Top Ten Classic Cocktails
by Heather LeQuire on Sep 23, 2006 with 5 Comments
An overview at the most well known and favorite cocktails.
Cocktails are often requested much more than any other drinks. There are different types of cocktails, such as one liquor, two liquor, and those served with a mix. On liquor cocktails do not require any mixing, you just pour and go. These basically consist of one ounce of liquor or liqueur and a beverage. Often times they use well liquors, however customers may request a brand name, or premium liquor if they prefer. Serve one liquor cocktails with a sip stick so that the customer may stir their drink or have a straw. Two liquor cocktails are usually higher in alcohol content. These drinks typically call for two liquors or two liquors and a mixer. When you serve these drinks on the rocks, you should fill the glass to the top with ice. Cocktails using a mixer are always shaken. You want to create a slight foam at the top of the drink. When these are served on the rocks, fill your glass halfway with ice. Overall, cocktails are fun, quick and easy to make.
1. Rusty Nail
• 1 ½ ounces Scotch
• ½ ounce Drambuie
Combining Scotch and Drambuie, which is a Scotch flavored liqueur, this drink is guaranteed to open up your eyes.
2. Kamikaze
• 1 ounce Vodka
• ½ ounce Triple Sec
• ½ ounce Lime Juice
Using Vodka, Triple Sec (orange flavored liqueur) and lime juice, this drink is strong and sweet. It is definitely a classic favorite.
3. 7&7
• 1 ounce Seagram 7 Whiskey
• 7 up (you my use Sprite)
The 7&7 is great for Whiskey lovers! Really even if you’re not too big on Whiskey it’s a great drink because the 7 up adds a great flavor to the drink.
4. Tequila Sunrise
• 1 ounce Tequila
• Orange Juice
Float grenadine on top of this drink using a bar spoon. A bright and colorful look, the Tequila Sunrise has a very sweet taste because of the orange juice and grenadine. Grenadine is a non alcoholic cherry flavored syrup used in several drinks.
5. Whiskey Sour
• 1 ounce Whiskey
• 2 ounces Sour Mix
The name really says it all for this one. A very popular drink among many people.
6. White Russian
• 1 ounce Vodka
• ½ ounce Kahlua
• ½ ounce Cream (half and half)
Using Kahlua and cream is always a great combination for a smooth drink. Kahlua provides a coffee taste, whiles vodka and cream add to the flavor. A rich and creamy drink, perfect for dessert.
7. Snake Bite
• 1 ½ ounces 101 Wild Turkey
• ½ ounce Peppermint Schnapps
A snake bite indeed, this drink will surely warm you up on a cold night! If you like peppermint, it’s right up your alley.
8. Side Car
• 1 ounce Brandy
• ½ ounce Triple Sec
• 1 ½ ounces Sour Mix
It’s important to remember on this drink to put sugar on the rim of the glass first. This one’s guaranteed to knock your socks off!
9. Bloody Mary
• 1 ounce Vodka
• Bloody Mary Mix
This drink has a little spice to it. With this cocktail, don’t forget to salt the rim of the glass first. Also, garnish it with a lime wedge and celery.
10. Bay Breeze
• 1 ounce Vodka
• ½ Cranberry juice
• ½ Pineapple juice
Sweet and fruity, the Bay Breeze can be rather refreshing. It’s a great recommendation to anyone who likes cranberry juice.
These are typically everyone’s classic favorite cocktails. Some are stronger than others, depending on how much liquor is going in the glass. If you are a bartender, they’re all great drinks to have fresh in your mind, as you may find that they are requested on a regular basis. You may even get creative with your cocktails and try your own special blends!
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Published in: Entertaining












No Martini | Dec 17, 2007 | Reply
How can you write a list of 10 classic cocktails without a martini?
sanna | Nov 6, 2008 | Reply
why do you use “mix” instead of actual fresh ingredients? classic indeed! where is the manhattan or old fashioned?
Mike | Feb 19, 2009 | Reply
Most of those aren’t cocktails. Good lord. Do your homework.
paul | Oct 12, 2009 | Reply
do your home work!
paul | Oct 12, 2009 | Reply
i ment mike do your home work! mate these are coctails!