Bartenders in Brisbane have spoken and revealed their top picks for the best cocktail drinks. Whether you’re a fan of Mojitos or Margaritas, there’s sure to be something on this list that will appeal to you! So why not try out one of these delicious cocktails the next time you hit your favourite bar? Cheers!

Best Cocktails and How to Make Them

Margarita

Margarita is a refreshing, tart, tangy cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to cool down on a hot summer day or enjoy a festive drink during the holidays, this is always a good choice.

Ingredients:

-44 ml tequila

-22 ml fresh lime juice

-14.7 ml triple sec or other orange liqueur

-1 teaspoon agave nectar or simple syrup

-Kosher salt for rimming the glass (optional)

-Lime wedge, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a salt-rimmed glass (if desired).
3. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.

Mojito

Mojito is a cool and flavorful drink that can be enjoyed any time of the day. This Cuban classic is made with lime juice, sugar, mint leaves, white rum and sparkling water. The popularity of mojitos has grown in recent years, thanks to their delicious taste and easy-to-make recipe. 

Ingredients:

-59 ml white rum

-30 ml of fresh lime juice

-1 teaspoon sugar

-2 tablespoons mint leaves

-Soda water for topping off

-Lime wedge, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine rum, lime juice, sugar and mint leaves in an ice-filled shaker.
2. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
3. Top off with soda water and garnish with a lime wedge. Serve immediately.

Cosmopolitan

The best cosmopolitan is made with fresh cranberry juice, Cointreau and vodka. It’s a rejuvenating tart drink that is ideal for any event.

Ingredients:

-44 ml vodka

-22 ml cranberry juice

-14 ml fresh lime juice

-219 ml triple sec or other orange liqueur

-Lime wedge, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.
3. Garnish with a lime wedge, if desired, and serve immediately.

Martini

Martini is a cocktail made with gin and vermouth and garnished with an olive or a lemon twist. It is one of the most classic cocktails and has been enjoyed by many for centuries.

Ingredients:

-59 ml gin or vodka

-30 ml dry vermouth

-Olive or lemon twist, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine gin and vermouth in a shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.
3. Garnish with an olive or lemon twist and serve immediately.

Manhattan

Looking for a classic cocktail that is sure to please? Look no further than Manhattan! This iconic drink is made with just a few simple ingredients but packs a flavourful punch that is sure to satisfy your cravings. 

Ingredients:

-59 ml rye whiskey or bourbon

-30 ml sweet red vermouth

-2 dashes Angostura bitters

-Cherry, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.
3. Garnish with a cherry, if desired, and serve immediately.

Old Fashioned

Old Fashioned is another classic cocktail that has been around for centuries. This drink is perfect for any occasion, whether you are looking to relax after a long day or celebrate a special moment. 

Ingredients:

-59 ml bourbon or rye whiskey

-1 sugar cube or 1 teaspoon simple syrup

-2 dashes Angostura bitters

-Orange peel, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place the sugar cube (or syrup) in a glass and add the bitters. Muddle until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add the whiskey and a large ice cube. Stir until well combined.
3. Garnish with an orange peel, if desired, and serve immediately.

Caipirinha

One of the best cocktails in Brisbane, caipirinha is a Brazilian cocktail made with cachaça, sugar, and lime. The drink is traditionally served in a small rocks glass or tumbler. It is Brazil’s national cocktail and has been described as ‘Brazil in a glass’. The drink is refreshing, tart, sweet and can be made with various fruits.

Ingredients:

-59 ml cachaça (Brazilian rum) or white rum

-1 lime, cut into wedges

-1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions:

1. In a glass, muddle the lime wedges and sugar together, until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add the cachaça (or rum) and stir to combine.
3. Fill the glass with ice and serve immediately.

Pisco Sour

Pisco Sour is one of the most delicious cocktails out there! It’s also perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

-59 ml pisco

-30 ml of fresh lemon juice

-30 ml simple syrup

-1 egg white (optional)

-Angostura bitters, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a glass.
3. Garnish with Angostura bitters, if desired, and serve immediately.

Daiquiri

Daiquiri is refreshing and has a great taste. It is a great choice for a summertime drink or a party drink. This is also perfect for a wintertime drink.

Ingredients:

-59 ml white rum

-30 ml of fresh lime juice

-14.7 ml simple syrup

-Lime wedge, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a glass.
3. Garnish with a lime wedge, if desired, and serve immediately.

Gin and Tonic with Mango

Gin and Tonic with Mango is one of the most refreshing and flavorful cocktails you can make. Whether you are relaxing at home or enjoying a night out with friends, this is simply superb.

Ingredients:

-59 ml gin

-118 to 177 ml of tonic water

-Mango wedge, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine gin and tonic water in a glass of ice.
2. Stir to combine and garnish with a mango wedge, if desired. Serve immediately.

Screwdriver

Screwdriver is a refreshing, easy-to-make cocktail that is ideal for those who want to have something unique. 

Ingredients:

-59 ml vodka

-118 to 177 ml of orange juice

-Orange slice, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine vodka and orange juice in a glass of ice.
2. Stir to combine and garnish with an orange slice, if desired. Serve immediately.

Bellini

Bellini is a delicious cocktail made with white peach puree and sparkling wine. It’s the ideal drink for summer parties, or anytime you want to enjoy a refreshing, fruit-forward cocktail. 

Ingredients:

-118 ml prosecco or other sparkling wine

-59 ml white peach puree or nectar

-Peach slice, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine the prosecco, sparkling wine and peach puree in a glass.
2. Stir to combine and garnish with a peach slice, if desired. Serve immediately.

Dark ‘n’ Stormy

Dark ‘n’ Stormy is a delectable cocktail with dark rum and ginger beer. It’s perfect for sipping on a hot summer day or for enjoying at your next party. This recipe is easy to follow and makes a refreshing, flavorful drink.

Ingredients:

-59 ml dark rum

-147 to 177 ml of ginger beer

-Lime wedge, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine the rum and ginger beer in a glass of ice.
2. Stir to combine and garnish with a lime wedge, if desired. Serve immediately.

Long Island Iced Tea

Made with vodka, rum, tequila, gin and triple sec, this cocktail packs a serious punch. But don’t let its strong flavour fool you; the Long Island Iced Tea is also incredibly smooth and refreshing.

Ingredients:

-14 ml vodka

-14 ml gin

-14 ml  tequila

-14 ml  Triple Sec or other orange liqueur

-14 ml  fresh lemon juice

-30 ml simple syrup

-Cola, for topping off

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients except cola in a shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
3. Top off with cola and stir to combine. Serve immediately.

White Russian

Cocktail aficionados know that a great White Russian is a perfect drink to wind down after a long day. This classic cocktail is made with just a few simple ingredients, but when combined, they create a smooth, creamy and completely delicious drink.

Ingredients:

-59 ml vodka

-30 ml coffee liqueur

-30 ml heavy cream or half-and-half

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a glass filled with ice.
2. Stir to combine and serve immediately.

Summing Up

Bartenders are some of the most knowledgeable people when it comes to finding the best cocktails in Brisbane. They know what goes well together and can make suggestions for cocktails that will please your palate. 

So, the next time you’re at a bar or restaurant, listen to your bartender’s recommendations. You might just find a new favourite drink! And if you want to impress your friends or date, why not try making one of these cocktails at home? We’ve provided recipes for some of our favourites so you can start immediately. Have a great time!