Shaken or Stirred? Easy Bar Cocktails Every Beginner Should Know

So, you’ve got the bottles, the ice, maybe even a shaker—but now what? Whether you're throwing a house party or just want to wind down with a good drink, learning a few easy bar cocktails is the perfect place to start.

This guide is your crash course in cocktails for beginners—from classic recipes to home bar essentials, and exactly how to make them.

Why Learn Classic Cocktails?

Classic cocktails are the building blocks of bartending. They teach you about balance—sweet vs. sour, spirit vs. mixer—and give you a foundation to eventually get creative with your own twists.

These drinks are:

• Easy to make
  

• Use accessible ingredients
  

• Loved by most people
  

• Great for any occasion
  
  

Home Bar Essentials (What You Really Need)

Before diving into the recipes, make sure you have a few basics on hand:

Spirits:

• Vodka

• Gin

• Tequila

• Rum

• Whiskey

Mixers & Tools:

• Tonic water, soda water, ginger beer

• Simple syrup (or sugar)
  

• Fresh lemon and lime
  

• Ice (yes, lots of it)
  

• Cocktail shaker or a mason jar with a lid

• Measuring jigger or shot glass
  

• Muddler (optional, but useful)
  
  

You don’t need a fancy bar cart—just a small setup and good ingredients.

5 Beginner-Friendly Cocktails to Try

Each of these drinks is easy, classic, and only needs a few ingredients. Perfect for building your confidence behind the bar.

1. Margarita

Bright, zesty, and crowd-pleasing.
You’ll need:

• 45 ml tequila

• 15 ml triple sec (orange liqueur)
  

• 30 ml fresh lime juice
  

• Salt for the rim (optional)
  
  

How to make:
Shake ingredients with ice, strain into a glass with a salted rim, and garnish with lime.

2. Mojito

Minty, refreshing, and perfect for hot days.
You’ll need:

• 45 ml white rum
  

• 30 ml fresh lime juice
  

• 2 tsp sugar or simple syrup
  

• 6–8 mint leaves
  

• Soda water
  
  

How to make:
Muddle mint, lime, and sugar in a glass. Add rum and ice, top with soda, stir, and garnish with mint.

3. Whiskey Sour

Sweet, sour, and surprisingly smooth.
You’ll need:

• 45 ml bourbon or whiskey

• 30 ml lemon juice
  

• 15 ml simple syrup
  
  

How to make:
Shake with ice, strain into a rocks glass. For a creamy texture, add egg white (optional).

4. Aperol Spritz

Light, bubbly, and low ABV—great for daytime sipping.
You’ll need:

• 60 ml Prosecco
  

• 45 ml Aperol
  

• 30 ml soda water
  
  

How to make:
Build directly in a wine glass with ice. Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.

5. Gin & Tonic

Simple and refreshing with endless garnish possibilities.
You’ll need:

• 45 ml gin

• Tonic water

• Lime wedge
  
  

How to make:
Pour over ice in a highball glass. Stir and garnish with lime or cucumber.

Shaken vs. Stirred: What’s the Difference?

• Shaken: Adds aeration and dilutes stronger ingredients. Ideal for citrusy or creamy cocktails like Margaritas or Whiskey Sours.
  

• Stirred: Keeps the drink smooth and silky. Best for spirit-forward cocktails like Martinis or Negronis.
  
  

Pro tip: If your drink has juice or dairy, shake it. If it’s all spirits, stir it.

Stirred, Not Overlooked

You don’t need to be a pro bartender to make great cocktails—just a few quality ingredients, the right ratios, and a little practice. Master these basics and you’ll be ready to impress guests (or just treat yourself) anytime.

Stock up your home bar at Minuman—Indonesia’s trusted online source for premium spirits, mixers, and everything you need to get started.