The Only Six Cocktails You’ll Ever Need to Know
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There are six cocktails that every single bartender, amateur or professional should be able to master. These drinks are the ones that best optimize what it means to be a cocktail – i.e., they contain both a core spirit, a balancing flavour that is usually sweet or acidic, and some sort of seasoning that stands out amongst the other flavours. Learn these six drinks and you’ll be able to master all cocktails with ease!
Manhattan
With bourbon at the core, vermouth as a sweet balancing flavour and bitters to perfectly season the contrasting flavours, the Manhattan is an ultimate example of the perfect cocktail. This drink was reportedly invented for the mother of Sir Winston Churchill on a visit to the New York borough, making it quite a distinguished, delicious classic cocktail.
Cocktail glass
<p>The Manhattan is a classic cocktail that exudes elegance and sophistication, offering a harmonious blend of red vermouth, Angostura bitters, rye whiskey, and bourbon. Served in a chic cocktail glass, this drink is a staple of refined social gatherings and upscale bar menus.</p><p>Originating from New York City in the late 19th century, the Manhattan cocktail boasts a rich history and a flavor profile that balances the sweetness of vermouth with the complexity of whiskey and the subtle spiciness of bitters. Its enduring popularity makes it an essential component of the cocktail aficionado's repertoire, perfect for those who appreciate a timeless drink with depth and character.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a Manhattan
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- Begin by stirring all the ingredients together with ice in a mixing glass to chill and dilute the mix, aiming for about 10-15 seconds of stirring
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- After stirring, strain the mixture into a glass that has been previously chilled in the freezer to ensure your drink stays colder longer
Pina Colada
Everyone’s favourite holiday cocktail, the white rum makes the base, or core of this beverage. Pineapple juice and coconut cream are the sweet and creamy balance, while a large pineapple wedge makes the seasoning finale, along with a maraschino cherry. This drink is a typical example of when a garnish can take the place of the seasoning, leaving lasting flavours in the mouth that mingle with the cocktail as you drink.
Hurricane glass
Microbadges
<p>The Piña Colada is a popular tropical cocktail that originated in Puerto Rico. It is a refreshing and creamy drink that is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.</p><p>The name Piña Colada means "strained pineapple" in Spanish and the cocktail is made with a combination of pineapple juice, white rum, and coconut cream. The flavors of this drink meld perfectly together to create a balance of sweet and tangy notes.</p><p>The pineapple juice adds a tropical fruity taste, while the white rum adds a hint of spice. The creaminess of the coconut cream adds a smooth and velvety texture to the drink.</p><p>With its iconic blend of flavors and island vibes, the Piña Colada has become a beloved classic in the cocktail world.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a Piña colada
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- Add all ingredients to a blender with ice and blend until smooth
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- Pour into a hurricane glass
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- Garnish with a slice of pineapple and a cocktail cherry before serving
Cosmopolitan
This classic cocktail found a whole new generation of fans when the Sex and the City series began, but this is a drink that has been around for many years and follows the typical cocktail style. Vodka is the core spirit, while cranberry and lime juice make the perfect tart balance. The seasoning comes in the form of a lime wedge. And, what about the Cointreau? Well, in this drink, it works across all three sections, beautifully tying the flavours together.
Cocktail glass
Microbadges
<p>The origins of the Cosmopolitan are somewhat disputed. It is likely that the drink was created independently by different bartenders since the 1970s.</p><p>It is generally recognised that John Caine brought the drink to San Francisco around 1987 from the Midwest. The same year in Manhattan, the internationally recognised version of the cocktail was created by Toby Cecchini, based on a poorly described version of Cheryl Cook's creation.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a Cosmopolitan
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- Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice, and shake until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
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- Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a twist of lemon peel before serving
Eggnog
This Christmas classic might not be to everyone’s taste, but it is a great drink to work on to learn the basics of cocktail making. The ingredients list is extensive, which is where your bartending skills will really come into play. Rum and cognac make up the core flavours, while simple syrup, egg and cream provide the balance. The drink is seasoned with cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla to create a festive treat!
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Irish glass
<p>Eggnog is a creamy cocktail made of milk, sugar and eggs, as well as either brandy, rum or bourbon. It has a frothy texture thanks to the whipping of the eggs, and is usually finished off with a sprinkle of nutmeg or ground cinnamon.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a Eggnog
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- Add all ingredients into a microwavable bowl and warm gently in a microwave – or alternatively heat on the stove
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- Do not boil
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- Serve in an Irish coffee glass and garnish with grated nutmeg before serving
Negroni
You can’t call yourself a real mixologist until you have mastered the Negroni. With Campari and gin at the core, balance in the form of sweet Vermouth and a slice of orange acting as the seasoning, this drink sounds simple, but there is nowhere to hide poor mixing skills. Get this right and everything else will seem to fall into place.
Lowball / rocks glass
Microbadges
<p>The Negroni is a classic Italian cocktail that has been enjoyed for over a century. The drink is made up of equal parts gin, Campari, and red vermouth, resulting in a harmonious balance of flavors.</p><p>The origins of the Negroni trace back to the early 1900s, when Count Camillo Negroni requested for his Americano cocktail to be made stronger by replacing the soda water with gin. The result was a bold and bitter-sweet concoction that became an instant hit.</p><p>The combination of the herbal notes from the gin, the bitter and citrusy flavors of Campari, and the rich sweetness of red vermouth creates a complex and sophisticated taste. The Negroni is often garnished with an orange peel, adding a zesty aroma to the drink.</p><p>Whether sipped on a warm summer evening or enjoyed as an aperitif before a meal, the Negroni is a timeless classic that continues to be a favorite amongst cocktail enthusiasts.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a Negroni
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- Add all the ingredients directly into a lowball glass with ice and stir
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- Garnish with an orange slice and serve
Last Word
Ideal for anyone who likes to have the final say in any decision, the Last Word is another drink that follows cocktail conventions. Gin sits at the core of this drink, while lime juice beautifully balances this botanical spirit. The drink is finished with green chartreuse and maraschino liqueur, which works as the core, balance and seasoning elements of this drink.
Cocktail glass
Microbadges
<p>The Last Word is a prohibition-era cocktail that has experienced a revival in modern mixology. A balanced mix of tart and botanical flavors, this cocktail combines fresh lime juice with the complex herbal notes of Green Chartreuse and the sweet, nutty profile of Maraschino liqueur, all underpinned by the crispness of dry gin.</p><p>The ingredients are equal parts, contributing to its harmony and making it a classic example of the precision required in cocktail crafting. Traditionally served in a cocktail glass, the Last Word is a vibrant, zesty drink with a captivating green hue, embodying both historical charm and contemporary sophistication.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a Last Word
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- In a shaker with ice add all the ingredients
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- Shake well and strain into in a chilled cocktail glass and serve
While these drinks all follow the rules of traditional cocktail-making, they are incredibly unique in their own way. This is why they are great choices for anyone starting out on their journey of mixology. Get these right and you’ll be flipping bottles and catching shakers in no time!
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