Skip the Martini, These 14 Classic Cocktails Are Better

In the world of mixology, classic cocktails have always held a special place because they combine history and artistry. While trends come and go, these classic beverages remain popular with cocktail enthusiasts around the world. Shaken and not stirred, these concoctions have a perfect blend of flavors that will never go out of style. Do you always drink the same cocktail, or do you want to try something new? Skip the Martini, these 14 classic cocktails are better.

Otherwise known as rum and coke, this cocktail originated in Cuba during the early 20th century. It became a favorite drink across Cuba, the United States of America, and other countries. Simply add 2 parts of Bacardi Superior Rum, 1 wedge of fresh lime squeezed, and top up with Coca-Cola. Add all parts to a tall glass and serve on ice.

Sugarcane spirits are popular around the world. The juice is produced by pressing sugarcane, fermenting it, and then distilling it into a spirit. To make a Cane Swizzle, you will need a Collins glass with cubed ice, cane, Blue Curacao, lemon juice, and a dash of grenadine. Then top up with lemonade and garnish with a mint sprig.

A cocktail done right is like a meal in itself. The Daiquiri is a popular summer drink that consists of white rum, sugar, or another sweetener, and a citrus juice, usually lime juice. Nowadays various Daiquiri recipes include frozen fruits such as strawberries or bananas.

The Manhattan cocktail is made with bitters, whisky, and sweet vermouth. It is usually stirred with ice and then strained into a chilled cocktail glass and garnished with a cherry.

During the 1920s this cocktail became popular in London and Paris. It is traditionally made with lemon juice, Cointreau, and Cognac.  Shake in a shaker with ice, then strain into a cocktail glass. Serve it with a twist of lemon or orange. 

The old-fashioned was given its name in the 1800s. It is made by adding whiskey, bitters, a sugar cube, and a dash of water served over ice in an old-fashioned glass. It is then garnished with a twist of lemon and a cherry.

The original Alexander was made by mixing gin with crème de cacao and cream and not brandy. If you haven’t tried one of these, then you are missing out. Gather 1 ½ ounces of cognac, 1 ounce of dark crème de cacao, and 1 ounce of cream. Mix in a shaker with ice, strain into a chilled glass, and garnish with grated nutmeg.

A Whiskey Sour is commonly served before dinner and contains sugar, whiskey, and lemon juice. It can be made as a mixed drink or shot. Simply shake with ice, strain, and pour into a chilled glass. Serve on the rocks and garnish with a cherry and half a slice of orange. 

Between the Sheets can be enjoyed at any time of the day. This cocktail was a derivative of the Sidecar in the 1930s at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. Add white rum, cognac, triple sec, and lemon juice to a shaker with ice, strain, and serve in a chilled cocktail glass without ice.

In America, between 1900 and the 1940s, this cocktail became quite popular. To make it, add gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker with ice. Shake for 2 minutes, then strain into a chilled glass and top with soda water. Garnish with a slice of lemon without ice.

This cocktail was named after a Canadian-American actress in the 1920s by Fred Kaufmann or Eddie Woelke at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba. It is made with fresh pineapple juice, white rum, Maraschino liqueur, and grenadine. The ingredients are shaken in a shaker, strained, and served in a chilled cocktail glass with a cherry.

Jerry Thomas recorded this cocktail in his book The Bartender’s Guide: How to Mix Drinks; A Bon Vivant’s Companion in 1862. Furthermore, it is referred to as the “Coffee Cocktail” named for its looks rather than the ingredients used. It is commonly served after dinner. In a shaker, mix brandy, port, and egg yolk with ice, then strain and pour it into a chilled glass. Finally, garnish with grated nutmeg.

The Tuxedo was first mixed at the Tuxedo Club in Orange County, New York. It can be enjoyed at any time of the day. In a shaker with ice, mix gin, orange bitters, absinthe, dry vermouth, and maraschino. Strain and pour into a chilled cocktail glass. Finally, garnish with a cherry and a twist of lemon zest.

This popular cocktail was invented in the 1920s or 1930s. The original Bloody Mary was only made with vodka and tomato juice. When making a Bloody Mary, gently shake vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, tobacco sauce, celery salt, and black pepper in a shaker. Strain and pour into a long glass with ice. Then garnish with a lemon slice and celery.

Finally, whether you enjoy sipping on an Old Fashioned or like the spiciness of a Bloody Mary, each cocktail has a unique story to tell. So, the next time you want a drink, skip the Martini, these 14 cocktails are better and definitely worth a try.