As we discussed in a recent article, cocktails – one of the most versatile alcoholic tipples, with hundreds upon hundreds of variations in existence – can widely be divided into two separate categories, those of a headier spirit-forward variety and those lighter fruit-forward blends. If you’re keen to transform yourself into a DIY drinks whiz, why not check out these four delicious recipes – both classical and contemporary iterations – and create your own cocktails in the comforts of your own home?

OLD-FASHIONED

Undoubtedly one of the most classic spirit-forward cocktails, this bourbon-based beverage is perfect for fans of smoky whisky flavours.

Ingredients

1. 2oz of Rebel Yell bourbon
2. 1 tsp of brown sugar
3. 3 dashes of Angostura bitters
4. Orange peel for garnish

Instructions

1. Add sugar to glass, douse it in Angostura bitters and muddle
2. Add 60ml of Rebel Yell bourbon and stir until sugar dissolves
3. Add ice and strain into serving glass
4. Express oil of orange peel around lip of glass and add as garnish

PINK NEGRONI

Negronis are staples on bar menus the world over, and with good reason, and this contemporary interpretation puts a citrusy spin on the long-time favourite.

Ingredients

1. 2oz of gin
2. 1oz of Campari
3. 1oz of lemon juice
4. 1oz of Lillet Blanc
5. 3 dashes of Bittermens burlesque bitters
6. 1 sprig of tarragon for garnish

Instructions

1. Combine gin, Campari, lemon juice, Lillet, and bitters in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, then shake vigorously
2. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a sprig of tarragon

MOJITO

The perfect summer drink, this rum-fronted cocktail a more-than-suitable refreshment for those hot summer days.

Ingredients

1. 2oz of white rum
2. 1/2oz of simple syrup
3. 3/4oz of fresh lime juice
4. Mint leaves

Instructions

1. Add mint, simple syrup and lime juice to a shaker and muddle
2. Add white rum and ice, and shake vigorously
3. Strain into serving glass filled with ice and garnish with mint leaves

PINK GRAPEFRUIT WHISKY SOUR

A fruit-forward twist on a spirit-forward favourite, this is one whisky sour that packs a powerful citrusy punch.

Ingredients

1. 1 pink grapefruit
2. 2oz of whisky
3. 5oz of lemon juice
4. 2+ tbsp of sugar

Instructions

1. Grate roughly 1 teaspoon of pink grapefruit zest and mix with sugar
2. Wet the rim of serving glass and dip into the zest-sugar mixture
3. Squeeze the juice of one grapefruit into a large glass, then add the whisky, lemon juice and sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves.
4. Add ice to serving glass, pour the drink mixture then stir
5. Garnish with pink grapefruit wedge