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- When You Don't Know What to Order: Simple Cocktails Edition 🍸
When You Don't Know What to Order: Simple Cocktails Edition 🍸
Never be caught off guard at the bar—or at home! Simple cocktails and must-have basics.

Sips & Synopsis - This Weeks Makings
Ever been at the bar, staring at the menu, completely unsure of what to order? Or maybe you’ve had friends drop by unexpectedly, and you want to whip up something impressive but simple. This week, we’ve got you covered with easy-to-make cocktails and tips on stocking your home bar with the essentials. Our drink of the week is made with basic ingredients you likely already have, and it’s versatile—you can switch up the liquor or adjust sweetness to suit your taste. Whether you're out or hosting, you’ll never be left wondering what to drink again!
Trivia Questionâť“
What cocktail was originally called “Daisy” before being renamed?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter
Drink of the Week

When in doubt, keep it classic and refreshing! The On-the-Fly Fizz is an easy, light cocktail made with just a few ingredients, but it never fails to impress. It’s crisp, bubbly, and perfect for any occasion, plus with the fancy name, what’s not to love?
Another thing to consider is the how easy it is to modify this drink. Don’t like Gin? That’s ok, you can use Vodka instead. Only have tonic on hand? That’s ok too!
Why does it matter if you use soda vs. tonic? You would choose soda over tonic in a gin drink if you want to taste the gin's botanicals more prominently, as tonic's bitter quinine flavor can overpower the subtle nuances of the gin, while soda provides a neutral base that allows the gin's flavor to shine through more clearly; essentially, a gin and soda is considered a "cleaner" and more delicate drink compared to a gin and tonic. Here’s some more information on that.
Essentials for Impromptu Happy Hours
Stocking Your Home Bar
You don’t need a fully stocked bar to entertain at home! Here are the basics you should always have on hand to create a variety of simple yet delicious cocktails:
Liquor:
Gin, vodka, rum, whiskey. These are versatile base spirits that work in tons of drinks.
Mixers:
Club soda, tonic water, ginger beer, and cola. Great for mixing with just about any spirit.
Citrus:
Fresh lemons and limes. They add freshness to almost any drink.
Sweeteners:
Simple syrup (easily made at home), honey, or agave syrup. Sweeten up cocktails without overpowering them.
Bitters:
A small bottle of bitters goes a long way and adds depth to drinks like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
Garnishes:
Lemon twists, lime wedges, and fresh herbs like mint or basil. Quick garnishes make even the simplest drinks look and taste fancy.
Simple doesn’t have to be boring. It just means you can enjoy your drink without overthinking it.
What to Order?
When You Don’t Know What to Order: Bartender Favorites
Gin & Tonic:
Simple, refreshing, and hard to get wrong. A go-to for those unsure of what to drink.Old Fashioned:
If you’re in the mood for something spirit-forward and classic, this whiskey-based cocktail is always a safe choice.Vodka Soda:
Light, refreshing, and customizable. Plus, it’s an easy order anywhere.Whiskey Sour:
For a balanced cocktail with a bit of tang, the whiskey sour is a solid bet.
đź’ˇ Answer to Trivia Question:
The Margarita! The Spanish word for "daisy" is "margarita," and the classic tequila-based drink evolved from a popular Prohibition-era cocktail known as a Daisy.
Next time you’re at the bar or hosting friends, you’ll have a simple go-to cocktail in your back pocket. With a few basic ingredients, you’ll always be ready to mix up something delicious.
Cheers to easy cocktails and good company,
Andrea
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