Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or a budding bartender, we’ll show you the best cocktails for memorable evenings with your friends. Get your mixology kit ready and check out our list!
Mojito: Must-have for beginners
The Mojito is the essential summer cocktail. This refreshing drink originated in Cuba in the 16th century. It was popularized by writer Ernest Hemingway, who drank it regularly at La Bodeguita del Medio in Havana. The main ingredients are white rum, sugar, mint, lime and sparkling water. It’s very simple to make and doesn’t require many ingredients, making it a perfect cocktail for beginners.
Margarita: Essence of summer
The Margarita is a Mexican cocktail of somewhat hazy origins. It became very popular in the United States in the 1940s. The recipe consists of tequila, triple sec and lime juice. Easy to prepare and costing an average of C$12, the Margarita is a summer evening staple.
Pina Colada: Tropical escape
The creamy, fruity Pina Colada is Puerto Rico's national drink. Treat yourself to a tropical escape from the comfort of your living room with a blend of white rum, a little pineapple juice and coconut cream!
Moscow Mule: Timeless cocktail in a copper cup
The Moscow Mule was created in the USA in the 1940s. Easily recognizable for its spicy taste and hint of ginger, and its signature copper cup. The base of this cocktail is vodka. Just add ginger beer, lime juice and ice cubes, and you're ready to go!
Gin and Tonic: Pure and simple
Gin and Tonic originated in the British Empire of the 19th century. British soldiers in India consumed tonic water for its medicinal malaria-fighting properties, and added gin to mitigate the bitterness of quinine. Today, this simple, refreshing blend has become a classic. The main ingredients are simple: gin, tonic and lemon. Easy to prepare and inexpensive, Gin and Tonic requires very little equipment. Its simplicity makes it an excellent choice for mixology beginners and a must-have for any summer party.
Bloody Mary: Spicy wake-up call
The origins of the Bloody Mary cocktail are shrouded in mystery, but it is now a brunch staple. Its unique blend of spicy and savory flavors makes it the perfect drink to wake up to. The recipe is an easy-to-mix blend of vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco. Just be careful how much Tabasco you add!
French 75: Sparkling elegance
Created during the First World War, this cocktail refers to a French cannon known for its precision and power. The French 75 embodies elegance and refinement, thanks in no small part to champagne. Moderately complicated to make, you'll need gin, lemon juice and champagne. It’s the perfect cocktail for special occasions.
Manhattan: New York classic
The Manhattan is a classic American cocktail created in the 19th century, often associated with the elegance of New York cocktail bars. It's made with whisky, red vermouth and bitters. With a medium difficulty level and an average price of C$15, this cocktail is perfect for impressing your guests.
Daiquiri: Cuban simplicity
The Daiquiri is an emblematic Cuban cocktail that owes its name to a beach near Santiago. Created in the early 20th century, this cocktail quickly gained popularity for its simplicity and freshness. The classic Daiquiri is made with three perfectly balanced ingredients: white rum, fresh lime juice and sugar. This blend creates a light, refreshing drink, perfect for a hot summer's day. The lime juice brings a bright acidity that is softened by the sugar, while the rum adds a subtle depth to the cocktail. The Daiquiri is not only delicious, but also extremely versatile. You can easily experiment with different types of rum or add fresh fruit to create your own variations.
Espresso Martini: Energizing sophistication
The Espresso Martini, created in London in the 1980s, is a sophisticated, energizing cocktail that combines the richness of coffee with the smoothness of vodka. Its creator, British bartender Dick Bradsell, is said to have invented the cocktail when a famous supermodel asked him for a drink that would wake her up.
The cocktail is made with vodka, coffee liqueur and fresh espresso. The result is a velvety drink with a creamy froth on top, similar to a cappuccino, but with an extra kick. The coffee liqueur adds sweetness, which is balanced by the slight bitterness of the espresso, while the vodka provides a strong, smooth base.
