Classic Cocktails Recipe

Build

Place a large old-fashioned glass on the counter. Add 0.5 tsp simple syrup to the glass.

Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters to the syrup and stir briefly to combine.

Add 2 oz bourbon or rye and a large ice cube (or several ice cubes). Stir gently for 20–30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.

Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink by holding it with the outside skin facing down and giving it a firm twist. Rub the peel around the rim and drop it into the glass as garnish.

Chill a martini glass by placing it in the freezer or filling with ice water while you prepare the cocktail.

Fill a mixing glass or shaker with ice (about 1 cup). Pour in 2.5 oz gin (or vodka) and 0.5 oz dry vermouth.

Stir (for gin martini) gently for 30–40 seconds to chill and dilute slightly. If making a vodka martini and you prefer it shaken, shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds.

Discard the ice or water from the chilled martini glass and strain the cocktail into the glass using a julep or fine strainer to remove small ice shards.

Garnish with a lemon twist (express oils over the drink and rub the rim) or a green olive on a pick.

Prepare the glass by running a lime wedge around the rim, then dip the rim into coarse salt to coat. Set the glass aside.

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice (about 1 cup). Add 2 oz blanco tequila, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and 1 oz Cointreau or triple sec.

Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until the shaker is cold to the touch.

Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass over fresh ice (if desired) or serve straight up, and garnish with a lime wheel.

Place 10 fresh mint leaves in a sturdy highball glass or mixing glass. Add 0.75 oz simple syrup and 0.75 oz fresh lime juice.

Gently muddle the mint leaves just enough to release the oils — do not over-muddle (about 4–6 gentle presses).

Add 2 oz white rum and fill the glass with crushed ice (about 1 cup). Stir briefly to lift the mint through the drink and combine flavors.

Top with about 2 oz club soda, give a gentle stir to combine, and garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint.

Fill a mixing glass or rocks glass with ice (about 1 cup). Add 1 oz gin, 1 oz Campari, and 1 oz sweet vermouth.

Stir briskly for 20–30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.

Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube or serve in the mixing glass if preferred. Express an orange peel over the drink, rub the rim, and drop it in as garnish.