Pick your poison. Are you still going with gin tonic or coke whiskey? From grabbing drinks during happy hour with friends to meeting clients at a nice bar, it is important to pick a drink that you enjoy (that can even portray your personality).
There are sayings about how certain drinks are made for specific occasions but honestly, cocktails are versatile and are good for most occasions, regardless of the variation – just enjoy it.
Cocktails are fundamentally decided by the kind of spirits and the flavour it goes with. Generally, they are classified into 4 main flavours – sweet, sour, bitter and spicy, so be sure to experiment and find out your favourite type of poison.
We will explore 5 types of cocktails that are more common so you wouldn’t be unsure when it’s time to order.
1. Negroni
The Negroni is a classic bitter cocktail that is perfect for gin lovers. It is a sophisticated and complex drink that is perfect for those who enjoy bitter flavours. A classic Negroni would have a good mix of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth in a shaker with ice. It is typically garnished with an orange slice.
This drink was created in the early 1900s and palates have since changed quite a lot which has evolved the drinks as well. Riffs of Negroni include Negroni Spagliato (swaps gin for prosecco) and white negroni (a boozy punch version of the cocktail with both gin and prosecco)
2. Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. It is a simple yet sophisticated drink that is perfect for whiskey lovers. An Old Fashioned is typically made by muddling a sugar cube with a few dashes of bitters in a rocks glass. Topping off with ice and whiskey, it is garnished with an orange peel and cherry.
There is a choice of Bourbon or Rye for the spirits: Bourbon tends to be sweeter, whereas rye is drier, less sweet and can be a bit spicy.
3. Margarita
The Margarita is a classic sour cocktail that is perfect for summer. It is a refreshing and tangy drink that can be made in many variations. The typical Margarita is made with tequila as the base, mixed with lime juice and triple sec in a shaker with ice. It is served in a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice and garnished with a lime wedge.
The salt is an important part of the drink as it accentuates the sweet and sour flavours of the cocktail – the slightest pinch can help to subdue the bitterness and enhance the important nodes in the flavour. Additionally, the salt will intensify the drinker’s perception of the drink’s aroma.
4. Martini
The Martini is a classic cocktail that is perfect for those who love a strong drink. It is a sophisticated and timeless drink that can be made with gin or vodka. With the base typically being gin or vodka, dry vermouth is added into the mixture in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with an olive or lemon twist. Different variations of martinis include wet/dry, shaken/stirred, Gibson Martini, Appletini.
5. Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is a refreshing and spicy cocktail that is perfect for those who love ginger beer. It is a simple yet tasty drink that is perfect for summer. It is rumoured that the name (Mule) came from the kick that you get from the first sip of this classic.
The Moscow Mule is made with a nice combination of vodka, lime juice, and mostly ginger beer in a copper mug filled with ice, served with a garnish with a lime wedge. If you prefer something spicy, opt for cayenne pepper or something more refreshing and sweet with apple and cranberry.
In conclusion, these top five cocktails are sure to please any type of drinker, whether you prefer sweet, sour, bitter, or spicy flavours. They are all classic cocktails that have stood the test of time and are still enjoyed today. If you’re still unsure about your perfect cocktail, check this out. So next time you’re looking to mix up your drink game, give one of these cocktails a try and impress your friends with your knowledge of drinks. Cheers!
You can also check out our article here on how to choose a low-calorie alcohol for a drinking session with your family and friends!
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