15+ Drink Recipes for Every Occasion

15+ Drink Recipes for Every Occasion

ByCook Maniac Team Reading Time: 11 minutes

When hosting a gathering or enjoying a refreshing drink at home, having various drink recipes at your fingertips can make all the difference. Exploring different drink recipes allows you to impress your guests and elevate any occasion. Whether you’re looking for something classic or want to try a trendy new cocktail, there are endless options to suit your taste.

A colorful array of fresh fruits, herbs, and glassware arranged on a rustic wooden table. A mixing spoon and cocktail shaker sit nearby

From fruity smoothies to elegant cocktails, there are drinks for every palate. You’ll find simple recipes that require just a few ingredients and others that offer a creative twist. With the right drink in hand, you can create memorable experiences that you and your friends will cherish.

1) Whiskey Sour

A glass filled with Whiskey Sour, garnished with a slice of lemon and a cherry, set on a bar counter with a cocktail shaker and a bottle of whiskey in the background

The Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail that’s both easy and delicious. To make it, you mix whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup, shaken with ice. Some people add egg white for a frothy texture.

To make a Whiskey Sour, start by pouring 2 ounces of bourbon into a shaker. Add 3/4 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup. If you want to include egg white for frothiness, add 1/2 ounce now.

Shake the mixture well for about 30 seconds until the shaker feels cold. Strain into a glass over fresh ice. You can garnish with a slice of lemon or a cherry for extra flair.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces bourbon
  • 3/4 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1/2 ounce simple syrup
  • 1/2 ounce egg white (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Pour bourbon into a shaker.
  2. Add lemon juice and simple syrup.
  3. If using, add egg white.
  4. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
  5. Strain into a glass over ice.
  6. Garnish as desired.

2) Mojito

A glass filled with a refreshing green mojito cocktail, garnished with mint leaves and a slice of lime, sitting on a table with a bowl of ice

A mojito is a classic Cuban cocktail that’s perfect for hot days. It’s fresh, minty, and refreshing. You only need a few simple ingredients to make this delicious drink.

To prepare, start by muddling fresh mint leaves with sugar and lime juice. This releases the mint’s oils and creates a great flavor base. Next, add white rum and some ice.

Top it off with club soda for a fizzy finish. Stir gently to mix everything. You can garnish with more mint or a lime wedge for an extra touch.

Ingredients

  • Fresh mint leaves
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 2 ounces white rum
  • Club soda
  • Ice

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a glass, muddle mint leaves with sugar and lime juice.
  2. Add white rum and stir.
  3. Fill the glass with ice.
  4. Top with club soda and stir gently.
  5. Garnish as desired. Enjoy!

3) Gin & Tonic

A tall glass filled with clear liquid, ice cubes, and a slice of lime, accompanied by a bottle of gin and a tonic water can

The Gin & Tonic is a classic and refreshing cocktail. It’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion. You only need a few ingredients.

To start, fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour in your favorite gin. The gin’s flavor is what makes this drink special.

Next, add tonic water to the glass. Stir gently to mix the flavors together. You can also add a splash of lime juice for a zesty kick.

For a finishing touch, garnish with a lime wedge. This adds extra flavor and makes the drink look appealing.

Ingredients

  • Ice cubes
  • 1.5 ounces (45 ml) gin
  • 4 ounces (120 ml) tonic water
  • Lime juice (optional)
  • Lime wedge for garnish

Cooking Instructions

  1. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
  2. Pour in the gin.
  3. Add tonic water to the glass.
  4. Stir gently.
  5. Add lime juice if desired.
  6. Garnish with a lime wedge.

4) Old Fashioned

A vintage bar setting with a crystal glass filled with an Old Fashioned cocktail, surrounded by a shaker, muddler, and a bottle of whiskey

The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that you can easily make at home. It highlights the rich flavor of whiskey while adding just a hint of sweetness and spice. This drink is perfect for relaxing after a long day.

To make an Old Fashioned, you start with a glass and add some sugar and bitters. Then, you mix in your choice of bourbon or rye whiskey.

Top it off with a twist of orange peel for added flavor. Serve it over ice for a refreshing finish.

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 3 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
  • Ice
  • Orange peel for garnish

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a glass, muddle the sugar and bitters together.
  2. Add the whiskey and stir well.
  3. Add large ice cubes and stir a few more times.
  4. Garnish with a twist of orange peel. Enjoy!

5) Frozen Tropical Daiquiri

A glass filled with a bright pink frozen daiquiri, garnished with a slice of pineapple and a cherry, surrounded by tropical fruits and palm leaves

You’ll love the refreshing taste of a Frozen Tropical Daiquiri. This drink combines sweet pineapple and creamy coconut for a delightful treat. Perfect for warm days, it’s easy to make and sure to impress your friends.

To prepare this drink, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Blend everything until smooth for the best texture. You can adjust the thickness by adding more ice if you prefer a thicker drink.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
  • 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 2 oz white rum
  • 1.5 oz dragonfruit puree
  • Coconut flakes for garnish
  • Mint leaf sprig for garnish

Cooking Instructions

  1. Add frozen pineapple, lime juice, white rum, and dragonfruit puree to a blender.
  2. Blend until smooth.
  3. If you want it thicker, add more ice and blend again.
  4. Pour into a glass and garnish with coconut flakes and a mint leaf.

6) Margarita

A colorful array of fresh limes, vibrant red strawberries, and a bottle of tequila, set against a backdrop of a beach with a sunset

A margarita is a refreshing classic cocktail enjoyed by many. It combines the bold flavor of tequila with citrusy lime and sweet orange liqueur. You can customize it with salt on the rim for an extra touch.

To make a single margarita, you’ll need silver tequila, orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice. This drink is perfect for warm days or any festive occasion.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces silver tequila
  • 1 ounce orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
  • 3/4 ounce freshly-squeezed lime juice
  • Coarse salt (for rim, optional)
  • Lime wedge (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Begin by rimming your glass with lime juice and dipping it in salt.
  2. In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice.
  3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.
  4. Strain the mixture into your prepared glass.
  5. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!

7) Strawberry Mule

A glass filled with a vibrant red Strawberry Mule cocktail, garnished with fresh strawberries and a sprig of mint, set on a rustic wooden table

The Strawberry Mule is a refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule. With fresh strawberries, lime juice, vodka, and ginger beer, it’s perfect for warm days.

To start, muddle fresh strawberries in a glass. This releases their juicy flavor. Next, add vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer. Stir everything together and add ice.

Garnish your drink with a strawberry slice or mint sprig for a nice touch. Enjoy this delightful beverage with friends or just for yourself.

Ingredients

  • 1.25 oz vodka
  • 3 oz ginger beer
  • 0.5 oz lime juice
  • Fresh strawberries
  • Ice

Cooking Instructions

  1. Muddle fresh strawberries in a glass.
  2. Add vodka and lime juice.
  3. Pour in ginger beer.
  4. Stir to combine.
  5. Add ice and garnish as desired.

8) Negroni

A classic Negroni cocktail being expertly prepared with gin, vermouth, and Campari over ice in a sleek, stemmed glass

The Negroni is a classic cocktail known for its unique blend of flavors. It combines gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari for a deliciously bitter drink. This Italian favorite is perfect for sipping on a warm evening.

To make a Negroni, start by filling a mixing glass with ice. Pour in equal parts of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Stir the mixture for about 30 seconds until it’s well chilled.

Strain the drink into a chilled glass and garnish with a twist of orange peel. Enjoy your refreshing Negroni!

Ingredients:

  • 1 ounce gin
  • 1 ounce Campari
  • 1 ounce sweet vermouth
  • Orange peel for garnish

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Add gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
  3. Stir for about 30 seconds.
  4. Strain into a chilled glass.
  5. Garnish with orange peel.

9) Mimosas

A table set with a pitcher of orange juice, champagne, and fresh fruit for making mimosas

Mimosas are a delightful and refreshing drink, perfect for brunch or any special occasion. You’ll enjoy the simple combination of sparkling wine and orange juice. Feel free to experiment with different citrus juices for a fun twist.

To make a classic mimosa, pour equal parts of chilled sparkling wine and fresh orange juice. A good ratio is three ounces of sparkling wine and one ounce of juice. This balance keeps the drink light and bubbly.

For added flavor, you can include a splash of Cointreau or another liqueur. Garnish with a slice of orange for a lovely presentation.

Ingredients

  • 3 ounces sparkling wine (Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava)
  • 1 ounce fresh orange juice
  • Optional: splash of Cointreau
  • Orange slice for garnish

Cooking Instructions

  1. Chill sparkling wine in the refrigerator.
  2. Squeeze fresh orange juice.
  3. In a glass, pour 3 ounces of sparkling wine.
  4. Add 1 ounce of orange juice.
  5. Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.

10) Adios Amigo

A rustic bar with colorful cocktails and tropical fruits, surrounded by cacti and sombreros

The Adios Amigo is a refreshing cocktail that’s sure to impress at your next gathering. It combines several spirits and flavors for a great taste. This drink is perfect for those who enjoy a lively mix.

To make an Adios Amigo, you’ll need light gold rum, cognac, gin, dry vermouth, and lime juice. The mix creates a balanced flavor profile that is both strong and flavorful.

Ingredients

  • 1 oz Light gold rum
  • 1 oz Cognac (brandy)
  • 1 oz Gin
  • 1 oz Dry vermouth
  • 1 oz Lime juice

Cooking Instructions

  1. Fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Add the light gold rum, cognac, gin, dry vermouth, and lime juice.
  3. Shake well until chilled.
  4. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
  5. Enjoy your refreshing Adios Amigo!

11) Martini

A sleek, crystal-clear martini glass sits on a marble countertop, garnished with a single olive and a twist of lemon peel

A martini is a classic cocktail known for its simple yet elegant flavor. You can choose between gin or vodka as the base spirit. Adding dry vermouth gives it a smooth touch.

To make your martini, start by chilling your glass.

Combine 2 ounces of gin or vodka with 1 ounce of dry vermouth in a mixing glass. Stir with ice until well chilled, then strain into your glass.

For a twist, you can add a lemon peel or olives as garnish. Remember, the way you mix your martini can affect its taste and character.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces gin or vodka
  • 1 ounce dry vermouth
  • Ice
  • Lemon peel or olives (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Chill your martini glass in the freezer.
  2. In a mixing glass, add gin or vodka and dry vermouth.
  3. Fill the mixing glass with ice.
  4. Stir until well chilled.
  5. Strain into the chilled glass.
  6. Garnish with lemon peel or olives.

12) Peaches and Honey

A glass filled with peach slices and honey, surrounded by fresh peaches and a jar of honey

Peaches and honey make a delightful drink that is both refreshing and simple to prepare. You can enjoy this drink on a warm day or serve it at gatherings. It’s perfect for anyone who loves fruity flavors.

To make this drink, you can start by muddling some fresh peaches with honey. This brings out the natural sweetness of the peaches and mixes well with the honey.

You might also want to add some sparkling water for a fizzy touch. Pour the mixture over ice for a cool and revitalizing beverage.

Ingredients

  • Fresh peaches
  • Honey
  • Sparkling water
  • Ice

Cooking Instructions

  1. Muddle fresh peaches in a glass.
  2. Add honey and mix well.
  3. Pour in sparkling water.
  4. Serve over ice and enjoy!

13) Apple Gin Fizz

A tall glass filled with a fizzy, pale green liquid, garnished with a slice of apple and a sprig of fresh mint

The Apple Gin Fizz is a refreshing cocktail perfect for any occasion. It’s a simple mix of gin and apple flavors that brighten up your drink.

To make this cocktail, start by muddling some chopped apples in a shaker. This helps release their sweet juices. Next, add gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice. You might also include egg white for extra froth.

Shake everything vigorously with ice until it’s well mixed. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. You can top it off with soda water for a bubbly finish.

This drink not only looks good but tastes delightful!

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces gin
  • 1 ounce apple juice
  • 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon simple syrup
  • Optional: egg white
  • Soda water

Cooking Instructions

  1. Muddle chopped apples in a cocktail shaker.
  2. Add gin, simple syrup, lemon juice, and egg white (optional).
  3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
  4. Strain into an ice-filled glass.
  5. Top with soda water and serve.

14) Cranberry Vodka Sour

A cocktail shaker filled with ice, cranberry juice, vodka, and lemon juice, surrounded by fresh cranberries and lemon slices

The Cranberry Vodka Sour is a refreshing and vibrant cocktail. It blends the tartness of cranberry juice with the smoothness of vodka, making it a delightful choice for any occasion.

To prepare this drink, you will need a shaker. Start by adding vodka, cranberry juice, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and a dash of bitters. For a silky texture, you can add egg white.

Give it a good shake with ice for about 15 seconds. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. You can garnish it with a lemon slice for extra flair.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz (60 ml) vodka
  • 1 oz (30 ml) cranberry juice
  • 1/2 oz (15 ml) simple syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 oz (30 ml) egg white

Cooking Instructions

  1. Add vodka, cranberry juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and bitters to a shaker.
  2. Dry shake (no ice) for 15-20 seconds.
  3. Add ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
  4. Strain into an ice-filled glass.
  5. Garnish with a lemon slice.

15) Mint Julep

A silver julep cup filled with crushed ice, fresh mint leaves, and a splash of bourbon, garnished with a sprig of mint

The Mint Julep is a classic cocktail that is perfect for warm days. This refreshing drink combines bourbon, mint, and sugar for a sweet and cooling flavor.

To make a Mint Julep, you will need fresh mint leaves and sugar or simple syrup. Crushed ice is essential to keep your drink cold.

Start by muddling the mint leaves with sugar in a glass. Add bourbon and fill the glass with crushed ice. Stir gently and garnish with a sprig of mint.

Enjoy this drink during the Kentucky Derby or anytime you want a refreshing sip!

Ingredients

  • 4-5 fresh mint leaves
  • 2 sugar cubes or 1/2 ounce simple syrup
  • 2.5 ounces bourbon

Cooking Instructions

  1. Muddle mint leaves with sugar or simple syrup in a glass.
  2. Then, add bourbon to the glass.
  3. Fill the glass with crushed ice.
  4. Stir gently and garnish with a mint sprig.

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