of bitter and sweet notes.
To make a Negroni, you need equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
Mix these ingredients in a glass filled with ice and stir well.
Garnish your drink with an orange peel for a citrusy aroma. The bright red color of this cocktail makes it visually appealing too.
You can try variations like the White Negroni or the Boulevardier for a twist on the original. These use different spirits but keep the same basic structure.
The Negroni is great for sipping before dinner to stimulate your appetite. Its bold flavors make it a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.
18. Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz is a refreshing Italian cocktail perfect for warm days. It’s easy to make using the 3-2-1 ratio.
To create this drink, you’ll need Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water.
Fill a wine glass with ice. Add 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, and 1 part soda water.
Stir gently to mix the ingredients. Garnish with an orange slice for a pop of color and extra flavor.
This bright orange cocktail has a unique bittersweet taste. It’s light and bubbly, making it great for casual gatherings or fancy events.
19. Sidecar
The Sidecar is a classic cocktail that combines cognac, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice. It’s a tart and refreshing drink with a rich history.
To make a Sidecar, you’ll need 1 1/2 ounces of cognac, 3/4 ounce of Cointreau or triple sec, and 3/4 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add all the ingredients.
Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to chill the drink thoroughly.
Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
For an extra touch, you can rim the glass with sugar before pouring. This adds a sweet contrast to the drink’s tanginess.
20. Sazerac
The Sazerac is a classic cocktail with deep roots in New Orleans. It’s known for its strong, complex flavors.
To make a Sazerac, you’ll need rye whiskey, Peychaud’s bitters, sugar, and absinthe.
Start by chilling an old-fashioned glass with ice.
In a mixing glass, combine the whiskey, bitters, and sugar. Stir well with ice.
Discard the ice from the chilled glass and coat it with absinthe.
Strain the whiskey mixture into the prepared glass. Garnish with a lemon twist if desired. The result is a potent, aromatic drink with a rich history.
The Sazerac became the official cocktail of New Orleans in 2008, cementing its place in cocktail culture.
21. Caipirinha
The Caipirinha is Brazil’s national cocktail. It’s a simple yet refreshing drink made with cachaça, lime, and sugar.
To make a Caipirinha, you’ll need to muddle lime wedges with sugar in a glass. Then add cachaça and ice, and give it a good stir.
Cachaça is a Brazilian spirit made from sugarcane juice. It has a unique flavor that sets the Caipirinha apart from other cocktails.
You can customize your Caipirinha by adding fruits like pineapple or passion fruit. Some people also make it with vodka instead of cachaça, calling it a Caipiroska.
The Caipirinha is perfect for hot summer days. Its tart lime and sweet sugar balance nicely with the kick of cachaça.
22. French 75
The French 75 is a classy cocktail that packs a punch. It mixes gin, lemon juice, sugar, and champagne for a fizzy, refreshing drink.
To make one, shake 1 oz gin, 1/2 oz lemon juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup with ice.
Strain into a chilled champagne flute. Top with 2 oz champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.
This cocktail dates back to World War I. It got its name from a powerful French artillery gun. The drink was said to hit as hard as the gun’s kick.
The French 75 is perfect for celebrations. Its bubbly nature makes it great for toasts and special occasions. You can easily adjust the sweetness to your taste.
23. Dark and Stormy
The Dark and Stormy is a tasty cocktail from Bermuda. It mixes dark rum with ginger beer and lime juice.
To make one, fill a tall glass with ice.
Pour in ginger beer and a splash of fresh lime juice. Top it off with dark rum.
The drink gets its name from its looks. The dark rum floats on top of the lighter ginger beer, like a storm cloud.
For the best taste, use good quality rum and ginger beer. Fresh lime juice makes a big difference too.
This drink is perfect for warm days. It’s cool and refreshing, with a nice kick from the ginger beer.
24. Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is a classic cocktail perfect for hot summer days. You’ll need bourbon, fresh mint leaves, sugar, and crushed ice to make this refreshing drink.
Start by muddling mint leaves with sugar in a glass. Add bourbon and fill the glass with crushed ice. Stir until the outside of the glass frosts.
Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint. For the best experience, serve your Mint Julep in a silver julep cup or rocks glass.
Choose a high-quality bourbon you enjoy, as it’s the main ingredient. The crushed ice helps chill the drink and soften the bourbon’s bite.
You can try variations like the Peach Julep. Just swap the sugar for peach syrup and add fresh peach slices for a fruity twist.
25. White Russian
The White Russian is a creamy, indulgent cocktail that’s easy to make at home. You only need three ingredients: vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream.
To make one, fill a glass with ice.
Pour in 2 ounces of vodka and 1 ounce of coffee liqueur. Top it off with 1 ounce of cream.
Stir gently to combine the ingredients. You can adjust the amounts to suit your taste. Some people prefer more vodka, while others like extra cream.
The White Russian gained popularity after appearing in the movie “The Big Lebowski.” It’s a versatile drink that works well for parties or quiet evenings at home.
26. Hurricane
The Hurricane is a sweet and fruity cocktail that packs a punch. It’s a New Orleans classic made with two types of rum, fruit juices, and grenadine.
To make a Hurricane, mix light and dark rum with passion fruit juice, orange juice, and lime juice. Add a splash of grenadine and simple syrup for sweetness and color.
Pour the mixture over ice in a tall glass. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry for a tropical look.
This cocktail is perfect for parties or when you want to feel like you’re on vacation. The fruity flavors hide the strength of the rum, so sip slowly and enjoy responsibly.
27. Tequila Sunrise
A Tequila Sunrise is a vibrant cocktail that’s easy to make. You’ll need tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup.
Fill a tall glass with ice.
Pour in 2 ounces of tequila and 4 ounces of orange juice. Stir gently to mix.
Slowly pour 1/2 ounce of grenadine syrup down the inside of the glass. It will sink to the bottom, creating a sunrise effect.
Don’t stir after adding the grenadine. This keeps the layers distinct. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry if you like.
The Tequila Sunrise is perfect for brunches or summer parties. Its fruity flavor and eye-catching appearance make it a crowd-pleaser.
28. Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a vibrant, refreshing cocktail that will transport you to a tropical paradise. Its stunning blue color comes from blue curaçao, a citrus-flavored liqueur.
To make this drink, you’ll need vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade.
Fill a shaker with ice and add 1 ounce each of vodka and blue curaçao. Pour in 4 ounces of lemonade.
Shake the mixture well for about 20 seconds. Strain it into a tall glass filled with ice.
For a finishing touch, garnish your Blue Lagoon with a lemon wheel or maraschino cherry.
This cocktail is perfect for summer parties or anytime you want to feel like you’re on a beach vacation. Its sweet and tangy flavor profile makes it a crowd-pleaser.
29. Singapore Sling
The Singapore Sling is a classic cocktail with a tropical twist. It blends gin, fruit juices, and liqueurs for a refreshing drink.
To make one, you’ll need gin, pineapple juice, lime juice, cherry brandy, and grenadine. You’ll also want Benedictine, Cointreau, and Angostura bitters.
Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
Shake until chilled, then strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
The drink has a pretty pink color and fruity taste. It’s perfect for sipping on hot days or when you want to feel like you’re on vacation.
30. Espresso Martini
The Espresso Martini is a tasty mix of vodka, coffee liqueur, and fresh espresso. It’s perfect for coffee lovers who want a fun drink.
To make one, shake 1.5 oz vodka, 1 oz coffee liqueur, and 1 oz espresso with ice.
Strain into a chilled glass.
You can adjust the sweetness by adding a bit of simple syrup. For a twist, try using flavored vodka or a different type of liqueur.
Garnish with coffee beans on top for a fancy look. This drink is great after dinner or when you need a pick-me-up.
31. Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea is a strong cocktail that packs a punch. It combines vodka, gin, tequila, rum, and triple sec.
To make one, mix equal parts of these spirits with lemon juice and simple syrup.
Top it off with a splash of cola for color and fizz.
Despite its name, this drink contains no tea. The cola gives it a tea-like appearance. It’s typically served in a tall glass over ice.
This cocktail became popular in the 1970s. It’s known for its high alcohol content, so drink responsibly. You can adjust the recipe to your taste by changing the ratios of ingredients.
32. Pisco Sour
The Pisco Sour is a classic Peruvian cocktail that’s both refreshing and tangy. To make one, you’ll need Pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white.
Start by adding 2 ounces of Pisco, 1 ounce of lime juice, 3/4 ounce of simple syrup, and 1 egg white to a shaker.
Fill it halfway with ice and shake hard for about 15-20 seconds.
Strain the mixture into a chilled glass. The drink should have a thick, foamy top from the egg white.
For a finishing touch, add a few drops of bitters on top.
This cocktail has a strength similar to red wine, making it perfect for sipping. You can try different Pisco brands to find your favorite flavor.
Ingredient Selection
Picking the right ingredients is key to making great cocktails. Fresh components and high-quality spirits make a big difference in taste.
Choosing Fresh Ingredients
Fresh fruits and herbs add bright flavors to your drinks. Pick ripe citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges. Squeeze them just before using for the best taste.
Look for herbs with vibrant color and no wilting. Mint, basil, and rosemary are popular choices. Wash and dry them gently before use.
For syrups, make your own with real sugar and water. This lets you control the sweetness and quality.
Use fresh ice made from filtered water. Old ice can pick up freezer odors and affect drink taste.
Quality of Spirits
Good spirits form the base of your cocktails. Choose reputable brands for best results.
Taste test different options to find ones you like. Mid-range prices often offer good value.
Store bottles properly to keep them fresh. Keep them away from heat and light. Use within a few months of opening for best flavor.
Try small bottles if you’re new to a spirit. This lets you experiment without wasting money.
Match spirit quality to your cocktail. Use better spirits in simple drinks where the flavor stands out more.
Mixology Techniques
Mastering key mixology techniques is crucial for crafting great cocktails. These skills can elevate your drinks from basic to exceptional.
Stirring vs Shaking
Stirring and shaking are two main ways to mix cocktails. Each method has its place.
Stirring is gentle. It’s best for clear drinks like martinis or negronis.
Use a long bar spoon and stir in a mixing glass with ice. Move the spoon smoothly around the edge. This chills and dilutes the drink without adding air bubbles.
Shaking is more vigorous. It’s ideal for drinks with fruit juices, cream, or egg whites.
Put ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake hard for 10-15 seconds. This mixes, chills, and aerates the drink. It creates a frothy texture. Shaking also breaks up ice, adding more dilution than stirring.
Proper Glassware
Using the right glass can enhance a cocktail’s taste and look. Different shapes suit different drinks.
Martini glasses have a wide rim to show off the drink and release aromas. Their stem keeps warm hands away from the cold drink.
Highball glasses are tall and narrow. They’re perfect for drinks with lots of mixer, like gin and tonic.
Old fashioned glasses (or rocks glasses) are short and wide. They’re great for spirit-forward drinks served over ice.
Coupe glasses are shallow with a broad rim. They work well for shaken, straight-up cocktails like daiquiris.
Match your glass to your drink. It affects temperature, aroma, and presentation.
The right glass can make your cocktail look and taste better.