While fruity spins on a drink are alluring, there’s nothing like a classic drink. These 11 timeless libations are called classics for a reason. Dive into the world of classic cocktails, uncovering their fascinating history, enduring charm and the essential techniques that make them legendary.
![A cocktail with mint and chocolate garnishes in a martini glass.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/grasshopper-drink-image-h.jpg)
Hot Toddy
![A bourbon hot toddy with a cinnamon stick, a slice of lemon and star anise.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/bourbon-hot-toddy-cocktail-pic.jpeg)
A soothing hot drink perfect for chilly fall evenings, the Hot Toddy combines the warmth of bourbon with the sweetness of honey, the zing of lemon, and a touch of spices like cloves and cinnamon. It’s a timeless choice for relaxation and comfort.
Get the Recipe: Hot Toddy
Bloody Mary
![A closeup of a garnish on a Bloody Mary made with homemade Bloody Mary mix.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/homemade-bloody-mary-mix-photo-h.jpeg)
Level up your brunch this weekend with a Bloody Mary, a classic brunch cocktail known for its savory and spicy flavors. Typically made with vodka, tomato juice and various seasonings like Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce, it’s a customizable drink with a bold taste.
Get the Recipe: Bloody Mary
Espresso Martini
![espresso martinis in coupe glasses on a gold tray.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espresso-martini-cocktail-photo-h.jpeg)
If you’re a coffee lover, the Espresso Martini is your dream dessert cocktail. It combines the rich flavors of fresh espresso with the sweetness of coffee liqueur, the kick of vodka, and a touch of simple syrup. It’s like a sophisticated coffee-flavored treat in a glass.
Get the Recipe: Espresso Martini
Margarita
![Two margarita glasses with limes and garnishes.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/classic-margarita-recipes-photo-h.jpg)
You’ve probably had a margarita, but have you ever made one from scratch? The Margarita is a classic cocktail that’s all about balance. It’s made with tequila, lime juice and orange liqueur, typically served in a salt-rimmed glass. The lime juice’s tartness complements the tequila’s earthy notes, creating a refreshing and zesty drink.
Get the Recipe: Margarita
Old-Fashioned Cocktail
![The best old-fashioned cocktail recipe in a patterned glass with a sphere ice cube on a black and white plaid coaster.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/best-old-fashioned-cocktail-recipe-cherry-image.jpeg)
The Old-Fashioned is a simple yet elegant cocktail that celebrates the flavor of whiskey. It’s made by muddling sugar with bitters, adding a twist of citrus rind and pouring in your favorite whiskey. It’s a timeless choice for those who appreciate the purity of sweet, smoky whiskey.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Cocktail
White Russian
![A rocks glass with a cream cocktail on a black coaster.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/classic-white-russian-cocktail-photo-h.jpg)
This creamy cocktail combines vodka, coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) and heavy cream. It’s a decadent after-dinner drink with a coffee-flavored twist. You’re going to love how it tastes like melted ice cream.
Get the Recipe: White Russian
Hemingway Daiquiri
![A gold tray holds two rum cocktails in coupe glasses, the lid to a cocktail shaker and a bowl of cherries. additional garnishes and tools sit beside on a white marble surface.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/hemingway-daiquiri-photo-h.jpeg)
Named after the famous author Ernest Hemingway, the Hemingway Daiquiri offers a twist on the classic daiquiri. It includes grapefruit juice and maraschino liqueur, which give it a unique tart and slightly sweet flavor profile. It’s a literary-inspired drink with lots of character, ideal for curling up with a book while you sip.
Get the Recipe: Hemingway Daiquiri
Irish Coffee
![a glass mug with Irish coffee and whipped cream on top.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/irish-coffee-recipe-photo-h.jpg)
Irish Coffee is a warming drink made with hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and often topped with cream. It’s a delightful way to enjoy the rich flavors of coffee and the smoothness of Irish whiskey. It works well as a brunch drink or an after-dinner cocktail.
Get the Recipe: Irish Coffee
Negroni
![A glass with a Classic Negroni and orange peels.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/classic-negroni-photo-h.jpg)
The Negroni is a well-balanced and bitter-sweet cocktail made with equal parts gin, sweet vermouth and Campari, a bitter Italian liqueur. This drink is a classic Italian aperitif known for its bold and sophisticated taste.
Get the Recipe: Negroni
Grasshopper Cocktail
![A cocktail with mint and chocolate garnishes in a martini glass.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/grasshopper-drink-image-h.jpg)
The Grasshopper Cocktail is a minty and chocolatey delight. It’s typically made with crème de menthe, crème de cacao and cream, resulting in a creamy, dessert-like cocktail with vintage vibes.
Get the Recipe: Grasshopper Cocktail
Gin & Tonic
![Two gin cocktails sit side by side on a white surface. A whole lime, fresh herb sprigs and gold cocktail jigger sit surrounding the glasses.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/classic-gin-and-tonic-photo-h.jpeg)
You can’t go wrong with a classic Gin & Tonic, a refreshingly simple cocktail that mixes gin with tonic water and is often garnished with a lime wedge. Its clean and crisp flavors highlight the botanical notes of gin.
Get the Recipe: Gin & Tonic