How to Make 10 Classic Cocktails

Clockwise from left: Mojito, Gimlet, Tom Collins, Mimosa, Bloody Mary, Sidecar, Gin and Tonic, Old Fashioned, Gibson, Screwdriver.

We’ve all heard of a screwdriver or mojito, but how many of us can make one at the drop of a hat? We’re breaking down each of these time-honored drinks into a few simple instructions so you’ll always be ready for the party. 
What you’ll need: 

• Ingredients for cocktails
• Cocktail shaker
• Cocktail strainer
• Cocktail jigger
• Old fashioned glasses
• Martini glasses
• Highball glasses

Bloody Mary: In tall glass, mix 3 ounces tomato juice, 2 ounces vodka, 1 ounce lemon juice, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, a dash each of celery salt and pepper. Mix well and add hot pepper sauce to taste. Add ice to fill glass. Garnish with celery stalk and lime or lemon wedge. 

Gibson: In shaker, mix 2 ½ ounces gin and ½ ounce dry vermouth. Add ice cubes and shake; strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with 1 to 3 cocktail onions. 

Gimlet: In cocktail glass, mix 1 ounce lime juice, 1 ½ ounces gin or vodka and crushed ice to fill glass. Garnish with hazelnut or lime wedge. 

Gin and Tonic: In tall glass over ice, mix 2 ounces gin with 3 ounces tonic water. Garnish with lime wedge. 

Mimosa: In tall glass over ice, mix 3 ounces orange juice and 3 ounces champagne. Garnish with orange wedge. 

Mojito: In cocktail glass, mix ½ ounce lime juice and 1 teaspoon sugar until dissolved. Rub about 6 mint leaves over inside of glass and discard leaves. Fill glass with 2 ounces rum, 2 ounces club soda and crushed ice. Garnish with mint sprig. 

Old-Fashioned: In cocktail glass, mix 3 ounces brandy, 2 to 3 dashes aromatic bitters, 1 teaspoon sugar and a dash of lemon juice. Add crushed ice to fill glass. Garnish with lemon peel. 

Screwdriver: In tall glass over ice, mix 1 ½ ounces vodka or gin and 6 ounces orange juice. Garnish with orange wedge. 

Sidecar: Coat rim of cocktail glass with sugar. In shaker, mix 2 ounces cognac, 1 ounce orange-flavored liqueur, such as Triple Sec, and 1 ounce lemon juice. Add ice cubes and shake; strain into glass. Garnish with lemon wedge. 

Tom Collins: In tall glass, mix 2 ounces gin, 1 ounce lemon juice and 1 teaspoon superfine sugar until blended. Add club soda and ice to fill glass. Garnish with maraschino cherry and lemon slice.