Martini Drink
James Bond was wrong—whether you drink it with gin or vodka, stirred is the way to go when ordering a martini. - 3 oz gin or vodka - .5 oz dry vermouth - Lemon peel or olive Stir ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Strain into chilled martini glass. Squeeze oil from lemon peel into the glass or garnish with olive.
Cosmopolitan Drink
The cosmo became almost ubiquitous in the '90s thanks to the TV show Sex and the City, but this spin on the martini remains just as tasty today as when Carrie Bradshaw made it famous. - 1.5 oz citrus vodka - 1 oz Cointreau - .5 oz lime juice - .25 oz cranberry juice Build all ingredients in a shaker tine with ice and shake. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with lime wheel or zest.
Margarita Drink
Cloyingly sweet margarita mixes have given this drink a bad name. A well-made version is a fresh mix of lime juice and tequila, with a hint of sweetener: - 2 oz silver tequila - 1 oz Cointreau - 1 oz lime juice - Salt for the rim Since this recipe includes fresh juice, it should be shaken. Serve over ice in a glass with a salted rim.
Mojito Drink
Originating in Cuba, this refreshing rum-based drink is filled with mint and lime—a perfect combination for sipping by the pool or beach. If you're craving a little literary cred, the mojito was also said to be a favorite of author Ernest Hemingway. - 3 mint leaves - 2 oz white rum - .75 oz lime juice - .5 oz simple syrup Muddle mint into a shaker tin, then add ice and rest of ingredients. Shake to chill and strain into a highball glass with ice. Top with club soda, if desired, and garnish with mint.
Pina Colada Drink
If you like piña coladas...you can enjoy one literally anywhere, not just on a beach. This recipe from Esquire is as deliciously basic as they come. - 2.5 oz rum - 3 oz pineapple juice - 1 oz coconut cream (usually Coco Lopez) Combine rum with unsweetened pineapple juice (you can sub in 3 ounces crushed or whole pineapple) and coconut cream in a blender. Blend on high with a cup or so of crushed ice, or 5 to 6 ice cubes. Pour into a tall glass. Garnish with a pineapple and cherry.