5 cocktails recipes every gent should master

Knowing how to make a well-made cocktail is one of the hallmark skills a true gentleman should have. Whether you’re entertaining guests, or simply unwinding after a long day, knowing your way around these classic cocktails (with a twist) is a mark of sophistication and class. These are, arguably, the 5 best cocktail recipes that every gent should master. The main ingredient: a high-quality spirit is in order, yet topping it off with passion and a splash of creativity, is always a good idea.

RELATED

We won’t just tell you they’re the best, here’s how to MAKE these 5 iconic cocktail recipes:

• Classic Old Fashioned
• Upgraded Negroni
• Spicy Margarita
• Aged Manhattan
• Mai Tai

Classic Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is iconic, not only because it’s been around since the 1800s but that it exudes elegance and simplicity. A true classic. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the essence of a great spirit. Let’s begin with a classic Old Fashioned but, with a twist, using Angel’s Envy Bourbon finished in port barrels.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz, Angel’s Envy Bourbon

• 1, sugar cube
• 2 dashes, Angostura bitters
• An orange twist, for garnish (which for those of you that aren’t familiar, you take an orange, and use a knife to cut off a slice of the peel off the top; then twist firmly for some nice aromatics)

Instructions:

1. Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass.
2. Add the Angostura bitters and a splash of water.
3. Muddle the sugar cube to dissolve it and create a simple syrup.
4. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
5. Pour Angel’s Envy Bourbon over the ice.
6. Stir gently to combine.
7. Garnish with an orange twist, maybe even rubbing it along the edge of the glass first for some extra aromatics, then placing it in the drink.

Upgraded Negroni

The Negroni, often described as the James Bond of cocktails, is a delightful, crimson elixir that packs a punch of both flavor and sophistication. This iconic drink was born in the roaring 1920s, an era of artistic rebellion and liberation, in the charming city of Florence, Italy. Here’s a slight upgrade that adds depth to the flavors while preserving the Negroni’s charm. Aviation Gin, which is an official sponsor of the NFL, is the perfect spirit to elevate this cocktail.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ingredients:

• 1/2 oz, Aviation American Gin
• 3/4 oz, Bitter Aperitivo Liqueur
• 0.75 oz, Sweet Vermouth
• An orange twist (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Combine all the ingredients into a mixing glass with ice.
2. Stir until well-chilled and properly diluted.
3. Strain the mixture into a rock glass with fresh ice.
4. Garnish with an orange twist.

Spicy Margarita

Ingredients:

• 1/2 oz, 21 SEEDS Cucumber Jalapeño Infused Tequila (coming soon to Canada, a sister brand to Ryan Reynold’s Aviation Gin) — until then, the other option is to pop some Jalapeños in a mason jar and top with tequila. Not quite the same, but a good alternative for now.
• 1/2 oz, fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz, simple syrup
• A slice, lime and/or cucumber (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients into a shaker with 1.5 cups of ice.
2. Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds (this is an underrated step that makes a significant difference).
3. Pour the mixture into a glass.
4. Garnish with a lime and/or cucumber slice, and serve.

Aged Manhattan

The Manhattan cocktail’s origins are as mysterious as a magician’s disappearing act. Some say it was created in the Big Apple when a bartender spilled rye whisky into a glass of vermouth, and instead of crying over wasted spirits, a customer yelled, “Hey, I’ll drink that!” The Manhattan was born – a blend of chaos and delight, just like the city itself. By incorporating the exceptional Glenfiddich 14-Year-Old Scotch Whisky, you can elevate the cocktail to a new level of sophistication.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz, Glenfiddich 14-year-old Scotch Whisky
• 1 oz, sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes, Angostura bitters
• 1, maraschino cherry (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Glenfiddich 14-year-old Scotch, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters.
3. Stir gently until well-chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Mai Tai

The Mai Tai, that vibrant and tropical concoction, has a legendary backstory as wild as a luau. Some say it was created by a Polynesian bartender named Trader Vic, who whipped it up as a secret elixir to impress his friends. He served it and exclaimed, “Mai Tai Roa Ae!” which allegedly means “Out of this world” in Tahitian. Raise your glass to the cocktail that’s basically a tropical vacation in a glass, no passport required. Cheers, mate!

Ingredients:

• 2 oz, Appleton Estate Rum
• 3/4 oz, lime juice
• 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
• 1/2 oz, orange liqueur
• A sprig, fresh mint (for garnish)
• A wheel, lime (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add Appleton Estate Rum, lime juice, orgeat syrup, and orange liqueur.
3. Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a rock glass filled with crushed ice.
5. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a lime wheel.

As a modern gent, it’s not just about making drinks but crafting memorable experiences. Experiment with these cocktails, don’t be afraid to tweak the recipes to suit your personal taste and most importantly, have fun. But most importantly, always drink responsibly–and when you drink, don’t drive. Looking for more cocktail recipes and/or inspiration? Check out our sister platform, WanderEater.

ADVERTISEMENT