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5 Classic Cocktails Every Man Should Know How to Make

Cocktails can be a great way to impress friends and guests, and every man should know how to make a few classic drinks that are sure to impress.

Here are five cocktails every man should know how to make:

Old Fashioned

Old Fashioned Cocktail
Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. It is a classic cocktail made with whiskey (typically bourbon or rye), sugar, bitters, and a splash of water or club soda. The drink is often garnished with a twist of orange peel or a maraschino cherry. The flavors are typically sweet and slightly bitter, with a strong whiskey base.

The Old Fashioned is a popular choice among people who appreciate the taste of whiskey and the complexity of a well-made cocktail. It is often associated with the image of a sophisticated, well-dressed individual, sipping on a drink in a dimly lit bar or lounge. The Old Fashioned is a timeless classic that is often enjoyed by people who appreciate the history and tradition of cocktail culture.

To make it, you will need:
  • 2 oz of bourbon or rye whiskey

  • 1 tsp of simple syrup

  • 2 dashes of Angostura bitters

  • Orange peel for garnish

Instructions:
  • In a rocks glass, add the simple syrup and bitters.

  • Add the whiskey and stir.

  • Fill the glass with ice and garnish with an orange peel.

Martini

Martini
Martini

Another classic cocktail is the martini. A martini is made with gin or vodka and vermouth. It is typically served in a chilled, straight-sided glass with a garnish of an olive or a lemon twist.

Martinis are often associated with sophistication and elegance. They are a popular choice among business professionals, socialites, and those looking to make a statement with their drink choice.

A “dry” martini is made with less vermouth, giving it a more pronounced gin or vodka flavor. An “extra dry” martini is made with even less vermouth, making it even drier and more gin or vodka-forward. On the other hand, a “wet” martini is made with more vermouth, giving it a smoother and less strong taste.

Ultimately, the preference of dryness or wetness in a martini is a matter of personal taste, and the ratio of gin or vodka to vermouth can be adjusted to suit the individual’s preference.

To make it, you will need:
  • 2 1/2 oz of gin or vodka

  • 1/2 oz of dry vermouth. Use more or less for either wet or dry.

  • Olive or lemon twist for garnish

Instructions:
  • In a shaker filled with ice, add the gin or vodka and vermouth.

  • Either shake or stir well and strain into a chilled martini glass.

  • Garnish with an olive or lemon twist.

Manhattan

Manhattan Cocktail
Manhattan

A Manhattan cocktail is a classic, sophisticated drink that is made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and a dash of bitters. The flavors are bold and complex, with the whiskey providing a strong, smoky base, the sweet vermouth adding a touch of sweetness, and the bitters rounding out the flavor with a hint of spice. The drink is typically served in a martini glass and garnished with a cherry.

The type of people who drink Manhattans are often those who appreciate the finer things in life and enjoy classic cocktails. They tend to be well-dressed and confident, and they enjoy socializing in upscale bars and lounges. They are often business professionals, executives, or affluent individuals who appreciate the rich, complex flavors of a Manhattan. They may also be cocktail connoisseurs who enjoy experimenting with different variations of the drink, such as using different types of whiskey or bitters.

To make it, you will need:
  • 2 oz of rye whiskey

  • 1 oz of sweet vermouth

  • 2 dashes of Angostura bitters

  • Maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions:
  • In a mixing glass filled with ice, add the whiskey, vermouth, and bitters.

  • Stir well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

  • Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Margarita

Margarita
Margarita

A traditional margarita cocktail is a classic Mexican-inspired drink that typically consists of tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur. The flavors of the margarita are tangy and citrusy, with a hint of sweetness from the orange liqueur.

Typically, traditional margaritas are served in a salt-rimmed glass, which adds a savory note to the drink. They can be served on the rocks (over ice) or blended (frozen).

The margarita is a favorite among people who enjoy a strong drink with a touch of sweetness and a lot of flavor. Margaritas are popular among those who enjoy Mexican cuisine and those who like to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. They are also often consumed by people who enjoy the outdoor lifestyle and warm weather.

The classic Margarita recipe is a perfect balance between sweet, sour and bitter. Feel free to adjust the quantity of ingredients to your liking. Enjoy!

To make it, you will need:
  • 2 oz tequila

  • 1 oz lime juice

  • 1/2 oz triple sec

  • Salt (for rim of glass, optional)

  • Lime wheel (for garnish)

Instructions:
  • Rim the glass with salt if desired. This can be done by rubbing a lime wedge around the rim of the glass and then dipping the rim in a plate of salt.

  • Fill a shaker with ice.

  • Add the tequila, lime juice, and triple sec to the shaker.

  • Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds to combine the ingredients and chill the drink.

  • Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.

  • Garnish with a lime wheel.

Negroni

Negroni
Negroni

A Negroni is a classic cocktail made with equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. The flavors are bold and complex, with the gin providing a juniper-forward base, the sweet vermouth adding a hint of sweetness, and the Campari adding a bitter and slightly herbal finish. The drink is typically served over ice in a rocks glass, garnished with an orange peel.

The people who drink a Negroni are typically those who appreciate a more sophisticated and nuanced drink. They may be cocktail enthusiasts, or they may simply appreciate a drink that is not overly sweet or fruity. They may also be drawn to the drink’s history, as the Negroni has been a popular cocktail for over a century. They may also be people who enjoy a strong drink, as the Negroni is not for the faint of heart. Overall, Negroni drinkers are individuals who enjoy a drink with a rich, bold and complex flavors.

The classic Negroni recipe is a perfect balance between bitter and sweet, but you can adjust the ratios of gin, campari and vermouth to your liking. Some bartenders also prefer to shake the ingredients instead of stirring. Feel free to experiment and find your perfect Negroni. Enjoy!

To make it, you will need:
  • 1 oz gin

  • 1 oz Campari

  • 1 oz sweet vermouth

  • Orange peel (for garnish)

Instructions:
  • Fill a mixing glass or a shaker with ice.

  • Add the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth to the mixing glass or shaker.

  • Stir the ingredients together for about 20 seconds to combine and chill the drink.

  • Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.

  • Garnish with an orange peel.