Gentleman’s Club: The Modern Man’s Cocktail List

Feeling a little uninspired at the bar? Not every man feels the need to keep things simple with a single malt or to feed the belly a few pints of craft ale. There are occasions when a gentleman wishes to indulge in something with interest. A drink that will infuse the taste buds with flavour and help release the tensions of the day. 

What is a Cocktail?

A cocktail is a drink that includes two or more ingredients, with at least one of them being an alcoholic beverage. There are plenty of cocktails available, but many are considered to be ‘unmanly’.  Cocktails with straws, paper umbrellas and with bright gaudy colours are not where the modern mans’ interest lie. Instead of asking for Sex on the Beach, here are six manly cocktails that will deliver that kick you’re looking for while adding to your air of sophistication. 

Old Fashioned

Let’s start with an absolute classic, the Old Fashioned. You’ll need:

• 2 oz Bourbon whiskey
• 3 Dashes of Bitters
• A splash of water
• 2 Sugar cubes
• 1 Maraschino Cherry
• A slither of orange 

The Old Fashioned has been around since the 1800s and is a simple recipe that should be served in an old-fashioned glass. Adding ice is acceptable, although one rule that is often strictly followed is that the ingredients should be stirred and not shaken.

Manhattan

Picture yourself in the Big Apple while enjoying this absolute classic of a cocktail. There are several variations of the Manhattan, which dates back to the 1800s. Try the most basic, to begin with using the following ingredients:

• 1 oz Scotch Whiskey
• ½ oz Sweet Vermouth

Stir the ingredients together over ice and you have yourself a strong cocktail that exudes manliness. Unhappy with the flavour? Add a dash of bitters to taste.

Godfather

When in need of a stiff drink, ask your barman for a Godfather. The recipe demands:

• 1.5 oz Bourbon or Scotch Whiskey
• .75 oz Amaretto Almond Liqueur

Measure the liquids into a classic Old-Fashioned glass, stir and drink as served for a real kick. If you find it too strong, add ice. 

Gin and Tonic

If whiskey isn’t for you, the Gin and Tonic is an excellent choice to make. There are many gins readily available, all with their own unique offerings. This unassuming cocktail requires:

• 2 oz gin
• 5 oz tonic water
• A slice of lime

For the best results, the gin should be added to a frozen glass before adding the tonic water and garnishing with the lime. 

Gibson

A Gibson isn’t just one of the best guitar manufacturers the world has ever known, it’s a cocktail worthy of being consumed by a sharp gent in the 21st century.  This cocktail originates from the beginning of the 20th Century and requires:

• 2.5 oz gin
• 0.5 oz vermouth
• Cocktail onion

Stir the two beverages together and strain into a classic martini glass before adding the cocktail onion garnish.  The original recipe calls for gin, but you can replace the gin with vodka if you prefer.

Martini

The Martini has many well-known fans, including Sir Winston Churchill, Dean Martin and even James Bond himself, who prefers his Martini shaken, not stirred. The original recipe required:

• 4 oz gin
• 1 oz vermouth

This is a great place to start, but you may prefer to modern Martini that uses the following recipe:

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz dry vermouth
• An olive or a slice of lemon to garnish

There are many different variations of the Martini to test out to find the right one for you. Ask your barman for a muddy or a dirty to get you started. 

Cocktails for the Modern-Day Man

All six of these classic cocktails are designed to put hairs on your chest. They are classics that have stood the test of time thanks to their simple mix of ingredients. Nothing too gaudy or too sweet, just great flavours that provide that hit of alcohol your throat has been longing for. Which one will you ask your barmaid for?