Cocktails
658 recipes found
Ranch Water
Bold, tart and fizzy, this mix of blanco tequila, lime juice and carbonated mineral water, is a refreshing thirst quencher that packs a punch. Use the amounts here as a guide, and pour to suit your taste buds. To take the edge off, add a little sweetener like simple syrup, or a touch of orange-flavored liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau. For an extra hit of flavor, rim the glass with chile-lime salt. While Topo Chico is synonymous with Texas ranch water, preferred for its highly effervescent bubbles, you can use other sparkling waters, too.
Lemon Drop Martini
Named for the old-fashioned hard candy of the same name, this lemony twist on a classic martini packs a refreshing sweet and sour punch. Vodka and freshly squeezed lemon juice give the drink its tart edge, and a little simple syrup and the orange liqueur Cointreau add sweetness for a well-balanced drink. Served in a chilled martini glass with a lightly sugared rim, the lemon drop makes a festive holiday cocktail.
Spiced Holiday Punch for Everyone
Start with a spiced, citrus base, made with lemon peels muddled with brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, star anise, black peppercorns and tea leaves. Then, make a holiday drink your way. If you choose to spike it, reach for a favorite spirited bottle. Gin leans your drink refreshingly botanical, while whiskey feels a bit boozier and plays nicely off the base’s warming spices. If you want to make a nonalcoholic drink, simply add soda water, tonic and, if you like, a few dashes of Angostura bitters. (Note that, while the bitters lend a nice layer of flavor and depth, they do contain a small amount of alcohol, so if you’re abstaining just leave them out.) The point here is to make a drink you want to drink — and for your friend, partner, cousin or parent to make the drink they want to drink.
Cremas
Many countries in the Caribbean celebrate the holidays with similar thick, creamy rum-based cocktails. This cremas recipe, by Charlene Absalon who owns Cremas Absalon, hails from Haiti and balances dark rum with sweet coconut and condensed milks, plus warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Haitian rum like Rhum Barbancourt is especially popular for this drink; islanders are loyal to their local rums. Similarly rich and velvety to cremas (also known as kremas), Puerto Rican coquito incorporates cream of coconut, which was invented on the island, and Cubans make crema de vie, a drink that’s comparable to eggnog.
Gin and Juice
Toni Tipton-Martin spent three years writing her latest cookbook, “Juke Joints, Jazz Clubs and Juice: Cocktails From Two Centuries of African American Cookbooks” (Clarkson Potter, 2023), which gives Black people credit for their contributions to the American cocktail canon. But through her research, she found that Black people were disparaged for their drinking, which led to a large gap in published recipes. Alcoholic beverages like gin and juice were referenced in rap lyrics, namely Snoop Dogg’s hit from his debut album. Though gin and juice needs only two ingredients, this one gains extra depth from the use of vermouth and bitters. Similar combinations of gin, orange juice, vermouth and bitters were traced back to several cookbooks, including some that were published more than a century ago.
Strawberry Daiquiri
Frozen daiquiris have been around almost as long as the electric blender. First served at a bar in Havana in the 1920s, this fruity frozen cocktail increased in popularity in the following decades. This classic strawberry daiquiri recipe uses a combination of frozen fruit and ice to mimic the smooth, frothy texture of cocktails dispensed from a commercial frozen drink machine. Depending on the sweetness of the strawberries purchased, you may need to add additional simple syrup. Add a rum floater if you are so inclined.
Gimlet
The original gimlet was made with just two ingredients: gin and Rose’s Sweetened Lime Juice, a bottled, concentrated lime juice. Modern versions of the cocktail are most often made with fresh lime juice and simple syrup for a crisper flavor. With such a short ingredient list, the gimlet is all about striking the perfect balance between tart, sweet and boozy. The flavor of the gin comes through in this drink, so use one you like, preferably a dry one with a hint of floral or citrus.
Whiskey Highball
The term “highball” refers to any cocktail made from a particular liquor and a larger quantity of carbonated water or soda. By that definition, the gin and tonic, vodka soda, and rum and coke are all technically highball cocktails, but only the Scotch and soda and similar whiskey-based drinks are referred to as highballs. The cocktails are smoky and spirit-forward, but nicely balanced by the fizzy mixer. Use ginger ale if you prefer a sweeter cocktail, or split the difference and use equal parts of each.
Espresso Martini
The invention of the espresso martini — a cocktail with a jolt that has recently experienced a resurgence in popularity — is credited to British bartender Dick Bradsell, who was known for creating inventive cocktails at bars around London in the 1980s. It pairs mild vodka with freshly brewed espresso, coffee-flavored liqueur and a sweet splash of simple syrup. The espresso shot is the cocktail’s main ingredient and has a big impact on the drink’s flavor, so use one you like. (You may want to add an additional 1/2 ounce of coffee liqueur if your espresso is particularly strong.)
Aperol Spritz
A popular Italian aperitivo, or pre-dinner drink, the Aperol spritz is traditionally served with a few light snacks and meant to wake up the appetite before dinner. This cocktail gets its bright orange hue from Aperol, a bittersweet liqueur made from rhubarb and digestive herbs. Easy to commit to memory, this recipe follows the classic ratio of 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol and 1 part sparkling water, but you can add another ounce of Aperol, if you’d like a stronger sip. Aperol spritz is traditionally served in large wine goblets, but will be delicious in any glass you have on hand.
Sangria
This classic red wine sangria comes together in just minutes. Any dry red wine will work, but the fruit-forward notes in Spanish reds made with Tempranillo grapes make them an ideal choice here. The amount of sugar added depends on your personal preference, the red wine you choose and the ripeness of the fruit. As is, this sangria is dry and balanced with a touch of sweetness. If you prefer a boozier sangria, you can increase the amount of brandy to ½ cup (in that case you may want to add additional sugar as well). Sangria is best served within 48 hours, when the fruit has softened but is still fresh. Serve in large glasses over ice, if desired, with a few pieces of wine-soaked fruit as a delicious and potent garnish.
Tequila Sunrise
This beautiful ombré cocktail first appeared on the menu of the Arizona Biltmore, a resort hotel in Phoenix, in the late 1930s or early 1940s. Originally, it was made with tequila, lime juice, soda water and crème de cassis, but was reinterpreted using orange juice and grenadine at the Trident, a bar in Sausalito, Calif., in the 1970s. Rumor has it that the Rolling Stones loved the sunrise-hued drink so much, it worked its way into the unofficial nickname of their 1972 tour. Soon after, the Eagles wrote their eponymous song. You only need a few ingredients to get the look for which this refreshing drink is famous: tequila, orange juice and grenadine, which is slowly poured in as it settles at the bottom of the glass and creates a ruby red base for the rising sun.
Whiskey Sour
The whiskey sour is a trusted combination of sweet, sour and spirit. A true classic, it’s remained largely unchanged since its first printed mention in 1862 in the book “How to Mix Drinks” by Jerry Thomas. This recipe gives instructions for its two most common forms: frosty over ice or frothy with an egg white (also known as a Boston Sour). For a spicier, drier drink, use rye instead of bourbon; for a New York Sour, float 1/2 ounce red wine over the top; and for garnish, consider an orange slice or maraschino cherry.
Frozen Pimm’s Cup
A Pimm’s cup is an English cocktail traditionally made with a splash of its namesake (a mildly spiced, fruity, gin-based liqueur), plus a glug of ginger ale, lemonade or lemon soda. Simply called a “Pimm’s” in the United Kingdom, the drink is a summertime favorite, famously sold in the stands at Wimbledon. This frozen version is easy to make at home and is perfect for sweltering summer nights. Lemon simple syrup gives the cocktail a burst of tart citrus without diluting it, and ginger beer provides a nice kick of ginger. Once the drinks are blended, they’ll stay frosty for a surprisingly long time. The herby and fruity garnishes, a nod to the flavors in Pimm’s, are a distinctive and essential part of the drink.
Frozen Watermelon Daiquiris
Fresh watermelon juice is one of summer’s most refreshing treats, and is arguably even more of a treat when used to make specialty summer cocktails. Its fresh, sweet flavor pairs well with everything from vodka to tequila to gin, and, in this case, white rum. Inspired by the ingredients in a classic daiquiri, this recipe uses frozen cubes of watermelon in place of ice for a potent, full-flavored drink. Along with freshly squeezed lime juice, a generous pour of rum and a splash of simple syrup to round things out, this is the ultimate summer party cocktail. If you think to freeze some watermelon ahead of time, you can have a pitcher of watermelon daiquiris ready in ten minutes, any day you like.
Michelada
A classic Michelada means different things to different people but its core ingredients remain constant: cold beer, lime, salt. Serve the beer-based cocktail as is, over ice, in a chilled glass rimmed with salt or adapt from there to your preferred Michelada by adding a litany of condiments such as: Worcestershire sauce (or salsa inglesa), hot sauce, Maggi seasoning, and Clamato or tomato juice, or both. If you like, switch out the salt rim for a Tajín rim.
Tinto de Verano
A drink built and named for summer, Spain’s effervescent tinto de verano (summer red wine) matches the season’s easy-going nature. At its most traditional, the recipe sticks to just three ingredients: ice, red wine and citrus soda. (La Casera, from Spain, is most classic, but 7Up and Sprite also work.) This version includes an option for a bright lemon-lime syrup mixed with soda water to stand in for the classic’s soft drink, plus a pour of vermouth for rounder, herbal notes. But, should you prefer your tinto de verano adhere to tradition, feel free to add more red wine in place of the vermouth. While the below recipe will yield a balanced, light and fizzy tinto de verano, there’s no need to get overly caught up on perfect measurements, the drink readily adapts to personal preference — and eyeballing ounces.
Limoncello
Surprisingly easy to make at home, limoncello is a bright yellow lemon liqueur ubiquitous in Southern Italy. As lemon peels soak in vodka, they release their fragrant oils along with their color. You can steep the lemons for as few as 4 days and as long as a month, but know that most of the flavor and color from the peels will be transferred to the vodka in the first week. Poured into small glass bottles, homemade limoncello makes a thoughtful party favor. Chill in the freezer, and then serve it to guests after dinner for an impressive nightcap. Limoncello will keep for up to 1 year in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Don’t let those leftover lemons go to waste — use them to make lemonade, lemon curd or lemon meringue pie.
Nutcracker
You’ll find this staple of New York summer at the beach or in parks on hot days. Sellers offer these drinks, and they can vary in how they’re made, but, usually, they’re some mix of vodka, rum, tequila, Everclear or Cognac (or a combination) mixed with fruit juice, and sometimes even candies like Jolly Ranchers. As for how it was invented? It depends on whom you ask, but the origins are likely uptown in the 1990s, with some pointing to José Chu, who worked at Flor de Mayo, a Chino-Latino restaurant at 101st Street and Broadway. If you’re making these at home, there’s no wrong way to do it. Just use what you have on hand, make it as sweet or as tart as you want, and enjoy. Make sure you don’t chug too quickly, because this sweet, candy-like drink will sneak up on you. Sipped over the course of a few hours, though, it’ll keep you friendly and relaxed.
Hennessy Colada
Also known as a Henny Colada, this drink, with roots in City Island, the Bronx, takes traditional piña colada to the next level. Made with sweet pineapple juice and cream of coconut, the traditional rum is replaced with the caramel undertones of Hennessy Cognac. The cherry and pineapple are optional but make it feel extra vacation-like. Whether drinking it in the Caribbean or on City Island, the tropics are a state of mind.
Café de Olla
Made in batches and served hot, sweet and scented with cinnamon and other spices, Café de Olla is traditionally brewed in an olla de barro, a tall clay pot. When making Café de Olla, choose quality, dark roast coffee and, if possible, grind it fresh. Second, seek out piloncillo — unprocessed, unrefined cane sugar named after the shape of the mold that is traditionally used to make it — for a richer, deeper, more caramelized flavor. If you don’t have access to piloncillo, use dark brown sugar and add a half to a full teaspoon of molasses. Lastly, take care to never allow the liquid to come to a boil, which can burn the coffee and make the final drink acidic. Serve as is, or set a bottle of tequila, rum, whiskey, cognac or amaro on the table and let drinkers add their chosen spirit to taste. If you have extra Café de Olla, store it in a covered container in the refrigerator and reheat or serve iced.
The Garibaldi
Named for the Italian revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi, who played a leading role in the unification of Italy, the classic recipe for this two-ingredient drink combines Campari, from Northern Italy, and fresh orange juice, a nod to Sicily in the south. This modern version features orange bitters and a pinch of salt, as well as an ounce of grapefruit juice. (If you want to skip grapefruit, you can also use five full ounces of orange juice.) Whether you make the classic or modern iteration, the key to the best Garibaldi is very fresh, very frothy citrus juice. For that, you’ll want freshly squeezed citrus and a firm, long, dry (without ice) shake, or, if you prefer, you can pulse the juice in a blender for a few seconds to aerate before adding to the glass.
To Wit
Witbier, an unfiltered white beer made with wheat and spiced with coriander and citrus, lends its bready, citrusy and spicy tones and smooth texture to this Calvados-laced cocktail. To best play off the citrus notes of both the beer and orange juice, choose a citrus-forward amaro. Bonus points for saving the orange wheel to savor after you finish drinking: The cocktail’s flavors will slowly seep into the fruit, providing a refreshingly boozy snack to end on.
Midnight Fizz
While a classic gin fizz uses lemon juice, the sweet acidity of lime in this variation skews it toward a (very) frothy gimlet. To ensure plenty of that froth, use a double shake to make the cocktail: first without ice to foam the egg white, then a second time with ice to chill and dilute the drink. Serve traditionally without ice in a small Collins or fizz glass, or go rogue and serve over a few cubes. Either way, as with all egg white drinks, drink with efficiency to capitalize on the drink’s froth and avoid its inevitable separation.