How to Make Perfect Classic Cocktails

Today, mixologists are shaking, stirring, foaming, flambéing, and pouring elixirs that we could only fathom in our wildest dreams. The most important component of any specialty cocktail, much like a masterpiece of gastronomy, is the ingredients. While most of us (and our loved ones as much as they may disagree) will never become Master Mixologists, we can at least try to level the playing field by keeping the highest quality ingredients on hand at all times.

Today we discuss the classic cocktails that all DIY mixologists must master before heading off to the bright lights, or dark speakeasies, of London, New York, and Tokyo. These are the iconic drinks that led us to this craft cocktail boom, and the highest quality libations that go into them.

Dry Martini

While vodka Martinis have become very popular, any mixologist or cocktail purist will tell you that a Martini is made with gin. The oldest recipes on record hail from Italy and the United States, and both agree a proper Martini is a gin martini. This simple cocktail of gin and dry vermouth is combined with plenty of ice in a cocktail shaker but is vigorously stirred, not shaken. Sorry, Mr. Bond. The libation is finally strained into its signature glass and garnished with a twist of lemon peel or some olives.

If you’re going to throw caution to the wind and and whip up a vodka martini, we recommend that you go all the way with something new and try one of the new Grey Goose Essences, which are infused with real fruit and botanical essences. These spirits have 0 CARBS and 0 SUGAR and are available in three flavours: Strawberry & Lemongrass, Watermelon & Basil, and White Peach & Rosemary; you’ll be savouring every sip.

Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is in fact one of the oldest documented cocktails, hence the origins of its name. Created in the 19th Century, this iconic cocktail was made with a combination of spirits, bitters, water, and sugar.

This concoction has since evolved into not only one of the most recognizable bar creations, and the standard to which other drinks are measured. If you find yourself trying a new cocktail bar, or if there is a new bartender at your favourite haunt, order an Old Fashioned. The quality of preparation, balancing of ingredients, and presentation will tell you all you need to know about the bartender and the bar itself. If it’s a wonderful combination of bitter and sweet, with a hint of citrus from the orange peel twist then congratulations, it’s cocktails all night. If you are handed a watered-down glass of bourbon with some sugar sprinkled in, it may be best to stick with beer or wine.

The quality of ingredients in making a perfect Old Fashioned is paramount. Starting with homemade simple syrup, with an infusion of orange zest, and top-shelf bitters are a great start. Pair those ingredients with Dewar’s Double Double 21-year-old Whisky, and you have a cocktail fit for any speakeasy.

Negroni

This Italian aperitivo was first mixed in Florence in 1919. A classic Negroni is made up of even parts, gin, sweet vermouth, and that iconic Italian bitter Campari to add sweet earthiness to the recipe, served over ice, and garnished with an orange peel. A Negroni is typically considered a before-meal drink to promote hunger and digestion. However, with the growing popularity of the cocktail, there’s no reason that you can’t enjoy a Negroni whenever the mood strikes. The clean subtle flavour of Bombay Sapphire is the perfect gin to accompany the sweet earthiness of the Campari in this cocktail.

Mojito

This Cuban-born cocktail is sweet, refreshing, and packed full of fresh mint making it a summertime staple for any celebration, and a reminder of vacations past and yet to be had! This simple cocktail is started by gently muddling fresh mint into a highball glass being careful to not break or badly bruise the leaves. Then just add simple syrup, fresh lime juice, Bacardi Carta Blanca rum, and mix well. Cover with an ample amount of ice and garnish with more mint. While simple, the Mojito packs plenty of fresh flavours and is the perfect cocktail to enjoy in your yard, or on the beach.