Mixed drinks are a fun way to liven up any party or gathering. They combine different alcohols, juices, and other ingredients to create tasty beverages.
You can easily make many popular mixed drinks at home with just a few simple ingredients.
There are mixed drinks to suit all tastes and occasions. Some are sweet and fruity, while others are strong and spirit-forward.
Classic options like margaritas and mojitos are always crowd-pleasers. Trying new mixed drink recipes is a great way to expand your bartending skills.
1. Mojito
The mojito is a classic Cuban cocktail that’s perfect for hot summer days. You’ll love its refreshing blend of white rum, lime juice, sugar, mint leaves, and club soda.
To make a mojito, muddle fresh mint leaves with sugar and lime juice in a glass.
Add white rum and ice, then top with club soda.
Give it a quick stir and garnish with a sprig of mint.
For a pitcher version, simply scale up the ingredients. Muddle the mint, sugar, and lime juice in a large container.
Add rum and chill until ready to serve. Top with club soda just before pouring.
You can customize your mojito by using different fruits or herbs. Try adding strawberries, raspberries, or even cucumber for a twist on the classic recipe.
2. Margarita
The margarita is a beloved cocktail that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice.
The classic recipe uses a 3-2-1 ratio. That’s 3 parts tequila, 2 parts orange liqueur, and 1 part lime juice.
Fill a shaker with ice and add the ingredients. Shake well until the outside gets frosty.
Rim a glass with salt if you like. Pour the drink over fresh ice. Add a lime wedge for garnish.
You can adjust the sweetness by adding a bit of simple syrup. Some people prefer their margaritas on the rocks, while others like them blended.
3. Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that’s stood the test of time. You’ll love its simplicity and bold flavors. To make one, you’ll need bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar, and bitters.
Start by adding sugar and bitters to a glass. Mix them well.
Next, pour in your whiskey of choice. Add ice and stir until chilled.
For a finishing touch, garnish with an orange peel. Some people like to add a cherry too. The orange oils add a nice aroma and subtle citrus flavor.
This drink is perfect for sipping slowly and savoring. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking by using more or less sugar.
4. Bloody Mary
The Bloody Mary is a classic cocktail known for its savory flavor and ability to cure hangovers. You make it by mixing vodka with tomato juice and various seasonings.
To craft a Bloody Mary, combine vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce in a glass.
Add salt, pepper, and horseradish to taste.
Garnish your drink with a celery stick, lemon wedge, or olives. Some bars get creative with toppings like shrimp or beef sticks.
You can customize your Bloody Mary by adjusting the spiciness or swapping vodka for gin. For a non-alcoholic version, simply leave out the spirits.
5. Piña Colada
The Piña Colada is a tropical favorite that will transport you to a beach paradise. This creamy cocktail blends white rum, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut.
To make one, you’ll need a blender. Combine 2 ounces of rum, 3 ounces of pineapple juice, and 1 ounce of cream of coconut with ice. Blend until smooth and frothy.
Pour your Piña Colada into a hurricane glass. For extra flair, garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry. You can also add a splash of lime juice for a tangy twist.
For a non-alcoholic version, simply skip the rum. The result is just as refreshing and perfect for hot summer days.
6. Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan is a popular vodka-based cocktail. You’ll find it’s a mix of vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
To make one, shake 1.5 oz vodka, 1 oz triple sec, 0.5 oz lime juice, and 1 oz cranberry juice with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
For a twist, try swapping the vodka for gin or using different fruit juices. Watermelon juice can add a fresh summer flavor.
The drink gained fame in the 1990s. It’s known for its pretty pink color and sweet-tart taste. You can garnish it with a lime wheel or orange peel for extra flair.
7. Manhattan
The Manhattan is a classic cocktail that combines whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. It’s a strong, sophisticated drink that you can easily make at home.
To craft a Manhattan, you’ll need rye whiskey or bourbon, sweet vermouth, and aromatic bitters. Mix these ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir until chilled.
Strain the drink into a chilled cocktail glass. You can garnish it with a cherry or a twist of lemon peel for extra flair.
The Manhattan’s flavor is rich and complex. The whiskey provides a strong base, while the vermouth adds sweetness and the bitters bring depth. It’s a perfect choice for sipping slowly and savoring each taste.
8. Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail that balances the bold flavors of whiskey with tangy lemon juice and sweet simple syrup. You can use bourbon or rye whiskey as the base.
To make a Whiskey Sour, mix 2 ounces of whiskey, 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice, and 3/4 ounce of simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
For a silky texture, you can add an egg white before shaking. This creates a frothy top layer. Garnish your drink with a cherry and an orange slice for a pop of color.
The Whiskey Sour is perfect for sipping on a warm evening or as an after-dinner drink. Its mix of sweet and sour flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser.
9. Mai Tai
The Mai Tai is a classic tiki cocktail that brings tropical vibes to your glass. You’ll love its balanced blend of rum, citrus, and almond flavors.
To make a Mai Tai, you’ll need white rum, dark rum, lime juice, orange curaçao, and orgeat syrup. Shake the ingredients with ice and strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.
For the best taste, use high-quality aged rum. Some bartenders prefer to float the dark rum on top for a showy presentation.
Garnish your Mai Tai with a mint sprig and a lime wedge. This cocktail is perfect for sipping by the pool or enjoying at a backyard luau.
10. Singapore Sling
The Singapore Sling is a classic cocktail with a rosy hue and refreshing taste. It was created at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore in the early 1900s.
To make this drink, you’ll need gin, cherry liqueur, Bénédictine, orange curaçao, lime juice, and grenadine. Mix these ingredients with ice in a shaker.
Pour the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice. Top it off with a splash of club soda for some fizz. Garnish with a cherry and a slice of pineapple.
The Singapore Sling is perfect for summer parties or casual get-togethers. Its fruity flavor and pretty color make it a crowd-pleaser.
11. Daiquiri
The Daiquiri is a refreshing rum-based cocktail that’s perfect for warm days. You’ll need white rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup to make this classic drink.
To create a Daiquiri, mix 2 ounces of rum, 1 ounce of lime juice, and 3/4 ounce of simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.
You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less syrup to suit your taste. For a frozen version, blend the ingredients with ice until smooth.
Try different fruit variations like strawberry or banana to mix things up. The Daiquiri’s simplicity makes it a great base for experimenting with flavors.
12. Martini
The martini is a classic cocktail that’s both simple and sophisticated. You can make it with gin or vodka, mixed with dry vermouth.
To prepare a martini, stir the spirits with ice in a mixing glass. Then strain it into a chilled glass. You can garnish it with an olive or a lemon twist.
The ratio of alcohol to vermouth is key. A dry martini has less vermouth, while a wet one has more. You can adjust this to suit your taste.
For a twist, try a chocolate martini. Mix vanilla vodka with white chocolate liqueur and cream. It’s a sweet treat that’s easy to make at home.
13. Gin and Tonic
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 for garnish.
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour in 2 ounces of gin, then top it off with 4 to 6 ounces of tonic water. The ratio can be adjusted to your taste.
Gently stir the drink to mix the ingredients. Squeeze a lime wedge into the glass and drop it in for extra flavor.
For a twist, try different gin varieties or flavored tonic waters. You can also experiment with garnishes like cucumber slices or herbs.
Gin and tonic is perfect for warm days or as a pre-dinner drink. It’s a versatile cocktail that you can easily customize to your liking.
14. Rum Punch
Rum punch is a classic tropical cocktail that will transport you to a sunny beach. This refreshing drink blends light and dark rum with fruit juices for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
To make rum punch, mix white and dark rum with pineapple, orange, and lime juices.
Add a splash of grenadine for color and sweetness. Pour over ice and garnish with fresh fruit slices.
You can customize your rum punch by adjusting the proportions of juices or adding coconut rum for a tropical twist. Serve it in a hurricane glass for a festive touch at your next party.
15. Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea is a potent cocktail that packs a punch. It combines vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and triple sec with lemon juice and cola.
To make one, fill a tall glass with ice. Add 1/2 ounce each of vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and triple sec.
Pour in 1 ounce of lemon juice and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup.
Top the drink with cola and stir gently. The cola gives it a tea-like color, hence the name. Garnish with a lemon slice if you like.
Despite its strength, a well-made Long Island Iced Tea is surprisingly smooth. Sip it slowly to enjoy the complex mix of flavors.
16. Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is a refreshing cocktail that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer.
To create this drink, fill a copper mug with ice. Add 2 ounces of vodka and 1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice. Top it off with chilled ginger beer.
Give it a quick stir and garnish with a lime wheel. The copper mug isn’t just for looks – it helps keep your drink cold.
This cocktail has a crisp, zesty flavor that’s perfect for warm days. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.
17. Tequila Sunrise
The Tequila Sunrise is a colorful and refreshing cocktail that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup.
To create this drink, fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in 2 ounces of tequila and 4 ounces of orange juice. Stir gently to combine.
Slowly add 1/2 ounce of grenadine syrup by pouring it down the side of the glass. This will create the signature sunrise effect.
Don’t stir after adding the grenadine. The layered look is part of the drink’s charm. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry if you like.
The Tequila Sunrise became popular in the 1970s. Its striking appearance and fruity taste make it a favorite for many cocktail lovers.
18. Sex on the Beach
Sex on the Beach is a popular fruity cocktail that’s perfect for summer sipping. You’ll love its sweet and refreshing taste.
To make this drink, you’ll need vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, and orange juice. Mix these ingredients in a tall glass filled with ice.
The bright colors and fruity flavors make it an eye-catching and delicious choice. It’s often served at beach bars and tropical resorts.
You can garnish your Sex on the Beach with an orange slice or cherry for extra flair. This cocktail is easy to make and sure to be a hit at your next party.
19. Screwdriver
The Screwdriver is a simple yet popular cocktail. You only need two ingredients to make it: vodka and orange juice.
To prepare a Screwdriver, fill a highball glass with ice. Pour in vodka, then top it off with orange juice. Stir the drink to mix the ingredients well.
For the best flavor, use fresh-squeezed orange juice and good quality vodka. The typical ratio is 1 part vodka to 2 parts orange juice, but you can adjust this to your taste.
The Screwdriver is perfect for brunch or as a refreshing drink on a warm day. You can easily make it at home or order it at most bars.
20. Tom Collins
The Tom Collins is a classic gin cocktail that’s perfect for warm days. It’s easy to make and very refreshing.
To create this drink, you’ll need gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda.
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
Pour in 1.5 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of lemon juice, and 0.5 ounces of simple syrup. Stir these ingredients together.
Top off the glass with club soda and give it another quick stir.
For a nice finishing touch, garnish with a lemon wheel or maraschino cherry.
The Tom Collins has a bright, citrusy flavor balanced by the botanical notes of the gin. It’s a great choice for summer parties or relaxing on the porch.
21. Caipirinha
The Caipirinha is Brazil’s national cocktail. You make it with cachaça, lime, and sugar. Cachaça is a spirit made from sugarcane juice.
To mix a Caipirinha, cut a lime into wedges. Put the wedges in a glass with sugar.
Muddle them to release the lime juice. This helps mix the sugar and lime flavors.
Next, add ice to the glass.
Pour in the cachaça and stir well.
The drink is usually served in an old-fashioned glass. You can garnish it with a lime wedge if you like.
22. Pisco Sour
The Pisco Sour is a classic cocktail from Peru. It combines pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and bitters.
Pisco is a grape brandy made in Peru and Chile. It gives the drink a unique flavor that’s different from other spirits.
To make a Pisco Sour, you’ll shake pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white with ice. Then strain it into a glass and add a few drops of bitters on top.
The egg white creates a smooth, foamy texture. The lime juice balances the sweetness of the syrup. Angostura bitters add a nice aroma and flavor to finish the drink.
23. Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is a classic cocktail that’s perfect for sipping on warm days. You’ll need bourbon, fresh mint, sugar, and crushed ice to make this refreshing drink.
Start by muddling mint leaves with sugar in a julep cup or glass. This releases the mint’s oils and flavors.
Add bourbon and fill the cup with crushed ice.
Stir gently until the outside of the cup frosts over.
Top with more crushed ice and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
The Mint Julep is famous for being the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less sugar.
24. Black Russian
The Black Russian is a simple yet elegant cocktail. You only need two ingredients to make it: vodka and coffee liqueur.
To prepare this drink, fill a glass with ice.
Pour in 2 parts vodka and 1 part coffee liqueur. Stir gently to mix the ingredients.
The Black Russian has a rich, dark color that matches its name. It offers a smooth blend of flavors, with the vodka providing a kick and the coffee liqueur adding sweetness.
You can customize this drink by adjusting the ratio of vodka to coffee liqueur. Some people prefer a stronger taste, while others like it sweeter.
25. White Russian
The White Russian is a creamy, sweet cocktail that combines vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream. It’s easy to make and perfect for sipping after dinner.
To mix a White Russian, fill a glass with ice.
Pour in 2 ounces of vodka and 1 ounce of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa. Top it off with 1 ounce of heavy cream.
You can adjust the ratio to suit your taste.
For a lighter version, try using milk instead of cream. If you prefer a vegan option, coconut milk works well too.
The White Russian gained popularity after appearing in the movie “The Big Lebowski.” It’s now a classic cocktail enjoyed by many.
26. Negroni
The Negroni is a classic Italian cocktail known for its bold flavor and striking red color. You’ll find it’s easy to make with just three ingredients in equal parts: gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
To prepare a Negroni, combine 1 ounce each of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass filled with ice.
Stir the mixture for about 30 seconds until it’s well-chilled.
Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
For the finishing touch, garnish with an orange peel. Express the oils from the peel over the drink to add a burst of citrus aroma.
The Negroni offers a perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and herbal notes. It’s a popular choice for those who enjoy strong, complex flavors in their drinks.
27. Sidecar
The Sidecar is a classic cocktail that blends cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice. It’s easy to make and has a balanced flavor profile.
To mix a Sidecar, combine 2 ounces of cognac, 1 ounce of Cointreau or triple sec, and 3/4 ounce of fresh lemon juice in a shaker with ice.
Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
For an extra touch, rim the glass with sugar before pouring. This adds a sweet contrast to the drink’s tartness.
You can adjust the ratios to suit your taste. Some prefer a drier version with more cognac, while others like it sweeter with more orange liqueur.
28. Sazerac
The Sazerac is a classic cocktail from New Orleans. You’ll love its bold, spirit-forward flavor. To make it, you need rye whiskey or Cognac, absinthe, sugar, and Peychaud’s bitters.
Start by coating a chilled glass with absinthe.
In another glass, muddle sugar with bitters.
Add your chosen spirit and ice, then stir well.
Strain the mixture into the absinthe-coated glass.
Squeeze a lemon peel over the drink to release its oils. You can drop the peel in or discard it.
The Sazerac has a complex taste. You’ll notice hints of anise from the absinthe and a touch of sweetness. It’s a strong drink, perfect for sipping slowly.
29. Hurricane
The Hurricane is a sweet and fruity rum cocktail that packs a punch. It’s a signature drink of New Orleans that will transport you to Bourbon Street.
To make a Hurricane, you’ll need light rum, dark rum, passion fruit juice, orange juice, and lime juice.
Add grenadine for color and sweetness.
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a tall, curved glass.
Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry for a tropical touch.
This vibrant cocktail is perfect for parties or sipping by the pool. Its fruity flavors mask the high alcohol content, so drink responsibly.
30. Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a cool, refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for hot summer days. It gets its bright blue color from blue curaçao liqueur.
To make a Blue Lagoon, you’ll need vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade.
Fill a shaker with ice and add 2 oz vodka, 1 oz blue curaçao, and 1 oz lemon juice.
Shake the mixture well until it’s cold.
Strain it into a tall glass filled with ice.
Top it off with lemonade to taste.
For a pretty garnish, add a lemon wheel and maraschino cherry. The Blue Lagoon has a sweet, citrusy flavor that’s easy to drink.
31. Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz is a popular Italian cocktail perfect for warm days. You’ll love its bright orange color and refreshing taste.
To make it, mix Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water in a 3-2-1 ratio.
Pour the ingredients over ice in a large wine glass.
Aperol gives the drink its unique bittersweet flavor. It’s lighter than Campari, making it more approachable for many people.
Add an orange slice for garnish.
This cocktail is great before dinner to stimulate your appetite. You can enjoy it at outdoor cafes or make it at home for a taste of Italy.
32. Cuba Libre
The Cuba Libre is a simple yet tasty cocktail. You’ll need light rum, cola, and lime juice to make this drink.
Fill a tall glass with ice.
Pour in 2 ounces of light rum. Add 4 ounces of cola and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Stir gently to mix the ingredients.
Garnish with a lime wedge for extra flavor and visual appeal.
For a twist, try using different types of rum. Dark or spiced rum can add more depth to the drink.
You can adjust the ratio of rum to cola to suit your taste. Some prefer a stronger drink with more rum, while others like it milder.
33. French 75
The French 75 is a classic cocktail that blends gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and champagne. It’s a refreshing and elegant drink that’s perfect for celebrations.
To make a French 75, you’ll need gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and chilled champagne.
Shake the gin, lemon juice, and syrup with ice, then strain into a flute.
Top with champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.
You can try variations of this cocktail by using different spirits or adding fruit juices.
For a festive twist, try using pomegranate juice or French cider instead of champagne.
The French 75 is easy to make and impressive to serve. It’s a great choice for parties or special occasions.
34. Bellini
The Bellini is a classic Italian cocktail that blends peach and sparkling wine. You’ll love this refreshing drink for brunch or summer parties.
To make a Bellini, you need peach puree and Prosecco.
Start by adding 2 ounces of peach puree to a champagne flute. Then gently pour 4 ounces of chilled Prosecco on top.
For the best flavor, use white peaches when they’re in season.
You can make your own puree by blending peeled peaches until smooth. Store-bought peach puree works well too.
The Bellini was created in the 1930s or 1940s at Harry’s Bar in Venice, Italy. It gets its name from a 15th-century Venetian painter.
35. Paloma
The Paloma is a refreshing Mexican cocktail that’s perfect for warm days. It combines tequila with grapefruit soda for a crisp, citrusy flavor.
To make a Paloma, you’ll need tequila, grapefruit soda, lime juice, and ice.
Start by filling a tall glass with ice.
Pour in 2 ounces of tequila and the juice of half a lime.
Top the glass with grapefruit soda and give it a gentle stir.
For extra flair, rim the glass with salt before adding the ingredients.
Garnish with a lime wedge or grapefruit slice.
You can adjust the ratios to suit your taste. Some versions add a pinch of salt directly to the drink for more depth.
36. Vesper
The Vesper is a strong cocktail made famous by James Bond. It mixes gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano.
To make a Vesper, you’ll need 3 oz gin, 1 oz vodka, and 0.5 oz Lillet Blanc.
Add the ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir well.
Strain the drink into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist for a citrusy aroma.
The Vesper has a bold, boozy flavor. Its high alcohol content makes it a potent choice. Sip slowly to enjoy the complex blend of botanicals and subtle fruit notes.
History of Mixed Drinks
Mixed drinks have a rich and colorful past spanning centuries. They’ve evolved from simple medicinal concoctions to complex, artfully crafted libations enjoyed worldwide.
Origins of Cocktail Culture
The word “cocktail” first appeared in print in 1806. It described a mix of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters.
Early mixed drinks were often medicinal, used to mask the harsh taste of alcohol or cure ailments.
In the 19th century, bartenders began experimenting with new combinations. They added fruits, herbs, and spices to create unique flavors.
The British Navy played a role too, developing drinks like pink gin to settle upset stomachs at sea.
By 1869, recipe books featuring mixed drinks based on ale, spirits, and spices became popular. This marked the start of a more creative approach to mixology.
Evolution of Mixology
The Golden Age of Cocktails lasted from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. During this time, bartenders got really creative with their drink recipes. They invented many classics we still enjoy today.
Prohibition in the 1920s pushed cocktail culture underground. Speakeasies became hotspots for innovative mixed drinks. Bartenders had to get clever to mask the taste of low-quality bootleg liquor.
After Prohibition ended, the Tiki craze took off in the mid-20th century. Exotic, tropical-themed drinks became all the rage.
Today, we’re in a Cocktail Renaissance. There’s renewed interest in classic recipes and craft bartending. You can find skilled mixologists creating both traditional and innovative drinks in bars worldwide.
Principles of Mixing Drinks
Making great mixed drinks requires skill and knowledge. You need to understand how flavors work together and use the right amounts of each ingredient.
Balancing Flavors
Balancing flavors is key to creating tasty cocktails. You want a mix of sweet, sour, bitter, and strong elements.
Too much of one flavor can overpower the drink.
Start with the base spirit, then add sweetness from syrups or liqueurs. Balance this with sour notes from citrus juices.
A dash of bitters can add depth.
Taste as you go and adjust the ratios. Remember that ice will dilute the drink, so make it a bit stronger than you want the final product to be.
Understanding Cocktail Ratios
Cocktail ratios help you make consistently good drinks. The most common ratio is 2:1:1 – two parts spirit, one part sweet, one part sour. This works for many classic cocktails like the Margarita or Daiquiri.
For stronger drinks, try 3:2:1. Martinis often use 5:1 gin to vermouth.
Some tips:
- Use a jigger to measure accurately
- Start with proven ratios, then tweak to your taste
- Write down your recipes to recreate successful drinks
- Consider the proof of your spirits when adjusting ratios
With practice, you’ll develop a sense for the right proportions in your cocktails.
Popular Ingredients in Mixed Drinks
Mixed drinks use a variety of ingredients to create tasty cocktails. These components fall into two main categories: spirits and mixers.
Each plays a key role in crafting delicious drinks.
Spirits and Liquors
Vodka is a popular base for many cocktails. Its neutral flavor mixes well with fruit juices and sodas.
Gin adds a botanical taste to drinks like martinis and gin and tonics.
Rum comes in light and dark varieties. Light rum works in mojitos and daiquiris. Dark rum gives richness to tropical drinks like mai tais.
Whiskey includes bourbon, scotch, and rye. These add depth to classics like old fashioneds and whiskey sours.
Tequila brings a distinctive flavor to margaritas and palomas.
Liqueurs add sweetness and flavor. Popular options are Kahlua for coffee drinks, triple sec for citrus notes, and Baileys for creamy cocktails.
Mixers and Garnishes
Fruit juices are key mixers. Orange, cranberry, and pineapple juices feature in many drinks.
Lemon and lime juice add tartness to balance sweet flavors.
Sodas like tonic water, club soda, and ginger ale create fizzy cocktails. Cola mixes well with rum and whiskey.
Simple syrup sweetens drinks without adding flavor. Grenadine gives a fruity sweetness and red color to cocktails.
Bitters add complexity in small amounts. Angostura bitters are common in many classic drinks.
Garnishes finish a cocktail. Lemon and lime wedges, orange peels, and cherries are popular choices.
Olives are a must for martinis, while mint leaves are key for mojitos.