Manly Cocktails: 6 Drinks Every Man Must Know How To Make!
Gentlemen, ordering a drink at the bar is more than just what you like the taste of. It is also an indication of how others in your vicinity will view you. In a world full of first impressions, and judgements based off of those impressions, ordering the wrong drink can make you look immature or inexperienced.
Good news is that we’re here to help, and in this article we’ll be giving you 6 drinks you can order at the bar and at least make it look like you know what you’re doing. Let’s get into it.
1. ‘The Old-Fashioned’
Even if you aren’t hip to different cocktails, chances are you’ve heard of the ‘Old Fashioned. As trendy as it is classic, this drink is very simple to make – the main ingredient is whiskey! The full list of ingredients are as follows:
- 1 sugar cube (or simple syrup)
- 2 to 3 dashes of bitters
- 2 ounces of whiskey or bourbon
- Orange Peel (or maraschino cherry) for garnish
Many people will ask: “What whiskey should I use?” and the answer to that question is, whatever whiskey you like! Some cocktail connoisseurs out there will tell you that it needs to be a rye or a bourbon but truly, whatever whiskey you like is the one you should go with. Like many other drinks over the years, the ‘Old Fashioned’ has been slightly altered over the years. Originally a strictly rye cocktail, different bourbons worked their way into the mix and now the Old-Fashioned is a great venue to try out different whiskeys and bourbons and see what suits you.
2. ‘The Manhattan’
One of the oldest cocktails out there, the ‘Manhattan’ is truly a classic cocktail. Like the ‘Old Fashioned’, the ‘Manhattan’ can be crafted with either whiskey or bourbon, and some even prefer to make it with Canadian whisky. There are many ways you can adapt this drink to your personal taste, but here are the basic ingredients:
- 2 ounces of rye whiskey (or bourbon or Canadian whisky)
- 2 to 3 dashes of bitters
- 1 ounce of sweet vermouth
- Cherry (garnish)
Somewhat similar to the ‘Old Fashioned’, but served in a martini glass and with the addition of vermouth, the ‘Manhattan’ is a great drink to pair with a meal or with a casual night out with friends.
3. The Margarita
One of the most popular cocktails in the world today, the margarita is a modern day icon. Decades have passed and hundreds of variations of the drink have been created, but here are the basic steps, which you can alter to your liking:
- 1.5 ounces of tequila of your choice
- ¾ ounce of lime juice
- 1 ounce of triple sec
One of the best things about the margarita is its simplicity, there’s no mystery here. It’s just a great, tasty drink great for any occasion. Not to mention it’s one of the only fruity cocktails that doesn’t get a ‘girly drink’ connotation.
For more on variations on the classic Margarita, please visit our friends at Saveur for their 14 Margarita Variations.
4. Whiskey Sour
Another classic on the list is the ‘Whiskey Sour’, or ‘Whisky Sour’ for my Canadian friends out there. As suggested in the name, this cocktail is sour, but when complemented by the sweetness of the whiskey and simple syrup, it’s not as tart as one would imagine. The recipe is as follows:
- 2 ounces of whiskey
- ¾ ounce of lemon juice
- ½ ounce (approx.) of simple syrup
- Lemon peel or maraschino cherry (garnish)
The ‘Whiskey Sour’ is such a popular cocktail that it actually has its own holiday. So next time August 25th rolls around, you’ll have to try out this drink if you haven’t already. Try it out with the ratio suggested in the recipe, and tweak it to your own taste on the next drink.
5. Rusty Nail
Now for my scotch drinkers out there, I bring you the classic ‘Rusty Nail’. While having a slight “old man’s drink” connotation, this cocktail is still hip and is sure to put some hair on your chest. Made from a simple mix of scotch and Drambuie, the ‘Rusty Nail’ is designed to be a cultured, slow-sipping drink, great for a post-meal soiree. The recipe, while not set in stone, is as follows:
- 2 ounces of blended scotch (Famous Grouse is a good option)
- ½ ounce of Drambuie
- A dash of Angostura bitters (optional)
No longer a drink for your grandfather’s poker nights, this drink is as accessible as it was in the 30s, and it’s strong flavor can bring a nice quiet end to those stressful days. The Drambuie’s sweetness and honey flavor will cover some of the rigidness of the scotch, but if you find that the drink is too sweet, feel free to titrate the amount of Drambuie you’re using and adjust to your liking.
6. Jack and Coke
Last but certainly not least, we have the ‘Jack and Coke’. If you ask “What’s in a ‘Jack and Coke’?”, you’ve just answered your own question. Yet and still, it’s important to know how to make the perfect ‘Jack and Coke’, which means crafted a cocktail that is as tasty as it is potent. My favored ratio is:
- 2 ounces Jack Daniels
- 10 ounces of Coca-Cola
Now there are many variations of the ‘Jack and Coke’ starting to sprout up, with equally as much controversy surrounding the new additions and subtractions to this classic recipe. Firstly, you have folks deciding to switch up the classic Coke for a Diet Coke. Now while I can’t get on board with that personally, if you prefer the taste of a Diet Coke over that of a regular Coke then more power to you. The ‘Jack and Coke’ is popular because it just works. You get the sweet, bubbly taste of Coca-Cola, paired with the smoky, charcoal flavor of Jack Daniels, in a concoction that is made to last. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can always try the ‘Lynchburg Beer’, and switch up the Coca-Cola for root beer, too.
Well there you have it, 6 of the manliest cocktails you can make! Now this is by no means a comprehensive list, but they are certainly some of my personal favorites. So next time you’re out at the bar, or just enjoying a night in, try out a few of these cocktails to help you catch a buzz, and also keep your cool.
For more info on how men should be living, please refer to our 7 Tips For Men To Stay Healthy As They Age!
