1. Martini
As one story goes, this drink was originally called the Martinez, for the California town
where it was first mixed in the late 1800s. The martini is a perennial favorite, always
glamorous and always served ice-cold. Keep the gin in the freezer and the glasses, too!
Combine 2 ounces gin and a dash of extra dry vermouth in an ice filled cocktail shaker
and shake or stir. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with an olive or lemon
twist. A dirty martini includes a dash of olive juice.
2. Margarita
If you choose to make margaritas at home, commit to the following: freshly squeezed
lime juice only, and Cointreau rather than Triple Sec. Your guests will thank you.
Combine 2 ounces tequila, 1 ounce Cointreau, and 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed
lime juice in an ice filled cocktail shaker. Shake and serve straight up in a margarita glass.
Salt the rims of the glasses or not as your guests prefer.
3. Cosmopolitan
It may be as overexposed as Samantha in Sex in the City, but, like the TV show, “the
Cosmo,” a pink combination of vodka, cranberry juice, and Triple Sec, is a crowd-pleaser
and can’t be ignored. It is often embellished with the flavor du jour.
Combine 1 ½ ounces vodka, ½ ounce Triple Sec or Cointreau, 1 tablespoon cranberry
juice and the juice of ½ a fresh lime in an iced filled cocktail shaker. Shake and strain into
a chilled martini glass.
Which cocktail is your favorite to serve guests?
