Last Updated on January 26, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford
When it comes to enjoying a cocktail, a lot goes on behind the scenes to prepare that perfect cocktail mix. A cocktail is typically made from liquor as its base and is further mixed with other ingredients such as liqueurs, juices, cream, spices, and other flavorings.
If you love your cocktail, you should also learn to appreciate the drink and learn more about it. So, click to read more about cocktail recipes to impress your friends.
The masterfully prepared cocktail
There are different types of cocktails, prepared in a particular manner and based on how much alcohol is in them. The carefully prepared drink with just the precise ingredients needs to be understood and appreciated.
Different kinds of liquors such as brandy, gin, rum, Tequila, arrack vodka, or Whiskey are used as the base of a cocktail. Sweetened liqueurs with other ingredients and garnishments are also used.
The n character of cocktails can vary based on the bartender and the region and how the drinks are prepared. The versatility of the cocktails allows you to explore a wide range of tastes.
Cocktails or Aperitif?
Do not get confused if served an aperitif as it is just a cocktail, a simple drink taken before a meal and looked upon as an appetizer as it stimulates the appetite. Since many customers and guests prefer a drink with appetizers just before the meal, the bartender or the host serves the right cocktail mixes or aperitifs.
The Mixology behind
Mixology is referred to as the fine art of making cocktails, and every bar and customer is looking for an expert and experienced mixologist. An expert knows how to create that perfect cocktail and take the drink to a new level. Today, hundreds and thousands of mixologists prepare thousands of different cocktails and each with a unique and fun name.
Leading restaurants and bars are known to boast their own signature drinks that are immensely popular among the customers. Moreover, there is something for everyone, whether you prefer elegant and refined drinks or are looking for something sweet or savory.
Different Liquors as the Main Ingredient
Any great cocktail rests on the key ingredient of the mix, the liquor. The liquor helps the guests decide on which cocktail to order as they browse the menu.
Basically, six essential base liquors are used to create different cocktails and a range of tastes. Vodka, Tequila, Gin, Rum, Whiskey, and Brandy are the foremost liquors that are commonly used in cocktails as the base.
- Vodka – Neutral alcohol taste and distilled from grains like rye, corn, and wheat
- Tequila – Sweet, spicy taste and distilled from grains Agave plant of the Americas
- Gin – Dry and slightly herbal taste and distilled from corn, rye, barley, or wheat grains
- Rum – Sweet, toasted taste and distilled from sugar cane or molasses
- Whiskey – Malted grain with roasted Equipment and distilled from rye, wheat, barley, or corn.
- Brandy – Sweet, fruity wine and distilled from apricots, cherries, or peaches
With so many options and flavors, it’s best to keep in mind what kind of liquor base you prefer and the type of flavors you want.
Some Of the Most Popular Cocktails
It is overwhelming to discuss the range and variety available in the drink when it comes to the cocktails. While some traditional and old-fashioned drinks are still the rage, many new versions have entered the scenes and are immensely popular.
If you visit a trendy bar or a popular restaurant, you will be handed a huge menu with plenty of cocktails. Cocktails are basically made with the liquors such as gin, rum, vodka, Whiskey.
Popular Gin Cocktails
Gin is loved because of its delicious and aromatic flavors such as citrus, juniper, coriander, and more. Craft distillers have made the drink even more popular as they create an array of flavorful cocktails infused with botanical profiles.
Given below are some of the most popular cocktails prepared with gin.
1. The Martini – A gin cocktail
The martini remains the most beloved cocktail, and it was popular with Winston Churchill too, who liked his martini dry. The traditional martini is made of gin and dry vermouth, and the cocktail is garnished with a Spanish olive and served in a chilled martini glass.
2. Negroni- sunset-Colored gin cocktail
The beautiful Negroni gets its flamboyant color from Campari, which is an aperitif suffused with aromatics and herbs. The conventional Negroni is made with equivalent parts of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth and garnished with an orange slice.
3. The Gimlet – The classic sour gin
Gimlet is made with equal parts of simple sweet syrup and fresh lime juice, which are added to two parts of gin. The cocktail is served in a freezing martini glass and garnished with a slice of lime.
4. Gin sour – A classic sour gin
The classic gin formula can vary based on if one is using lime juice or freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add equal parts of lemon juice and syrup to two parts of the gin. Shake to make Gin sour and serve it garnished with an orange slice.
5. Tom Collins – A light and bubbly drink
Tom Collins is made with gin, sugar, lemon juice, and carbonated water and served in Collins’s glassware and garnished with a festive maraschino cherry. Jerry Thomas, “the father of American mixology,” is behind this sparkling cocktail. The popular gin cocktail is both stylish and refreshing.
Rum Cocktails
Rum’s not just for tropical drinks, but there is plenty you can do with this spirit. The charm of rum is that it is available in a wide range of styles and is loved for its versatility. There is a rum out there for every palate, and one can prepare so many popular cocktails with the liquor.
6. Daiquiri – In a variety of blends
The classic daiquiri cocktail is made with two parts of rum, mixed with simple sweet syrup and lime juice, and served chilled and garnished with a lime wedge. As rum blends so well with different fruits, one comes across different daiquiri blended with different fruits.
For example, Strawberry daiquiris are the most popular, and one comes across different daiquiris blends made with pineapple juice, banana liqueur, lime juice, blackberry, mango, and brandy.
7. The Mojito – A classic fizz cocktail
The mojito is a drink that came from Havana, and cocktail makers have given new twists to the traditional mojito by adding different flavors and fruits. Typically, it is made with rum, mint, lime juice syrup, and soda. Enjoy it in a highball glass, served with ice and garnished with mint.
8. Piña Colada – A delicious rum cocktail
Piña colada is undoubtedly one of the most popular and the most delicious drinks. Prepared with rum, pineapple, and coconut cream, it is served in a hurricane glass and on the rocks.
9. Rum Punch – A tropical mainstay
Everybody loves rum punch made their way, and it is one of the oldest types of cocktails known, as it was first created in the 18th Century. The original punch was a mix of rum, spices, and citrus. Today, cocktail lovers try their own recipes to make rum punch.
10. Hot buttered rum- The deliciously hot rum
Enjoy a hot buttered rum to rein in those winter chills. Let the sweet combination of a buttery rum and hot water trickle down your throat and feel the warm sensation reaching out in every part of your body.
Vodka Cocktails
Hollywood discovered vodka somewhere in the 60s and 70s, and ever since, it has remained a premier spirit in America. Vodka is a popular base for cocktails because of its clean taste.
The ever-popular ingredient is used to prepare the following cocktails.
11. Vodka Martinis- A clean combination
The vodka martini is loved because of its simple and clean combination of vermouth and vodka. Classic vodka martinis are prepared the same way as the gin martini; only vodka replaces the gin here. True martinis are served in a chilled martini glass and garnished with an olive.
12. Bloody Mary – An ultra-fancy cocktail
The bloody Mary is a simple combination of vodka and tomato juice plus lemon juice, tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. The classic drink is served in a highball glass, garnished with a celery stalk, and on the rocks.
13. Cosmopolitan – The girls’ night out drink
Because of its pretty ruby color and sweet and tart flavors, Cosmopolitan has fast become a popular drink with the girls in the 21st Century. The ruby color comes from cranberry juice, while the freshly squeezed lime juice gives it that fresh flavor.
14. The lemon drop – An exciting vodka cocktail
The lemon drop has fast become a popular drink and is made from two parts of citron vodka and equal parts of lemon juice and syrup. It is served in a chilled martini glass, shaken with ice, and usually garnished with lemon.
15. Moscow mule – Flavorful and fresh drink
Invented by the Smirnoff company, the Moscow mule is a classic cocktail that is served. on the rocks in a copper mule cup. It is a delicious mix of vodka, ginger beer, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Craft mixologists create a range of mule flavors with fresh, in-season fruits and use flavored vodkas.
Whiskey Cocktails
Whisky, prepared from a base of grains and then aged in wood, gets a complex character. Some whiskey cocktails have always been in style, and you must try some of the most loved whiskey cocktails that are a rage with the customers.
16. Old-Fashioned – A tasty cocktail
Old-Fashioned cocktails are made with some Whiskey, sugar cube, bitters, and with just a splash of water, and ice, and a garnish of orange peel, it is ready to be served.
Cocktail lovers prefer the deliciously smokey undertone of the drink that is complimented by the sweetness of maraschino cherry and the tangy flavor of citrus.
17. Mint Julep – A bourbon-based cocktail
Mint Julep contains muddled mint, sugar, and bourbon and is also known as a smash. It is served in chilled glasses and garnished with mint sprigs. The cocktail is associated with Southern American cuisine and is loved for its icy cold freshness.
18. Whiskey Sour – With a richer, smoother texture
Another classic whiskey cocktail, Whiskey sour, contains equal parts of sweet and sour syrup and with two parts of Whiskey. Traditionally, the cocktail used egg white as an ingredient, but today it is optional and common bars serve Whiskey Sour without egg white, and it is sometimes callees Boston Sour if served with egg white.
19. Hot Toddy – Very easy to make
The hot toddy is made with Whiskey, honey, lemon juice, and tea and is a popular choice during winters. The classic cocktail is light and hydrating without being overwhelmingly sweet and is the perfect drink for playing cards or to be enjoyed at informal gatherings.
20. Irish Coffee – An iconic cocktail
Irish coffee is a delicious combination of Irish Whiskey with brown sugar and coffee and served with whipped unsweetened cream. The combination of the four common ingredients creates a smooth Irish whiskey that is an absolute delight. The authentic Irish coffee is a carefully planned drink that could be mixed with a latte or cappuccino.
21. Manhattan – An endearing and straightforward drink
Manhattan cocktail was invented in New York City and remained the most popular martini-style cocktail. The classic cocktail contains two parts rye whiskey, which is added to vermouth with a dash of Angostura bitters and garnished with lemon peels.
The traditional Whiskey of choice here is rye, but one can experiment with other common whiskies such as blended Whiskey, bourbon, and Tennessee.
22. Sazerac – A strong, aromatic drink
Sazerac was created in New Orleans, and the classic old-fashioned cocktail is made with rye whiskey, sugar cube, and Peychaud’s bitters. The original main ingredient of Sazerac was cognac or Whiskey that was served in old-fashioned chilled glasses. Sazerac has always belonged to New Orleans, the Crescent City.
Tequila cocktails
Tequila comes from agave plants grown in Mexico and is a popular Mexican drink. There are several variations in the cocktails prepared from Tequila.
Here are some of the most popular Tequila cocktails in the market.
23. Margarita – In numerous variations
Margarita remains one of the most popular tequila cocktails and is made with equal parts of orange liqueur, lime juice, and two parts of Tequila. It is served in a chilled cocktail glass rimmed with salt and on the rocks.
23. Tequila Sunrise – A blend of sweet and sour
Tequila Sunrise is a modern drink that was created in California. It is a delicious mix of Tequila, orange juice, and grenadine, and the refreshingly fruity cocktail can be prepared at a moment’s notice. It is no surprise to see this cocktail as one of the most popular tequila drinks.
Brandy cocktails
Brandy liquor is a star in several classic cocktails and remains the most loved among cocktail lovers even today. You can access the brandy with common bar ingredients to create brightly flavored drinks for summers to cozy warm drinks for winter.
Given below are some of the most popular brandy cocktails you can enjoy.
25. Brandy Daisy – A delicate drink
The brandy daisy is prepared by mixing rum and brandy with curaçao, syrup, lemon, and soda. This is an ideal option to prepare with finer brandies and cognacs and offers a well-balanced flavor.
26. The Brandy Cocktail – A perfect elegant drink
Brandy Cocktail is prepared by mixing curaçao, Angostura, and Peychaud’s Bitters with a good brandy as the base. You will love the delightful cocktail that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
27. B&B Cocktail A heavenly drink
B&B is equal parts of brandy and Bénédictine, the herbal liqueur and the simple recipe shows that things are better when simpler. The simple mix of Brandy and Benedictine is served in a snifter and is considered to be the most refined cocktail.
28. Brandy Alexander – One of the oldest desserts cocktails
The Brandy Alexander is made with just three ingredients—brandy, crème de cacao, and cream. The creamy pleasure mixes up quickly and is the perfect recipe for those with a sweet tooth
29. The Spruce – A fantastic cocktail
Spruce can be prepared with your favorite brandy and can be easily adapted to your personal taste. Go ahead and use cognac or Armagnac and add orange liqueur and lemon juice to create a fantastic brandy sour.
30. Between the Sheets – With a fun twist
The best part of this sour cocktail is that all the three liquors, brandy, orange liqueur, and lemon juice, are mixed in equal proportion. That makes it a fun and easy recipe to remember. Between the sheets, the cocktail is simply loved for its simple recipe and great flavor.
Know What Is on Every Bar’s Menu
When it comes to cocktails, some cocktails are there on almost every bar’s menu because they are the most popular and much in demand. Although there is plenty of variety to choose from, some traditional styles and classic old favorites remain ever popular.
When you visit a bar, you will find an extensive menu with a huge variety of cocktails, and one is sure to find their favorite or whatever they are looking for, sweet, savory, or refined. Some of the most famous names you will find on the menu include Negroni, Old Fashioned, Dry Martini, Whiskey Sour, Margarita, Daiquiri, Moscow Mule, Manhattan, Mojito, and Espresso Martini.
Try the Tableside Mixology
Why not try your hand at crafting a unique cocktail that you could call your very own? Many bars and restaurants encourage their guests to create and enjoy a cocktail prepared by them, and the idea is to let people know what all goes inside to make that perfect cocktail.
If you get the opportunity to make your own cocktail, do give it a try. Some of the bar’s talented mixologists are more than willing to make the cocktails based on your preference. Understand the process of measurements, the blending method, and infusions. You might even learn some tips and tricks from them as they share their methods and insights through tableside mixology.
How to Enhance Your Cocktail and the Experience
You can ask the bartender or try your hand at taking those cocktails to a whole new level. Take advantage of the numerous concentrated flavors, syrups, and bitters and use those side ingredients into the cocktail mix. What you have here is a completely unique cocktail that only you have ordered or created and tasted.
A lot is going on in those cocktails, and apart from the base liquor, the infusers, bitters, syrups & concentrated flavors play an important role in creating the cocktail’s perfect taste and character.
Here are some guidelines on how to use infusers, bitters, syrups & concentrated flavors to enhance your cocktail:
- Alcohol Infusers – Use alcohol infusers to create signature cocktails with an edge against the other and allow them to absorb the flavors and reach the desired strength of the drink. Enjoy a fresh, consistent taste by using fresh ingredients.
- Bitters & flavors – Add an extra layer of edgy taste by mixing in cocktail bitters & concentrated flavors. This is the perfect and easy way to get that powerful and complex flavoring in your cocktail and have control over the precise flavors.
- Cocktail Syrups – Make use of quality cocktail syrups to get that perfect sweet taste in your cocktails. Avoid granulated sugar as it doesn’t dissolve well in drinks or alcohol. So, use the right cocktail syrups to get that perfect sweet taste in your cocktails.
Enjoy your Cocktail
There are some tips to follow when it comes to making a cocktail or enjoying one. You should know how to enjoy that masterfully prepared creative cocktail and appreciate that drink.
- Start with a neat high-end cocktail, and it means no water or ice in your drink and allow yourself to explore the complexities of a spirit.
- Know the lingo used with crafted cocktails such as “on the rocks,” “up,” or “Flame,” and some more.
- Dirty Drinks are sued commonly in martini cocktails where brine is added to give the drink a cloudy look and an acidic taste.
Love those cocktails and develop a deeper appreciation for them as it is like an art to know and decide what exactly should go in every drink and how much. Your cocktail is not just another drink, made by mixing a few ingredients. They are timeless experiences created by experts in the field and will always be the soul of any party. So, when you pick that glass of cocktail next time, look at it closely, observe the colors, take in the aroma and think about the history behind Enjoy every sip.