As the long weekend approaches, there's no better way to unwind and celebrate than by indulging in some cocktails crafted in the comfort of your home. These time-honoured drinks not only bring a touch of elegance to any gathering but also embody the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication.
Read more: Shaken, not stirred: A guide to martinis in the Klang Valley
Whether you're a seasoned mixologist or a casual enthusiast, this guide will help you master the art of cocktail-making with ease. From the refreshing zest of a margarita to the sultry sophistication of a Manhattan, these recipes will make your long weekend memorable and delicious.
Margarita
Margaritas in salt-rimmed glasses (Photo: Getty Images)
A classic that brings a taste of summer with every sip.
The margarita is a beloved classic, known for its vibrant, tangy flavours. Originating from Mexico, this cocktail blends the smoothness of tequila with the sharpness of lime juice and the sweet orange notes of triple sec. Served in a salt-rimmed glass, it strikes a perfect balance between sweet, sour, and salty. Ideal for warm weather and festive occasions, the Margarita is refreshing and invigorating, embodying the spirit of summer in a glass.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml tequila
- 30 ml lime juice
- 30 ml triple sec
Instructions: Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice, and garnish with a lime wedge.
Mojito
A mojito with fresh mint leaves (Photo: Getty Images)
Refreshing and minty, perfect for hot afternoons.
The mojito is a quintessential Cuban cocktail that has won hearts worldwide. Combining white rum with the crisp flavours of fresh mint and lime, this drink is sweetened with a touch of sugar and topped with soda water for a bubbly finish. The mojito’s bright, refreshing taste makes it an excellent choice for hot afternoons and social gatherings, providing a burst of freshness with each sip.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml white rum
- 30 ml lime juice
- 2 tsp sugar
- Mint leaves
- Soda water
Instructions: Muddle mint leaves and sugar in a glass. Add lime juice and rum, fill with ice, top with soda water, and garnish with a sprig of mint.
Negroni
A negroni with orange peel (Photo: Unsplash)
A perfect balance of bitter and sweet, sophisticated and refreshing.
The negroni, with its bold, bittersweet profile, is a favourite among those who appreciate complex flavours. This Italian classic is a simple yet sophisticated blend of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Each sip offers a harmonious mix of bitter, sweet, and herbal notes, making it a delightful aperitif. Served over ice and garnished with an orange peel, the Negroni is both visually striking and richly flavourful.
Ingredients:
- 30 ml Gin
- 30 ml Campari
- 30 ml sweet vermouth
Instructions: Stir all ingredients with ice, strain into a rocks glass filled with ice, and garnish with an orange peel.
Martini
A martini garnished with olives (Photo: Getty Images)
The epitome of elegance and simplicity.
The martini is the epitome of cocktail elegance, a timeless drink that exudes sophistication. Traditionally made with Gin and dry vermouth, the martini can also be crafted with vodka for a smoother variation. Served ice-cold in a classic martini glass and garnished with an olive or a lemon twist, this cocktail is as much about the ritual of its preparation as it is about its clean, bracing flavour.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml Gin or vodka
- 30 ml dry vermouth
Instructions: Stir ingredients with ice, strain into a chilled martini glass, and garnish with an olive or a lemon twist.
Old Fashioned
A timeless classic that never goes out of style.
The old fashioned is one of the oldest known cocktails, dating back to the early 19th century. This drink showcases the rich flavours of bourbon or rye whiskey, subtly sweetened with a sugar cube and balanced with a few dashes of bitters. The addition of a splash of water helps to mellow the drink, while a garnish of an orange twist and a cherry adds a touch of aromatic complexity. The old fashioned is a straightforward yet sophisticated cocktail that remains a staple of any well-stocked bar.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 sugar cube
- 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
- Splash of water
Instructions: Muddle the sugar and bitters with a splash of water in a glass. Add ice and whiskey, stir gently, and garnish with an orange twist and a cherry.
French 75
A French 75 served in a champagne flute (Photo: Getty Images)
Effervescent and elegant, a true celebratory drink.
The French 75 is a sparkling cocktail that brings a touch of glamour to any celebration. Named after a powerful World War I artillery gun, this drink packs a delightful punch with its combination of Gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup, topped with champagne. The result is a bright, effervescent drink that's both refreshing and festive. Perfect for toasting special occasions, the French 75 is a cocktail that adds a sophisticated sparkle to any gathering.
Ingredients:
- 30 ml Gin
- 15 ml lemon juice
- 15 ml simple syrup
- Champagne
Instructions: Shake Gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice, strain into a champagne flute, and top with champagne. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Junglebird
A tropical delight with a sophisticated twist.
The junglebird is a delightful tropical cocktail with a sophisticated edge, combining the richness of dark rum with the bitter complexity of Campari. This Malaysian-born drink is balanced with the sweetness of pineapple juice, the tartness of lime juice, and the subtle sweetness of simple syrup. The result is a harmonious blend of flavours that transport you to a tropical paradise with every sip. Garnished with a pineapple wedge or leaf, the junglebird is both visually appealing and deliciously tropical.
Ingredients:
- 45 ml dark rum
- 22.5 ml Campari
- 45 ml pineapple juice
- 15 ml lime juice
- 15 ml simple syrup
Instructions: Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a rocks glass filled with ice, and garnish with a pineapple wedge or leaf.
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Manhattan
A Manhattan with a cherry (Photo: Getty Images)
Rich, smooth, and always a crowd-pleaser.
The Manhattan is a classic American cocktail known for its deep, warming flavours. Made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and a dash of bitters, this drink offers a perfect blend of sweetness and spice. Served in a chilled coupe glass and garnished with a cherry, the Manhattan is both elegant and robust. Its smooth, complex taste makes it a favourite for evening sipping and sophisticated gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml rye whiskey
- 30 ml sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
Instructions: Stir ingredients with ice, strain into a chilled coupe glass, and garnish with a cherry.
Whiskey Sour
A whisky sour with a slice of lemon (Photo: Unsplash)
Smooth, tangy, and utterly satisfying.
The whisky sour is a classic cocktail that combines the bold flavour of bourbon with the tartness of fresh lemon juice and a touch of sweetness from simple syrup. This drink is shaken with ice to create a frothy, well-balanced beverage that's both smooth and tangy. Often garnished with a cherry and an orange slice, the whisky sour is a versatile and satisfying choice for any time of the day, making it a beloved favourite among whisky enthusiasts.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml bourbon
- 22.5 ml lemon juice
- 15 ml simple syrup
Instructions: Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a rocks glass filled with ice, and garnish with a cherry and an orange slice.
Daiquiri
Daiquiris garnished with dried citrus (Photo: Getty Images)
Simple, elegant, and refreshingly tangy.
The daiquiri is a classic cocktail with roots in Cuba, renowned for its simplicity and refreshing taste. Made with white rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup, this drink strikes a perfect balance between sweet and tart. Shaken with ice and served straight up in a chilled glass, the daiquiri is a crisp and clean cocktail that's ideal for any occasion. Its straightforward preparation and delightful flavour make it a timeless favourite.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml white rum
- 22.5 ml lime juice
- 15 ml simple syrup
Instructions: Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a chilled coupe glass, and garnish with a lime wheel.
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