Classic Cocktails Everyone Should Know
Start practicing these essential cocktails and you'll be a pro when it comes to making drinks for family and friends.
Related To:
©2012, Food Network
Photo By: Matt Armendariz
Photo By: Matt Armendariz
Photo By: Matt Armendariz
Photo By: Adrian Mueller ©FOOD NETWORK: 2012, TELEVISION FOOD NETWORK, G.P. COOKING CHANNEL: 2012, Cooking Channel LLC
Photo By: Matt Armendariz ©2012, Television Food Network, GP. All Rights Reserved
Photo By: Tara Donne ©2012, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.
Photo By: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Photo By: Alice Gao ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Photo By: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.
Photo By: Marcus Nilsson ©Marcus Nilsson
Photo By: Teri Lyn Fisher
Dark and Stormy
Despite the name, this classic cocktail will be the highlight of any night with friends. Pro Tip: Lay a spoon upside down over the glass when pouring the shot of rum, so it doesn’t mix into the drink right away — that way, you'll achieve that “stormy” look.
Get the Recipe: Dark and Stormy
Moscow Mule
For a refreshing spin and an extra pop of flavor, add ginger ice cubes — they'll give the drink even more spicy goodness as they melt.
Get the Recipe: Moscow Mule
Old Fashioned
Craving a smooth, simple cocktail? The traditional drink (muddled with sugar, bitters and orange zest) pairs nicely with its strong whiskey counterpart.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned
Mint Julep
Get the Recipe: Mint Julep
Rob Roy
Get the Recipe: Rob Roy
Bloody Mary
Whether it’s a classy brunch with friends or a way to treat yourself on Saturday morning, a Bloody Mary is the perfect way to start any weekend.
Get the Recipe: Bloody Mary
Val's Classic Negroni
A savory drink that leaves nothing to waste! When everything is combined, add strips of orange peel to amplify the flavors even more.
Get the Recipe: Val's Classic Negroni
Sparkling Bourbon Lemonade
Get the Recipe: Sparkling Bourbon Lemonade
Classic Manhattan Cocktail
Rich and warm with a hint of sweetness — it’s no wonder whiskey lovers favor this classic drink.
Watch the Video: Classic Manhattan Cocktail
Hot Ginger Toddy
Get the Recipe: Hot Ginger Toddy
Pimm's Cup
A sweet and fruity concoction in a highball glass makes for a fun drink.
Get the Recipe: Pimm's Cup
The Little Italy (Manhattan with Aperol)
Get the Recipe: The Little Italy (Manhattan with Aperol)
Chipotle Margarita
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Margarita
Cosmopolitans
The popularity of the Cosmo can be easily traced back to the early 90s but it’s still an attention-grabbing cocktail today! Something about its beautiful pink color and fancy glass will never go out of style.
Get the Recipe: Cosmopolitans
Hemingway Daiquiri
Get the Recipe: Hemingway Daiquiri
Grilled Orange Boulevardier
Complexity at its finest. The Orange Boulevardier combines splashes of bourbon, vermouth and Campari with an added bonus of straight-from-the-grill oranges for a sweeter taste.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Orange Boulevardier
Southside Cocktail
Get the Recipe: Southside Cocktail
Southern Driver
Get the Recipe: Southern Driver
Ramos Gin Fizz
Get the Recipe: Ramos Gin Fizz
Ruby Smash
Get the Recipe: Ruby Smash
Rum Lemonade
Get the Recipe: Rum Lemonade
Sazerac
Get the Recipe: Sazerac
Classic Martini
Get the Recipe: Classic Martini
Italian Manhattan
Get the Recipe: Michael's Italian Manhattan
White Russian
Sometimes referred to as an adult milkshake, the White Russian is a classic cocktail that's creamy, boozy and has just the right amount of coffee flavor. When making each one, the cream is poured off the back of a spoon for a neat layer on top. Enjoy this subtly sweet three-ingredient drink as an after-dinner indulgence.
Get the Recipe: White Russian