More Than 20 Classic Cocktails You Can Make Using Just 5 Kinds of Liquor!

A truly stunning number of classic cocktails can be mixed using just these five alcohols, combined with non-alcoholic mixers and garnishes. And these are just the classics!

• Vodka
  : is a clear liquor usually distilled from grain, though it may be made from any starchy plant matter. Popular brands include Absolut and Stolichnaya.
  
  
  
  
  


• Rum: is distilled from sugarcane by-products and aged. It varies in color from light (clear) through amber to dark. Bacardi and Captain Morgan are two brands you may be familiar with.
  
  


• Gin: is an unaged clear liquor made from various grains, with juniper berries and other flavorings added during the distillation process. Tanqueray, Beefeater and
  Bombay
  are all premium gins.
  
  
  
  
  


• Tequila: is a type of mezcal (alcohol distilled from the agave plant) that is restricted by the percentage and type of agave used and its growing area. Popular brands used for mixed drinks include Sauza and Cuervo.
  
  
  
  
  


• Triple sec: is a clear distilled liquor (typically from grain) that has been flavored with orange peel. The original and best-known is Cointreau. Grand Marnier, which uses cognac as a base rather than grain spirits, is sometimes used as a substitute.
  
  
  
  
  
  

Mixers can make or break a cocktail. Make sure that yours are fresh and cold or have been stored as recommended.

• Orange Juice
  
  


• Lime Juice
  
  


• Sweetened Lime Juice
  
  


• Lemon Juice
  
  


• Grapefruit Juice
  
  


• Pineapple Juice
  
  


• Cranberry Juice
  
  


• Tomato Juice or V-8
  
  


• Tonic Water
  
  


• Seltzer
  
  


• Club Soda
  
  


• Cola
  
  


• Simple Syrup: can be purchased commercially, or made by combining 1 part sugar to 1 part filtered water, and stirred to dissolving.
  
  


• Grenadine : Pomegranate syrup, red or purple in color.
  
  
  
  
  


• Coconut Milk: Available in most supermarkets, in the Asian food section.
  
  
  

Flavorings & Garnishes add that special touch.

• Slices or wedges of lime, lemon and orange.
  
  


• Pineapple
  
  


• Fresh or frozen fruit (bananas, berries, cantaloupe, whatever you like)
  
  


• Fresh Mint
  
  


• Sugar
  
  


• Powdered sugar
  
  


• Horseradish
  
  


• Worcestershire sauce
  
  


• Hot sauce
  
  


• Celery
  
  


• Maraschino Cherries