Cocktails typically have a base liquor, like vodka or gin, and come with other flavoured ingredients like fruit juice. Some cocktails are simple and only involve two liquid ingredients. Other cocktails are more complex, involving a base liquor, several fruit juices, spices, and a garnish. Alcoholic or non-alcoholic, a cocktail is any beverage that is made with two or more ingredients. For alcoholic cocktails, they usually have at least one kind of alcohol in them. Typical cocktails served straight up include martinis, sidecars, and manhattans. The easiest way to remember it at the bar is that cocktails are served “straight up” but a spirit-only drink like whiskey or vodka (if you want it chilled) is served “up.”
Cocktails are generally served chilled, although some (e.g., margaritas) may be served either with or without ice, and this must be specified. Cocktails can be served "frozen", which is with crushed ice or blended with ice instead of cubes.
Popular cocktails that will always be in style.
They are the Old Fashioned, Martini, Daiquiri, Sidecar, Whiskey Highball, and Flip. In each drink, every ingredient falls into at least one category. Core is the primary flavor; balance enhances the core with sweetness, acidity, or both; and seasoning adds another dimension and complements or contrasts with the core.
Add ice to the mixing glass or cocktail shaker. Mix the ingredients (build, stir, shake etc.) Poor (or strain) the mixed ingredients into the cocktail serving glass (with ice if necessary) Add the garnish to the serving glass to complete your cocktail.
Today, the glass is used to serve a variety of cocktails, such as the martini and its variations (French martini, vodka martini, espresso martini, appletini), Manhattan, Brandy Alexander, pisco sour, Negroni, cosmopolitan, gimlet, and the grasshopper.
In an attempt to demystify the always delightful but often murky path to cocktail enlightenment, we present four basic cocktail categories: sours, fizzes, Old-Fashioneds and three-parters.
A minty mojito is the perfect drink for a hot summer's afternoon. Mix together some white rum, sugar, zesty lime and cooling soda water for a winning drink no-one will turn down. Learn the bartender's tricks for making the best mojito, like choosing rum and muddling ingredients. We guarantee a single sip of this latin-inspired tipple will transport you to a sun-drenched beach.
It wouldn't be British summertime without a glass of fruity Pimm's punch. Make a pitcher for your next gathering with friends, and add plenty of mint leaves, cucumber, orange and strawberries for a fruitier flavour. Turn this sensational summer cup into a Pimm's slushie to keep everyone cool or add a splash of juice and a sprinkling of seeds to make our pomegranate Pimm's.
Try a taste of the tropical with our fun and fruity piña colada. This irresistible blend of creamy coconut, smooth white rum and tangy pineapple is a retro classic for a reason, and is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. Garnish with as many kitsch umbrellas, colourful straws and pineapple slices as you can. Fancy something a little lighter? Try our crystal colada with coconut water and Brazilian cachaca.