Common Cocktails – Simple Recipes and Quick Tips

Looking for drinks that never miss the mark? You’re in the right spot. Below you’ll find the go‑to cocktails that show up at bars, parties, and home gatherings. They’re easy to make, taste great, and you’ll learn a trick or two for each.

Why These Cocktails Stay Popular

First off, the classics work because they balance sweet, sour, and strong. A Margarita blends tequila with lime and orange liqueur, giving a bright bite that feels refreshing. An Old Fashioned lets bourbon shine with just a touch of sugar and bitters – no fuss, pure flavor. The Martini, whether you prefer gin or vodka, is all about a clean, crisp sip that lets the spirit speak.

Another reason is versatility. Take the Mojito: swap mint for basil, add a splash of fruit juice, and you’ve got a whole new drink without learning a new technique. The same goes for the Whiskey Sour – swap bourbon for rum and you’ve got a Rum Sour. Because the base method stays the same, you can experiment without getting lost.

Mixing Your First Classic Drinks

Grab a shaker, a jigger, and a couple of glasses. Here are three starter recipes you can master in under ten minutes.

1. Margarita
• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz Cointreau or triple sec
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• Salt rim (optional)
Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a glass with a salted rim, and garnish with a lime wheel. The key is fresh lime – it makes the difference.

2. Old Fashioned
• 2 oz bourbon or rye
• 1 tsp simple syrup (or a sugar cube)
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel for garnish
Stir the spirit, sweetener, and bitters over ice until chilled. Add a large ice cube, give it a quick stir, and squeeze the orange peel over the glass to release its oils.

3. Mojito
• 2 oz white rum
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 2 tsp sugar
• Fresh mint leaves (about 8‑10)
• Club soda
Muddle mint, sugar, and lime juice in a glass. Fill with crushed ice, pour the rum, stir, then top with soda. Finish with a mint sprig.

These drinks teach you the three basic techniques: shaking, stirring, and muddling. Once you’re comfortable, you can tweak flavors, swap spirits, or add a splash of fruit puree. Remember, the most important part is tasting as you go – a little more lime or a dash less sugar can turn a good drink into a great one.

Want to keep your bar stocked? A small selection of a good gin, a versatile vodka, a mid‑range bourbon, fresh citrus, and simple syrup will cover most recipes. Add a few bitters, a jar of olives, and a handful of mint, and you’re set for almost any common cocktail the tag page lists.

So next time someone asks for a drink, you’ll have a reliable answer. Start with these basics, have fun experimenting, and you’ll soon be the go‑to host for any gathering. Cheers to simple, tasty cocktails you can make anytime!