The Classics. They’ve stuck around for a reason and they always seem to be able to make a comeback. From remastered albums to a restored ’69 Boss 429 Mustang to the resurgence of “vintage” cocktails – with a little dusting off - what’s old always can be made new and just as cool, if not better, than before. While we can’t get you behind the wheel of that Mustang, we’ve dusted off four timeless libation recipes that pair perfectly with our soulful playlist. 

The Manhattan

While the origins of the Manhattan are a little hazy, there seems to be a consensus that this stiff drink has been enjoyed since the 1880’s. We’re not one to mess with something that’s been around for that long, so grab your strainer and give this recipe from Valet a try.

Recipe (serves one):

• 3 oz. Rye Whiskey (or Bourbon) 
• 1.5 oz. Sweet Vermouth
• 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
• ​​Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)

Add liquid ingredients and ice to a mixing glass and allow to chill (~30 seconds). Strain cocktail into your glass, garnish and enjoy.

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Whiskey Sour

With a history dating back to curing scurvy among British naval men in the 1700’s, the drink as we know it today made its documented debut in the first printed book of cocktails in the 19th century: "The Bon Vivant's Companion or How to Mix Drinks"​​ by Jerry Thomas. Thankfully, the recipe has been doctored up a bit from the decks of navy ships to give us a tasty recipe like this one from A Beautiful Mess.​

Recipe (serves one):

• 2 oz. Whiskey
• 2 oz Sour Mix (make your own with this recipe​)
• Club soda
• Cherries & lemon for garnish

Mix together the whiskey and sour mix (the key really is to make your own fresh mix!). Add ice and top off with club soda. Garnish with cherries and a lemon slice.

Moscow Mule 

This misnamed drink doesn’t have quite the historical background as the Manhattan or Whiskey Sour, and, surprise, surprise, it’s not even from Russia! Harking from America, this copper encased cocktail didn’t hit bar tops until 1941 to promote the newly introduced (to the States) Smirnoff Vodka. If you ask us, this marketing ploy worked out as this cocktail is still wetting the whistle of many a-bar-goer and this recipe from Waiting on Martha doesn’t disappoint, either!  In case you aren’t a ginger beer connoisseur, this post from Dappered​ is quite educational.

Recipe (serves one): 

• 2 oz. Vodka
• 4-6 oz. Ginger Beer
• 2-3 mint sprigs plus more for garnish (optional)
• 1 lime plus more for garnish

Muddle mint and the juice of 1 lime in a copper mug (or rocks glass if you don’t have all the accoutrements recommended). Top with ice, vodka, and ginger beer. Stir and garnish with additional mint sprigs and lime slices if desired.

French 75

The first known printed recipe for the French 75 was published in 1927. Yup, that’s prime prohibition era, folks. While many believe the drink was enjoyed much earlier than that date, we’re not here to debate history; we’ll just share this recipe from Esquire Magazine.​

(image via shutterbean)

Recipe (serves one):

• ​1 oz. Dry Gin
• 1 Sugar Cube
• .25 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
• 2.5 oz. Brut Champagne
• Lemon peel (optional garnish)

Add a sugar cube to the bottom of a champagne flute. Add gin and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker and shake with ice. Strain mixture on top of the sugar cube and top off the glass with champagne. Add a lemon peel for garnish if desired.

​Now that the drinks have been mixed, cue up this Spotify playlist and enjoy an evening with your friends or just kick up your feet after a long day and enjoy an evening alone.​