You install a new bar at home that is stacked with alcohol bottles from across the world but you don’t know how to make any classic cocktails. Well look no further, here is a list of cocktails that are deceivingly simple to make but taste like a million bucks. When it comes to enjoying lip-smacking cocktails, the choice of glassware can make a significant difference in your drinking experience. At your next event at home, as much as your guests will be impressed with your home bar, they will be even more impressed by your mixologist skills. Don’t forget to get some amazing glasses to serve these lip-smacking cocktails.
Sip into Paradise Pina Colada: Hurricane Glass
Originating in Puerto Rico, the Pina Colada is a signature tropical island drink that captures the essence of summer in a glass. Its chunky texture comes from blending with lots of ice and fresh pineapple juice, making it incredibly delicious. For a more tropical punch, you can add small drink umbrellas which are both colorful and fun.
Hurricane glass is known for its large, curvy shape, which complements the tropical and fruity nature of the Pina Colada. The wide rim allows for garnishes like fruit and umbrellas, and the shape provides ample space for ice, making it perfect for this blended, summery cocktail.
Ingredients:
- White Rum
- Coconut Cream
- Pineapple Juice
A Refreshing Classic Gin and Tonic: Highball Glass
Gin and Tonic is a versatile classic that allows for personal customization based on your taste preferences. Mostly the ratio is 1:1, but you can adjust it to your liking. Enhance the flavor with ingredients like raw cucumber, fresh strawberries, or lemon wedges.
Highball glass is tall and narrow, allowing for the perfect ratio of gin to tonic. It also provides plenty of room for ice and garnishes. The glass shape helps maintain the carbonation of the tonic water, keeping the drink crisp and refreshing.
Ingredients:
- Gin
- Tonic Water
- Lime Wedge
Long Island Iced Tea (LIT): Collins Glass
Long Island Iced Teas can be seriously strong and will get you drunk very quickly since it includes a number of alcohols that are mixed together to form a medley of flavors. Despite its name, it doesn't actually contain any tea. It's refreshing and perfect for those who enjoy strong cocktails.
Collins glass is tall and cylindrical, which is ideal for accommodating the mix of spirits and various ingredients in a Long Island Iced Tea. It also allows for a generous amount of ice to keep the cocktail cold.
Ingredients:
- Vodka
- Tequila
- Triple Sec
- Gin
- Rum
The Pink Cosmopolitan: Martini Glass
Made famous by the 90s TV series Sex and the City, the Cosmopolitan is a visually appealing cocktail with a pink colour looks innocently deceptive but this drink can seriously knock you out. It packs a punch with hints of citrus and berries, this drink has late-night city vibes to it.
The martini glass's wide, shallow bowl and long stem create an elegant presentation for the Cosmopolitan. It allows you to show off the drink's attractive pink color, and the shape helps concentrate the aroma of the cocktail's citrus and berry notes.
Ingredients:
- Citron Vodka
- Cointreau
- Cranberry Juice Cocktail
- Lime Juice
Mojito Madness: Highball Glass
The Mojito is a refreshing and citrusy cocktail that has earned its place as a go-to choice for family gatherings and celebrations. Its combination of lemon and mint flavors is irresistible, especially on a hot day.
Highball glass works well for a Mojito because it allows room for muddling the mint, lime, and sugar. It also accommodates ice and the addition of soda, maintaining the cocktail's refreshing character.
Ingredients:
- Rum
- Mint
- Lime
- Sugar
- Club Soda
Chasing the Sun with Tequila Sunrise: Collins Glass
True to its name, the Tequila Sunrise boasts vibrant colors reminiscent of a stunning sunset. Layered with shades of red, orange, and yellow, this cocktail is a visual delight. Add a Maraschino cherry for an extra touch of charm.
The tall and straight design of a Collins glass showcases the Tequila Sunrise's visually stunning layered colors. It's a great choice for presenting this visually appealing cocktail.
Ingredients:
- Tequila
- Orange Juice
- Grenadine Syrup
Sipping Tradition Old Fashioned: Old Fashioned Glass
The Old Fashioned is a timeless classic known for its complex and bold flavors. Invented in the 19th century, it remains a popular choice, especially during the winter months.
The Old Fashioned glass, also known as a rocks glass, is an iconic vessel that perfectly complements the classic cocktail it's named after. This glass is specifically designed to enhance the experience of sipping an Old Fashioned, a timeless favorite known for its complex and bold flavors.
Ingredients:
- Bourbon Whiskey
- Orange
- Sugar
- Bitters
- Maraschino Cherry
Whiskey Sour: Sour Glass or Rocks Glass
One of the oldest cocktails, the Whiskey Sour strikes a perfect balance between sweet and sour. Don’t be appalled by the inclusion of an egg white in the drink since it gives it a light and frothy texture which makes the drink even more delicious.
The sour glass or rocks glass is suitable for a Whiskey Sour, as it accommodates the cocktail's sour mix and ice. It's also an excellent choice for presenting the drink's frothy texture.
Ingredients:
- Whiskey
- Lemon Juice
- Sugar Syrup
- Angostura Bitters
- Egg White
Salt, Citrus, and Tequila Delight Margarita Magic: Margarita Glass
Originating from Mexico, the Margarita is poured into a distinctive glass. It's a versatile cocktail that can be customized with various flavors. Don't forget to rim the glass with salt to accentuate the citrusy notes.
The Margarita glass is designed specifically for this cocktail. Its wide rim allows for salt, enhancing the drink's citrusy notes. The shape also showcases the cocktail's vibrant color.
Ingredients:
- Tequila
- Cointreau (Orange Liqueur)
- Lime Juice
- Lime Wedge
Brunch Bliss Mimosa: Champagne Flute
Mimosas are perfect for brunch and pair well with various foods. The bubbly and fizzy champagne is well complimented with freshly squeezed orange juice to make this tasty drink.
Champagne flute is perfect for serving a Mimosa. Its tall, narrow shape maintains the effervescence of the champagne and allows for the proper ratio of champagne to orange juice. It's an elegant choice for brunch.
Ingredients:
- Champagne
- Orange Juice
Shaken, Not Stirred The Art of the Martini: Martini Glass
Served in a triangular glass, the Martini not only tantalizes the taste buds but also adds an artistic flair to the drinking experience. The final touch, a hint of green from the soaked olives, seals the deal on this transparent elixir.
The Martini glass is iconic for serving a Martini. Its conical shape and long stem help keep the drink cold while allowing the olive or lemon twist garnish to stand out. It's a stylish and sophisticated choice.
Ingredients:
- Gin
- Vermouth
- Olive
Bloody Mary Hangover Cure: Highball Glass
The Bloody Mary is a tangy and flavorful cocktail, loaded with tomatoes and a blend of spices. It's a classic choice and is even known as a hangover cure due to its rejuvenating qualities.
The highball glass is well-suited for the Bloody Mary due to its tall, straight sides, which provide room for the cocktail's spicy and tangy ingredients. It's practical for this savory cocktail.
Ingredients:
- Vodka
- Tomato Juice
- Lemon Juice
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Tabasco Sauce
- Celery Salt
- Black Pepper
Amaretto Sour: Rocks Glass
For those who prefer sweeter drinks, the Amaretto Sour is an excellent choice. This Italian liqueur, made from apricots or almonds, provides a sweet and nutty flavor. Balance it with lemon juice or add bourbon for a twist.
The sour glass or rocks glass is a good choice for the Amaretto Sour, as it accommodates the sweet and sour flavors of the cocktail and ice. It's practical for showcasing the drink's balance of sweetness and nuttiness.
Ingredients:
- Amaretto Liqueur
- Simple Syrup
- Lemon Juice
Conclusion
Whether you're in the mood for a tropical escape with a Pina Colada or prefer the classic elegance of a Martini, these 13 cocktails offer something for every palate and occasion. Now that you have the recipes and the appropriate glassware, you're all set to impress your guests with your home mixology skills. Each glass is designed to complement the unique characteristics of the drink it holds, so make sure to match the glass to the cocktail for the best drinking experience.
