feature - 39+ cocktail & shot recipes (tasty cocktails featuring gin, rum, tequila, vodka, whiskey, or something different)

This post may contain affiliate links. This means we receive a commission on the sale of certain items. This is at NO additional cost to you. Visit the policies page to learn more.

I’ve been drinking a lot lately. Not quite too much but maybe more than I should be. But there are just so many tasty cocktails out there that I keep wanting to mix up a new one.

I love gin drinks. And mint drinks. And muddled drinks. And sour drinks. And fruity drinks. And well, you probably get the idea. I basically love all the drinks. Here are some of my (current) favorite cocktail & shot recipes.

Gin Cocktail Recipes

Gin is column-distilled with a unique blend of botanicals (and perhaps other ingredients). It has a distinctive and intentional flavor. There are four common styles of gin you’ll be able to purchase:

  • Distilled Gin – this gin really lacks a style. It’s neither sweet nor dry. It’s been distilled (as all gin has) and may have had additional flavorings added.
  • London Dry Gin – traditionally dry gin. It is not sweet, at all & is often produced in the UK. This is the most popular gin for cocktails.
  • Old Tom Gin – an old-style of gin (that’s making a comeback). It’s sweeter than a London Dry Gin, but still wouldn’t be considered sweet on its own.
  • Geographic Gins – must be made in specific locations. For example, Plymouth Gin must be made in Plymouth, England. It usually made with more roots resulting in an earthier flavor. Geographic gins can also be London Dry, Old Tom, or regular Distilled.

Every brand of gin will use their own blend of botanicals and other ingredients to make their gin unique. For example, Hendricks uses Hendrick’s uses cucumber and rose petal botanicals in distillation resulting in a lighter flavor profile. On the flip side, Tanqueray has a much bolder flavor with strong juniper, pine, and citrus notes.

Special Note: Sloe Gin isn’t actually a gin, it’s a liqueur. However, most people think of it as a gin so I’ve put Sloe Gin cocktails in the Gin section.

Pin This - French 75 Gin Cocktail Recipe
Pin This - Gin and Tonic Cocktail Recipe
Pin This - Gin Gin Mule Gin Cocktail Recipe
Pin This - Martini Gin Cocktail Recipe
Pin This - Negroni Gin Cocktail Recipe
Pin This - Pink Lady Gin Cocktail Recipe
Pin This - Singapore Sling Gin Cocktail Recipe
Pin This - Sloe Gin Fizz Gin Cocktail Recipe

Rum Cocktail Recipes

There isn’t a standard for rum which means any alcohol with some sugarcane in it can be called rum. There are three common styles of rum you’ll be able to purchase:

  • White/Silver Rums – these rums are colorless and typically very sweet. They’re ideal for cocktails.
  • Dark Rums – these rums are sometimes sold by their colors (gold, amber, brown, black, red, etc). Dark rums can range in taste, sweetness, and body.
  • Spiced Rums – these rums start as a gold rum (or darker). They have spices added (such as cinnamon, clove, pepper, rosemary, and more).
Pin This - Daiquiri Rum Cocktail Recipe
Pin This - Dark and Stormy Rum Cocktail Recipe
Pin This - Mojito Rum Cocktail Recipe
Pin This - Rum Sour Rum Cocktail Recipe

Tequila Cocktail Recipes

Tequila must be produced in certain regions of Mexico from blue Weber agave. It must be distilled with at least 51% agave and a maximum of 49% sugar, resulting in either mixto tequila or 100% agave tequila. There are two common types of tequila you’ll be able to purchase:

  • Blanco/White/Silver Tequilas – these tequilas have the purest sweet flavors.
  • Oro/Gold Tequilas – 100% oro tequila will be a blend of young and aged tequilas. Less expensive oro tequilas (and not 100%) are typically flavored with caramel coloring.
Pin This - Juan Collins Tequila Cocktail Recipe
Pin This - Margarita Tequila Cocktail Recipe
Pin This - Matador Tequila Cocktail Recipe
Pin This - Mexican Mule Tequila Cocktail Recipe
Pin This - Passionista Tequila Cocktail Recipe
Pin This - Tequila Sunrise Tequila Cocktail Recipe

Vodka Cocktail Recipes

Vodka is column-distilled but unlike gin, it has no distinctive aroma, color, character, or flavor. Vodka can be made from pretty much anything and distilled with innumerable ingredients.

Pin This - Caesar Vodka Cocktail Recipe
Pin This - Cosmopolitan Vodka Cocktail Recipe
Pin This - Kamikaze Vodka Cocktail Recipe
Pin This - Moscow Mule Vodka Cocktail Recipe
Pin This - Screwdriver Vodka Cocktail Recipe
Pin This - Sea Breeze Vodka Cocktail Recipe

Whiskey Cocktail Recipes

Whiskey (or Whisky) can be an intimidating spirit. There are so many different varieties, names, and styles. It doesn’t have to be overly complicated, though.

The basics (from the Whiskey Wash, which is a great place to learn more about Whiskey).

All whiskeys are made from grain that’s fermented and then distilled. When whiskey goes in the bottle, it has to be at least 40% alcohol by volume (ABV). With some exceptions, it’s aged in wooden barrels, although exactly what kind and for how long varies around the world.

Pin This - Whiskey BoulevardierCocktail Recipe
Pin This - Highball Whisky Cocktail Recipe
Pin This - Kentucky Mule Whiskey Cocktail Recipe
Pin This - Old Fashioned Whiskey Cocktail Recipe
Pin This - Seven and Seven Cocktail Recipe
Pin This - Sidecar Whiskey Cocktail Recipe
Pin This - Whiskey Smash Cocktail Recipe

Other Cocktail Recipes

There are plenty of other options for cocktails. Mixing multiple spirits, liqueurs, cremes, and so much more!

Pin This - Amaretto Sour Cocktail Recipe
Pin This - Black & Tan Cocktail Recipe
Pin This - Grasshopper Cocktail Recipe
Pin This - Long Island Iced Tea Cocktail Recipe
Pin This - Mimosa Cocktail Recipe
Pin This - Mudslide Cocktail Cocktail Recipe

Shot Recipes

Want a shot? These are 5 of my favorite shooters!

Pin This - Lemon Drop Shot Recipe
Pin This - Sangrita Tequila Shot Recipe
Pin This - Sticky Canadian Shot Recipe
Pin This - Three Wise Men Shot Recipe

Cocktails! Cocktails! Cocktails!

Pin this - 39+ Drink Recipes for alcoholic cocktails and shot (rum, vodka, tequila, whisky, gin, & more)

Did I miss your favorite cocktail or shot? Share it in the comments below!

Ready for more? Why not check out the Best Cocktail Tools for Your Home Bar next.

Like this post? Please PIN IT on Pinterest. Thanks.

Please Drink Responsibly!

Seriously. Don’t drink and drive, ever! Know your limits. Be responsible.

If you (or someone you know) is struggling with alcohol, please check this list of resources that can help.