The Art of Crafting the Perfect Cocktail: Buzzfeed’s Top Picks for Twentysomethings

Cocktails have been around for centuries, but making them has increasingly become a lost art. However, Buzzfeed recently published a list of 21 cocktails that every twentysomething should know how to make. Ranging from classic to complicated, these recipes will allow you to impress your guests and elevate your home mixology game.

Classic Margarita on the Rocks

The margarita is a classic cocktail that must be made to perfection. The key to the perfect margarita is the ratio of tequila to orange liqueur to lime juice, which should be 2:1:1. The classic margarita on the rocks is one of the best cocktails to have for any and every occasion. It’s easy to make and perfect for those who prefer a sweeter drink. All you need is:

– 2 oz. tequila
– 1 oz. orange liqueur
– 1 oz. lime juice
– Salt for rimming the glass (optional)

To make the perfect margarita, fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add the tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. Shake until chilled and strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge, and voila – the perfect margarita.

Bloody Mary

A brunch staple, the Bloody Mary requires a few ingredients but is definitely worth the effort. If you’re feeling too lazy, you can always use a pre-made mix and add ingredients to it. The key to the perfect Bloody Mary is finding the perfect balance between spicy and tangy. Here’s what you’ll need:

– 2 oz. vodka
– 4 oz. tomato juice
– 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
– 3 dashes hot sauce (Tabasco recommended)
– 1/2 oz. lemon juice
– 1/2 oz. lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste

To make the perfect Bloody Mary, fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add the vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, and lime juice. Shake well until chilled, then strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with your favorite Bloody Mary toppings – celery stalks, pickles, olives, bacon, shrimp, or even pizza.

Lime Daiquiri

When most people hear the word “daiquiri,” they immediately think of an icy strawberry drink with a tiny umbrella in it. However, this drink is much more sophisticated than that. A lime daiquiri is a perfect balance of sweet and sour, and it’s easy to make. All you need is:

– 2 oz. white rum
– 3/4 oz. lime juice
– 1/2 oz. simple syrup

To make the perfect lime daiquiri, fill a shaker with ice, add the rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake well until chilled and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy.

Other Must-Know Cocktails

Aside from these three great cocktails, Buzzfeed’s list includes 18 other must-know cocktails. These include classics like the Martini and the Manhattan, as well as more modern creations like the Moscow Mule and the Aperol Spritz. Each drink has its own unique flavor profile, making it perfect for any occasion.

The Martini is a timeless cocktail that is often considered the epitome of sophistication. This drink is deceptively simple, consisting of just gin and vermouth. However, the balance between the two is crucial for a perfect Martini.

The Manhattan is another classic cocktail that is perfect for those who prefer a sweeter drink. This cocktail consists of bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters, giving it a unique flavor profile that is perfect for sipping.

The Moscow Mule is a modern classic that is perfect for those who enjoy a refreshing, slightly tangy drink. This cocktail consists of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice, giving it a unique flavor that is perfect for summer sipping.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, crafting the perfect cocktail is a lost art that is worth reviving. Buzzfeed’s list of 21 cocktails every twentysomething should know how to make is an excellent starting point for those who are new to mixology. From classics like the margarita and the Bloody Mary to modern creations like the Moscow Mule and the Aperol Spritz, each cocktail on this list has its own unique flavor that is perfect for any occasion. So, grab your cocktail shaker, stock up on ingredients, and get ready to impress your guests with your newfound mixology skills!