5 Great Cocktails for Beginners

by Rob J. Quality Links

Cocktails seem sophisticated, don't they? While everyone loves a good beer or fine wine, there's just something elegant and fancy about cocktails that those other beverages can't touch. While drinking in moderation is always the rule, taking time out once in a while to try some of the best-handcrafted cocktails in Peachtree Corners, GA, is a great way to take the edge off while trying new things. If you're someone who's tried cocktails from time to time but never really got into it, here are a few classic cocktails that'll help introduce you to the exciting world of mixology.

1. The Martini

There was a time (before the great cocktail revolution of the '90s) when Martinis were almost the only cocktail people ordered. If you like a drink that's dry and delicate, then the Martini is the choice for you. While vodka Martinis are certainly acceptable for someone who's more interested in olives than cocktails, try a gin Martini with a twist so you can taste the subtle herbal flavors of a top-shelf gin.

2. The Manhattan

The whiskey counterpoint to the Martini, the Manhattan is another cocktail that never really went away. The sweet vermouth that's in this classic cocktail brings out the sweetness hidden within the whiskey, while the bitters adds a spicy kick. Try a rye Manhattan for a smoother drink.

3. The Margarita

Sometime in the 1990s, people began ditching the blenders and brightly colored mix that were once the staples of the "margarita" and went back to the drink's simple origins. Composed of just tequila (usually silver), lime or lemon juice, and Triple Sec or Cointreau, the classic margarita should only be somewhat sweet, enabling you to taste the tequila. That's why today's margaritas should only be made with 100% agave tequilas.

4. The Negroni

A perfect drink for beginners who are ready to branch out, the ingredients to the Negroni are nothing more than gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. While brightly colored, Campari is an Italian liqueur that starts sweet and finishes bitter. If you learn to love this delicious drink, then you're ready to hit the more daring cocktails.

5. The Brooklyn

Another whiskey drink named after a New York borough, the Brooklyn is a somewhat sweeter — more nuanced — take on the Manhattan. Once nearly forgotten, the bartenders at the best craft cocktails in Peachtree Corners, GA, can mix them by memory.

Experimenting with different cocktails is a great way to spend the evening. Visit your local bar with the best craft cocktails in Peachtree Corners GA, and discover your own favorite cocktail.