5 Cocktails You Should Know How To Make

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Whether you’re a home bartender or a professional mixologist, knowing how to make great cocktails is an invaluable skill. Cocktails have become a popular and sophisticated way of enjoying alcohol, with the cocktail culture continuously evolving and growing worldwide. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global cocktail market size was valued at USD 782.8 million in 2021 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.4% from 2022 to 2030. The rise in popularity of craft cocktails has also led to an increase in the demand for skilled bartenders who can create unique and innovative drinks.

In this article, we’ll discuss five classic cocktails that you should know how to make to light up any party.

1. Rum Punch

Rum Punch is a cocktail that’s perfectly suited for a tropical vacation or a summer day by the pool. It’s made with rum, fruit juices, and spices that you can serve over ice with a garnish of fresh fruit. To prepare it, start by mixing rum, fruit juices (such as orange, pineapple, and lime), and a simple syrup in a large pitcher. Add a dash of bitters and a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for added flavor. Stir the mixture until it’s well combined. Now, chill it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Upon serving, pour the rum punch over ice in individual glasses and garnish with slices of fresh fruit, such as pineapple. You can also add a twig of mint for an extra burst of flavor. 

However, be mindful that certain states in the US have specific rules, especially when it comes to serving alcoholic beverages. For instance, if you are a server working in California, it is mandatory to stay compliant with the Alcohol Beverage Control Policy. Bartenders, managers, and servers must complete RBS training for the promotion of responsible serving and consumption of alcohol. Failure to do so can lead to hefty fines by the state government.

Remember, Rum Punch is all about versatility. There are countless variations of the cocktail that you can try. These involve using different types of rum (such as dark or spiced rum) or adding a splash of coconut milk for a creamy twist. You can also vary the ratio of juices to suit your taste.

2. Margarita

The Margarita is a classic cocktail that people have been enjoying for decades. It’s made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec that is served in a salt-rimmed glass. To make it, you should start rubbing a lime wedge around the rim of the glass and dip it into a dish of salt. Doing so creates a salt rim that enhances the flavor of the drink. Then, combine tequila, lime juice, and triple sec in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain the mixture into the salt-rimmed glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wedge and you’re good to go. 

Like Rum Punch, Margarita also promises a lot of versatility. There are multiple variations of the drink that you can try, such as adding fruit or using different types of tequila. For example, a popular variation is the Frozen Margarita, which you can make by blending the Margarita mixture with ice until smooth and slushy. Another fun variation is the Margarita Pitcher, which is perfect for entertaining a group of friends. 

3. Mojito

The Mojito is yet another refreshing and flavorful cocktail that originated in Cuba. It’s made with rum, lime juice, sugar, mint, and soda water. To make a Mojito, start by muddling fresh mint leaves and sugar in the bottom of a glass. Add lime juice and rum, then top with soda water and ice. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a slice of lime.

One of the best things about Mojito is that it’s dynamic and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. For instance, you can use different types of rum to create a unique flavor profile. White rum is the traditional choice, but dark rum or flavored rum can add a new twist to the drink. You can also adjust the amount of sugar and lime juice to create a sweeter or more sour drink. Another way to mix up your Mojito is to add fresh fruit or herbs. Strawberry, watermelon, and basil are all great options that can add a new level of flavor to the drink. 

4. Martini

The Martini is a favorite of many people. It’s made with gin or vodka and vermouth with a twist of lemon or olive. You can serve this sophisticated and timeless drink in multiple ways to suit different tastes. For making it, begin chilling a cocktail glass in the freezer. Fill a mixing glass with ice and add gin or vodka, vermouth, and a dash of orange bitters (if desired). Stir the mixture until it’s well chilled, then strain it into the chilled glass. 

Just like other cocktails, it has several variations that you can try. This entails using different types of gin or vodka or adding a flavored liqueur like Chambord or Cointreau. You can also vary the amount of vermouth used to create a drier or wetter Martini. Another popular variation is the Dirty Martini, which you can make by adding a splash of olive brine to the mixture. This adds a savory and salty flavor to the drink, which some people prefer.

5. Cosmopolitan

Lastly, the Cosmopolitan, or Cosmo for short, is a popular cocktail that first gained widespread popularity in the 1990s. It’s made with vodka that is paired with triple sec along with cranberry juice, and lime juice. You can serve it in a martini glass with a twist of orange peel. To brew a Cosmopolitan, fill a shaker with ice and add vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice. Shake until the mixture is well chilled, then strain it into a chilled martini glass. Relish with a twist of orange peel, and there you go. 

Keep in mind that Cosmopolitan has a sweet and tangy flavor profile. The combination of cranberry and lime juices creates a tart and refreshing taste, while the addition of triple sec adds a hint of sweetness. Meanwhile, the vodka provides a neutral base that allows the other flavors to shine through. 

Conclusion

Overall, cocktails are an excellent way to entertain guests at home or friends at a beach party. Rum Punch, Margarita, Mojito, Martini, and Cosmopolitan are classic cocktails that will surely impress people at your hangout. They will add a touch of class to your feast. In case you are working in the hospitality industry, just complete the necessary training to ensure that you’re serving alcohol safely and responsibly. You don’t wanna spoil all the fun!