Today, we are here to dispel all the doubts and introduce you to 5 timeless gentleman cocktails you can confidently order at most bars.
Picture this. You take your special someone on a first date and decide to go to the newly opened bar. You receive the drink list and start feeling awkward because you’re not sure what to order. The list in your head typically only includes beer or occasionally wine. What is that Old Fashioned thing, or Tom Collins on the list?
No worries, by the end of this article, you will order these confidently, and who knows, you might find a new favorite cocktail.
1. Old Fashioned
The first item on the list is a timeless classic. The Old Fashioned was first introduced more than 200 years ago and is still a popular choice for cocktail lovers. The Bourbon Old Fashioned is more than a slug of whiskey, seasoned and sweetened. It is one of the best-known whiskey cocktails you can order at the bar.
Despite its simplicity, the Old Fashioned remains just as – if not more – popular today as it was when it first captivated the hearts of drinkers two centuries ago.
The Old Fashioned is a cocktail made by muddling sugar with bitters and water, adding whiskey – or, less commonly, brandy – and finally garnishing with an orange slice or zest and occasionally a cocktail cherry.
The drink is traditionally served in an old-fashioned glass (also known as a rocks glass), hence the name of the cocktail.
2. Martini Cocktails
Ah, the Martini. I bet you’ve already heard about this cocktail somewhere. Shaken, not stirred, right? Although Mr. James Bond’s version is made with both vodka and gin, the original recipe calls for gin only. However, there are numerous other variations to make a refreshing glass of Martini cocktail.
Read along, for three more variations.
The Classic Martini is a cocktail made with gin and vermouth and garnished with an olive or a lemon twist. Over the years, the Martini has become one of the best-known mixed alcoholic beverages.
Long before the 007 franchise, in the mid-19th century, the Martini cocktail reached its best-known form. It involved a mixture of London dry gin and dry vermouth in a 2:1 ratio. The ingredients were stirred in a mixing glass with ice cubes, and optionally, orange or aromatic bitters could be added. The drink was then strained into a chilled cocktail glass.
Over time, the generally expected garnish for the Martini became the drinker’s choice of either a green olive or a twist of lemon peel. When ordering a Martini at the bar, you can ask for your preferred garnish.
If you like to stand out in front of your partner, tell the waiter or waitress exactly how you would like to receive your drink. Including the choice of alcohol, proportions, and garnish. If the version above is not for you, here are three more variants of the iconic cocktail:
Wet Martini
First, the Wet Martini. While the recipes vary when you search for the Wet Martini, we prefer combining 2 parts gin and 1 part dry vermouth and garnish it with a lemon twist. It is a simple and slightly softer version of the Classic Martini, which is enjoyed in many parts of the world.
Dirty Martini
Second, the Dirty Martini. What separates the Dirty Martini from other Martinis? A Dirty Martini features a splash of olive brine or olive juice. The cocktail is typically garnished with an extra olive as well. The additional olive brine makes for a mellower cocktail with a salty-smooth and crisp finish.
Perfect Martini
In addition to the commonly used 2:1 ratio, another half part of sweet vermouth is added. A Perfect Martini uses equal amounts of sweet and dry vermouth. In cocktail terms, the word “perfect” typically means that the drink will include equal parts of both dry and sweet vermouth. That is exactly what you get in the perfect Martini. We can confirm it is a fabulous drink for anyone who loves gin.
There is more to the Martini than three versions. We mentioned two different versions of the Martini in 10 Essential Vodka Cocktails You Can Make In Minutes.
3. Tom Collins
The Tom Collins is a Collins cocktail made from gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water. First mentioned in writing in 1876 by Jerry Thomas, “the father of American mixology”, this “gin and sparkling lemonade” drink is typically served in a Collins glass over ice.
Directions: The Tom Collins is such an easy classic cocktail making it a popular choice. Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup – or sugar, to a Collins glass. Fill the glass with ice, top it with club soda, and stir. Finally, garnish with a lemon wheel and maraschino cherry (optional).
4. Manhattan
The Manhattan is a cocktail made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. The traditional whiskey of choice for this cocktail is Rye. The Manhattan is traditionally stirred, then strained into a cocktail glass and garnished with a maraschino cherry.
This drink is one of the foundational choices of a gentleman. It is a simple, classy and timeless cocktail.
A Manhattan may also be served over ice in a lowball glass. The simplicity of preparing this drink makes it one of the best cocktails to order at a bar or make at home. Due to its minimal ingredient requirements, we particularly recommend using high-quality ingredients.
5. Mojito
The Mojito is one of the best cocktails for the summer. It is a traditional Cuban highball. The cocktail often consists of five ingredients: white rum, sugar (traditionally sugar cane juice), lime juice, soda water, and mint. Its combination of sweetness, citrus, and herbaceous mint flavors is intended to complement the rum and has made the Mojito a popular summer drink.
Extra – Negroni
We can’t really miss the Negroni from this list. As iconic as it gets, the Negroni has gained immense popularity among men, and we can clearly see why. This bitter but refreshing cocktail is perfect for nights out or as a summer refreshment at the beach.
With its harmonious blend of gin, vermouth, and Campari, the Negroni boasts a timeless allure that captures the essence of sophistication in every sip.
Gentlemen, mastering the art of cocktail making is a great way to elevate your social status and impress your guests. By learning to craft these classic cocktails, you will not only dazzle your friends but also develop a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in creating each drink.
Keep on reading: 11 Classic Rum Cocktails You Can Make At Home
