The Old Fashioned is one of the most iconic whiskey cocktails ever created. Known for its simplicity and balance, this drink highlights the flavor of the whiskey while adding just a touch of sweetness and aromatic bitters.

Ingredients

• 2 oz brandy, bourbon or rye whiskey

• 1 sugar cube (or ½ tsp simple syrup)

• 2–3 dashes bitters

• Lemon-lime soda or club soda

• Orange wedge

• Cherry

• Ice

Instructions

1. Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass and add the bitters.

2. Add a splash of water and muddle until the sugar dissolves.

3. Fill the glass with ice and pour in your liquor of choice.

4. Stir gently until chilled; top with lemon-lime soda or club soda.

5. Garnish with an orange wedge and cherry.

Tip: A quality bourbon or rye makes all the difference. Visit Family Beer & Liquor to explore our whiskey selection and find the perfect bottle for your Old Fashioned.

The Margarita is one of the most popular cocktails in the world. Its refreshing combination of tequila, lime, and orange liqueur creates a bright, citrus-forward drink that’s perfect for almost any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 oz tequila

• 1 oz fresh lime juice

• 1 oz orange liqueur (such as triple sec)

• Salt for rim (optional)

• Lime wedge

• Ice

Instructions

1. Run a lime wedge around the rim of a glass and dip it in salt if desired.

2. Fill a shaker with ice and add tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur.

3. Shake well until chilled.

4. Strain into a glass filled with ice.

5. Garnish with a lime wedge.
   
   

Tip: Using fresh lime juice will dramatically improve the flavor.

The Martini is a timeless cocktail known for its elegance and simplicity. While variations exist, the classic version combines gin and dry vermouth with a clean, crisp finish.

Ingredients

• 2½ oz gin

• ½ oz dry vermouth

• Lemon twist or olives

• Ice

Instructions

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.

2. Add gin and dry vermouth.

3. Stir for about 20–30 seconds until well chilled.

4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

5. Garnish with olives or a lemon twist.
   
   

Tip: For a drier martini, reduce the amount of vermouth.

The Manhattan is known for its smooth, rich flavor and elegant simplicity. First created in the late 1800s, this classic drink blends whiskey with sweet vermouth and bitters to create a balanced cocktail that’s both bold and refined.

Ingredients

• 2 oz rye whiskey or bourbon

• 1 oz sweet vermouth

• 2–3 dashes bitters

• Maraschino cherry for garnish

• Ice

Instructions

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.

2. Add the whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.

3. Stir gently for about 20–30 seconds until well chilled.

4. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.

5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
   
   

Tip: Rye whiskey is the traditional choice and gives the Manhattan a slightly spicier character, while bourbon creates a slightly sweeter, smoother version.

For the best results, start with a quality whiskey and vermouth. At Family Beer & Liquor, you’ll find a great selection of bourbons, rye whiskeys, and cocktail ingredients to help you craft the perfect Manhattan at home.

The Mojito features bright citrus flavor and fresh mint aroma. Originally from Cuba, it’s a light and invigorating drink that’s easy to enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 oz white rum

• 1 oz fresh lime juice

• 2 tsp sugar (or simple syrup)

• 6–8 fresh mint leaves

• Club soda

• Ice

Instructions

1. Place mint leaves and sugar in a glass.

2. Add lime juice and gently muddle to release the mint aroma.

3. Fill the glass with ice and pour in the rum.

4. Top with club soda and stir lightly.

5. Garnish with mint and a lime wedge.

Tip: Gently muddle mint—pressing too hard can create a bitter taste.

The traditional daiquiri is not frozen or overly sweet—it’s a crisp, balanced mix of rum, fresh lime juice, and sugar that highlights the character of the rum.

Ingredients

• 2 oz white rum

• 1 oz fresh lime juice

• ¾ oz simple syrup

• Lime wheel or wedge for garnish

• Ice

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

2. Add the white rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup.

3. Shake well for about 15–20 seconds until chilled.

4. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.

5. Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge.

Tip: Fresh lime juice makes a big difference in this cocktail. The balance between sweet and sour is what gives a classic daiquiri its clean, refreshing taste.

The Negroni is a bold and balanced Italian cocktail known for its bittersweet flavor. Made with equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, it’s simple yet sophisticated.

Ingredients

• 1 oz gin

• 1 oz Campari

• 1 oz sweet vermouth

• Orange peel

• Ice

Instructions

1. Fill a rocks glass with ice.

2. Add gin, campari, and sweet vermouth.

3. Stir gently until chilled.

4. Garnish with an orange peel.

The Moscow Mule is a refreshing cocktail known for its bright citrus flavor and spicy ginger kick. It’s traditionally served in a copper mug, which helps keep the drink extra cold.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka

• ½ oz fresh lime juice

• 4–6 oz ginger beer

• Lime wedge

• Ice

Instructions

1. Fill a copper mug or glass with ice.

2. Add vodka and lime juice.

3. Top with ginger beer.

4. Stir gently to combine.

5. Garnish with a lime wedge.

The Whiskey Sour balances sweet, sour, and strong flavors. It’s smooth, refreshing, and easy to make at home.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon or whiskey

• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice

• ¾ oz simple syrup

• Ice

• Cherry or orange slice for garnish

Instructions

1. Add whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker with ice.

2. Shake well until chilled.

3. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.

4. Garnish with a cherry or orange slice.

Optional: Add a pasteurized egg white before shaking for a silky texture.

The Cosmopolitan—often called the “Cosmo”—is a stylish, citrus-forward cocktail that became widely popular for its bright flavor and vibrant color. Made with vodka, cranberry juice, lime, and orange liqueur, this drink strikes a perfect balance between sweet and tart.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz vodka

• 1 oz cranberry juice

• ½ oz orange liqueur (such as triple sec)

• ½ oz fresh lime juice

• Orange twist or lime wheel for garnish

• Ice

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

2. Add vodka, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice.

3. Shake well for about 15–20 seconds until chilled.

4. Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass.

5. Garnish with an orange twist or lime wheel.

Tip: For the best flavor, use fresh lime juice rather than bottled juice. It adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cranberry.