3 Classic Cocktails

Cocktail story: One of my favorite bars in town has a special for classic cocktails on Monday nights. (Yes, I've been out for drinks on a Monday night—judge if you must!) And that was how I tried a Sidecar for the first time (I picked it for it's name—classy!). And loved it! Now it's kind of my go-to drink. But I loved the idea of having a classic cocktail night, so I decided to learn how to make a few of our favorites.Manhattan: This cocktail is very Don Draper. I like to make my Manhattan's a little sweeter by adding some of the maraschino cherry juice, but if you want to make them the more classic way then feel free to leave it out.

One serving: 2 1/2 ounces bourbon whiskey, 3/4 ounce sweet vermouth, 1-2 dashes Angostura bitters, 3-4 maraschino cherries with a dash or two of their juices too (if you want, no pressure—I like it sweet!). Combine all ingredients in a small mason jar, seal, shake and pour over ice.Sidecar: This one is my favorite, and I love this at-home version. I think they are usually made with brandy, cognac or other more sweet liquers, but I decided to try it with bourbon whiskey and loved it!

One serving: 3/4 ounce triple sec, 3/4 ounce bourbon whiskey, 1/2 ounce sweetened lime juice (make your own or buy one—I used Rose's brand), a small squeaze of lime juice and garnish with a lime wedge. Combine all ingredients in a small mason jar, seal, shake and pour over ice.Mint Julep: This one reminds me of my sister, as Elsie is a huge mint fan. Probably the biggest, actually. I had never used powdered sugar in a cocktail before, but I was surprised by how well it dissolved into the drink.

One serving: 2 1/2 ounces bourbon whiskey, 3-4 mint leaves (torn into small pieces), 1 teaspoon powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons filtered water. Place the torn mint leaves, sugar and water in the bottom of your serving glass. Use a small spoon to muddle them, basically smashing them together. Fill your glass with some crushed ice, pour in the bourbon whiskey and garnish with a mint sprig.All recipes were adapted from Drinks Mixer and The Bar. Have fun finding your favorite classic cocktail! xo. emma

Comments

[sally]

Love this post. As I read it, it's 4.55pm on Friday afternoon in Sydney so I'm ready for cocktail hour. Make mine and Aviation! Thanks for the inspiration. I'll be going home to mix something up. And add a fresh herb or two from the garden.

[BLiberas]

OMG ! never had a manhattans ! I really want to try it with my friends ! Nice pictures BTW ! love them ....

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[Hannah @ Sparrow + Spark!]

I have really got into cocktails lately. They're so fun!

[sreebindu]

Minty am joining in =)
xoxo
http://sreebindu.blogspot.com/

[Rachael]

They all look very pretty! Can you taste the bourbon in each? I can't stand the taste so not sure they'd work for me.Rx

http://sandersonsmithstory.blogspot.co.uk/

[Robin]

My husband and I have been on a Manhattan kick recently. It's fun to experiment with different bitters( blood orange is my favorite) and different sweet vermouths. I agree with you a little cherry juice makes it a bit sweeter. We also serve it with an orange twist which we rub around the rim of the glass. Cheers!

[Natasha Fatah]

I never used to drink until recently, and now I feel like this is something I'd like to incorporate more into our parties and events.

Thanks for the ideas. :)

xoxo
~Natasha Fatah~
www.natasha

[Maxine]

Ex-bartender here: you must try a Brandy Alexander. You're welcome.

[Logan]

They look so pretty!

http://www.loganmakesamess.com

http://www.loganmakesamess.com/2012/04/vintage-hat.html

[Kathryn from Schoolmarmstyle]

Just the other night I had my very first mint julep and my first sidecar. I liked them both, but I LOVED the sidecar. That will be my go to for bar drinks for a while I'm sure.

[lorena]

great cocktails! I think I will try to make some Manhattan this weekend...

[Colleen]

My boyfriend is a big fan of manhattans. They're very fun to drink out of a martini glass :) The sidecar looks really tasty. I'm definitely going to have to try that sometime soon!

[Lyndzie @ fashionable footprints]

mmm - these look & sound delish, I want to try them all!

fashionable footprints

[The slow pace]

mmm.... nice!

[Sophie]

These look amazing!

http://girlonbroughtonstreet.blogspot.co.uk/

[Courtney]

really great idea for the classic recipes. I definitely need to have a mad men party to try these out :)

http://thelittletexan.blogspot.com/

[Zoe]

MMM yum! my favourite treats :)

Zoe
http://gypsiesister.blogspot.co.uk

[Amber]

Have you ever had a Moscow Mule? If you like the sidecar you would most likely love it!

[Samantha]

Drinking on a school night is the best. I would judge anyone who would judge that tbh.