10+ Good Cocktail Recipes for Every Occasion

Cocktails can be a delightful addition to any gathering or a cozy night in. Good cocktail recipes can elevate your entertaining game and impress your guests with tasty drinks. With a mix of classic favorites and creative twists, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you prefer fruity, strong, or refreshing drinks, there are countless recipes to explore. You can easily learn how to mix up a fantastic beverage right at home.

Get ready to discover the joy of crafting your own cocktails and making memorable moments.

1) Classic Martini

The Classic Martini is a timeless cocktail that’s both elegant and easy to make. You can choose between gin or vodka based on your taste. The right balance of ingredients makes this drink stand out.

You will need 2 1/2 ounces of gin or vodka and 1/2 ounce of dry vermouth. If you enjoy a twist of flavor, add a splash of orange bitters. Remember, a lemon peel or olives make great garnishes.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 ounces gin or vodka
• 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
• Ice
• Lemon peel or olives (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin or vodka and vermouth.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon peel or olives.

2) Mojito

The mojito is a refreshing Cuban cocktail that blends sweet, sour, and minty flavors. It’s perfect for hot days or when you need something light and easy to drink.

To make a classic mojito, you’ll need white rum, fresh mint, lime juice, sugar, and club soda. The combination of these ingredients creates a delicious drink that many enjoy.

Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients

• 2 oz (60 ml) white rum
• 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lime juice
• 2 tsp (10 g) sugar
• 5-8 fresh mint leaves
• Club soda
• Lime wedges and mint for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. In a glass, muddle the mint leaves and sugar together.
2. Add lime juice and stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Fill the glass with ice and pour in the rum.
4. Top with club soda and stir gently.
5. Garnish with lime wedges and mint leaves. Enjoy!

3) Old Fashioned

An Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that highlights the flavors of whiskey. It’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion. You can use bourbon or rye whiskey based on your taste preference.

Start with a sugar cube and a few dashes of Angostura bitters. Muddle them together in a glass until the sugar dissolves. Next, add ice cubes to the glass.

Pour in 1.5 ounces of whiskey, and stir gently. Garnish with a twist of orange peel for added flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 sugar cube
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1.5 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
• Ice cubes
• Orange peel (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. Muddle the sugar cube and bitters in a glass.
2. Add ice cubes.
3. Pour in the whiskey.
4. Stir gently.
5. Garnish with a twist of orange peel.

4) Cosmopolitan

The Cosmopolitan is a stylish and popular cocktail. It’s known for its refreshing taste and vibrant pink color. This drink is great for parties or a casual night in.

To make a Cosmopolitan, you will need vodka, cranberry juice, Cointreau (or Triple Sec), and fresh lime juice.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz vodka
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 0.5 oz Cointreau (or Triple Sec)
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
• Ice

Cooking Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka, cranberry juice, Cointreau, and lime juice.
3. Shake well for about 10 seconds until very cold.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lime twist if desired. Enjoy your Cosmopolitan!

5) Whiskey Sour

The Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail that is both refreshing and simple to make. It combines the bold flavor of bourbon with the tartness of lemon juice.

To make your own, you’ll need bourbon, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white for a smooth texture. This drink is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1/2 oz egg white (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Start by adding the bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white into a shaker.
2. Dry shake (without ice) for 15 seconds to mix well.
3. Add ice and shake again for another 15 seconds.
4. Strain into a glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon slice or cherry if you like. Enjoy!

6) Margarita

The margarita is a classic cocktail that many love. It’s refreshing and easy to make, perfect for any occasion. You can customize it with different flavors if you like.

To make a traditional margarita, you will need tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur. You can adjust amounts based on your taste and the number of servings you need.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces tequila (silver or Blanco)
• 1 ounce orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
• 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
• Salt (for the rim, optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rub the rim of your glass with lime and dip it in salt.
2. In a shaker, combine tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice.
3. Fill with ice and shake well for about 15 seconds.
4. Strain into the prepared glass filled with ice. Enjoy!

7) Black Russian

The Black Russian is a simple yet delicious cocktail. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a drink that combines vodka and coffee liqueur.

To make a Black Russian, you only need two ingredients. This drink is rich and has a nice kick from the coffee flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces vodka
• 1 ounce Kahlúa

Cooking Instructions

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add vodka and Kahlúa.
3. Stir until well-chilled.
4. Strain into a rocks glass with ice.
5. Optional: Add cola or garnish as desired.

8) Negroni

The Negroni is a classic cocktail that’s both simple and delicious. It combines equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. This drink offers a bittersweet flavor that many enjoy.

To make a Negroni, you need just a few ingredients. The combination creates a bright red hue that adds flair to any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 ounce (30 ml) gin
• 1 ounce (30 ml) Campari
• 1 ounce (30 ml) sweet vermouth
• Ice
• Orange slice or twist (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour in the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
3. Stir gently until well-chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
5. Garnish with an orange slice or twist. Enjoy your Negroni!

9) Espresso Martini

An Espresso Martini is a delicious blend of coffee and cocktails. It’s perfect for those who love a caffeine kick with their drink. This cocktail combines rich flavors that wake up your taste buds.

To make an Espresso Martini, you need just a few simple ingredients. The key is using freshly brewed espresso for the best flavor. You can also use cold brew if that’s what you have on hand.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce (30 ml) espresso or cold brew coffee
• 2 ounces (60 ml) vodka
• 1 ounce (30 ml) coffee liqueur, like Kahlúa
• 1/2 ounce (15 ml) simple syrup

Cooking Instructions:

1. Brew your espresso and let it cool slightly.
2. In a shaker, combine espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Enjoy your Espresso Martini!

10) Aperol Spritz

The Aperol Spritz is a delicious and refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for warm days. You’ll love its bright orange color and bubbly taste. It’s easy to make and requires just a few ingredients.

To whip one up, fill a wine glass with ice. Add 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, and 1 part club soda. Stir gently and garnish your drink with a slice of orange for that perfect touch.

This cocktail mixes sweet and bitter flavors, making it a favorite for many. Enjoy it while relaxing or sharing good times with friends.

Ingredients

• 3 oz Prosecco
• 2 oz Aperol
• 1 oz club soda
• Ice
• Slice of orange for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
2. Pour 3 oz of Prosecco into the glass.
3. Add 2 oz of Aperol.
4. Top the drink with 1 oz of club soda.
5. Stir the ingredients gently.
6. Garnish the drink with a slice of orange.