Cocktails Recipe
Make Cocktails Recipe in just 25m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Classic Cocktails - Base Spirits & Mixers
Citrus, Syrups & Sweeteners
Flavor & Garnish
Ice & Tools (consumables counted)
Method
Classic Cocktails - Gin Rickey, Vodka Soda, Daiquiri, Margarita, Old Fashioned
- 1
Gin Rickey (refreshing, highball)
Fill a highball glass with ice cubes. Pour 1.5 oz gin and 0.75 oz fresh lime juice over the ice, add 2 oz club soda and 0.25 oz simple syrup if you like slightly sweet (optional). Stir gently to combine, garnish with a lime wheel, and serve.
- 2
Vodka Soda (clean & light)
Fill a highball glass with ice cubes. Add 1.5 oz vodka and 3 oz club soda (or club soda + a splash of cola for variation). Add a squeeze of lime (about 0.25 oz) and gently stir once. Garnish with a lime wedge.
- 3
Classic Daiquiri (rum, lime, simple syrup)
Chill a coupe or martini glass. In a shaker, combine 1.5 oz white rum, 0.75 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup. Add ice, shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well chilled, double-strain into the chilled glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
- 4
Margarita (blanco tequila)
Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a rocks glass and dip into coarse salt (optional). In a shaker, combine 1.5 oz blanco tequila, 0.75 oz fresh lime juice, 0.75 oz triple sec, and 0.5 oz agave syrup (or 0.5 oz simple syrup). Add ice, shake 10–15 seconds, strain over fresh ice into the prepared glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.
- 5
Old Fashioned (bourbon stirred)
In a mixing glass, add 2 oz bourbon, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, 0.25 oz simple syrup (or 1 sugar cube muddled with bitters). Fill mixing glass with ice and stir for 20–30 seconds until slightly diluted and chilled. Strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass. Express a lemon twist over the drink, rub on the rim, and drop it in. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Additional Techniques & Garnishes
- 6
Muddling Mint (for mojito-like variation)
In a Collins glass, place 8 fresh mint leaves and 0.5 oz simple syrup or 0.5 oz agave. Gently clap and muddle the mint 4–6 times — press to release oils without shredding the leaves. Add 1.5 oz white rum, 0.75 oz fresh lime juice, fill with crushed ice, top with 2 oz club soda, and gently lift/stir once to combine. Garnish with a sprig of mint.
- 7
Double-straining & chilling
For shaken cocktails (Daiquiri, Margarita), chill the glass first and double-strain through a fine mesh to remove ice shards and pulp for a silky finish. Shake until the exterior of the shaker gets frosty (about 10–15 seconds).
- 8
Salt rim technique
Run a lime wedge around the outer rim of the glass (or inner rim if preferred), then dip the wet rim into coarse salt spread on a small plate. Allow to dry a few seconds before pouring the cocktail to ensure the salt adheres.