Cocktails Any Amateur Bartender Can Perfect

You don't have to be a trained mixologist to make a good drink. Amateur bartenders only need quality ingredients, good technique, and the right ratios to make the perfect cocktail. According to Popular Mechanics, every cocktail is made from a spirit, balancing agent, modifier, and water. Finding equilibrium between those components is key — much like a functioning engine.

If you plan to work on your cocktail-making skills, you definitely want to have some essential bartending tools. Consider whether your home bar has mixing glasses, shakers, jiggers (a cocktail measuring cup), strainers, a muddler, a citrus juicer, and a paring knife. These items can help you be precise and consistent while simplifying the process of bringing the cocktail elements together (via Time Out).

In addition to the right bartending tools, practice makes perfect. However, that doesn't mean trying countless versions of a cocktail to see which twist you like best. Instead, embrace the flavors and nuances of the cocktail's basic form before veering into adventurous territory. Flexing your bartending skills while staying true to the classic recipe will finetune your approach and work out the kinks of the final product.

When it's time to expand your arsenal and level up your game, here are cocktails any amateur bartender can perfect.

The margarita is a tequila-based cocktail that is particularly popular in North America and often served with Mexican cuisine (per Liquor.com). While the origin of the margarita is somewhat unclear and often disputed, the basic components of the drink remain the same. A perfectly balanced margarita has both sweet and sour elements, consisting of tequila, lime juice, Triple Sec, agave nectar, and salt.

The most widely used tequila for a margarita is blanco — or silver — tequila, which is made from 100% blue agave and offers a pure taste that pairs well with the other components of the cocktail (via MasterClass). Other styles including añejo, have complex flavors that are not meant for mixing. In addition, Difford's Guide notes that mixto tequilas may contain up to 49% of cane or corn sugars, which can change the flavor and dilute the agave taste quite a bit.

Once you've chosen a high-quality tequila and have measured the other ingredients to make a classic margarita, combine the ice, tequila, Triple Sec, and agave into a shaker. Shake the ingredients for at least 10 seconds to properly mix and chill the components. Then, strain the drink into a salt-rimmed glass and serve with a wedge of lime. Try pairing your margaritas with Mexican-inspired snacks for a tasty combo that's sure to keep the party going.

If you're planning on hosting brunch, it wouldn't be complete without mimosas. This refreshing cocktail is made with sparkling white wine and orange juice for a bubbly, citrusy concoction that rounds out any breakfast-centric meal. The good news is that mimosas are incredibly simple to make. A classic mimosa recipe calls for a 2:3 ratio of orange juice to sparkling wine, gently stirred together and served in a Champagne flute.

As you perfect your mimosa, keep in mind that this popular brunch drink can easily become too sweet. Depending on the type of sparkling wine and orange juice you use, you risk serving up a glass of sugar rather than a balanced cocktail. When choosing your ingredients, the best mimosas are made with quality Prosecco or Champagne that offer complex flavor notes rather than just sweetness. Likewise, don't shy away from being particular about your orange juice. While freshly squeezed is ideal, there are store-bought options that are a close second, providing that fresh tartness that will round out your mimosa.

Not a fan of orange juice? Although it might be tempting to switch it up for something else, you could end up with an entirely different cocktail by the end. For example, a Bellini is a similar drink consisting of sparkling wine and peach puree. When a drink only has two ingredients, you really should reconsider substitutions.

Every amateur bartender should have a good gin and tonic in their back pocket. Known for its bold botanical flavors and crisp citrus notes, it's a versatile cocktail that's comparatively easy to make. However, don't let its simplicity fool you. The perfect gin and tonic requires methodically layering the cocktail elements to successfully balance the flavors.

With just three ingredients and a touch of skill, you'll be serving up the most popular drink at the party. First, make sure the components are cold rather than at room temperature. Run a lime wedge over the rim of a glass before giving it a squeeze and dropping it in. Cover the lime wedge with ice, followed by the chilled gin, then cold tonic water on top. Give it a gentle stir and voilà!

You're not alone if you typically shy away from gin or tonic on their own or in other cocktails but can't get enough of the duo together. It turns out there's actually a scientific reason for the tastiness of this drink. The molecules that make up the gin's botanicals and the quinine in tonic water have similar shapes, causing them to attract when combined. This results in the ingredients mixing well together, forming aggregates that the receptors in your nose and mouth collect (via Thrillist).

Another staple to have in your bartending arsenal is the old fashioned. This cocktail calls for bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar, and bitters, which is a combination that dates back to the late 1600s (via Difford's Guide). However, it wasn't until the early 1800s that whiskey cocktails began to gain popularity. As a way to differentiate the simple three-ingredient concoction from other more complicated whiskey cocktails, people would order the old-fashioned version to avoid the frills of added flavors.

The foundation of a classic old fashioned is quality bourbon, which is an American whiskey made with at least 51% corn as part of the grain mash (per Bourbon Country). With so many options on the market, it can be hard to choose the best bourbon to use in your old fashioned without some struggle. The key is to find one that isn't too sweet or too harsh. A balanced bourbon should have several flavor notes, including subtle sweetness from the corn and a rich oakiness from the barrel.

Not to be outdone, a good bottle of bitters can make or break an old fashioned. Bitters enhance the complexity of the cocktail by adding botanical flavors that balance the sweetness of the bourbon and sugar (per Town & Country). Combine the ingredients with ice in a chilled tumbler and garnish with an orange twist for the ultimate old fashioned.

Step up your cocktail game with a classy vodka martini recipe. Although some people may prefer traditional gin in a dirty martini made with olive juice, vodka has been steadily gaining popularity as the main ingredient in this iconic cocktail. As explained in an article in Punch, vodka's milder profile can help highlight other subtle flavors, letting the olive brine and vermouth shine without overpowering botanicals.

You may also choose to make a vodka martini with a twist rather than adding olive juice. This combination uses a lemon peel twist for a fresh and citrusy brightness. Cocktail garnishes, such as lemon twists, are more than a pretty addition to your glass. Lemon peels contain oils that deliver bold citrus aromas and flavors without diluting the drink with juice.

To make a vodka martini with a twist, simply combine vodka and vermouth over ice in a shaker and shake vigorously to mix and chill the ingredients. Strain the cocktail into a tall martini glass and garnish it with a twisted lemon peel.

There is a common misconception that a cosmopolitan cocktail is just a fancy vodka-cranberry. Made popular by HBO's "Sex and the City," the cosmo is actually much more complex when made the right way (via Chilled Magazine). A classic cosmopolitan combines citrus vodka, fresh lime juice, white or red cranberry juice, and typically Triple Sec or Cointreau. These ingredients are shaken with ice and strained into a chilled martini glass.

A well-made cosmo is sweet, tart, and refreshing. Much like many other cocktails, the key to finding this balance is in the quality of the ingredients. Always use top-shelf vodka, fresh lime juice, and good cranberry juice when making this drink. Be sure to avoid any product labeled as a cranberry juice cocktail, which is not 100% cranberry juice and is packed with added sugars and high-fructose corn syrup (per My Recipes). Since this cocktail is not served over ice, give the ingredients a good shake with ice to ensure the cosmo is nicely chilled before you pour it into a martini glass.

A whiskey sour is a refreshing whiskey-based cocktail that can be traced all the way back to the 1800s, according to Eight Oaks Distillery. Originally, it was a popular drink for sailors, who tended to lack vitamin C on long voyages. To combat scurvy and other conditions caused by vitamin C deficiencies, sailors brought lemons aboard, combining them with whiskey and leading to the sour drink we know today.

To make a perfect whiskey sour, you need bourbon whiskey, fresh lemon and lime juice, simple syrup, and a preserved cherry as a garnish. For the most part, these are ingredients any well-stocked bar should have in abundance, which saves you from having to make a special run to the store. In a cocktail shaker, combine all the elements, shake until chilled, and strain the drink into a glass filled with ice.

Some recipes add frothiness with egg whites. While this is optional, it can add another dimension to the drink and allow you to work on your egg white foaming skills. Difford's Guide recommends using the dry shake technique, which involves shaking the ingredients before adding ice to create the foam, then shaking again with ice to chill.

If you're looking for a refreshing cocktail to serve during the hot summer months, a classic mojito will add a pop of energy to any gathering. Also, because the recipe calls for soda water rather than tonic or sweetened juice, mojitos are comparatively low in calories and have less sugar than other cocktails (via Popsugar). This could add to its appeal for those who are watching their calorie intake.

This Cuban cocktail uses rum as its base, combined with lime juice, soda water, sugar, and mint. Although there is some debate over its origins, the mojito is thought to have evolved from a popular pirate drink called El Draque, which consisted of a sugarcane spirit, tree bark, cane sugar, lime, and mint (via Business Insider).

Because the mojito is fairly simple at its core, it's important not to mess with the components too much. A good bartender will limit substitutions and stick with high-quality ingredients. You'll need to have white rum, lime juice, simple syrup, club soda, and mint on hand, along with a muddler, cocktail shaker, and tall glass.

Now, it's time to test your skills. To make the perfect mojito, add mint leaves to the bottom of the shaker and muddle until fragrant. Combine the rum, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and ice, then cover and shake vigorously until the cocktail is mixed and chilled. Strain over a glass filled with ice, add a splash of club soda, and use mint leaves and lime as garnishes.

Fans of the Coen brothers' cult classic film "The Big Lebowski" will recognize the White Russian as the Dude's drink of choice. Consisting of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream, this cocktail definitely saw a resurgence and steady demand after the film's debut (via Focus Features). However, there are many people who have never seen the movie and have yet to sample this rich libation. This gives you a chance to wow your friends and family with a delectable White Russian at your next get-together.

Unlike a Black Russian, a White Russian gets a dash of heavy cream, making it a sweet concoction ideal for cold weather, an after-dinner treat, or anytime you feel like sipping on a heavier cocktail. Just be sure to get the proportions right to prevent the drink from becoming too sweet and losing the deep coffee bean and vanilla notes from the liqueur.

Once you have the ingredients for a White Russian recipe, fill a lowball tumbler halfway with ice. Pour in the vodka and Kahlúa or other coffee liqueur, and add a good splash of heavy cream over the top. Stir gently and serve right away.

For an elegant party drink, a classic sidecar cocktail with cognac and orange liqueur is always a crowd-pleaser. While vodka and whiskey seem to get more attention when it comes to cocktails, the sidecar is made with brandy, a spirit traditionally made from grapes. It tends to have a fruity and mildly sweet flavor, which can vary depending on the origin of the brandy, according to MasterClass.

Tracing the source of this tasty cocktail points to its invention in either Paris or London shortly after World War I (per VinePair). The sidecar has managed to stand the test of time and survive decades in which candy-flavored vodka concoctions were all the rage, NYC bartender Julie Reiner tells Punch. If you're up for a challenge and want to switch up your party cocktail go-to's, it's time to add the sidecar to your repertoire.

To make a sidecar, rim a chilled coupe glass with sugar. Then, fill a shaker with ice and add cognac, lemon juice, and orange liqueur. Shake the ingredients with the ice until chilled and combined. Then, strain the cocktail into your prepared coupe glass and serve right away.

The Mai Tai is a quintessential tiki drink that delivers all the refreshing flavors you could want in a cocktail, topped off with an umbrella. According to Difford's Guide, the Mai Tai was invented by Victor Jules Bergeron in San Francisco in 1944. The drink highlights all the strong flavors found in rum by combining it with citrus and sweet notes. Grounded in tropical flavors and originally made to pair with Polynesian-inspired dishes, the Mai Tai is a fun, upbeat cocktail that any amateur bartender can perfect. 

A classic Mai Tai recipe calls for both white and dark rum, orange liqueur, orgeat syrup, lime, and optional mint leaves and pineapple for garnishing. Combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and give it a hard shake to fully integrate the flavors and get the drink nice and cold. Pour the contents into a glass filled with crushed ice. To round out the presentation, add mint sprigs, a slice of pineapple, and — if you're feeling particularly playful — a paper cocktail umbrella.

A Manhattan combines whiskey, vermouth, and bitters in a way that any classic cocktail lover will enjoy. While an old fashioned — another popular whiskey cocktail — typically features bourbon at its base, the Manhattan often highlights rye whiskey, which is made with at least 51% rye grain in the fermentation mash.

According to Drinks International, a survey involving 100 of the best bars around the world ranked the Manhattan as the eighth most-ordered cocktail of 2021. The survey results show that it was also a top-three pick in more than 10% of participating bars. That alone should give any amateur bartender a good reason to want to perfect this popular libation!

To make a classic Manhattan, you'll need rye whiskey, dry vermouth, bitters, and orange peel. Fill a cocktail shaker or mixing glass with ice and add the cocktail ingredients. Gently stir the drink until all the elements are combined and chilled. Then, strain it into a cocktail glass and top it with an orange peel twist to round out the flavors. You can also run the orange peel over the rim of the glass to add an additional citrus element to the drink.

You really can't call yourself an amateur bartender without knowing how to make a Negroni, a classic Italian palate-cleansing cocktail. It's an easy drink to make but requires some skill and knowledge of ingredients to find the right balance. This striking scarlet cocktail consists of gin, vermouth, and Campari, and is often garnished with an orange peel to add more complexity to the botanical notes.

The Negroni is a popular aperitif (a drink to have before dinner) because it offers bitter and herbal flavors that prepare the palate for the meal to come (via MasterClass). However, this sophisticated cocktail is also ideal as a digestif (after-dinner drink) to aid with digestion.

If you have your ingredients ready, the key to a balanced Negroni cocktail is to pour all three parts equally. Combine the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth in a glass filled with ice. Stir the cocktail to mix the ingredients and evenly chill the drink. Then, garnish with a simple orange twist.

Although a good Bloody Mary may require more steps and ingredients than other cocktails, the results are worth the effort. A survey conducted by Drinks International found that the Bloody Mary was the 11th most-ordered cocktail at the top 100 bars around the world in 2021. It's definitely a popular drink staple that is often consumed in the morning, during a boozy brunch, or as a globally accepted cure for a hangover. Whether it actually does help in the latter case is still up for debate.

There are several variations and a never-ending array of garnishes you can add to the drink, but the perfect Bloody Mary consists of vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, black pepper, salt to rim the glass, and a celery stalk. First, combine the vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, and pepper in a shaker over ice. Shake vigorously to make sure all the ingredients are properly integrated. Then, strain the contents into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice and add the celery stalk.