With all this rain, I have been anything but in the mood to venture outside in search of cocktails. This got me to thinking about what I could make at home, which in turn brought me to the idea to write a post on five essential cocktails that every home bartender should have in their repertoire. I’m sure you’ll recognize the names of these cocktails, but whether or not you know how to whip one up on a whim may be another story. Well, here’s your go-to-guide of tried and true classics that are perfect for any spur-of-the-moment cocktail parties, or taking the edge off of the work week in style.
Old Fashioned
Saturate a sugar cube with 4 dashes of Angostura bitters. Place the cube in an old-fashioned glass, add 1 tablespoon water and muddle the sugar until it dissolves. Fill the glass with ice, pour in 1¾ ounces rye whiskey and stir. Garnish with a slice of orange. Makes 1 drink.
Manhattan
Combine 2½ ounces bourbon or rye whiskey, 1 ounce sweet vermouth and a dash of orange bitters in an ice-filled bar glass. Stir until very cold. Serve up, strained into a cocktail glass, or on the rocks, in an old-fashioned glass filled with ice. Garnish with a maraschino cherry. Makes 1 drink.
Gimlet
Combine 2½ ounces gin and ¾ ounce Rose’s lime juice in an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass. Makes 1 drink
Martini
Combine 3 ounces of vodka or gin and ¾ ounce dry vermouth in an ice-filled bar glass. Stir until very cold. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with an olive. Makes 1 drink.
Sidecar
Combine ½ ounce fresh lemon juice, 1 ounce triple sec, and 1½ ounces brandy in an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass. Makes 1 drink.
Facebook Comments