How to make 15 cocktails your guests will love

Shaken or stirred? Dirty or with a twist? Up or on the rocks? Whether you’re a total novice hosting your very first cocktail party at home or an experienced mixologist looking to brush up on your classic cocktail recipes, let our guide serve as your go-to classic cocktail cheat sheet. From “dirty” 30th birthdays to elegant galas, any celebration is better with a few (or more) properly-made cocktails. 

Once you master the art of the mixed drink, find inspiration for your cocktail party invitation wording, and browse our cocktail party invitation collection to find the perfect customizable design to match your drink menu. Now, pour yourself your sip of choice and read on for our classic cocktail list and a step-by-step recipe for each. 

1. Dirty martini

Martinis are having a major moment. But this salty, delicious drink is also a timeless favorite and bar menu staple with origins dating back to the early 1900s. So grab a jar of olives and get ready to learn how to craft this classic martini cocktail recipe.

Note: For your own perfect dirty martini, the amount of both vermouth and olive juice you use is always at your discretion based on taste preferences. The choice of gin or vodka is also up to you—gin is classic, but some believe vodka is ideal for dirty martinis, specifically. 

• Fill up a mixing glass or martini shaker with ice
• Add in 2 ½ ounces of gin or vodka 
• Add in ½ ounce of dry vermouth
• Add ½ ounce of strained olive juice 
• Shake vigorously or stir until chilled 
• Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with three green olives

2. Negroni

This fiery red, three-ingredient concoction is easy to master and the perfect classic cocktail recipe to keep up your sleeve for an al fresco dinner party. You’ll simply need gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. 

Note: sweet and dry vermouth should not be used interchangeably (as some have, unfortunately, had to learn the hard way). 

• Fill a mixing glass with ice
• Add 1 ounce of gin
• Add 1 ounce of Campari
• Add 1 ounce of sweet vermouth
• Stir until well chilled
• Place one large ice cube in a rocks glass
• Strain your mixture into the glass
• Garnish with an orange peel

3. Margarita

Whether you take yours spicy, skinny, or salt-rimmed, the margarita is an iconic cocktail recipe to know. Pair it with a taco night, serve pitchers of it at a summer pool party, or make it the star of the show at a rowdy tequila-fueled bachelorette party weekend. 

Note: There are many different iterations of margarita recipes, including optional additions like simple syrup, agave, orange liqueur like Cointreau, and other various replacements. But for a standard starting point, learn how to make the classic margarita cocktail recipe below. 

• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
• Add 2 ounces of tequila—blanco is the standard choice for a classic margarita
• Add 1 ounce of triple sec
• Add 1 ounce of fresh lime juice
• Shake vigorously to combine until chilled
• Salt the rim of a margarita or rocks glass: pour salt onto a small plate, rub a lime wedge on the rim of your glass, then dip to coat 
• Fill your salt-rimmed margarita glass with ice cubes
• Strain the mixture from your shaker into the glass
• Garnish with a lime wedge 

4. Mojito

Minty, refreshing, and the perfect cocktail to accompany any sunny outdoor gathering in the spring or summer, whether it’s a backyard BBQ, an elegant picnic, or a celebratory sip and see. Learn how to make this traditional rum punch with origins in Havana, Cuba. You’ll just need rum, some fresh mint, lime, sugar, club soda, and a helpful tool called a muddler—or a heavy wooden stick that can grind everything down and release all the fresh flavors. If you don’t have a muddler, you can use the end of a wooden spoon instead.

• In a tall, sturdy glass, place 10 fresh mint leaves and 1 lime wedge
• With a muddler, crush the leaves and lime 
• Add 2 more lime wedges to the glass along with 2 tablespoons of sugar
• Muddle everything again
• Add ice cubes to nearly fill the glass
• Pour in 1 ½ ounces of light rum
• Fill the remaining glass with club soda or sparkling water
• Stir everything to combine 
• Garnish with another lime wedge and sprig of mint

5. Aperol spritz

Speaking of refreshing summertime cocktails, there may be no better feeling than sipping an Aperol spritz al fresco. This bubbly, vibrant Italian cocktail is commonly enjoyed as an apéritif—or pre-meal drink—and is believed to have been born out of Venice. Perfect for a backyard dinner party under the stars or a lively girls’ brunch, this bittersweet beverage is a classic cocktail recipe to master as the weather warms.

• Place ice cubes in a wine glass
• Pour 3 ounces of Prosecco directly into the glass
• Add in 2 ounces of Aperol
• Add in 1 ounce of club soda or sparkling water
• Garnish with a slice of orange

6. Cosmopolitan

Channel your inner socialite when you learn how to craft the perfect cosmo cocktail.  This bright pink beverage is flashy, packs a punch, and gives retro vibes—an incredible menu addition to any throwback ’70s or ’80s theme party. Here’s how to embrace the pink drink and learn how to make a classic cosmopolitan cocktail. 

• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
• Add in 2  ounces of vodka
• Add in 1 ounce of cranberry juice
• Add in 1 ounce of Cointreau or other triple sec
• Add in 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice
• Shake until chilled
• Strain into a martini glass and garnish with an orange, lime, or lemon peel

7. Moscow mule

Known for the iconic copper mug it’s served in (that keeps it extra cold!), a Moscow mule can be enjoyed anytime, but may add a unique touch to your next dinner party, cocktail gathering, or even spice up a festive holiday party. Ginger beer gives this drink a distinctly tart flavor, and the fresh herbs and lime it’s typically garnished with make it a refreshing sip that’s sure to please a crowd, whatever the event may be. 

• Place ice cubes in a copper mug
• Add in 2 ounces of vodka
• Add in 4 ounces of ginger beer
• Add in ½ ounce of fresh lime juice
• Stir to combine
• Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of fresh mint

8. Espresso martini

Delicious, provides a boost of energy, and can be enjoyed as a dessert drink—or really, anytime you’re craving one—the espresso martini has definitely been making waves on the cocktail scene and belongs on any classic cocktail list. If you’re searching for a caffeine-filled cocktail recipe to serve at your next girls’ night or happy hour, look no further than the espresso martini. 

• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
• Add in 2 ounces of vodka
• Add in 1 ounce of coffee liqueur 
• Add in 1 ounce of espresso (If you’ve freshly pulled the espresso shot, let it cool off to room temperature before adding)
• Shake until well chilled
• Strain into a coupe or martini glass
• Garnish with coffee beans

9. Old fashioned

A drink that lives up to its name, the old fashioned is one of the earliest documented cocktails, with mentions in recipe books dating all the way back to the 1880s. With a renewed popularity that some credit to Don Draper’s fondness for the classy whiskey drink, learning how to make an old fashioned cocktail can impress guests and elevate any formal cocktail soirée, charity gala, or VIP business event. 

• In a mixing glass, add 1 teaspoon of sugar
• Add 3 dashes of Angostura bitters
• Add 1 teaspoon of water
• Stir or muddle until the sugar is almost completely dissolved
• Fill that same mixing glass with ice
• Add in 2 ounces of bourbon
• Stir until well chilled
• Place one large ice cube in a rocks glass
• Strain the mixture into your glass
• Garnish with an orange peel and maraschino cherry

10. Manhattan

Another vintage classic, the Manhattan is thought to have, fittingly, originated in the bustling New York City borough of its namesake in the late 1800s. Learn how to make this whiskey-based cocktail to add a touch of sophistication to a vintage-inspired Roaring ’20s party or black tie ball. 

• Fill a mixing glass with ice
• Add in 2 ounces of rye whiskey
• Add in 1 ounce of sweet vermouth
• Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• Stir until chilled
• Strain into a martini or coupe glass
• Garnish with a maraschino cherry

11. Bloody Mary

A little “hair of the dog” at brunch certainly never hurt anyone, and a Bloody Mary is widely thought of as the ideal daytime cocktail to revive anyone’s spirit after a late night. Stick to the basics or go to town with your garnishes—olives, bacon slices, shrimp, or use your culinary imagination—if you can put it on a skewer, why not? 

Take note on how to make this classic cocktail, and delight guests with a savory and spice-filled alcoholic treat at a weekend brunch, or any day of the week you’re craving a little vegetable with your vodka. 

• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
• Add in 2 ounces of vodka
• Add in 4 ounces of tomato juice
• Add 2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
• Add 2 dashes of Tabasco sauce
• Add 2 teaspoons of prepared horseradish 
• Squeeze in 1 lemon wedge and 1 lime wedge
• Add 1 pinch of ground black pepper
• Add 1 pinch of smoked paprika
• Add 1 pinch of celery salt
• Shake to combine
• Strain into a tall glass with ice
• Garnish with a celery stalk, green olives, a lime wedge, and whatever else you like

12. Daiquiri

Often served frozen or infused with fruity flavors, the classic daiquiri recipe is the starting point for many variations of the satisfyingly sweet rum cocktail. Traditionally served up (without ice) or on the rocks, the daiquiri originated in Cuba and was later popularized by Ernest Hemingway. Pre-mix a batch for your next beach day or serve at a tropical-themed birthday bash—here’s how to make the simple yet satisfying classic daiquiri. 

• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
• Add in 2 ounces of light rum
• Add in 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice
• Add in ½ ounce of simple syrup
• Shake until well chilled
• Strain into a chilled cocktail or coupe glass
• Garnish with a lime peel twist

13. Mint Julep

This classic bourbon cocktail is widely known as the go-to drink choice for cheering on the Kentucky Derby, with origins rooted in the American South. Whether you’re donning your most decadent sundress and wide-brimmed hat race-side or hosting friends for an at-home viewing party, familiarize yourself with the proper way to make a mint julep, for a gathering fit for any southern belle. 

• In a classic mint julep cup (typically silver, pewter, or metal) or rocks glass, add 8 mint leaves and ½ ounce of simple syrup
• Muddle the mint leaves 
• Add in 2 ounces of bourbon
• Fill up the remainder of the glass with crushed ice
• Stir until well chilled
• Top with more crushed ice
• Garnish with a mint sprig

14. Tom Collins

Sour, sparkling, and citrusy, this gin-based cocktail recipe is a timeless favorite that contributed to the popularization of what’s known as a “long drink.” Essentially, a long drink is a cocktail served in a tall, highball glass that contains more mixer, like club soda, and less alcohol by volume, encouraging a prolonged, refreshing sipping experience. 

• In a Collins glass—basically a tall glass tumbler—add in 2 ounces of gin
• Add in 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Add in ½ ounce of simple syrup
• Fill the glass with ice
• Add enough club soda or sparkling water to fill the rest of the glass
• Stir until well combined and chilled
• Garnish with a lemon round and maraschino cherry

15. French 75

Adding a little Champagne can make anything feel more decadent. The French 75 is a classic, bubbly, gin-based cocktail that’s both elegant and refreshing. Channel your inner European elite and learn how to make a classic French 75 for a swanky cocktail soirée or any occasion that calls for popping open a bottle of bubbles. 

• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
• Add in 1 ounce of gin
• Add in ½ ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Add in ½ ounce of simple syrup
• Shake until well chilled
• Strain into a Champagne flute
• Top with Champagne 
• Garnish with a lemon twist

Whatever you’re sipping, serve it in style with Paperless Post

Now that you’re a cocktail connoisseur, it’s time to start planning a party to show off your professional-level mixology and bartending skills. Keep this classic cocktail recipe list on hand as you host and impress friends, whether it’s at your studio apartment or at an expansive banquet hall. 

Enable Guest Questions with your Paperless Post invitation to gather information from your guests as you plan, like their liquor of choice or all-time favorite drink. Let guests know what you’re serving up in a Details Block, and add a Links Block to link guests to a spreadsheet where they can sign up to bring their own favorite beverage or snack to go with your designated drink menu. 

Pair your signature cocktail with a themed dinner party, or incorporate it into a milestone birthday bash. From drinks to dessert, host any delectable get-together with ease with the help of Paperless Post. 

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