6 Classic Cocktails Every Drink Lover Should Try Before 30
From the Martini to the Alexander Brandy, the classic cocktail drinks are the time-tested favourites. Check out this list of top picks for unique libation inspiration.
- Martini
Martini is undoubtedly the ultimate classic cocktail. Made with vodka or gin, this drink is the all-time favourite of all the drinkers out there.
Ingredients to be used:
- 3 ounces of vodka or gin
- A half-ounce of dry vermouth
- Ice cubes
- Pimiento-stuffed olives
Preparation Steps to be followed:
- Fill three-fourths of a shaker with ice.
- Add vermouth and gin and shake thoroughly until condensation starts forming on the outside of the shaker.
- Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with the pimiento-stuffed olives.
- Mai Tai
Although its actual origin is not yet known clearly, the Mai Tai introduced a revolutionary torrent of unique mixology in America. This tropical, rum-based drink is an evergreen cocktail that is loved by people of all the generations.
Ingredients to be used:
- 1 to 2 cups of ice cubes
- A ¾ ounce of triple sec
- 2 ounces of light rum
- A half-ounce of lemon juice
- 1-1/2 teaspoons of amaretto
- 1-1/2 teaspoons of lime juice
Preparation Steps to be followed:
- Fill three-fourths of a shaker with ice. Put rest of the ice cubes in a glass and set aside.
- Add rum, juices, amaretto, and triple sec to the shaker and shake well for around 10 to 15 seconds.
- Strain into the previously prepared glass and garnish as per your wish.
- Bloody Mary
During the early days of the twentieth century, the unique pairing of tomato juice and vodka was trendy. Soon, the bartenders started adding some spice to this combination to transform it into what is called the Bloody Mary cocktail today. This famous cocktail is savoury, spicy, and is served with a lot of garnishes.
Ingredients to be used:
- Divided quantities of a ¼ teaspoon and 1/8 teaspoon of celery salt
- Divided amounts of 1-2 cups of ice cubes
- 2 ounces of vodka
- One tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 cup of chilled tomato juice
- 1-1/2 teaspoons of lime juice
- ½ teaspoon of prepared horseradish (optional)
- ¾ teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon of pepper sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon of pepper
Preparation Steps to be followed:
- Take a glass and moisten its rim using water. Sprinkle a ¼ teaspoon of celery salt and dip the rim into it.
- Fill three-fourths of a shaker with ice. Put rest of the ice cubes in the prepared glass and set aside.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, juices, horseradish, vodka, pepper sauce, leftover celery salt, and pepper to the shaker and shake well until condensation starts forming on the exterior.
- Strain into the previously prepared glass and garnish according to your wish.
- Gimlet
The simple and refreshing drink, Gimlet has undoubtedly stood firm against the various tests of passing the time.
This fantastic pairing of gin (or vodka) and lime juice is the most reliable elixir on the balmy days.
Ingredients to be used:
- 2 ounces of gin
- Ice cubes
- 1 ounce of lime juice
- Lime slices
- One teaspoon of confectioner's sugar
Preparation Steps to be followed:
- Fill three-fourths of a shaker with ice.
- Add gin, confectioner’s sugar, and lime juice and shake well for around 10 to 15 seconds.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice and garnish using lime.
- Moscow Mule
The popularity of the Moscow Mule cocktail has surged in recent years. However, the drink has its roots in the early days of the 40s, in the United States. With the amazing combination of vodka and lime coupled with intense flavours of ginger, the comeback of this drink is not at all surprising.
Ingredients to be used:
- 4 cups of chilled ginger beer
- Ice cubes
- 1-1/4 cups of vodka
- 2/3 cups of lime juice
- Lime slices (optional)
Preparation Steps to be followed:
- Take a pitcher and add the vodka, lime juice, ginger beer, and ice.
- Add lime slices on top and serve.
- White Chocolate Brandy Alexander
The Brandy Alexander is a sweet classic cocktail. Part cream, part crème-de-cacao, and part brandy, this drink makes a tasty and smooth post-dinner drink.
Ingredients to be used:
- 3-1/2 cups of milk
- 1/3 cup of brandy
- 1/8 teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A ¼ cup of crème-de-cacao
- 6 ounces of finely chopped white chocolate
- Whipped cream and shavings of white chocolate
Preparation Steps to be followed:
- Take a saucepan and the milk. Heat over medium flame until it comes to simmer. Remove from heat, add the salt and mix.
- Add chocolate and mix until the mixture becomes smooth. Add brandy, vanilla, and crème-de-cacao and stir well.
- Fill three-fourths of the serving mugs with the prepared solution and top with the whipped cream and shavings of white chocolate.
