10 Classic Cocktails Every Home Bar Should Master

Master These Timeless Cocktails

Every home bartender should know how to make these classic cocktails. These ten drinks form the foundation of cocktail culture and will impress any guest. Master these recipes and techniques, and you’ll be ready for any occasion.

1. Old Fashioned

Ingredients: 2 oz bourbon, 1 sugar cube, 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters, orange peel

Method: Muddle sugar and bitters in glass, add bourbon, stir with ice, express orange peel oils over drink.

2. Martini

Ingredients: 2.5 oz gin, 0.5 oz dry vermouth, lemon twist or olives

Method: Stir gin and vermouth with ice, strain into chilled martini glass, garnish with twist or olives.

3. Manhattan

Ingredients: 2 oz rye whiskey, 1 oz sweet vermouth, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, cherry

Method: Stir all ingredients with ice, strain into chilled coupe, garnish with cherry.

4. Negroni

Ingredients: 1 oz gin, 1 oz Campari, 1 oz sweet vermouth, orange peel

Method: Stir with ice in rocks glass, express orange peel over drink and drop in glass.

5. Daiquiri

Ingredients: 2 oz white rum, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 0.75 oz simple syrup

Method: Shake with ice, double strain into chilled coupe glass.

6. Whiskey Sour

Ingredients: 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.75 oz simple syrup, egg white (optional)

Method: Dry shake (without ice) if using egg white, then shake with ice, strain into rocks glass.

7. Margarita

Ingredients: 2 oz tequila, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 0.75 oz orange liqueur, salt rim

Method: Shake with ice, strain into salt-rimmed rocks glass over fresh ice.

8. Gimlet

Ingredients: 2 oz gin, 0.75 oz fresh lime juice, 0.75 oz simple syrup

Method: Shake with ice, strain into chilled coupe glass, garnish with lime wheel.

9. Moscow Mule

Ingredients: 2 oz vodka, 0.5 oz fresh lime juice, 4 oz ginger beer, lime wedge

Method: Build in copper mug over ice, stir gently, garnish with lime wedge.

10. Sazerac

Ingredients: 2 oz rye whiskey, 0.25 oz simple syrup, 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters, absinthe rinse, lemon peel

Method: Rinse glass with absinthe, stir remaining ingredients with ice, strain into rinsed glass, express lemon peel.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use fresh citrus: Always squeeze juices fresh – bottled juice can’t compare
• Chill your glassware: Keep cocktail glasses in the freezer or fill with ice water before use
• Measure precisely: Consistent ratios create consistent results
• Quality ice: Large, clear ice cubes melt slower and dilute less
• Stir vs. Shake: Stir spirit-forward drinks (Manhattan, Martini), shake those with citrus or cream

Building Your Skills

Start with 2-3 cocktails that appeal to your taste and practice until you can make them without looking at the recipe. Focus on technique – proper shaking, stirring, and straining methods make the difference between good and great cocktails.

Once you’ve mastered these classics, you’ll understand the fundamental flavor profiles and techniques that form the basis for countless cocktail variations. These drinks have stood the test of time for good reason – they represent perfect balance and timeless appeal.