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    Published: Apr 11, 2024 · Modified: May 17, 2025 by Stephanie Gravalese · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    11 Must-Try Classic Cocktails for the Ultimate Happy Hour at Home

    The best cocktails are always the simplest ones. So if you're looking for something easy to make at home, simply add liquor to a glass, some bitters, garnish, and voila—you've got yourself a delicious classic cocktail! 

    person pouring cocktail into small tasting glasses
    photo credit: Stephanie Gravalese

    There are so many great takes on classic cocktails that you can easily find—here are 11 to get you started. 

    Bourbon Old Fashioned with Lemon Honey

    This old-fashioned recipe utilizes lemon-fermented raw honey as a sweetener, and on grey days like this, it's a welcome way to wind down the day.

    Golden Passionfruit Margarita

    Make your next margarita memorable with this spicy passion fruit twist! This simple, delicious four-ingredient cocktail is perfect for a celebration, but it's good anytime. The simple syrup adds a hint of sweetness and rounds out the lime and tequila for a well-balanced, vibrant drink.

    Mint Julep

    Mint juleps are the quintessential drink of spring and summer. And while they're served at the Kentucky Derby, they're a great drink all year round. So if you like bourbon and mint, you'll love this classic cocktail.

    Raspberry Mojito

    A mojito cocktail that is simple, delicious, and can be made with any berry or mixed berries. The rum or vodka makes this a perfect after-dinner treat!

    Dry Martini

    The Dry Martini is an enduringly popular cocktail, having stood the test of time from its origins in the early 1900s. It symbolizes luxury and sophistication but doesn't taste like you're drinking straight-up booze.

    Blueberry Moscow Mule

    Take your favorite Moscow Mule to the next level by adding fresh or frozen blueberries. This drink is super bubbly, fruity, and refreshing!

    Spicy Jalapeno Paloma

    Sip on this spicy Paloma—a refreshing take on the classic cocktail with a kick of jalapeno peppers and tequila! Once you try it, I know this drink will be in regular rotation.

    Negroni Sbagliato

    The classic Negroni is made with gin, Campari, and vermouth. A twist on the classic Negroni, this gorgeous cocktail has all of the moody complexity of its namesake but festive vibes only prosecco can provide. A happy accident (sblagliato means "mistake in Italian" the flavors of Campari, red vermouth, and sparkling wine make a standout drink, perfect for entertaining.

    Vodka Hot Toddy with Lemon Honey

    This lemon honey hot toddy is perfect for winter parties. It tastes like the best lemonade but with a kick. Just mix up the ingredients and enjoy!

    Classic Gin Gimlet

    The gin gimlet is a simple cocktail made with gin and lime juice, but it can be one of the best cocktails you've ever had. If you like gin, you'll love this one. The original recipe called for Rose's Lime Juice Cordial, but many bartenders today prefer fresh lime juice.

    Fire Cider Bloody Mary

    Do you want to bring spicy power to your brunch? Kick it up a notch with this Spicy Bloody Mary. A savory take on the classic brunch cocktail, this Bloody combines the power of healthful roots and fruits with the flavors of this tasty classic.

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    Hey there, I'm Stephanie! I'm a food + culture writer, photographer and recipe developer.

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