When it comes to cocktails, they have a unique way of transporting us to different eras and places from the first sip. While the options are truly endless and choice comes down to personal preference, classic cocktails remain popular and timeless for a reason. With origins from Cuba and Italy, let’s take a journey through the world’s top 10 classic cocktails.
1) Mojito
A classic Cuban cocktail, the Mojito is known for its refreshing and vibrant taste. It’s a delightful blend of white rum, mint leaves, sugar, lime juice and soda water, served with ice and garnished with extra mint leaves. The combination of sweetness, citrus tang and the revitalising mint aroma makes the Mojito a perfect choice for those looking for a cooling and extremely tasty beverage.
2) Daiquiri
Simple yet exquisite, the Daiquiri also originates from Cuba. It’s made with white rum, freshly squeezed lime juice, ice and sugar syrup for balance. Served often in a martini or a margarita glass, the Daiquiri embodies the beauty of simplicity, offering a harmonious fusion of tartness and sweetness. To make a Strawberry Daiquiri, fresh strawberries are added before blending.
3) Piña Colada
The Piña Colada is a tropical delight that transports you to sunshine paradise. This Puerto Rican creation combines white rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice. Often served in a poco grande glass and garnished with a wedge of pineapple and a paper umbrella. With its creamy texture and the sweet, tropical flavours of coconut and pineapple, a Piña Colada is like a Caribbean holiday in a glass.
4) Espresso Martini
This is one for all the coffee lovers, the Espresso Martini is a caffeinated delight. It marries the rich, roasted notes of an espresso with vodka, Kahlua (a coffee liqueur) and a touch of sugar syrup. This Martini offers a stimulating contrast between the bold flavours of coffee and the smoothness of vodka, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a pick-me-up.
5) Margarita
A Mexican classic renowned for its zesty character, the Margarita features tequila, triple sec, and freshly squeezed lime juice, often served with a salted rim. The Margarita strikes a perfect balance between the earthy notes of tequila, sweetness from the triple sec and the bright, citrusy tang of lime, making it a go-to choice for those who appreciate a mix of sweet, sour and salty flavours.
6) Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan, also known as the ‘Cosmo’, is a glamorous and visually appealing cocktail with a mixture of vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and a hint of lime. Known for its vibrant pink hue and sweet yet tangy taste, the Cosmopolitan is a favourite among parties, girls nights out and those who want a dash of style in their drinks.
7) Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is another timeless classic that’s beloved for its balance of sweet and sour. It’s a combination of bourbon whiskey, lemon juice, sugar syrup and egg white (optional). A Whiskey Sour delivers a harmonious blend of bold whiskey flavours and the tartness of citrus, creating a drink that’s both comforting and refreshing. Who said whiskey can’t be used to make a cocktail?
8) Old Fashioned
An Old Fashioned is a concoction of sweetness and bitterness. Made with bourbon or rye whiskey, a splash of water, Angostura bitters and sugar syrup or sugar cube. Generally, served in a rocks glass with one large ice cube and garnished with an orange peel and a maraschino cherry. This drink is a symbol of tradition, sophistication and the pure essence of whiskey. It may be called an Old Fashioned, but it exudes timeless elegance.
9) Negroni
An Italian classic with a bitter-sweet charm, the Negroni combines equal parts of dry gin, sweet vermouth and Campari, garnished with an orange twist. Its vibrant red hue and bitter-sweet taste make it an acquired taste, but favoured by those who relish a sophisticated and bold cocktail.
10) Aperol Spritz
A delightful aperitif drink, the Aperol Spritz also originated from Italy, but it has captured hearts around the world. It contains Aperol, prosecco, a dash of soda water and ice, creating a light and refreshing drink with a bright orange colour. Served in a large wine glass and garnished with an orange wedge. An ideal choice to sip during a leisurely summer afternoon, offering a balance of bitterness, fizz and citrus notes.
Join Us For Cocktails at the Lodge Bar & Gastropub
Here at the Littleover Lodge Hotel, our Lodge Bar & Gastropub is known as one of the leading cocktail bars in Derby. With live music nights and a vibrant atmosphere, it makes our bar the perfect place to share a round of drinks with friends or family. Our friendly team of bartenders and mixologists are experienced in making classic cocktails and our signature creations, they can mix up something strong or fruity for you, and they’ll have it done in no time! On a night out in Derby? why not indulge yourself to our 2 for £13 offer. To see our latest drink menu offers, follow our Facebook page.