Ina Garten’s Favourite Classic Cocktail Recipes, From Margaritas to Mojitos

Ina says cheers with this favourite straight from the cocktail canon. Pretty in pink and tart and sweet with cranberry and lime juice, this cocktail deserves your prettiest goblet (or go traditional with a martini glass).

With just five ingredients (including a maraschino cherry garnish), whiskey sours can be pulled together from kitchen and bar staples. Ina recommends Jack Daniel’s, but you can substitute your favourite house brand. Like the taste of summer in your cocktail? Try this strawberry rhubarb gin spritzer.

Tart ruby red grapefruit adds pastel pizzazz to a basic margarita recipe. Ina suggests adding a touch of salt to the pitcher if you’re not going with the traditional rimmed glass – the salt emphasizes the citrus notes of the fruit and triple sec.

A tropical take on margaritas brings pineapple to the party. Toss some wedges on the grill and use those charred triangles as a next-level garnish.

A summery sipper, this sangria variation from The Barefoot Contessa highlights three juicy seasonal fruit: strawberries, raspberries and red plums. Ina advises spooning some of the macerated fruit into each glass to add a bit of extra summer flavour.

For effortless entertaining, Ina advises pouring the champagne and letting your guests customize their own drink. Set out fruit forward liqueurs such as Creme de Cassis and Framboise, fresh berries, or even a good brandy and sugar cubes, and sit back and enjoy the fun.

Although the origin story and ingredients of this historic WWI era cocktail have varied through the years, the appeal is clear. It requires a 30-second turn in a shaker (which Ina advises is longer than it seems), but take heart – the results are well worth it.

Italian limoncello can be an acquired taste, but combining it in a non-traditional vodka collins will make it accessible to a wide assortment of guests. Ina advises serving these ice cold for ultimate refreshment.