Drinking cocktails always makes me feel good. But it is very difficult to find a good cocktail. Not everyone should be doing everything. It must be done with care, using the best ingredients, and definitely with precise measurements. When I couldn’t find a good place, I decided to make my own at home, and the result was truly amazing. First, I researched what a cocktail actually is.

Cocktails are an indispensable part of drinking culture and are preferred drinks at various events around the world. For many people, cocktails are a symbol of socializing and elegance. Making cocktails often seems easy, but it actually requires knowledge.

They usually consist of one or more types of alcohol, fruit juices, sweeteners, spices, and sometimes garnishes. The main ingredients include alcohol, acidic flavors, sweetness, and sometimes bitterness. Alcoholic components are usually selected from drinks like wine, whiskey, vodka, rum, or tequila—these form the base of the cocktail. Sweeteners may include sugar syrup, honey, fruit syrups, and liqueurs. Fruit juices, soda, and tonic help balance the cocktail. Spices like mint or cinnamon can add unique flavors, and garnishes enhance visual appeal.

Flavor is extremely important in cocktails, but so is color.

Red cocktails like Bloody Mary, Sangria, or Manhattan send signals to our brain related to passion, energy, and love.

– Green drinks like Mojito and Green Tea Martini symbolize nature and freshness. In the cocktail world, green is often associated with revitalization.

– Blue cocktails like Blue Lagoon, Blue Margarita, and Blue Hawaiian tend to have a calming effect.

– Yellow is the color of happiness. It makes people feel creative, fun, and energetic.

– Drinks like Blood Orange Margarita, Tequila Sunrise, Aperol Spritz, and Mai Tai evoke excitement and positive emotions.

– Purple is associated with royalty, luxury, and fantasy, making it perfect for creative and flavorful cocktails like Lavender Martini, Purple Haze, and Violet Fizz.

I’d like to share the cocktail recipes I most enjoy making and drinking. I hope you like the photos too.

Aperol Spritz

Aperol Spritz is a very simple and refreshing cocktail to make. I prefer it in the summer months for its light and slightly sweet-salty flavor. It makes a perfect aperitif.

Ingredients:

• 3 parts Aperol
• 2 parts Prosecco
• 1 part sparkling water
• Ice
• Orange slice

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Glass: Fill ¾ of a large wine glass with ice.
2. Add Aperol and Prosecco: Pour 3 parts Aperol into the glass, followed by 2 parts Prosecco.
3. Add Sparkling Water: Add 1 part sparkling water on top.
4. Stir: Gently stir with a straw.
5. Garnish: Add an orange slice for aroma and color.

Passion Daiquiri

If you love tropical fruits, this is the ultimate refreshing cocktail. Balancing sweet and sour perfectly, it’s a summer favorite.

Ingredients:

• 50 ml white rum
• 30 ml passion fruit syrup or fresh passion fruit puree
• 25 ml fresh lime juice
• 15 ml sugar syrup
• Ice
• Half a passion fruit (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Mix Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients.
2. Add Ice: Fill with plenty of ice. Shake for 10–15 seconds until well mixed and chilled.
3. Strain and Serve: Strain into a cocktail glass using a fine strainer.
4. Garnish: Garnish with half a passion fruit.
5. Serve: Ready to enjoy! A refreshing drink with tropical aromas.

Espresso Martini

Espresso Martini is a perfect fusion of coffee and alcohol—popular, elegant, and ideal for coffee lovers. It’s great as an evening drink or aperitif.

Ingredients:

• 40 ml vodka
• 20 ml Kahlúa
• 30 ml freshly brewed espresso
• 10 ml sugar syrup
• Ice
• Coffee beans (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients: Combine all ingredients in a shaker.
2. Add Ice: Add lots of ice.
3. Shake: Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds to cool and create foam.
4. Strain and Serve: Strain into a cocktail glass.
5. Garnish: Add 3 coffee beans on top.
6. Serve: It’s ready! A beautifully foamy and lightly sweet coffee cocktail.

Margarita

Margarita is a globally popular cocktail, especially known in Mexican cuisine. Its blend of lime juice, tequila, and Cointreau creates a fresh, tangy-sweet flavor.

Ingredients:

• 50 ml tequila
• 30 ml Cointreau
• 20 ml fresh lime juice
• 10 ml sugar syrup
• Ice
• Salt (for rim)
• Lime slice (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Glass: Wet the rim of your glass with lime juice, then dip into salt to coat the edge.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a shaker, add tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and sugar syrup.
3. Add Ice: Fill the shaker with ice.
4. Shake: Shake for 10–15 seconds until cold and well mixed.
5. Strain and Serve: Strain into the salt-rimmed glass.
6. Garnish: Add a lime slice.
7. Serve: Your Margarita is ready—refreshing, acidic, and slightly sweet!

Cocktails are not just beverages; they are also considered a symbol of socialization. Many events, celebrations, and gatherings are crowned with cocktails. Bars, restaurants, and hotels offer various cocktail recipes to provide their customers with unique drinking experiences. Cocktails also serve as tools that allow people to discover new flavors, spend time with friends, and engage in social interaction. What is your best cocktail ?