Mixology may seem intimidating, but at its core the art of drink-making is simple. Get tipsy with this curated list of Distraction’s favorite drinks.
Margarita
If margaritas often accompany your Taco Tuesday orders but you have never made one from scratch, think again. This fan-favorite cocktail can be made in just a few minutes.
- Tequila
- Fresh lime juice
- Orange liqueur (Cointreau, Grand Marnier or Triple Sec will do)
- Agave or sweetener of choice
- Optional: Salt and lime for garnish
In a shaker combine tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, agave and ice and shake vigorously. For a salted rim: run a lime wedge along the edge of your glass and dip the rim in salt. Strain into a glass with fresh ice and enjoy!
Gin & Tonic
A gin and tonic, commonly referred to as a G&T, is a highball—meaning it contains only liquor and a mixer. Perfect for beginners, a G&T is a safe bet for any cocktail night.
- 2 ounces of quality gin
- 1 cup of tonic water
- Optional: Lime or citrus of choice
Fill your glass with fresh ice cubes, pour over a good quality gin and top with tonic water. Stir to combine the ingredients and garnish with a lime wheel.
Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a slightly sweet, slightly spicy way to drink whiskey. If you are not too keen on sipping whiskey, try adjusting the sweetness and bitterness levels.
- A generous pinch of sugar (or sweetener of choice)
- 2-3 dashes of your preferred bitter
- 2 ounces of bourbon
- Optional: Orange peel
Add the sugar, bitters and a splash of water to the bottom of a highball glass. Once combined, fill the glass with large ice cubes (you can buy special ice trays just for whiskey) and pour in the bourbon. Stir and top with orange peel.
Mojito
The mojito is a refreshing, minty Miami classic perfect for a warm day.
- A handful of fresh mint leaves
- ½ lime, cut in wedges
- 2 tablespoons of sweetener
- 1 ½ ounces of white rum
- A splash of club soda
Add the mint and lime to the bottom of your glass and muddle. Add sugar and remainder of limes and continue to muddle. Without straining, add ice, pour over the rum and top with club soda. Stir to combine and garnish with lime wedge. Tip: Muddle with strawberry, blueberry or watermelon for an extra fruity flavor.
Dirty Martini
Shaken or stirred, a martini is made of two things: gin or vodka and dry vermouth.
- 2 ½ ounces of gin or vodka
- ½ ounces of dry vermouth
- Optional: Lemon peel or olives
Add your liquors into a shaker with ice, shake vigorously and strain into a chilled glass. To make it dirty: Add ½ ounce olive brine to your shaker and garnish with extra olives.
Aperol Spritz
Bubbly and colorful with a mix of sweet and bitter, an Aperol spritz is the perfect summertime drink that will transport you to the coast of Italy.
- 3 ounces of Aperol
- 3 ounces of prosecco
- A splash of club soda
- Optional: Orange slice or olives
Fill your glass with ice, pour in your Aperol followed by prosecco and top it off with a splash of club soda. Garnish with orange slices and olives.
words_kathryn ford. photo_teagan polizzi. design_olivia ginsberg.
This article was published in Distraction’s spring 2021 print issue.