The Ultimate List to the Best Cocktails
7 Best Cocktails A Guy Should Know How to Order
Here’s the deal. Drinks are genderless. If you enjoy the way a cocktail tastes, order it. And then order it again. But yes, there’s something to be said about pinkish or fruity drinks which, let’s be honest, you may have had no clue about how they looked upon checking the cocktail list–the name just sounded appealing.
But just so that you don’t always get stuck ordering a beer (although that’s perfectly fine, too), here are seven great cocktails you should familiarize yourself with.
1. Gin and Tonic (G&T)
This one’s a classic. It was invented in the 1800, for British soldiers in India. Quinine, one of the ingredients in tonic water, has anti-malaria properties. So the tonic water was given soldiers to stave off diseases. It’s hard to go wrong when ordering this in a bar, or DIYing it at home.
What’s in it:
- 2 ounces gin
- 3 ounces Tonic water
- Garnish: 1 Lime wedge
Ice
2. Manhattan
The name is manlier than the way it’s presented, but hey. This classic cocktail combines whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Done right, it goes down smoothly, just like a magical potion should.
What’s in It:
- · 2 parts whiskey
- · 1 part sweet vermouth
- · A dash of bitters
- · Orange peel
3. Long Island Iced-Tea
This is the one you can order with your date. And there’s no reason to worry that it’s not manly enough. It may sound tropically fruity, and may not taste tough enough. But in fact, there’s not a drop of iced tea in there. Instead, four different spirits merging perfectly with coke to create one of the most powerful drinks around. Try ordering more than one, and see who’s tough now.
What’s in it: A delicious, tall combo of Gin, rum, tequila, Vodka, triple sec, syrup, lemon juice, and cola.
4. Martini
Popular since the 1920s and looking sophisticated with an olive dunked inside a long-stemmed glass, it’s often seen in the hands of movie stars on set. Master mixologist Dale DeGroff is the author of The Essential Cocktail and The Craft of the Cocktail reminds us that it’s a very Hollywood staple. “The Martini has been featured in so many movies it deserves an Academy Award”, he has said.
What’s in it:
- 2 1/2 ounces gin
- 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
- Garnish: 1 or 3 olives
- 5. The Godfather
This true gentleman’s drink was also made famous by the movies. It’s created by the perfect blend of bourbon or whiskey and amaretto.
What’s in it: Bourbon, Whiskey, Amaretto, and optionally coke. Ice to chill.
6. Jack and Coke
If you aren’t trying to impress, and want something simple, try this. A Jack Daniels paired with coke and ice is bittersweet, yet crisp and refreshing. You’ll get that kick you crave, without the intense taste of whiskey.
What’s in it: Nothing but Jack Daniels Whiskey and Coke.
7. The Negroni
This is a summery, Italian cocktail made with Campari. The classic version sticks with the Campari, while modern twists add gin and spiraled orange peel. It’s perfect for the summer, or for imagining you’re living the sweet life in Florence as an Italian count (whom the drink was supposedly named after). Negroni fan Anthony Bourdain has a word of caution for any first-timers, however. “The drink will “hit you like a freight train after four or five.”
What’s in it: Gin, Campari, vermouth
For more great tips on drinking and dressing the part, check out BSG’s Dispatch. We’ll give you all the tips you need for a super stylish summer.