CLASSIC MARTINI
A classic martini technically should be made with gin, although if your prefer vodka that's no sin either. Order it up and stirred, not shaken (sorry 007). And just as with sex, baseball uniforms, and old Jeeps, dirty is always a solid choice.
Ingredients
3 oz. gin or vodka
1/2 oz. dry vermouth
Garnish with an olive
MOSCOW MULE
They've become quite popular over the last few years, and for good reason. It's a cocktail that is crisp and refreshing, and good for any season. Plus it (usually) comes in a cool copper mug.
Ingredients
2 oz. vodka (or bourbon for a Kentucky mule)
4 to 6 oz. ginger beer
1/2 oz. lime juice
OLD FASHIONED
Like the Manhattan, another classic whiskey cocktail. This one, however, is for the guy who likes his drinks on the sweeter side.
Ingredients
2 oz. bourbon or rye whisky
1 sugar cube
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Garnish with an orange twist
SCOTCH NEAT
If you're going to order a scotch, especially a good scotch, you should order it neat. Although, sometimes it is good to ask the bartender to add just a couple of drops of water so that it can breathe.
Ingredients
The best scotch you can afford
WINE
Maybe not the best choice in your dive-ier bars, but if you aren't in the mood for a cocktail and you want to keep things sophisticated, wine is your move.
Ingredients
Wine
Good conversation (vino veritas after all)
BOURBON, NEAT OR ON THE ROCKS
If scotch is a bit too malty or peaty for you, bourbon might be your move. This one you can confidently order neat or on the rocks.
Ingredients
Bourbon
Possibly ice
BEER
Popular since the Sumerians invented it 3,900 years ago. You just can't go wrong when ordering a cold one.
Ingredients
Beer
Maybe an orange wedge (if you order a wheat of course)
GIN AND TONIC
Like good tailoring, punk rock music, and vintage motorcycles, the gin and tonic is one of those things would should definitely thank the British for.
Ingredients
2 oz. gin
4 oz. tonic
1 lime wedge
MANHATTAN
In terms of all time classic whiskey cocktails, there are none better than the Manhattan. Just three simple ingredients—bourbon (or rye), sweet vermouth, and bitters—and you're good to go. And while a quality whiskey is always a good choice, the key to a great Manhattan is the sweet vermouth. So always ask for Carpano Antica. Trust us, it will make all the difference.
Ingredients
2 oz. bourbon or rye
1 oz. Carpano Antica sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters
MARGARITA
The workhorse of summer, there's nothing better than a classic margarita when the temperature skyrockets. The best are made with just lime juice, tequila, and a splash of Cointreau or Grand Marnier, but if you like them a little sweeter, ask your bartender to add agave syrup.
Ingredients
2 oz. silver tequila
1 oz. Cointreau
1 oz. lime juice
Course salt for the rim