A Cocktail to Really Rock Your Socks
Cocktails are a wonderful way to enjoy a drink among friends even if you aren’t a huge fan of beer, liquor, or any other straight alcoholic beverage. There are a variety of cocktails available and whether you prefer things sweet, sour, or savory, there is sure to be a drink out there perfect for you. Cocktails are made by combining spirits with one another and/or with other ingredients. Some can pack a powerful punch, while others have just enough alcohol to give a small buzz. Cocktails come in so many shapes and sizes that you really can’t go wrong when looking for one to satisfy your cravings.
While there are countless wonderful cocktail creations, we believe that certain recipes reign supreme. We’ve decided to compile a list of what we consider to be the best cocktails out there (along with their recipes). Note that while we believe these cocktails are superior, taste is entirely subjective. If you enjoy sweet drinks, a sour cocktail probably isn’t the best for you even if others consider it delicious. Our list is made to share our personal opinions of the best cocktails, but please feel free to make your own list as well. With that being said, continue reading to discover which cocktails we consider the best of the best and learn how you can make them at home.
Negroni
1 oz Gin, 1 oz Campari, 1 oz Sweet Vermouth, Orange Peel
The Negroni cocktail is refreshingly bitter and was popularized in Italy before gaining worldwide fame. We consider this to be one of the best cocktails out there for its unique taste: it’s the perfect blend of bold and bitter, sure to get you fired up. The key to the perfect Negroni is creating the perfect base, so feel free to experiment with different brands of spirits until you find the winning combination. To create this drink:
- Add all of the liquids into a mixing glass with ice
- Stir until well-chilled
- Strain into a rocks glass with large ice cubes
- Garnish with the orange peel and serve
Margarita
1 oz Lime Juice, 0.5 oz Triple Sec, 1.5 oz Tequila, 0.5 oz Agave, 1/8 teaspoon Coarse Salt, Lime Wedges
Almost everyone has seen the sugary margarita mixes that fill grocery store shelves, but nothing compares to the real deal. Margaritas are both refreshing and delicious. They are also easy to customize: feel free to add in unique flavors to reflect the season or mood. To create this drink:
- Combine all ingredients except limes in a shaker
- Shake vigorously to combine well
- Rub a lime wedge over the rim of a glass and then dip into the salt
- Add ice to glass and pour shaker over
- Garnish glass with a lime wedge on the edge, then serve
Strawberry Daiquiri
6 cups Ice, 1/2 cup White Sugar, 4 oz Frozen Strawberries, 1/8 cup Lime Juice, 1/2 cup Lemon Juice, 3/4 cup Rum, 1/4 cup Sprite
Daiquiris are an extremely popular rum-based cocktail with a ton of readily available varieties. We believe the strawberry daiquiri outshines the rest, but feel free to try another flavor (or a classic recipe!) if desired. This recipe has multiple servings, so it’s best prepared with company to share with. To create this drink:
- Combine ice, sugar, and strawberries in a blender
- Pulse a few times and then add liquid ingredients
- Blend until smooth, then serve
Moscow Mule
1.5 oz Vodka, 0.5 oz Lime Juice, 1/2 cup Ginger Beer, Lime Wedge
Typically served in a copper mug, the moscow mule is a popular variety of a vodka buck. This cocktail is incredibly refreshing and perfect for a hot summer day or cooling down after an evening out on the town. It is also incredibly easy to recreate at home. To create this drink:
- Pour vodka and lime juice into a copper mug
- Add ice cubes and ginger beer and stir
- Drop in a lime wedge, then serve
Manhattan
1 oz Sweet Vermouth, 2 oz Whiskey, 2 dashes Bitters, Maraschino Cherry, Orange Twist
If you aren’t sure if cocktails are for you but you enjoy whiskey, a manhattan may be the perfect compromise. Manhattans originated from New York and have only gained popularity since their creation. The maraschino cherry is also the perfect sweet treat for when you finish sipping this cocktail. To create this drink:
- Combine vermouth, whiskey, and bitters in a cocktail shaker with ice
- Stir gently until chilled
- Put cherry in to bottom of a glass and pour shaker mix over
- Garnish with orange twist, then serve
Espresso Martini
2 oz Vodka, 0.5 oz Simple Syrup, 0.5 oz Coffee Liqueur, 1 oz Espresso
Martinis are a staple of the cocktail world, but espresso martinis didn’t hit the scene until the ’80s. Since then, these delicious drinks provide a perfect pick-me-up and taste delicious. If you’re a fan of coffee, you have to try this recipe. To create this drink:
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker and add ice
- Shake vigorously until combined thoroughly
- Strain into a chilled glass
- If desired, garnish with a few coffee beans and then serve
Mimosa
1 Bottle of Prosecco, 3 cups Chilled Orange Juice (Pulp-Free)
If you’ve ever gone out to brunch with friends, chances are that a pitcher of mimosas was ordered. This delicious drink is so simple to make yet so appetizing. This recipe creates a pitcher of mimosa, so make sure to have friends ready to share it with! To create this drink:
- Combine ingredients in a pitcher and stir thoroughly
- Pour into champagne flutes, then serve
Did you recognize our picks for best cocktail recipes? Have you tried any of these before? Do you agree? We encourage you to try all of the cocktails listed above at least once. We selected these cocktails because they have proved themselves time and time again and we consider that to be the mark of a great drink.