If you are hosting a party at your home, make sure to add some crowd-pleasing drinks to your menu. It can liven things up, breathing life into your party. Here is a list of the classic cocktail recipes for entertaining your guests that you can always depend on.

1. Martini
Martini is the most famous classic cocktail that has captivated generations. Show your bartending skills by making the perfect martini. Pour 3 oz gin or vodka and ½ oz dry vermouth into a mixing glass or a shaker. Stir and not shake for ten seconds. Strain in a chilled martini glass and garnish with an olive or lemon rind.

2. Manhattan
Manhattan is another one of the classic cocktail recipes for entertaining. This recipe is made with 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey, 1 oz sweet vermouth and dash angostura bitters. Stir all the ingredients and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and serve. Impress your guests by making this 100-year-old cocktail perfectly.

3. Margarita
Margarita is one of the most popular classic cocktail recipes for entertaining. This bitter sweet classic cocktail is a perfect addition in any cocktail menu. To make this drink, add 1 ½ oz tequila, 1 oz triple sec, ¾ oz lime juice into a cocktail shaker. You can serve this drink straight up, blended, shaken or even on the rocks. You can also add a fruit flavor in this drink and can rim the glass with salt or sugar.

4. Negroni
A popular Italian cocktail, Negroni is typically stirred but can be shaken too. This recipe is made with a combination of 1 oz. gin, 1 oz. Campari and 1 oz. sweet vermouth, garnished with orange peel. Serve on the rocks, it is a great way to impress and entertain your guests

5. Mojito
A refreshing drink for a summer cocktail party, mojito is a hit among drinkers. This rum-based cocktail is combined with fresh lime and mint flavors. You can take quantities according to your taste. In a small jug, mix lime juice, sugar or honey and mint leaves, crushing the mint as you go. Pour this mixture over the rum and top up with soda water. This impeccable drink originated in Cuba and is among the world’s most popular and classic cocktails.

6. Cosmopolitan
Cosmopolitan is easy to make and a classic drink preferred by many cocktail lovers. It is made with just a handful of ingredients. Shake 1 dash cranberry juice, ½ ounce fresh lime juice, 1 oz Cointreau and 1 ½ oz vodka in a cocktail shaker and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish this pink-hued drink with a lime wedge and serve.

7. Whiskey sour
Go back in time with a traditional drink that is perfect for an evening with friends. This three-ingredient classic cocktail is made with 2 oz bourbon whiskey, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice and a dash of simple syrup. Shake in a shaker and strain in a glass with ice.

Surprise your guests with these classic cocktail recipes for entertaining. Start your party the right way by serving any or all of these cocktails.