Every man should have a few go-to cocktails in his arsenal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, impressing a date, or just unwinding after a long day, knowing how to mix a proper drink is a skill worth having.
In this guide, we’ll cover 10 easy cocktail recipes every guy should know, from timeless classics to simple, foolproof drinks that don’t require a bartender’s expertise. These cocktails strike the perfect balance between style, simplicity, and great taste—ideal for any occasion.
Let’s raise a glass and dive into the best cocktails for men that every guy should master.
Old Fashioned – The Timeless Classic
Why Every Guy Should Know It: The Old Fashioned is a simple yet sophisticated cocktail that showcases whiskey’s bold flavors. It’s the ultimate drink for a man who appreciates tradition.
Ingredients:
2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
1 sugar cube
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange peel (for garnish)
How to Make It:
- Muddle the sugar and bitters in a glass.
- Add ice and pour in the whiskey.
- Stir gently and garnish with an orange peel.
Pro Tip: Use a large ice cube to slow down dilution and keep the drink smooth.
Negroni – The Sophisticated Italian Aperitif
Why Every Guy Should Know It: The Negroni is bold, bitter, and refreshing—ideal for a man who enjoys a well-balanced cocktail with depth.
Ingredients:
1 oz gin
1 oz Campari
1 oz sweet vermouth
Orange peel (for garnish)
How to Make It:
- Stir all ingredients with ice in a mixing glass.
- Strain into a glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with an orange peel.
Pro Tip: Swap gin for bourbon to make a Boulevardier, a whiskey-based variation of this classic drink.
Whiskey Sour – The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart
Why Every Guy Should Know It: This is one of the best whiskey cocktails for men, combining smooth whiskey with a citrusy kick.
Ingredients:
2 oz bourbon
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
Egg white (optional for a silky texture)
Angostura bitters (for garnish)
How to Make It:
- Shake all ingredients (except bitters) without ice to emulsify the egg white.
- Add ice and shake again.
- Strain into a glass and top with a few drops of bitters.
Pro Tip: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
Moscow Mule – The Ultimate Refreshing Cocktail
Why Every Guy Should Know It: Crisp, cool, and easy to make, the Moscow Mule is a go-to drink for any occasion.
Ingredients:
2 oz vodka
4 oz ginger beer
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
Lime wedge (for garnish)
How to Make It:
- Fill a copper mug with ice.
- Pour in vodka and lime juice.
- Top with ginger beer and stir.
Pro Tip: Use high-quality ginger beer for a spicy kick.
Manhattan – The Ultimate Whiskey Drink
Why Every Guy Should Know It: If you love whiskey, this smooth and sophisticated cocktail is a must-have in your repertoire.
Ingredients:
2 oz rye whiskey
1 oz sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Maraschino cherry (for garnish)
How to Make It:
- Stir ingredients with ice in a mixing glass.
- Strain into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a cherry.
Pro Tip: Experiment with different vermouth brands to find the one that best suits your taste.
Martini – The Iconic Gentleman’s Drink
Why Every Guy Should Know It: The Martini is timeless, elegant, and customizable to your preference—gin or vodka, shaken or stirred.
Ingredients:
2 oz gin or vodka
1/2 oz dry vermouth
Lemon twist or olive (for garnish)
How to Make It:
- Stir (or shake) ingredients with ice.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or olive.
Pro Tip: For a “dirty” martini, add a splash of olive brine.
Dark ‘n’ Stormy – The Best Rum-Based Cocktail
Why Every Guy Should Know It: Spicy, rich, and bold, this drink is perfect for those who prefer dark rum over lighter spirits.
Ingredients:
2 oz dark rum
4 oz ginger beer
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
Lime wedge (for garnish)
How to Make It:
- Fill a glass with ice and pour in the lime juice and ginger beer.
- Slowly float the dark rum on top.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
Pro Tip: Use Gosling’s Black Seal rum for an authentic Dark ‘n’ Stormy.
Gin & Tonic – The Simple Yet Classic Cocktail
Why Every Guy Should Know It: A G&T is one of the easiest, most refreshing drinks you can make.
Ingredients:
2 oz gin
4 oz tonic water
Lime wedge (for garnish)
How to Make It:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour in the gin and top with tonic.
- Stir and garnish with a lime wedge.
Pro Tip: Experiment with different gins and premium tonic waters for unique flavors.
Mojito – The Best Summer Cocktail
Why Every Guy Should Know It: This light, minty cocktail is perfect for warm weather and social gatherings.
Ingredients:
2 oz white rum
3/4 oz fresh lime juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
Fresh mint leaves
Club soda
How to Make It:
- Muddle mint and simple syrup in a glass.
- Add ice, rum, and lime juice.
- Top with club soda and stir.
Pro Tip: Slap the mint leaves before adding them to release their aroma.
Boulevardier – The Whiskey Negroni
Why Every Guy Should Know It: This is the perfect cocktail for whiskey lovers who enjoy a bitter, balanced drink.
Ingredients:
1 oz bourbon or rye
1 oz Campari
1 oz sweet vermouth
Orange peel (for garnish)
How to Make It:
- Stir ingredients with ice.
- Strain into a glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with an orange peel.
Pro Tip: This is a great alternative to a Negroni if you prefer whiskey over gin.
Final Thoughts
Mastering these classic cocktail recipes will elevate your home bartending skills and impress your guests. Whether you prefer whiskey, gin, rum, or vodka, there’s a cocktail for every taste and occasion.
Want to take your mixology skills further? Invest in quality ingredients, proper glassware, and a good cocktail shaker to perfect your drinks.
What’s your go-to cocktail? Let us know in the comments!