There are literally thousands of recipes for cocktails and mixed drinks, but there are a select few popular cocktail recipes that are universal to the entire drinking public. You can find these classic cocktails being made in almost any bar or lounge anywhere in the world and include many of the most asked for martinis, highballs, lowballs, shooters and tropical drinks. Keep in mind, there are often several variations of the same drink, so you may not get the same drink everywhere you go, but hopefully it is relatively close.

If you are planning a wedding, you can add a personal touch to your bar menu by choosing a signature cocktail. Pick a drink that stars your favorite liquor, matches your color scheme, or just sounds delicious. Or, if you are planning a dinner party choose light and smooth cocktail recipes to serve before dinner. Dinner drinks are a great way to break the ice and serve to stimulate appetite. While the martini is the classic pre dinner cocktail, popular cocktail recipes that include gin, vermouth or Campari are all excellent choices. Wine and beer are probably the most common drinks served with dinner because they can complement the flavor of the meal. For those adamant about having cocktails during mealtime, consider using the most popular cocktail recipes to make a bloody Mary or the classic martini.

It is nice to serve after dinner digestive cocktails, particularly if you are serving a heavy meal. Unsweetened cocktails that include whiskey, scotch or brandy are generally a fantastic way to top off your dinner party. If you want to prepare a dessert cocktail they usually include a liqueur mixed with any combination of fresh fruit, ice cream or coffee and can be served hot or cold.

If you are some of your guests are watching calories you can mix cocktails with water, club soda, low calorie juices, artificial sweeteners or sugar free syrups so save some calories. Fruit and vegetable juices can be good choices because they are lower in calories than some other mixers and also contain disease preventing antioxidants.

If you want to make a popular cocktail recipe for your party in a new cocktail shaker the choices can be overwhelming because there are many styles and designs available. The first decision is to choose between a traditional cocktail shaker and a Boston shaker. The main difference between these two types is that the cocktail shaker has a built in strainer and the Boston shaker requires a hawthorne strainer. There are also designer shakers to make your popular cocktail recipes in that, has all the function of the traditional shakers but with extra style.