classic cocktails EVERY HOME BARTENDER NEEDS TO KNOW

WRITTEN BY SCOTT VAN DORT

By now, you’ve probably read our articles on Essential Bartending Tools, Drink Measurements, How to Double Strain a Cocktail, and the different types of cocktail glasses. Great! You’re in good shape. 

Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time for the fun part. You’ve got the tools, you’ve got the ingredients, now it’s time to make some drinks. But where to begin? What cocktails should you make to impress your guests?

No matter the occasion—whether it’s a cocktail party, New Years Eve, or Thanksgiving – we’ve put together a list of essential cocktails, including classic cocktails and crowd pleasing cocktails that every home bartender should know. 

In fact, for generations, bartenders around the world have been shaking, stirring, and putting their own twists on these timeless drinks. Now, it’s your turn to join the party!

Here are 17 classic cocktail recipes to try!

Mojito
Loved all around the world and regarded by Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador, as “The King of Summer” and “The King of Drinks”.

The Mojito is a delicious blend of Fresh Mint, zesty Lime Juice, and smooth Light Rum, topped with a splash of Soda Water. We’ll go so far as to say that every party is guaranteed to be a hit when you serve Mojitos. Here’s how to make a Mojito cocktail.

Moscow Mule
A blend of Vodka, Ginger Beer, and Lime, served in an iconic Copper Mug, the Moscow Mule is an easy-to-make cocktail that goes way beyond its three ingredients. This crowd-pleaser is as much about style as it is about flavor. Mix one and you’ll have your friends singing your praises all day, all night. Learn how to make a classic Moscow Mule.

Manhattan
One of the most famous cocktails of all time. As Rico explains it, the Manhattan is “An easy drink to make but a difficult drink to master.” Being a spirit-forward cocktail, you get all the flavors and aromas of the Rye Whisky, the flavors and aromas of the sweet Vermouth rich, complex flavor profile. Turn any evening into an occasion with a Manhattan. Discover our Manhattan cocktail recipe.

Daiquiri
The Daiquiri is a timeless classic that celebrates the Trinity of Cuba: Rum, Lime, and Sugar. Trust us, you can never go wrong with that trio. Originating in the early 1900s, the Daiquiri is a simple yet elegant drink that brings a taste of Cuba to any occasion. Here’s how to make a classic Daiquiri.

Espresso Martini
The most popular cocktail here at Absolut Drinks and for good reason. The classic Espresso Martini is two parts Absolut Vodka, 1 part Kahlúa, and 1 part Freshly Brewed Espresso – a combination that has won the hearts of cocktail lovers all across the world. The ultimate after-dinner cocktail. Discover our Espresso Martini recipe.

Vodka Martini
Also known as the Vodkatini, the Vodka Martini is another iconic cocktail that every home bartender should know, especially when you want to add some sophistication to your evening. All you need to make one is some chilled Vodka, a splash of Dry Vermouth, and a garnish of Lemon Zest and a Green Olive. Simple and elegant, here’s how to make a Vodka Martini.

Ramos Gin Fizz
A Ramos Gin Fizz is a classic in its own right, featuring the same ingredients as a traditional Gin Fizz, but with the addition of Egg White and Cream. This transforms it into a thick, creamy cocktail that is both floral and bright, perfectly balancing sweet and sour, and boasting an oh-so-smooth mouthfeel. Discover how to make a Ramos Gin Fizz with this recipe.

Caipiroska
Why complicate things when something so simple can be so good? The Caipiroska is a cocktail that’s particularly popular in Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina, made with Crushed Ice, Absolut Vodka, Simple Syrup
, and Fresh Wedges Lime Wedges. That’s all it is…and yet more. Learn how to make a Caipiroska with our recipe.

Old Fashioned
While it might seem intimidating due to its legendary status, an Old Fashioned is deceivingly simple to make. With just a few ingredients—Bourbon, Simple Syrup, and Bitters, garnished with an Orange twist— it’s the perfect cocktail to set the mood for an upscale evening and impress your guests with minimal effort. See our recipe to learn how to make an Old Fashioned.

Bloody Mary
A staple at brunches all over the world, there’s no cocktail quite like the Bloody Mary. With its tangy Tomato base, zesty, spicy kick, and over-the-top garnishes, it’s the ultimate savory cocktail. 

One of the best things about the Bloody Mary is that everyone has their own preferred way to drink and make it. So, if you’re hosting a party, one fun idea is to let your guests garnish their drinks themselves. Learn how to make a classic Bloody Mary cocktail.

Vodka Cranberry
A two-ingredient drink so simple that Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador, can make it with his eyes closed. Don’t believe us? Watch this video. 

But simple doesn’t mean it’s not delicious. The Vodka Cranberry boasts a crisp, refreshing taste with the tartness and subtle sweetness of Cranberry Juice perfectly balancing the smooth, clean flavor of Absolut Vodka. Effortlessly cool and perfect for any occasion. Here’s how to make a Vodka Cranberry.

Margarita
The Margarita is not only the most popular Tequila-based cocktail but one of the world’s most popular cocktails in the world, period. Served in its signature bowl-like glass with a salted rim, whenever you’re sipping a Margarita, you’re reminded that it’s always sunny somewhere. An easy, crowd-pleasing cocktail that works any time, every time. Discover our Margarita cocktail recipe.

The Greyhound
If you love Grapefruit, then it’s a given that you’ll love the Greyhound. A zesty, two-ingredient classic that mixes Vodka with tangy Grapefruit Juice to perfection. Don’t be deceived by its simplicity; it’s bursting with citrusy goodness and perfect for any occasion. Here’s how to make a Greyhound cocktail.

French 75
A classic cocktail made with Gin, Champagne, Lemon Juice, and Sugar, perfect when you want to add some elegance  to any home soirée. Although this bubbly classic dates back to World War I, its crisp, citrusy taste and sparkling finish make the French 75 a timeless favorite. See our French 75 cocktail recipe.

Vesper Martini
A suave, sophisticated cocktail made famous by a fictional British Secret Service agent, the Vesper Martini blends Gin, Vodka, and Lillet Blanc, offering a smooth, slightly floral flavor with a crisp finish. Perfect for adding a touch of class to their evening. Just remember, it should be shaken, not stirred. Here’s how to make a classic Vesper Martini.

Tom Collins
Originating in the late 1800s, the Tom Collins is the definition of a classic cocktail. A fizzy delight blending Gin, Lemon Juice, Sugar, and Soda Water, it’s guaranteed crowd pleaser with its bright, citrusy flavors and bubbly finish. A perfect cocktail for afternoons in the sun and, well, any gathering. Here’s how to make a Tom Collins.

Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan is one beloved cocktail and yet again one of the most popular drinks in the world. Made with Absolut Citron (Lemon-Flavored Vodka) Cranberry Juice, Triple Sec, and Lime Juice, the “Cosmo” is a symbol of modern cocktail culture. 

Be it a summer party, brunch or something more sophisticated, the Cosmopolitan is always a perfect choice. Trust us, you can never go wrong when you serve a Cosmo. Discover our Cosmopolitan recipe.