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Cocktail Recipes – For Every Mood and Occasion

These Cocktail Recipes are the perfect way to start a party, to relax with friends, or just to enjoy a great tasting drink.

A cocktail is a mixed drink with two or more ingredients, where at least one of them contains alcohol. This opens the door to a delightful and fun combination of flavors for any mood or occasion.

Depending on the source, there is some dispute about the origin of the word cocktail.  The Morning Post and Gazette (now known as the Daily Telegraph) in London says the word was first used in 1798.

Other sources have it dating from the period between 1803 to 1806.  Whichever date is correct, there is no denying that cocktails are delicious and a fun way to celebrate with friends.

The ultimate collection of cocktail recipes. Over 75 timeless, fun drinks for every season and every holiday. Belly up to the Bar. 4 21+

One thing is certain, though. Once the word was first used, it continued in popularity. Today. there are thousands of cocktails and more being introduced all the time.

I love sharing my favorite cocktails with my readers.  I have broken down this guide down so that whether you are searching by occasion, by season, by holiday or by spirit, you can easily find your favorite drink -or try out a new one!  

This collection grows every month so be sure to check back often to see what new drinks have been added.

It’s time to belly up to the bar for some great cocktail recipes!

This library of cocktail recipes has traditional drinks such as margaritas, Tom Collins and others.  It also contains drinks that are perfect for your favorite holidays to celebrate the season in style.

Cocktail TechniquesSetting up a home bar

Before we start on the drinks themselves, why not have a read of some of these articles about how to get the most out of your cocktail making experience?

Cocktails by Spirit

What is your favorite spirit? All of them make great cocktails.  Here is my list of favorites:Alcohol in a bar

Brandy

Gin

Rum

Southern Comfort

Tequila

Vodka

Frozen CocktailsFrozen cocktails

Liqueur Based CocktailsLiqueur bottles

Tropical CocktailsTropical cocktails

Classic Cocktails

These classic cocktails are one that every good bartender should know how to make.  Many of your guests will ask for one of these when you ask what they want to drink tonight.
Classic cocktails

  • Bloody Mary – Traditional breakfast cocktail
  • Dark Russian – It’s International time.
  • Margarita – Fresh lime juice and tequila in a salt rimmed glass.
  • Tom Collins – Gin and lemon juice makes this drink nice and tart.
  • White Russian – Vodka and Kahlua combine with cream for this tasty drink.

Champagne Cocktailschampagne cocktails

Hot Drinksspiced wine

Beer CocktailsBeer cocktails like the Moscow mule are popular drinks

Dessert CocktailsSweet, creamy cocktails make great dessert drinks

Cocktails by Holiday

Cinco De MayoCinco de Mayo cocktails

ChristmasChristmas Drinks

HalloweenHalloween Cocktails

St. Patrick’s DaySt. Patrick's Day Drinks

St. Valentine’s DayValentine's Day cocktails

Easter Easter Midnight Kiss

  • Easter Midnight Kiss – Easter marshmallows and funfetti glass rim gives this drink a holiday flair.

4th of July

Patriotic colors of red, white and blue are featured in these 4th of July Cocktails

Cocktails by Season

Cocktail recipes are the prefect way to celebrate the changing of the seasons. Each one has its own special fruits and vegetables that can be used to make a tasty drink.  

Which season is your favorite?
Drinks for each of the seasons

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter:

  • Spiced Wine – Heat up winter with this slow cooker delight

It’s Cocktail Hour On PinterestPInterest Cocktail Hour Board

Do you have favorite cocktail recipes that I have not featured here?  Tell me your favorite in the comments below and I’ll add them to my list.

Also be sure to have a look at these easy appetizers to pair with drinks at your next party.