Understanding the Different Types of Cocktails

How often have you heard your fellow customers in a bar whisper to a bartender, “What type of cocktail do you have?” and are left guessing the kind of drink that could be? A cocktail is simply a mixed alcoholic drink. It can mean a mixture of alcoholic beverages or a blend of a strong alcoholic beverage and other ingredients like coffee, cream, fruit juices, etc. 

Unlike typical alcoholic beverages, cocktails aren’t processed. Rather, they are handmade, and their names are just as creative as their ingredients. Want to learn more? Below are the different types of cocktails and their basic ingredients.  

Tequila Based Cocktails

These are cocktails made using the tequila spirit, a Western Mexican liquor deduced from Agave Tequilana Tree roots. Its alcohol by volume (ABV) content ranges between 35 and 55%.   

Examples of tequila-based cocktails include:

• Margarita Mix: comprises lime juice, sugar, citric acid, salt, and tequila as the main ingredients. This mix gives cocktail lovers a perfect blend of bitterness, sweetness, and sourness that leaves them craving for more.
• Bloody Maria: Specially crafted with tequila, bloody Maria mix, celery stalks, and lemon juice. It is the ultimate cocktail for curing hangovers in the morning.

Other examples include Mockingbird, Tequila Sunrise, Alleluia, and Brave Bull.

Vodka Based Cocktails

These are cocktails that feature vodka as the patron ingredient. Vodka is a white distilled drink from Russia, Poland, and Sweden. It can be deduced from potatoes or pure grains like wheat and rye. It boasts a standard ABV of 40% though it can vary depending on the brand.

Examples of vodka-based cocktails include:

Martini Mixes: A refreshing cocktail prepared using water, lactic acid, salt, olive juice, and vodka as the basic ingredients. One advantage of martini mixes is that they come in different flavors, giving you flexibility with your drink selection. 

For instance, you can go for an absolut espresso martini if you love the coffee flavor or pick a Moscow Mule if you love ginger or spicy flavor.

Other vodka-based cocktails include White Russian, Blue Lagoon, Silver Bullet, and Screw Driver.

Whiskey Based Cocktails

As the name echoes, these are cocktails featuring whisky as the leading ingredient. These cocktails may come in fruits, chocolate, nuts, smoky, or any other flavor, depending on the type of whiskey and the featured ingredients. 

Examples of whisky cocktails you can order in a bar include:

• Manhattan: It was first made in the New York City’s Manhattan Club in the late 19th century. Though subject to additions, its basic ingredients should include whisky, vermouth, and bitters.
• Hot Toddy: Combines cinnamon, whisky, lemon, and honey to form a sweet, warming, and refreshing drink for alleviating symptoms of the common cold.

Other examples of whiskey cocktails include Old-Fashioned Irish Coffee and Sour Whisky.

Gin Based Cocktails

Gin is a clear alcoholic spirit distilled from pure grains like rye, wheat, corn, and barley. It is flavored using juniper berries and other botanicals. Gin boasts an ABV of between 40 to 50%.

Gin-based cocktails can have a dry and slightly herbal flavor that gin offers or vary depending on the other ingredients.

Examples of gin-based cocktails include:

• Gin Fizz: Features gin, a splash of club soda, lemon juice, and sugar as the main ingredients. Taking this cocktail gives you a refreshing and bubbly feel.
• Gin And Tonic: This one calls for gin and tonic water only. However, you can add a slice of lemon to twist the flavor or ice cubes for a smoother feel.

Other examples include Tom Collins, Aviation Cocktail, Watermelon Gin Punch, etc.

Final Words

Cocktails can boost your immunity and help you stay refreshed. If you haven’t taken cocktail mixes before, the above examples should help you make a quick selection whenever you decide to take one.