5 Essential After Work Cocktails

It's been a long day grinding away at your job. Wouldn't it be nice to grab a drink with a couple of co-workers? Of course, it would! If you're going to hit your local corner bar in Northlake, GA, however, you'll want to do it right by choosing just the right cocktail. Here are some of the big hits that keep happy hour happy.

1. The Martini

The classic cocktail. Everything about the martini evokes a world of elegance and intrigue. Martinis are even better nowadays that the "appletini" has been replaced with the traditional variety. While vodka is a perfectly acceptable liquor, next time you order a martini, order it with gin. Also, try a lemon twist instead of an olive. This way you'll get the most flavor out of the gin, as olives tend to cover it up.

2. The Manhattan

If you're a fan of whiskey, Manhattans are an excellent choice because while they're relatively sweet, they do nothing to conceal the flavor of the whiskey. To get the most out of the Manhattan, order it straight up. Also, try it with rye instead of bourbon. You might like it enough that it becomes your go-to drink.

3. The Margarita

The margarita is one of those cocktails where there are about 50 bars in the southwest United States and Mexico who claim to have invented it. The fact is we may never know, but we're all reaping the benefits of this fantastic drink. Remember: if the bar you're at uses sweet and sour, don't bother with expensive tequila because you won't notice the difference. Better to insist on fresh lime (or lemon) juice, and then request the fancy tequila of your choice.

4. The Brooklyn

Once unheard of out of fancy big city speakeasies, this classic prohibition cocktail is giving the Manhattan a run for its money. Slightly sweet like its borough counterpart, the addition of Maraschino gives it a slightly fruitier accent, bringing out different aspects of the whiskey. This one almost certainly requires rye over bourbon.

5. The Vesper Martini

Okay, now we're cheating a little. Many bars may not be aware of this drink, but it's James Bond's preferred martini. Read the book or watch the movie, and you'll know it's 3 oz gin, 1 oz vodka, and 1/2 oz Lillet Blanc. The result is pure espionage.

The next time you hit your corner bar in Northlake, GA, order one of these classics and you won't regret it.