15 Classic Cocktail Recipes You Need to Know

In order to compile this list of need-to-know classic cocktails, I relied on advice from four of my more knowledgeable colleagues. (Perhaps that should have been a warning sign that I was not authorized to write this.) Here is a transript of part of the ensuing converation:

Sarah: by "martinez" do you mean martini?
Marian: no they're distinct
Sarah: i can't tell if you're kidding

Don't let this happen to you. I may not know anything about cocktails, but together, let's promise to study these 15 classic recipes and stock up on the spirits we'll need to practice making them. Soon, we'll be the life of the party (and we'll be significantly less likely to say something dumb at a bar -- or in the workplace).

We've also included some tools from our shop collection -- some essential, some ritzy -- to help you make cocktails in style. 

1. The Whiskey Sour

 

2. The Last Word: Serve it in these Cocktail & Champagne Coupes.

  

 

3. The Singapore Sling: You'll need something to shake it in.

  

 

4. The Old-Fashioned: Don't forget a muddler.

  

 

5. The Moscow Mule

 

6. The Southside: It looks perfect in highball glasses.

    

 

7. The Boulevardier

 

8. The Manhattan

 

9. The Martini: Keep track of whose drinks are whose with these Animal Drink Stirrers.  

    

 

10. The Margarita and the cocktail salts you need to line their rims. 

  

 

11. The Martinez

 

12. The Gimlet: Serve them on these classy Brass Coasters. 

    

 

13. The Negroni...or make your life easier and order this handy Negroni Collection.

  

 

14. The Daiquiri

 

15. The Sazerac: Impress your friends with some really fancy ice.

  

What was the first cocktail you learned to make? Share with us in the comments below!