Cocktails are a fun way to spice up your next party or relax after a long day. With so many options, it can be hard to know where to start.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of 31 great cocktail recipes for you to try.
These drinks range from classic favorites to creative new mixes, giving you plenty of choices for any occasion. Whether you like sweet, sour, or strong drinks, you’ll find something to love.
We’ve included easy-to-follow steps so you can make these tasty cocktails at home without any fuss.
1. Mojito
The mojito is a refreshing Cuban cocktail perfect for warm days. You’ll need white rum, lime juice, sugar, mint leaves, and club soda.
Start by muddling mint leaves with sugar and lime juice in a glass. This releases the mint oils and flavors.
Add white rum and ice, then top with club soda.
For the best taste, use fresh ingredients. Squeeze your own lime juice and pick mint leaves right before making the drink.
Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less sugar.
Garnish your mojito with a sprig of mint and a lime wheel. Enjoy this cool, minty drink while relaxing on a hot afternoon.
2. Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail you should try at least once. It’s simple to make and tastes great.
To create this drink, you’ll need bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar, bitters, and ice.
Start by adding sugar and bitters to a glass and mixing them.
Next, pour in the whiskey and add a large ice cube. Stir gently to combine the flavors.
For a finishing touch, twist an orange peel over the glass and drop it in.
Some people like to add a cherry for extra sweetness. The Old Fashioned is best enjoyed slowly, allowing the ice to melt and mellow the flavors over time.
3. Margarita
The margarita is a classic cocktail that’s perfect for sipping on a warm day. To make one, you’ll need tequila, lime juice, and triple sec.
Start by rimming a glass with salt. Fill a shaker with ice and add 2 oz tequila, 1 oz lime juice, and 1 oz triple sec.
Shake well and strain into your prepared glass.
For a frozen version, blend the ingredients with ice. You can also try fun variations like adding fruit purees or swapping in different citrus juices.
Experiment with flavored salts or sugar for the rim to complement your margarita. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy this refreshing drink.
4. Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan is a classic cocktail that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 1.5 oz vodka, 0.5 oz triple sec, 1 oz cranberry juice, and 0.5 oz lime juice.
Shake the mixture for about 30 seconds until it’s well chilled. Strain it into a chilled martini glass.
For a finishing touch, you can garnish your Cosmo with a lime wheel or orange peel. The bright pink color and tangy flavor make this drink a crowd-pleaser.
5. Mai Tai
The Mai Tai is a classic tiki cocktail that brings tropical vibes to your glass. This drink blends rum, lime juice, orange curaçao, and orgeat syrup for a balanced and refreshing taste.
To make a Mai Tai, mix white and dark rum with fresh lime juice. Add orange curaçao for sweetness and orgeat syrup for a nutty flavor. Shake with ice and strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.
Garnish your Mai Tai with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint. For an extra tropical touch, add a slice of pineapple or a cocktail umbrella. Enjoy this iconic drink and transport yourself to a sunny beach paradise.
6. Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail that balances the warmth of whiskey with the tartness of lemon. To make one, you’ll need whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
Add 2 ounces of whiskey, 3/4 ounce of lemon juice, and 1/2 to 3/4 ounce of simple syrup to a shaker with ice.
Shake for about 20 seconds until the shaker is cold.
Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice. For a frothy texture, you can add an egg white before shaking.
Garnish with a few drops of Angostura bitters on top.
You can use bourbon or rye whiskey based on your preference. Some recipes split the base between both for added complexity.
7. Pina Colada
The Pina Colada is a tropical cocktail that brings the taste of the Caribbean to your glass. This Puerto Rican drink combines rum, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut for a sweet and creamy treat.
To make a Pina Colada, blend white rum, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut with ice until smooth.
Pour the mixture into a hurricane glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry.
For a fresher taste, you can use frozen pineapple chunks instead of ice. This will give your drink more flavor without watering it down.
If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply skip the rum for a virgin Pina Colada that’s just as delicious.
8. Manhattan
The Manhattan is a classic cocktail that’s stood the test of time. You’ll love its rich, smooth flavor. To make one, you need whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
Start with 2 ounces of rye or bourbon whiskey. Add 1 ounce of sweet vermouth and a few dashes of Angostura bitters.
Stir these ingredients with ice until well-chilled.
Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass. For the finishing touch, add a maraschino cherry or lemon twist as a garnish.
You can try variations like the Perfect Manhattan. This uses both sweet and dry vermouth for a unique taste. The Scotch Manhattan swaps whiskey for Scotch, giving a smoky twist.
9. Daiquiri
The daiquiri is a refreshing rum cocktail that’s easy to make at home. You only need three ingredients: white rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup.
To mix a classic daiquiri, add 2 ounces rum, 1 ounce lime juice, and 3/4 ounce simple syrup to a shaker with ice.
Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.
You can adjust the sweetness to your taste by adding more or less syrup. For a frozen version, blend the ingredients with ice until smooth.
Garnish your daiquiri with a lime wheel or twist for extra zest. This versatile drink works well with different fruit flavors too.
10. Bloody Mary
The Bloody Mary is a classic brunch cocktail that packs a flavorful punch. To make one, mix vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, and spices in a shaker with ice.
Key ingredients include Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, horseradish, and celery salt.
Shake well and strain into a tall glass over ice.
Rim the glass with celery salt for extra flavor. Garnish with a celery stick, lemon wedge, and olives.
For variations, try using tequila instead of vodka for a Bloody Maria. Or add Old Bay seasoning for a unique twist. You can also customize the spice level to your liking.
11. Gin and Tonic
The gin and tonic is a classic cocktail that’s easy to make and refreshing to drink. You’ll need gin, tonic water, ice, and a lime wedge.
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour 2 ounces of gin over the ice.
Top it off with 4-5 ounces of tonic water.
Gently stir the drink to mix the ingredients. Squeeze a lime wedge into the glass and drop it in as a garnish.
For extra flavor, try adding a splash of grapefruit juice or elderflower liqueur. You can also experiment with different gins to find your favorite combination.
12. Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is a refreshing cocktail that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need vodka, ginger beer, lime juice, and ice.
Start by filling a copper mug or glass with ice. Pour in 2 ounces of vodka and 0.5 ounces of fresh lime juice.
Top it off with about 4 ounces of ginger beer. Stir gently to mix the ingredients together.
For a nice touch, garnish your Moscow Mule with a lime wheel or wedge. The copper mug isn’t required, but it helps keep the drink cold longer.
You can experiment with different flavors by adding muddled fruit or herbs. Some popular variations use different spirits like gin or whiskey instead of vodka.
13. Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is a refreshing bourbon-based cocktail perfect for warm days. To make one, you’ll need bourbon, fresh mint leaves, sugar, and crushed ice.
Start by muddling mint leaves with sugar in a julep cup or tall glass. This releases the mint’s oils and flavors.
Add bourbon and stir to combine.
Fill the glass with crushed ice and stir gently. Top with more ice until it forms a mound above the rim.
Garnish with a fresh mint sprig.
The cold ice and bright mint complement the bourbon’s warmth. Sip slowly to enjoy the drink’s evolving flavors as the ice melts.
14. Tequila Sunrise
The Tequila Sunrise is a colorful and refreshing cocktail that’s easy to make. You’ll need tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup.
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour in 2 ounces of tequila and 4 ounces of orange juice. Stir gently to mix.
Slowly pour 1/2 ounce of grenadine down the side of the glass. It will sink to the bottom, creating a sunrise effect.
Don’t stir after adding the grenadine.
Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry. You can use fresh-squeezed orange juice for a more vibrant flavor. This drink is perfect for summer parties or relaxing by the pool.
15. Sidecar
The Sidecar is a classic cocktail that combines cognac, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice. It’s a tangy and refreshing drink that’s perfect for any occasion.
To make a Sidecar, you’ll need 2 ounces of cognac, 1 ounce of Cointreau or triple sec, and 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Shake these ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
For an extra touch, you can sugar the rim of your glass. Run a lemon wedge around the edge and dip it in superfine sugar.
This adds a sweet contrast to the drink’s tartness.
Garnish your Sidecar with a lemon or orange twist to add a pop of citrus aroma. Enjoy this sophisticated cocktail and impress your guests with your mixology skills.
16. French 75
The French 75 is a classy cocktail that mixes gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Champagne. It’s a refreshing drink perfect for celebrations.
To make one, shake 1 oz gin, 0.5 oz lemon juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup with ice. Strain into a chilled Champagne flute.
Top the glass with about 3 oz of Champagne or sparkling wine. Garnish with a lemon twist for a fancy touch.
You can adjust the sweetness by changing the amount of simple syrup. Some versions use cognac instead of gin for a different flavor.
The French 75 is great for New Year’s Eve parties or fancy brunches. Its bubbly nature and bright taste make it a crowd-pleaser.
17. Singapore Sling
The Singapore Sling is a fruity gin cocktail with a tropical twist. You’ll need gin, cherry liqueur, Benedictine, and orange liqueur as the base spirits.
Mix these with pineapple juice, lime juice, and a dash of Angostura bitters. Shake the ingredients well with ice to chill and combine them.
Pour the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice. Top it off with a splash of club soda for some fizz.
Garnish your Singapore Sling with a slice of pineapple or a maraschino cherry. This colorful drink is perfect for warm days or when you want a taste of the tropics.
18. Sazerac
The Sazerac is a classic New Orleans cocktail with a rich history. To make it, you’ll need rye whiskey, Peychaud’s bitters, sugar, and absinthe.
Start by chilling an old-fashioned glass with ice. In another glass, muddle a sugar cube with a few drops of water.
Add rye whiskey and Peychaud’s bitters to the sugar mixture.
Fill the glass with ice and stir until chilled. Discard the ice from the first glass and rinse it with absinthe.
Strain the whiskey mixture into the absinthe-rinsed glass.
Finish your Sazerac by twisting a lemon peel over the drink to release its oils. You can drop the peel in or discard it based on your preference.
19. Caipirinha
The Caipirinha is Brazil’s national cocktail. It’s a simple yet refreshing drink you can easily make at home.
To craft a Caipirinha, you’ll need cachaça, lime, sugar, and ice. Cachaça is a Brazilian spirit made from sugarcane juice.
Cut a lime into wedges and muddle them with sugar in a glass. Add crushed ice and pour in the cachaça. Stir well to mix all the ingredients.
You can try variations by using different fruits or swapping cachaça for vodka or rum. These changes create drinks like the Caipiroska or Caipirila.
20. White Russian
The White Russian is a creamy, indulgent cocktail that’s easy to make at home. You only need three ingredients: vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream.
To make one, fill a glass with ice. Pour in 2 ounces of vodka and 1 ounce of coffee liqueur.
Stir gently to combine. Top it off with 1 ounce of heavy cream.
You can float the cream on top or stir it in for a uniform look. The choice is yours.
This drink gained popularity after appearing in the movie “The Big Lebowski.” It’s perfect for sipping after dinner or as a dessert cocktail.
21. Dark and Stormy
The Dark and Stormy is a simple yet tasty cocktail. It combines dark rum, ginger beer, and lime juice.
To make this drink, fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in 2 ounces of dark rum and 4 ounces of ginger beer.
Squeeze in the juice of half a lime. Stir gently to mix the flavors.
Garnish with a lime wedge if you like. The Dark and Stormy is perfect for warm weather. It’s refreshing and easy to make.
You can adjust the rum amount to suit your taste. Try different brands of ginger beer to find your favorite mix. The spicier the ginger beer, the more kick your drink will have.
22. Negroni
The Negroni is a classic Italian cocktail with a bold flavor. To make one, you’ll need equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
Pour 1 ounce each of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth into a mixing glass filled with ice.
Stir well to chill and combine the ingredients. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
Garnish with an orange peel for a citrusy aroma. The Negroni has a bittersweet taste that wakes up your taste buds.
It’s perfect as an aperitif before dinner or anytime you want a sophisticated drink.
23. Bellini
The Bellini is a classic Italian cocktail perfect for brunch or summer sipping. You’ll need just two main ingredients: Prosecco and peach puree.
To make a Bellini, start with a chilled champagne flute. Pour in about 2 ounces of peach puree.
Then slowly add 4 ounces of cold Prosecco. Gently stir the drink to mix the ingredients.
The peachy color should remind you of a sunset. For a fancy touch, garnish with a slice of fresh peach.
If you can’t find peach puree, you can make your own. Peel and pit fresh peaches, then blend until smooth. Strain the mixture to remove any pulp.
24. Martini
The martini is a classic cocktail that’s simple yet sophisticated. You can make it with gin or vodka, mixed with dry vermouth.
The typical ratio is 2 1/2 ounces of alcohol to 1/2 ounce of vermouth. Adjust this to your taste preferences.
Garnish your martini with an olive or a lemon twist. For a “dirty” martini, add a splash of olive brine.
Shake or stir the ingredients with ice, then strain into a chilled martini glass. The key is to serve it very cold.
You can experiment with variations like the lemon drop martini for a sweet-sour twist, or try a chocolate truffle martini for a dessert-like treat.
25. Aviation
The Aviation cocktail is a classic gin-based drink with a beautiful lavender hue. To make it, you’ll need gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and fresh lemon juice.
Start by filling a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 2 ounces of gin, 1/2 ounce of maraschino liqueur, 1/4 ounce of crème de violette, and 3/4 ounce of lemon juice.
Shake the mixture well for about 15-20 seconds until it’s cold. Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass, like a coupe or martini glass.
For a finishing touch, you can garnish your Aviation with a brandied cherry or a twist of lemon peel. Enjoy this elegant and refreshing drink!
26. Paloma
The Paloma is a refreshing Mexican cocktail that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and grapefruit soda.
To make a Paloma, fill a glass with ice. Pour in 2 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of fresh grapefruit juice, and 1/2 ounce of lime juice.
Top it off with grapefruit soda and give it a gentle stir. For extra flavor, rim the glass with salt before adding the ingredients.
Garnish your drink with a grapefruit or lime wedge. You can adjust the sweetness by adding a splash of simple syrup if desired.
27. Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea is a potent cocktail that packs a punch. To make one, you’ll need vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and triple sec.
Mix these spirits with lemon juice and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice cubes.
Top it off with a splash of cola to give it that signature tea-like color. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
Garnish your Long Island Iced Tea with a lemon wedge or slice. Serve it with a straw and enjoy this boozy drink responsibly.
28. Black Russian
The Black Russian is a simple yet sophisticated cocktail. You only need two ingredients to make it: vodka and coffee liqueur.
To prepare this drink, fill a rocks glass with ice cubes. Pour 2 parts vodka over the ice, followed by 1 part coffee liqueur. Many bartenders use Kahlúa as the coffee liqueur of choice.
Stir the mixture well to combine the ingredients and chill the drink. The Black Russian offers a smooth blend of vodka’s kick and coffee’s rich flavor.
This cocktail is perfect for sipping after dinner or as a nightcap. You can easily adjust the ratio of vodka to coffee liqueur to suit your taste preferences.
29. Tom Collins
The Tom Collins is a classic gin cocktail that’s perfect for warm days. To make one, you’ll need gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda.
Start by filling a Collins glass with ice and putting it in the freezer to chill. This ensures your drink stays cold longer.
In a shaker, combine 1.5 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice, and 0.5 ounce of simple syrup. Add ice and shake well for 10-15 seconds.
Strain the mixture into your chilled glass. Top it off with club soda and give it a gentle stir.
For a finishing touch, you can garnish with a lemon wheel or maraschino cherry. This refreshing drink balances the botanical notes of gin with bright citrus and a hint of sweetness.
It’s easy to make and sure to impress your guests.
30. Vesper Martini
The Vesper Martini is a strong, elegant cocktail made famous by James Bond. You’ll need gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc to make this drink.
To prepare, fill a mixing glass with ice. Add 3 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of vodka, and 1/2 ounce of Lillet Blanc.
Stir the ingredients until they’re well chilled. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
For the finishing touch, garnish your Vesper with a lemon twist. The citrus oils from the peel will add a nice aroma to your drink.
This cocktail is best enjoyed ice cold. Sip it slowly to appreciate its complex flavors and smooth finish.
31. Hurricane
The Hurricane is a fruity rum cocktail that packs a punch. You’ll need light and dark rum, passion fruit juice, orange juice, lime juice, and grenadine.
To make it, fill a shaker with ice and add all the ingredients. Shake well for about 30 seconds until chilled.
Strain the mixture into a hurricane glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
This drink is sweet, tangy, and refreshing. It’s perfect for summer parties or anytime you want a taste of New Orleans.
Understanding Cocktail Ingredients
Cocktail ingredients can be broken down into two main categories. These ingredients work together to create balanced and flavorful drinks.
Liquors and Spirits
Liquors and spirits form the base of most cocktails. Common options include:
- Vodka: A clear, neutral spirit
- Gin: Flavored with juniper and other botanicals
- Rum: Made from sugarcane byproducts
- Whiskey: Includes bourbon, scotch, and rye
- Tequila: Distilled from agave plants
Each spirit has its own flavor profile. Vodka is neutral, while gin has herbal notes. Rum can be light or dark with varying sweetness. Whiskey offers smoky or caramel flavors. Tequila brings earthy, agave tastes.
Try different spirits to find your favorites. Start with small amounts in mixed drinks to get used to their flavors.
Mixers and Garnishes
Mixers and garnishes add flavors and visual appeal to cocktails. Common mixers include:
- Juices: Lemon, lime, orange, cranberry
- Sodas: Club soda, tonic water, ginger ale
- Syrups: Simple syrup, grenadine, flavored syrups
Garnishes can be:
- Citrus wedges or twists
- Fresh herbs like mint or basil
- Olives, cherries, or other fruits
- Salt or sugar rims
These elements balance the alcohol and add complexity. Citrus juices bring acidity. Sodas add bubbles and dilution. Syrups provide sweetness. Garnishes offer aroma and visual flair.
Experiment with different mixer and garnish combos. Small changes can create new flavor profiles in your drinks.
Tips for Perfect Cocktails
Making great cocktails is all about attention to detail. Focus on using quality ingredients and proper techniques to create drinks that look and taste amazing.
Balancing Flavors
Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Squeeze your own citrus juices and make simple syrups at home for the best taste. Measure ingredients carefully – even small changes can throw off the balance.
Start with classic ratios, then adjust to your taste.
Sweet, sour, strong, and weak are the four main elements to balance. A good rule of thumb is:
- 2 parts strong (base spirit)
- 1 part sweet (syrup or liqueur)
- 1 part sour (citrus juice)
- 1 part weak (soda or water)
Taste as you go and make small tweaks. Add bitters or herbs for complexity.
Remember that ice will dilute the drink, so make it slightly stronger than you want the final result.
Presentation and Glassware
Choose the right glass for each cocktail. Some common options:
- Coupe or martini glass for “up” drinks
- Rocks glass for spirit-forward cocktails
- Highball for tall, refreshing drinks
- Wine glass for sangria or spritzers
Chill glasses in the freezer before using. This keeps drinks colder longer.
Garnish with fresh fruit, herbs, or twists to add aroma and visual appeal. Use clear ice for a professional look.
Presentation matters, so take care with details like:
- Neat pour lines
- Perfectly cut citrus wheels
- Carefully placed garnishes
- Clean, polished glassware
A beautiful cocktail is more enjoyable and impressive to guests. With practice, you’ll develop an eye for cocktail aesthetics.