Every home bartender should learn the basic cocktails and mixed drinks. After all, what’s the point of having a home bar if you only know to prepare one or two drinks? First of all, you should learn your favorite cocktails. Over time, try to prepare classic drinks such as B52, Kamikaze, Mojito, Cosmopolitan, Daiquiri, and Martini.
With the right booze in your hand, you’re all set to prepare delicious cocktails at home. Don’t just resort to offering wine and beer. Your guests deserve more. Here are a few cocktail recipes every home bartender should know:
Aviation Cocktail
This classic cocktail was invented in the early 1910s. The original recipe contains gin, lemon juice, Maraschino Liqueur, and ice. Serve in chilled glasses. Garnish with a Maraschino cherry.
Manhattan
The Manhattan is one of the most popular cocktails out there. Most recipes are made with whiskey, vermouth, orange bitters, sugar syrup, and lemon peel. You should always ask your guests whether they prefer their drink dry or sweet.
Sazerac
This delicious cocktail is a New Orleans favorite. It’s also America’s first cocktail. The Sazerac was invented in the early 1800s. To prepare this drink, you need rye whiskey or cognac, Peychaud’s Bitters, sugar, and absinthe. Serve in a chilled old-fashioned glass. You can use Herbsaint, Pernod, or Pastis instead of absinthe. Some bartenders also add club soda, water, and lemon.
Caipirinha
This drink can be made with rum (Caipirissima) or vodka (Caipiroska). It also contains cachaça, lime, and simple syrup. Caipirinha is the national cocktail of Brazil. It’s easy to prepare and has a special taste that most people love. Its key ingredient is cachaça, a type of sweet rum made from sugarcane juice. Popular variations include Raspberry Caipirinha, King Carlos Caipirinha, Caipirini, Caipisake, and Caipifruta.
Negroni
Negroni is one of the most sophisticated and delicious cocktails. It’s usually made with three spirits: Campari, dry gin, and sweet vermouth. Despite its strong taste, it’s a great summer drink with a nice hit of citrus and a refreshing flavor. This cocktail was invented in 1919. The original recipe calls for equal parts of each ingredient, so it’s very easy to prepare.
Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan enjoys a lot of popularity worldwide. If you host parties regularly, you must learn to prepare this drink. After all, it’s the best vodka sour around. All you need are a few basic ingredients such as triple sec, citrus flavored vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and an orange twist for garnish.