Here are all the great cocktail recipes and alcoholic drinks you should know how to make, from the margarita to the whiskey sour. Cheers!

Here at A Couple Cooks, we think that cooking food at home can be pretty simple. (In fact, we wrote a book about it.) And you know what else? Making cocktail recipes at home can be pretty simple, too. While it might seem intimidating, making a great cocktail is 100% accessible. As we’ve gone about our research, we’ve found that signature alcoholic drinks add infinitely more fun to any evening!
Once we started learning how to make great cocktail recipes, well, we couldn’t stop! We’ve started a library of easy cocktail recipes that we’re always adding to. We can’t wait for you to give them a try. Below are the best of our best cocktail recipes: fun, fancy and everywhere in between! Scroll below the recipes for tips on how to become a semi-professional mixologist. Ready to get drinking?
And now…all the great cocktail recipes you should know!
This whiskey sour has become a family favorite: so much so that it now appears at all our extended family gatherings. This cocktail recipe is so classic and tasty, our family has been making it for years. We hope it becomes a family favorite in yours! Also try: Boston Sour.
The sweet tart margarita is one of our top cocktail recipes to make at home, and it has endless variations. This one is the classic, made with 3 simple ingredients: lime, Cointreau and tequila!
Variations:Β SeeΒ Best Margarita RecipesΒ for more, includingΒ pitcher, frozen, Cadillac, skinny, jalapeΓ±o, mezcal, beer, mango, Italian, and more.
Are there any cocktail drinks more refreshing than a mojito? This iconic Cuban drink is one of the greats. Hereβs a recipe for it thatβs spot on perfection: not too sweet, bubbly, and minty fresh. The true version has less sugar and more nuance than what itβs become in bars and pre-made mixes. Hereβs exactly how to make a simple mojito! Itβs perfect for sipping on the patio, but then again just as good in the dead of winter when youβre dreaming of the beach.
Whatβs more refreshing than a gin and tonic? Its crisp, botanical flavor is straightforward but at the same time intriguing: a feat using only 2 ingredients! Itβs no wonder that this is one of the worldβs popular easy cocktails. This recipe takes a few tips from the Spanish gin tonic to amp this drink to the next level.
Ready for one of the easiest cocktails with the best flavor? It's a classic daiquiri. Yes, a classic daiquiri isn't frozen at all: it's made of lime, rum and simple syrup. And let us tell you: it is so, so delicious! One of our best easy alcoholic drinks to make at home, here's the simple formula for a classic daiquiri that you can memorize.
Variations: Strawberry Frozen Daiquiri, Lime Frozen Daiquiri, Hemingway Daiquiri
Itβs fizzy, itβs tangy, it looks festive, and it goes down easy. What could be better than a Moscow mule? This easy cocktail recipe was invented in the 1940βs, but itβs having a moment now too. This classic Moscow mule recipe timeless and easy to make. With only 3 ingredients and 3 minutes required, itβs perfect to serve for entertaining: or a lazy evening on the patio.Β
Variations:Β Mexican Mule, Kentucky Mule, Watermelon Mule, Gin Gin Mule
Ahh, the Tom Collins: a nostalgic cocktail thatβs about as classic as it gets! This tall highball drink is a gin sour, a sweet and sour drink made with gin. Itβs refreshing, bubbly, and makes any evening more fun! Hereβs exactly how to make thisΒ classic cocktail!
The Old Fashioned is one of the most famous cocktails there is: possibly because itβs the oldest! This one dates back to the early 1800βs, before the words classic and cocktail were even said next to each other. It's barely a recipe at all: just lightly sweetened booze seasoned with bitters. Hereβs how to make a classic bourbon Old Fashioned cocktail that lets the whiskey shine.
The gin fizz is a simple cocktail recipe that is perfectly balanced, both sweet and tart. And adding soda water magically creates a frothy egg white foam topping. Shake together the gin, lemon juice, syrup, and egg white in a cocktail shaker, then pour it into two glasses. When you top off each glass with soda water, the carbonation combines with the egg white to make a frothy foam topping. Itβs like magic!
Variations: White Lady, Bees Knees, Gin Sour, Clover Club
Itβs got a brilliant pink color and refreshing flavor: yes, itβs a Cosmo! A Cosmopolitan cocktail, to be exact. Our recipe is more tart than sweet, it's an improved version of the classic using 100% cranberry juice. It's an easy cocktail to make, and it's ready to spice up your next gathering! It's great for dinner parties or drinks on the patio.
More cranberry cocktails: Sea Breeze, Bay Breeze, Madras, & Vodka Cranberry
Hereβs one of the most sophisticated and refreshing cocktail recipes out there: a French 75! Itβs got a mysterious name, but itβs made with a few simple ingredients: gin, lemon and Champagne. Itβs tangy, bubbly, and a bit botanical, and it makes every occasion more festive!
Cousin of theΒ classic margarita, this easy cocktail recipe features tequila with grapefruit instead of lime! This simple drink is sweet tart and refreshing, and you don't even have to dirty a cocktail shaker. Itβs perfect for happy hour drinks, or water it down and it could be aΒ brunch drinkΒ too. The Paloma is traditionally made with grapefruit soda, but for an all natural spin this recipe uses grapefruit juice and soda water (and itβs easier to find!). Add a salt rim and youβre in business!Β
Bubbly, citrusy, herbal, subtly bitter and lightly sweetβ¦itβs the most classic bubbly mixed drink of them all. Meet theΒ Aperol spritz! This drink is renowned the world over, reaching max popularity in the 2000βs. But did you know itβs actually a classic cocktail from the 1950βs? This Italian cocktail has been capturing hearts and minds for years. Made the right way: itβs absolutely worth the hype.
Variations: Amaro Spritz, Campari Spritz, St Germain Spritz
One of the most stunning and complex cocktail recipes is theΒ New York Sour! First you have the whiskey sour layer: sweet tart and perfectly balanced, sweetened with maple for some nuance. Then float a layer of red wine over the top and it adds intrigue, complexity and a fruity acidity. Not to mention it looks simplyΒ stunningΒ with the bright two-toned layer. A favorite!
This isnβt just an champagne cocktail, itβs THE champagne cocktail. Yes, the Champagne Cocktail is a classic cocktail recipe that's tangy and refreshing. Are you celebrating something? Because this is the drink for you. Adding a sugar cube to champagne makes a fountain of bubbles that positively sparkles!
Another classic cocktail, the Gin Gimlet is refreshing and takes only 5 minutes to whip up! Itβs the perfect balance of sweet and tart with the botanical flavor of gin.Β A gin gimlet is a classic cocktail made of lime juice, gin and simple syrup. Itβs sometimes served with a splash of soda water. While it became popular in the 1950βs,Β it stems back at least as far as the 1930's. Itβs gin forward, so youβll want to use a great bottle of gin here.Β
Variations: Vodka Gimlet, French Gimlet, Basil Gimlet
Whenβs the last time you had a classic piΓ±a colada? Theyβre not only for the 1990βs or beach resorts, we promise! They take only a few minutes to blend up, only require 5 ingredients, and tasteΒ soΒ refreshing. Oh, and add some drink umbrellas too!
Also try:Β Frozen PiΓ±a Colada, Chi Chi or Painkiller
Hereβs one of the very best sour cocktails, and possibly one of the best classic cocktails of all time: theΒ Sidecar! Whatβs so great about it? Take a taste. This drink is perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, with just the right edge from the boozy Cognac. Itβs a complex, layered drink: warm, crisp, dry, rich, and full at the same time. Truly a stunner!
Variation: Vodka Sidecar, Bourbon Sidecar, Between the Sheets Cocktail
This sophisticated whiskey drink has a long history and has come back into style: the Manhattan! Itβs a three ingredient cocktail, but thereβs so much going on in one sip! Vanilla, oak and caramel notes from the bourbon, sweet and spicy from the vermouth, and bitter and herby from the bitters.
Variation:Β Try the classicΒ Martinez (a gin spin), Brooklyn, or a Black Manhattan.
Here's theΒ perfectΒ amaretto sour! Made correctly, this drink can be one of the best cocktails out there (not that syrupy kind made with sour mix). Itβs tangy and sweet tart, with a hint of almond from the amaretto thatβs toned down by the secret ingredient: bourbon. If youβre not drinking an amaretto sour this way: well, itβs time to start!
Variations: Pisco Sour, Vodka Sour, Tequila Sour
Looking for an iconic classic cocktail? Enter: the Negroni! Itβs equal parts refreshing, bitter, and complex: a drink that youβll want to sit with and savor. The bright red of the Campari makes for a stunning jewel-tone statement of a drink! It's spawned loads of famous variations, too: we like the Negroni Sbagliato (with Prosecco) or Boulevardier (with bourbon).
Variations:Β Americano,Β Negroni Sbagliato,Β Old Pal Cocktail, Boulevardier Cocktail
Hereβs the best mimosa recipe! This oneβs made with Italian Prosecco, orange juice, and a dash of Cointreau for the perfect bubbly citrus flavor. Use Prosecco instead of champagne for a sweeter, nuanced flavor.
Also try: Pineapple Mimosa, Cranberry Mimosa, Strawberry Mimosa
The pomegranate martini, a fruity spin on the vodka martini, is perfectly balanced and refreshingly tart. It looks so festive that itβs great for celebrations of all kinds: be it a classy dinner party orΒ New Yearβs. Whatever the occasion: this martini delivers! It's got a sweet tart, clean flavor and a sophisticated vibe.
Variations: Dirty Martini, Classic Martini, Vesper Martini, Cucumber Martini, Lemon Drop Martini, French Martini, Espresso Martini
The Mai Tai is a classic cocktail from the 1940βs that's breathtakingly complex, featuring rum, orange liqueur, and fancy almond syrup. Itβs just sweet enough, with nutty and vanilla notes against the sharp citrus. Float a little dark rum on top, and you get to the core of a Mai Tai: itβs sophisticated, nuanced, and might we sayβ¦extraordinarily special.
Also try: Yellow Bird or Blue Hawaii
Hereβs a cocktail that takes just 2 minutes and hits the spot in any season: theΒ White Russian! This cocktail mixes vodka with coffee liqueur and cream in a decadently creamy, searingly sweet beverage. You may know it from the 1990βs movie The Big Lebowski, but this drink has been around since the 1950βs. Itβs a total treat, and couldnβt be easier to make!Β
This great cocktail recipe's got a unique name and a beautiful pale pink color! It's made of gin and grapefruit juice, essentially the Greyhound Cocktail except for one thing: the salt rim! It accentuates the sweet and sour flavors. Itβs tangy and refreshing, perfect as a brunch drink or for happy hour. Itβs got a light summery vibe, but it also works in winter when citrus abounds.
One of the most refreshing cocktails out there: a Southside! ThisΒ gin cocktail recipeΒ features bright citrus, herbaceous mint, and botanical gin. It's almost like a gin mojito! Or try its cousin drink the Southside Fizz, which adds soda water. Itβs tart and fizzy, perfect as a patio drink or for brunch.
Hereβs a boozy classic cocktail thatβs one of theΒ greats: the Sazerac! If you love spirit-forward drinks like theΒ Old Fashioned, this oneβs for you. Instead of just whiskey and sugar, this oneβs got a surprise element: absinthe gives a black licorice finish to each sip! This outlawed liquor is now back in good graces (since 2007, at least), a reason to try this famous slow sipper. Itβs the official drink of New Orleans and one of the oldest cocktails there is.
Also try: La Louisiane, Vieux Carre
Love fruity drinks but want something more complex? Hereβs the drink for you: theΒ Jungle Bird! Itβs one of the fewΒ rum cocktailsΒ to pair tropical flavors with an Italian bitter: Campari. You might know Campari from the ubiquitousΒ Negroni: an ultra dry and bitter drink. But add it to a tropical drink and the effect is surprising. Campari perfectly balances the drink and gives the finish an intriguing complexity. It hits all the right notes: sweet, tart, fruity, and bitter.
Also try: Paper Plane, Naked and Famous
The word βMudslideβ might make you think milkshake-style boozy cocktails at chain restaurants. But have you ever had a classic Mudslide? It couldnβt be more sophisticatedβ¦and delicious! You can make this Mudslide recipe both ways: first as drink was first intended: shaken with coffee liqueur and Irish cream and served up in a cocktail glass.
Hereβs a simple cocktail recipe thatβs bubbly, zingy and perfect for summer:Β Ranch Water! Itβs the unofficial drink of West Texas: a tequila highball made with lime juice and sparkling Topo Chico. Itβs like a bubbly, lighter spin on theΒ classic margarita, with all the tangy citrus but less sweetness and booze.Β
Hereβs aΒ classic cocktailΒ thatβs as unique as its nameβ¦the Corpse Reviver No 2! It turns out that the Corpse Reviver has nothing scary or ghoulish about it. In fact, itβsΒ damn good. Itβs a classic gin sour cocktail thatβs tart and zingy from lemon juice and orange liqueur, with a hint of licorice on the finish.
Hereβs a must-make cocktail: theΒ Paper Plane! This one is a brilliant study in balance and contrast. Itβs bitter, sweet and tangy all at once, hitting a magical synergy between the bourbon and amaro. You might think it was aΒ classic cocktail, but this oneβs a modern classic invented in 2007...and one of the best cocktails weβve had.
Hey cocktail connoisseurs: thereβs a new drink in town. Meet theΒ Siesta cocktail! This unexpected combination of tequila, Campari and fresh citrus juice is deliciously intriguing. Each sip is balanced and refreshing, with a sweet tart body and a hint of bitter on the finish. It's a new modern classic invented in 2006, and it's worth making on repeat.
Want to make a Bloody Mary at home? Turns out, making the perfect version of thisΒ classic cocktailΒ is easy, once you know a few secrets. It comes out with an intense, punchy flavor thatβs loads better than store-bought. Hereβs our favorite Bloody Mary recipe: savory, spicy, tangy, and salty all at once.
Coffee lovers, hereβs the cocktail for you! Meet theΒ Espresso Martini. This one is an ideal pick-me-up for a lazy afternoon or an after dinner drinkβ¦it even doubles as dessert! Bittersweet coffee pairs perfectly with the rich sweetness of Kahlua. Add vodka and the trio makes a full-flavored sophisticated drink that tastes like much more than the sum of its parts. Itβs cool, frothy, and just sweet enough.
Hereβs a drink for the adventurous home bartender: theΒ Last Word cocktail! This pale green gin sour is aΒ classic cocktailΒ that was all but lost to history. But with the revival of cocktail culture, this oneβs come back strong! Itβs equal parts sharp, sweet, and sour: full of intrigue and nuance from a few special ingredients.Β
Want aΒ classic cocktailΒ recipe thatβs simple and sophisticated? Thereβs nothing better than aΒ Kir Royale! This famousΒ French cocktailΒ stars black currant liqueur and sparkling wine, and the berries and bubbles suit each other perfectly.
Hereβs a cocktail recipe thatβs so pristine, itβs no wonder itβs got a long history. TryΒ Rum Punch! The concept of rum punch goes back to the 1600βs, though this one is closer to a Planterβs Punch from the early 1900βs. The balance of the ingredients is ideal: instead of overly saccharine is perfectly sweet tart, fruity, andΒ tropical.Β
And to round out our great cocktail recipes, a classic drink thatβs classy and refreshing: the whiskey smash! Contrary to most whiskey drinks, this one is tangy and light, not heavy and boozy. Itβs a citrus spin on the classic Mint Julep, featuring lemon and mint. Itβs perfect for entertaining or evening cocktails on the patio.
Also try: Berry Vodka Smash, Blackberry Bourbon Smash
Looking for more? Head to Gin Cocktails, Champagne Cocktails, Bourbon Cocktails, Vodka Cocktails, Tequila Cocktails, St Germain Cocktails, Cranberry Cocktails, Sour Cocktails, Lemon Cocktails, Egg White Cocktails, Cointreau Drinks, or Frozen Alcoholic Drinks.
Even better: Start with these 15 classic cocktails everyone should try.
What you need to make great cocktail recipes at home
What do you need to make cocktail recipes at home? Well, here’s what we recommend: pick one of these recipes, then get the supplies that you need for that! Instead of outfitting your entire kitchen, pick one of the alcoholic drinks above and start building your tools from there. Here’s what you need to know:
- Do I need a jigger? No. All our cocktail recipes are written in both ounces and tablespoons, so you can use a jigger, small measuring glass, or even a tablespoon.
- Do I need a juicer? To save your hands from cramping up, we’d recommend it. Here’s the citrus juicer we use.
- Do I need a cocktail shaker? A cocktail shaker is useful if you’re making a lot of cocktails. Here’s the cocktail shaker we use. Don’t want to buy one? Use a glass mason jar, fill it with ice, cover and shake!
- Do I need a muddler? Here’s the muddler we use. If you don’t want to buy one, use a wooden spoon instead. Here’s how to muddle mint!
- Do I need a channel knife? It helps in making cocktail garnishes like a lemon twist. But you can make a lemon twist with a knife!
- Do I need to buy simple syrup? Nope, you can make simple syrup at home or maple syrup is our preferred naturally sweet simple syrup substitute.
A few of our recipes use a blender, which we assume you have on hand. And in terms of alcohol: we suggest building out your liquor cabinet one bottle at time. Pick a recipe, then grab the alcohol required.

Step up your cocktail recipes…with clear ice!
One way to take your homemade cocktail recipes one step further? Make clear ice! This crystal clear ice looks beautiful and artisanal, like your cocktail was made at a fancy bar. You can make clear ice at home and it’s so easy! All you need is a small cooler and 24 hours, and your cocktails will look extra stunning. Here’s how to do it! Go to How to Make Clear Ice.
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40 Great Cocktail Recipes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
Description
Here are all the great cocktail recipes and alcoholic drinks you should know how to make, from the margarita to the whiskey sour. Cheers!
Ingredients
- 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) whiskey
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) fresh lemon juice
- ¾ ounce (1 ½ tablespoons) pure maple syrup (or simple syrup)
- Garnish: Orange peel and a cocktail cherry
- Ice, for serving
Instructions
- Add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Fill with a handful of ice and shake until very cold.
- Strain the drink into a glass. Serve with ice, an orange peel and a cocktail cherry.Β
- Category: Drink
- Method: Cocktails
- Cuisine: Cocktail
Keywords: Cocktail Recipes, Whiskey Sour, Fun Cocktails, Fancy Cocktails, Popular Cocktails, Alcoholic Drinks, Easy Cocktails, Great Cocktails
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Nothing beats the classic mojito. That’s one of the things that made me fall for my husband, he can make the best mojito haha
I liked your wonderful information..
great having all of these, a great bookmark for the weekend, and never thought about making clear ice before, great tip, thank you
★★★★★
Great Cocktail Recipes.
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This is amazing. Thanks for sharing this blog. I have become a fan of your blogs. This blog is so interesting and informative.
★★★★★
Its so amazing you guys are doing.congratulatoons.
You’re amazing ππ