This list of classic cocktails will teach you everything you need to know to make top-notch, well-known cocktails at home.
Whether you’re throwing a dinner party for friends, lying next to a pool all day or you’re just having a casual night in, there’s certainly occasion for a cocktail. You may be well-versed in ordering classic cocktails at restaurants or bars, but knowing how to make them at home might not be as instinctual. So, we rounded up all the classic cocktail recipes​ you should know how to make, from bright, fruity cocktails to after-dinner drinks to end the night.
This A-to-Z list of classic cocktail recipes has a little bit of everything. There are the old-school drinks that have been around for what feels like forever, like the Gimlet, Manhattan and Boulevardier, plus contemporary favorites, such as the Aviation and Paper Plane. Those looking for something simple will love the easy mixed drinks with only two or three ingredients, including a gin and tonic, vodka cranberry or a classic margarita.
If you only have one type of alcohol on hand, we have plenty of single-spirit options for gin cocktails, vodka cocktails and tequila drinks, plus a range of whiskey and brandy cocktails. So grab your shaker, bar spoon, favorite cocktail glass and some ice; it’s time to imbibe.
1/55
Amaretto Sour
From the Recipe Creator:
An amaretto sour has always been one of my favorite cocktails. This version has a special touch that makes it perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday season. —Amber Forbes, Roper, North Carolina
The exact origins of this sweet drink are mostly a mystery. Many believe it became popular in the 1970s when Italian spirits started making their way to the U.S. Traditionally made with amaretto liqueur and fresh lemon juice, some also add an egg white to this classic cocktail. It’s one of those easy mixed drinks you can whip up with minimal ingredients.
2/55
Americano
From the Recipe Creator:
Hailing from 1860s Italy, this refreshing mix of earthy Campari, sweet vermouth and soda water is reminiscent of a classic Negroni but with a lighter finish. Enjoy this simple and elegant cocktail as a porch sipper on a warm day or as a sophisticated start to a dinner party. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
A little bitter and a little sweet, the Americano is the best of both worlds. Be sure to use a soda water or seltzer that is full of fizz for the best results.
3/55
Aperol Spritz
From the Recipe Creator:
An Italian classic, this cocktail is light, refreshing and packed with citrusy orange notes from Aperol. The drink's bitterness is well-balanced with the combination of bubbly club soda and sweet prosecco, creating an enjoyable sip. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
With its recent surge in popularity, the Aperol Spritz has become a go-to patio drink for sipping. The drink is a simple mix of Aperol, an Italian liqueur, and prosecco.
4/55
Aviation Cocktail
From the Recipe Creator:
An unusual mix of gin, maraschino cherry liqueur, lemon juice and creme de violette, the Aviation cocktail is a real knockout. It creates a gin-based drink that is strongly floral, a bit fruity and a whole lot of fun. —Susan Bronson, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
The Aviation cocktail was invented by Hugo Ensslin, a bartender at the Hotel Wallick in New York. It’s purple color makes it one of the prettiest spring cocktails, but don’t let the color trick you into thinking it’s light and fruity. This strong cocktail is made with gin, maraschino liqueur, creme de violette and lemon juice. While some choose to omit the flowery creme de violette, it’s essential for the Aviation’s signature hue.
5/55
Bee’s Knees
From the Recipe Creator:
Bees Knees is a classic Prohibition-era cocktail, originally concocted to mask the harshness of bathtub gin. Today it's a beloved cocktail in its own right, fully living up to its delightful name. Creating a syrup with honey and water allows sticky-sweet honey to dissolve into the gin and lemon juice. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Looking to impress but are low on ingredients? The Bee’s Knees is your answer! With just gin, honey and lemon, you’ll have a drink that looks as good as it tastes.
6/55
Bellini
From the Recipe Creator:
The bellni was born at Harry’s Bar in Venice, and is now a universally loved brunch cocktail and summertime sipper. A homemade peach syrup makes these bright and luscious. Just add Prosecco for a fizzy finish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Made with prosecco, peach puree and a little raspberry juice, this bubbly cocktail was invented in the mid-1930s by Giuseppe Cipriani in Venice. Considered to be the mimosa’s Italian cousin, it is said that Cipriani named this drink after the famed Venetian artist Giovanni Bellini.
7/55
Black Russian
From the Recipe Creator:
Here are no-fuss black Russians that are as smooth as silk. Perfect for those who aren't sure what they want. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Made simply with two parts coffee liqueur and five parts vodka, a black Russian is the White Russian’s older brother. The cocktail first appeared in Brussels in 1949 and was named for its strong use of vodka and the deep, dark color of the coffee liqueur.
8/55
Bloody Mary
From the Recipe Creator:
Horseradish makes this the best Bloody Mary recipe we've tasted. Without the horseradish, you'll have a more traditional Bloody Mary, and without the alcohol, you'll have a Virgin Mary. Serve with a stalk of celery, dill pickle spear or olives. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Few drinks have a more debated history, namesake and recipe than the Bloody Mary. While its origins may be debated, most recipes involve equal parts vodka and tomato juice with additions like lemon juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, fresh herbs, brown sugar and cracked black pepper. If you’re mixing up a pitcher for a Sunday hangout with friends, learn how to set up a Bloody Mary bar.
9/55
Boulevardier
From the Recipe Creator:
Love a good cocktail? It’s time you met the Boulevardier, also known as a Negroni with bourbon. This cocktail has a sweetness from the vermouth and a hint of smokiness from the bourbon for the perfect mixture. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Like a Negroni, a Boulevardier is made with sweet vermouth and Campari. However, rather than gin, a Boulevardier is made with bourbon. The origins of this drink can be traced back to Erskine Gwynne, who founded the Paris-based magazine Boulevardier in 1927.
10/55
Brandy Alexander
From the Recipe Creator:
Brandy Alexander is a heavenly dessert cocktail, perfect for a cozy night in. It's made with brandy, creme de cacao and heavy cream, then topped with freshly grated nutmeg. A garnish of crisp, delicate pirouette cookies takes it over the top! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Fun fact about this brandy cocktail: It was John Lennon’s favorite because it “tasted like milkshakes.” Served straight up and made with brandy, cognac, creme de cacao and cream, a brandy Alexander is a variation of the gin-based drink known simply as an Alexander.
11/55
Caipirinha
From the Recipe Creator:
The essential ingredient in this Brazilian cocktail is Cachaca, a liquor made fresh sugarcane juice. Its distinctive herbal flavors pair perfectly with fresh lime. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
As the national drink of Brazil, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the caipirinha is perfectly suited for a day at the beach. It’s made with cachaça, a spirit made from sugarcane, lime, sugar and ice.
12/55
Chocolate Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
This rich, creamy after-dinner drink doubles as a dessert! You'll dazzle guests with the pretty swirl of chocolate sauce in the glass. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
There’s no need to choose between a drink and dessert when it comes to the chocolate martini. For extra indulgence, don’t skip the chocolate syrup and shavings!
13/55
Cosmopolitan
From the Recipe Creator:
Lively color graces this signature drink. Its refreshing and slightly tart taste is perfect for a ladies' night out or at a party. During the holidays use fresh cranberries for a garnish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Originally created in the late 1980s after the release of Absolut Citron, the Cosmopolitan skyrocketed to pop culture stardom in the ’90s thanks to Sex in the City. Made with citrus vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice and fresh lime juice, this drink has become a symbol for working women. Go the extra mile and use this homemade cranberry juice.
14/55
Daiquiri
From the Recipe Creator:
Created in Cuba, beloved by Ernest Hemingway and delicious any way you shake it, the daiquiri is a rum drink for the ages. Behold the classic recipe. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
While most associate the daiquiri with the blended, sugary, umbrella-topped drinks served poolside at resorts, a true daiquiri is much simpler. Made with rum, lime juice and sugar, an authentic daiquiri is shaken with ice, then strained into a cocktail glass. It’s just one of many classic rum drinks you should know.
15/55
Dark ‘n Stormy
From the Recipe Creator:
The Dark n' Stormy is a spicy, refreshing drink with a long tradition among sailors in Bermuda. The cocktail's moody color is reminiscent of a storm cloud, the result of using dark rum...the most traditional being Gosling's black rum. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
This drink gets its name from the turbulent waters of the Caribbean, so it could have easily been dubbed a Caribbean mule. However, unlike a Moscow mule, which starts with vodka, a Dark ‘n Stormy begins with dark rum before being mixed with ginger beer and lime juice.
16/55
Espresso Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
For a change of pace from mimosas, serve this wake-up cocktail for your next brunch. Coffee lovers will thank you. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Made with vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur and simple syrup, an espresso martini is equally welcomed at a brunch as it is after dinner.
17/55
French 75
From the Recipe Creator:
Meet your new celebration drink, the French 75. The combination of gin, lemon, simple syrup and a splash of bubbles is elegant and beautiful yet packs a punch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
This bubbly champagne drink has some extra zip thanks to the addition of gin. Mixed with lemon juice and sugar, the French 75 was first recorded in 1925 as the “75” but with slightly different ingredients. The modern-day version was published in The Savoy Cocktail Book five years later.
18/55
Gimlet
From the Recipe Creator:
For the light drinker, suggest a Gimlet. The blend of slightly sweet and tart flavors is appealing but not overwhelming. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
“A real Gimlet is half gin and half Rose’s Lime Juice and nothing else.” This single line from Raymond Chandler’s 1953 novel The Long Goodbye gave birth to the popular cocktail. While some may opt for a vodka gimlet rather than gin, most say Rose’s Lime Juice is a quintessential ingredient.
19/55
Gin and Tonic
From the Recipe Creator:
The standard gin and tonic recipe is easy to follow and to build on if you’re feeling adventurous. The classic cocktail is bright and zesty in flavor and refreshing to cool you down on those hot summer days. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Made with just gin and tonic water, garnished with a wedge of lime, the G&T is a classy drink with a secret. It glows! Due to quinine, a chemical found in tonic water, the drink will glow when exposed to ultraviolet light.
20/55
Gin Fizz
From the Recipe Creator:
Citrusy and sparkly, this authentic gin fizz is shaken with an egg white to create a light, ethereal cloud on top of the drink. We use pasteurized liquid egg white to provide that signature luscious foam. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Made with gin, lemon juice, sugar and carbonated water, some also add an egg white to give this classic cocktail a foamy top. Other variations include a golden fizz, made with an egg yolk, or a green fizz, made with creme de menthe.
21/55
Hot Buttered Rum
From the Recipe Creator:
I received this recipe for hot buttered rum from a friend more than 30 years ago, and I think of her every winter when I stir up a batch. It keeps well in the freezer, so feel free to make it ahead of time. —Joyce Moynihan, Lakeville, Minnesota
On cold winter nights, a hot buttered rum is just the ticket. This recipe makes enough to serve a crowd, perfect for holiday gatherings.
22/55
Hot Toddy
From the Recipe Creator:
Super quick and easy to make, this warming whiskey drink will get you through those cold months. Boiled water gets poured over honey until it dissolves, then a helping of whiskey and lemon juice gets added to the mix, resulting in a sweet, soothing drink. —Francine Lizotte, Langley, British Columbia
When you’re in need of a warming fall cocktail, there’s no better option than a hot toddy. The simple combo of hot water, whiskey, honey, lemon and cinnamon will warm you from the inside out and can actually help with a cold!
23/55
Irish Coffee
From the Recipe Creator:
This Irish coffee lives up to its reputation as a relaxing after-dinner drink. Creme de menthe adds a colorful touch to the cream. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Speaking of warm drinks, Irish coffee is made by adding a shot (or two) of whiskey to brewed coffee with sugar or simple syrup. Then, it’s topped with whipped cream. This heartwarming drink is often credited to Joseph Jackson, who would make the drink for his comrades while fighting in World War II. It was later made famous by another Joe, Joe Sheridan, bartender at the Buena Vista Cafe in San Francisco.
24/55
Lemon Drop Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
Pucker up for this sweet-tart sipper made with fresh-squeezed lemon juice, vodka and Triple Sec. Go for the optional sugared rim—it makes the Lemon Drop taste even more like the classic hard candy! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Perhaps one of the most popular martini variations, the Lemon Drop rose to popularity in the 1970s. Many attribute this cocktail to Henry’s Africa in San Francisco which was famous for creating cocktails made extra sweet to mask the taste of alcohol.
25/55
Long Island Iced Tea
From the Recipe Creator:
It's easy to customize Long Island iced tea ingredients to suit your tastes. For instance, try adjusting the tequila. If you like a bolder flavor, use one ounce. If you would prefer a more mellow drink, then use a half ounce in this Long Island recipe. —Camille Berry, Glasgow, Scotland
Despite its name, this strong cocktail doesn’t have any tea in it. Instead, it contains vodka, gin, tequila, light rum, lemon juice, triple sec and a small splash of cola. At 22% ABV, this cocktail has a much higher alcohol concentration than other highball drinks.
26/55
Mai Tai
From the Recipe Creator:
The most classic of the tiki cocktails is the Mai Tai, made with both light and dark rums. Its sweet almond notes come from the Orgeat, a milky, mildly sweet syrup traditionally made from almonds and orange flower water. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Considered a quintessential tropical cocktail, the mai tai was invented by Victor Jules Bergeron, aka Trader Vic. His original recipe called for light rum, dark rum, lime juice, orange curacao, orgeat syrup and rock candy syrup with a mint garnish.
27/55
Manhattan
From the Recipe Creator:
This Manhattan on the Rocks recipe makes a substantial drink. It can be served straight up in a chilled cocktail glass or over ice in a rocks glass. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Dating back to the 1880s, the Manhattan remains one of the most ordered drinks in bars and lounges. Traditionally made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters, this drink has seen a plethora of adaptations over the years, like swapping brandy or bourbon for the classic rye whiskey.
28/55
Margarita
From the Recipe Creator:
A classic margarita recipe doesn't need anything other than tequila, Triple Sec and fresh lime juice. When you're making the cocktail, make sure you squeeze the limes correctly for the ultimate freshness. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
The margarita, meaning “daisy” in Spanish, is a Mexican twist on a Brandy Daisy. Made with tequila, the drink became popular during Prohibition when Americans would cross the border for alcohol. Served on the rocks or blended, a classic margarita is 50% tequila, 29% Cointreau and 21% fresh lime juice. In addition to the classic margarita, there are nearly endless options when it comes to flavored margaritas.
29/55
Martini Recipe
From the Recipe Creator:
Martinis recipes can be made with either vodka or gin. Our taste panel's preference was for the gin, but try them both and decide for yourself. Be warned, this is a strong and serious drink. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
First published as a recipe in the 1888 edition of Harry Johnson’s Bartender Manual, the martini is a classic drink long associated with sophistication. There are many ways to make a martini your own, and one of the most popular is a dirty martini, which includes olive brine.
30/55
Mimosas
From the Recipe Creator:
A standard offering at brunches, mimosas are as pretty as they are tasty. In this recipe, the champagne doesn't overpower the orange juice—especially if the champagne is extra dry. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Recognized as Bloody Mary’s brunch partner, the mimosa is a cocktail made with equal parts sparkling wine and orange juice. Served in a champagne flute, many credit this fizzy drink to bartender Frank Meier, who served it at the Ritz Bar in Paris starting in 1925.
31/55
Mint Julep
From the Recipe Creator:
It wouldn't be Kentucky Derby Day without this mint julep recipe! But, really, this Kentucky Derby mint julep recipe is good anytime. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Renowned as the official cocktail of the famed Kentucky Derby, 120,000 of these tasty drinks are consumed every year at the event. Made with Kentucky bourbon, simple syrup, mint leaves and crushed ice, mint juleps are traditionally served in frosty pewter cups.
32/55
Mojito
From the Recipe Creator:
Traditional mojitos are made with rum, which is both pleasant and mildly sweet. If you want a new spin on the classic mojito recipe, try using tequila for tart yet refreshing flavor. —Christine Rukavena, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Invented in Cuba, the mojito is a popular rum cocktail dating back to the 16th century. A mojito is served in a highball glass over ice with muddled mint, white rum, lime juice, simple syrup and a splash of club soda.
33/55
Moscow Mule
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's an old-time cocktail that was popular in the 1940s and '50s. A Moscow Mule is traditionally served in a copper mug with plenty of ice. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
This cocktail has recently seen a rise in popularity and is famed for the iconic copper mug it’s served in. Made with vodka, lime juice and ginger beer (not to be confused with ginger ale), the Moscow Mule is a favorite for hot summer days.
34/55
Mulled Wine
From the Recipe Creator:
This mulled wine is soothing and satisfying with a delightful blend of spices warmed to perfection. Refrigerating the wine mixture overnight allows the flavors to blend, so don't omit this essential step. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Perfect for a cozy winter night or a holiday celebration, mulled wine is made by gently heating wine with fruit, spices and a spirit. This additional alcohol could be bourbon, brandy, whiskey or even rum. Any way you go, mulled wine is not to be missed when the weather turns cold.
35/55
Negroni
From the Recipe Creator:
A classic Italian cocktail, the Negroni is a great go-to drink for any occasion, requiring only three ingredients. It's easy to whip up and will impress guests with its bold and flavorful ingredients. —Lauren Grant, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Don’t let the sweet red color of this drink fool you. A Negroni is not for the faint of heart. Made with gin, sweet vermouth, Campari and a single orange peel, it lacks any sort of simple syrup to mask the punch of the alcohol’s strong, bitter flavor. There are many Negroni variations, with the most popular options being the Negroni sbagliato (which has Prosecco) and a mezcal Negroni.
36/55
Old-Fashioned
From the Recipe Creator:
It's hard to beat a classic cocktail like the old-fashioned. A spear of Luxardo cherries makes an appealing garnish. —Caroline Stanko, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
No list of mixed alcoholic drinks would be complete without mentioning an old-fashioned. While a gin-based version of this famed cocktail was first published in 1862, the modern old-fashioned came later in 1880 when bartender James E. Pepper first mixed the drink in Louisville, Kentucky. In Wisconsin, people enjoy a brandy old-fashioned, which is topped with lemon-lime, grapefruit or club soda.
37/55
Paloma
From the Recipe Creator:
Soon after I learned about this cocktail, I brought the ingredients to a family dinner at my parents'. The next time we got together, my dad had the fixings set out and ready to go. —Ian Cliffe, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Unlike a greyhound, a Paloma is made with tequila, rather than gin or vodka. Popular throughout Mexico, this cocktail is made by mixing tequila with lime juice and a grapefruit soda like Fresca, Squirt or Jarritos and served over ice.
38/55
Paper Plane
From the Recipe Creator:
For a simple to prepare cocktail with a big impact, try the beautifully complex Paper Plane: just equal parts bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino and fresh lemon juice. It's bright, boozy, bitter, and perfectly balanced. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
The secret ingredient in a Paper Plane is Amaro Nonino, a liqueur made from grapes. It adds notes of bitter orange and warm spices to this bourbon cocktail.
39/55
Pina Colada
From the Recipe Creator:
If you love pina coladas—and who doesn't?—enjoy this easy version of the famous tropical drink invented in Puerto Rico. It's a sweet and smooth combo of pineapple chunks, coconut cream, pineapple juice and, of course, rum. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cue the Rupert Holmes song! If you like getting caught in the rain, then according to the lyrics, you will also enjoy a pina colada. All kidding aside, this fruity rum drink is made with white rum, dark rum, pineapple juice and coconut cream.
40/55
Pisco Sour
From the Recipe Creator:
This sweet-tart cocktail is a mainstay in Peru and Chile. The egg white gives it a velvety texture. Find pasteurized egg whites near the eggs at the grocery store. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
A favorite in South America, pisco is a grape brandy and the base spirit in a pisco sour. The cocktail gets its extra-frothy top by being shaken without ice, called a dry shake, and then with ice.
41/55
Planter’s Punch
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like your Planter's Punch on the sweet side, add a splash of simple syrup to the shaker. A dash or two of bitters is sometimes added to this classic tropical cocktail. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Dating back more than a century, Planter’s Punch is made with dark rum, grenadine, pineapple juice and a splash of club soda. Often garnished with fruit, this rum cocktail is said to have originated at the Planters Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina.
42/55
Ranch Water
From the Recipe Creator:
Three simple ingredients come together to make ranch water, your new go-to summer cocktail. Essential to the drink, the Topo Chico brings a kick of earthy mineral flavor and tons of bubbles. —Caroline Stanko, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Invented in Texas by ranch hands, ranch water is a refreshingly simple cocktail, best sipped on hot summer days.
43/55
Rusty Nail
From the Recipe Creator:
This sophisticated after-dinner sipper couldn't be simpler. Combine just two ingredients—scotch and Drambuie—and serve on the rocks with an orange peel. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
This classic cocktail was probably your grandfather’s drink of choice. It’s made with scotch and Drambuie, a scotch-based liqueur infused with honey, herbs and spices. Bold and stiff, it’s a drink best served in a rocks glass over ice.
44/55
Sangria
From the Recipe Creator:
Luscious, refreshing and easy to double or triple for a crowd, this fruit-filled summertime quencher is perfect for your next soiree. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Sangria is considered a Spanish wine punch. However, it wasn’t always that way. Historians have dated variations of sangria back to Greco-Roman times, when they would add sweeteners and spices to their wine. Today, sangria recipes can be made red or white and mixed with assorted juices and cut fruit.
45/55
Sazerac
From the Recipe Creator:
Take a trip to the Big Easy with this sophisticated Sazerac recipe, the official cocktail of New Orleans. Referred to as America's oldest cocktail, it originally used cognac, but when the French liqueur became difficult to procure, rye whiskey took its place and has been the main ingredient ever since. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
This uniquely New Orleans cocktail is made with cognac, absinthe, bitters and sugar. Its strong flavor makes this cocktail well-suited to be slowly sipped as a post-dinner treat.
46/55
Screwdriver
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're looking for a mixed drink that is easy on your budget, look no further than this screwdriver recipe. With just two simple ingredients, vodka and orange juice, you'll have a classic drink that's a real crowd-pleaser. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Made with just vodka and orange juice, a screwdriver is a simple yet tasty cocktail. Some say that this drink got its name because it was created by oil workers who would use a screwdriver to mix the ingredients since spoons were not always available.
47/55
Sex on the Beach
From the Recipe Creator:
Sex on the Beach marries vodka with peach schnapps and vibrant fruit juices to create an easy-to-sip tropical drink with pure vacation vibes. Paper umbrella optional! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
This gorgeous cocktail combines vodka, peach schnapps and orange, pineapple and cranberry juice. Be sure to serve it in a tall, clear Collins glass to see all those layers.
48/55
Sidecar
From the Recipe Creator:
Try your hand at this timeless sipper, a darling of cocktail connoisseurs because it's perfectly balanced: bright, crisp and citrusy, with a smooth, warm kick from cognac. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
While the English and French both lay claim to this cognac-based drink, they agree that it was named after a customer who arrived at their bar in the sidecar of a motorcycle. Shaken with ice, cognac, Cointreau and lemon juice, the ingredients are strained into a glass and garnished with an orange twist.
49/55
Singapore Sling
From the Recipe Creator:
Pretty in pink! The rosy-cheeked and world-famous Singapore Sling was first created in 1915 by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon. This gin-based cocktail also includes pineapple and lime juices, curacao and Benedictine. Grenadine and cherry liqueur give it its signature hue. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
For the tastiest Singapore Sling, be sure to use fresh pineapple juice instead of concentrate. Otherwise, your dink could taste sour, which you definitely don’t want!
50/55
Tequila Sunrise
From the Recipe Creator:
When you really want to relax and enjoy the evening try one of these mild orange-flavored Tequila Sunrises. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
The modern tequila sunrise was created in the 1970s by mixing tequila, orange juice and grenadine. The tequila drink became popular after Mick Jagger tried it during a tour and began ordering it all across America.
51/55
Tom Collins
From the Recipe Creator:
This Tom Collins cocktail has been popular for a long time, but the origin of the name is still up for debate. Some think it was named after a sweet gin called Old Tom, and others believe the drink was named after the bartender who invented it. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
A Tom Collins is essentially a fizzy, spiked lemonade made with sparkling water, lemon juice, simple syrup and a London dry gin, like Bombay Sapphire. There is much debate over whether the origin of this drink is American or European, but all agree that it’s classically delicious. Looking for more options? Check out our collection of the best spiked lemonade drinks for summer.
52/55
Vesper Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
The iconic martini ordered by James Bond in Casino Royale, the Vesper is a bracingly crisp combination of gin, vodka and Lillet (a French aperitif). Serve this classic shaken, not stirred, of course! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
This iconic drink is James Bond’s drink of choice. Also called a vesper martini, it is often requested to be shaken, not stirred. Made with a 3:1 ratio of gin and vodka with a touch of Lillet blanc aperitif, the drink is served straight up with a lemon twist.
53/55
Vodka Cranberry
From the Recipe Creator:
Simple and delicious, the name tells you all you need to know about this drink. With just two ingredients—vodka and cranberry juice—this Cape Cod cocktail creates a tart, sweet and sparkling sip. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
It doesn’t get more simple than a vodka cranberry. This staple bar order is made with just vodka, cranberry juice and a bit of lime.
54/55
Whiskey Sour
From the Recipe Creator:
An oldie but goodie, the classic whiskey sour combines the warm glow of whiskey with a sweet-tart pucker of lemon. The optional egg white adds a lovely frothy texture and richness. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
While the original whiskey sour is believed to have been created by sailors in the 18th century to help cure seasickness, scurvy and malnutrition, the recipe wasn’t officially penned until 1862. First written in The Bartender’s Guide, a whiskey sour is made with powdered sugar, seltzer, lemon juice and whiskey.
55/55
White Russian
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy coffee-flavored drink is a star at any occasion and perfect for any season. A White Russian is equally appropriate before or after dinner. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
This cocktail will forever be a part of American pop culture thanks to the film The Big Lebowski. Made with vodka, coffee liqueur and cream, the cream is often shaken before being poured over the other ingredients to enhance the creaminess of the drink.
