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20 Classic Cocktail Recipes You Need to Try

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December 17, 2021 By Lisa Sharp 1 Comment

Try one of these classic cocktail recipes at your next cocktail party or for a holiday gathering. You’ll find classic gin cocktails, classic vodka cocktails, classic rum cocktails, and more!

woman in yellow retro outfit holding a cocktail

When prohibition rolled into the US around 1919, cocktails gained a lot of popularity. Alcohol was often not the best tasting so making it into cocktails helped.

A well-made cocktail is great for any dinner party or to enjoy during a date night. My spouse and I love to make classic cocktails at home as well as enjoy them when we go out.

One of my favorite date night locations is a craft cocktail restaurant in Norman, Oklahoma, Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails. They make amazing cocktails using high-quality ingredients. 

They have classic cocktails as well as new takes on classics. One of my favorites is the classic Hemingway daiquiri. It’s a light and refreshing cocktail. 

While it’s fun to get these amazing classic cocktails at a good bar it’s also nice to be able to make them at home. These recipes can help you start having wonderful date nights at home or fun cocktail parties with your friends. Be sure to check out my must-have cocktail glasses after the recipes.

The Best Classic Cocktail Recipes

Have your own vintage cocktail party or sip on one of these classic cocktails while listening to some vinyl records. They are perfect for any way you like to enjoy a cocktail.

Photo Credit: snacksandsips.com

Tropical Blue Hawaiian Cocktail

Always a favorite, this classic Tropical Blue Hawaiian Cocktail is great for parties. Simple to make, you’ll love the flavors in this drink.

Photo Credit: burrataandbubbles.com

Ramos Gin Fizz

This classic New Orleans cocktail originated in the 1800s at the Imperial Cabinet Saloon, and this Ramos gin fizz is still a favorite today.

Photo Credit: cookingwithcurls.com

Traditional Pina Colada Recipe

We are going old school with this Traditional Pina Colada Recipe! That's right, we are using fresh pineapple juice, cream of coconut, rum and a touch of cream the way this cocktail was first created!

Photo Credit: cookingwithcurls.com

Hot Buttered Rum

This traditional Hot Buttered Rum recipe is a delicious mixture of butter, sugar, spices, and dark rum. It is served warm, and makes a wonderful cocktail for winter!

Photo Credit: senseandedibility.com

Mai Tai Cocktail

Go back in time with this original Mai Tai. Tiki cocktails aren't sickeningly sweet, but they ARE deliciously potent. Two types of rum and bright flavors will take you back to the days of tiki bars.

Photo Credit: lovelyindeed.com

Bee's Knees Cocktail

The Prohibition-era gave us some incredible libations, and the Bee's Knees cocktail might just be at the top of the list! Crisp gin, smooth honey, and bright lemon are perfectly combined in this lovely recipe.

Photo Credit: lovelyindeed.com

French 75 Cocktail Recipe

This French 75 cocktail recipe has been around since World War 1, but it tastes as refreshing as ever! Who would have thought that champagne and gin are such a perfect combination?

Photo Credit: www.amytreasure.com

White Russian Cocktail

A classic White Russian conceived in 1949 by Gustave Tops, a Belgian barman. The cocktail is made from Vodka, Kahlua, double cream and plenty of ice. It can be mixed in minutes and you won't even need a shaker to make it!

Photo Credit: www.thefoodblog.net

Greyhound Drink

The Greyhound is a grapefruit vodka cocktail which dates back to the 1930's. It got its name because it was originally served in Greyhound bus depot restaurants.

Photo Credit: www.thefoodblog.net

Caprese Caesar Cocktail

The Caesar is the national cocktail of Canada. This drink is thought to have been invented in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, in 1969.

Photo Credit: momfoodie.com

Cape Codder Cocktail 

The Cape Codder is a simple cranberry cocktail. Originally called the Red Devil, it has been going by its current name since the early 1960s.

Photo Credit: www.acouplecooks.com

Classic Old Fashioned

This Old Fashioned recipe uses the classic ingredients and method for truly timeless drink.

Photo Credit: inthekitch.net

Brandy Alexander Cocktail

The Brandy Alexander cocktail is said to have been created as far back as the 1920's. It's a delicious and creamy concoction of brandy, heavy cream and dark crème de cacao.

Photo Credit: theshortordercook.com

Tequila Sunrise Cocktail

The tequila sunrise was furst invented in the 1930s & is still a delicious classic cocktail for a reason. This recipe is the perfect blend of tequila & juices for that gorgeous tasty drink.

Photo Credit: crayonsandcravings.com

Grasshopper Cocktail Recipe

The sweet and creamy mint chocolate grasshopper cocktail is over 100 years old. Plus, you will love how easy it is to make with just 3 ingredients.

Photo Credit: boulderlocavore.com

Hemingway Daiquiri Cocktail

The Hemingway Daiquiri, a favorite cocktail of Ernest Hemingway is bright and citrusy, with rum and luxardo. Originated to his tastes at the bar El Floridita in Cuba, now you can make them at home!

Photo Credit: www.everyday-delicious.com

Sidecar Cocktail Recipe

Sidecar cocktail is a classic sour cocktail that has a distinctive flavor and tastes bright and refreshing. It’s made with only 3 ingredients and it’s quite strong but so delicious.

Photo Credit: cocktailswithclass.com

The Best Lime Rickey Recipe

The lime Rickey is a delicious cocktail that has been around since the 1880s. It is a classic cocktail that is always a retro favorite at hotel bars that serve vintage cocktails.

Photo Credit: www.foxandbriar.com

Classic Manhattan

This classic Manhattan cocktail is classic for a reason! Rye whiskey, sweet vermouth plus a secret ingredient that gives a little twist on the original drink!

Photo Credit: xoxobella.com

The Best Negroni

A negroni cocktail is a classic Italian cocktail that is richly flavoured and so delicious. Learning how to make the best negroni is quick and easy. In fact you only need three ingredients as well as some ice plus a slice of orange to garnish each drink.

Must-Have Cocktail Glasses

These are the cocktail glasses I like to have on hand when making classic cocktails at home. They are all stylish but still affordable so you can easily build up your bar supplies.

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Comments

  1. giulia lombardo says

    December 20, 2021 at 3:55 am

    Are amazing ideas, thanks for sharing!!!

    Reply

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Welcome to my blog! My name is Lisa and I'm the Retro Housewife trying to live a greener life. I share my love of all things vintage, homemaking and green living here on the blog. To read more, click here.

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