Whether you're looking for a warming winter tipple or a slow, summer thirst-quencher, these classic sipping cocktails are ideal for taking your time. Try a zesty margarita or a smooth whisky sour and learn how to make your favourite drinks at home with our simple techniques.

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These stunning slow sippers don't need to be complicated – try our easy gin cocktails, American cocktials or our best whisky cocktails for even more sophisticated serves. Blend a strong spirit with floral cordial, a splash of fruit juice or a seasonal liqueur to bring a subtle sweetness.


Best sipping cocktail recipes

Martini

The humble martini graces every cocktail menu worth its salt. Whether you prefer your martini dry or dirty, this simple serve lets good-quality gin and vermouth take centre stage. Peruse our easy martini recipes for seasonal versions of this firm cocktail favourite.

A martini cocktail next to a shaker

Negroni

Any serious mixologist needs to perfect the classic negroni. With just three ingredients, this flavourful aperitivo was made to take your time with. Check out our best-ever negronis for more delicious twists to try at home.

Negroni drink recipe

Manhattan

Live like a trendy New Yorker with our classic Manhattan recipe. It's best served in a coupe glass, with an illuminous cocktail cherry to garnish. It's impossible not to feel incredibly sophisticated while sipping this wonderful whisky cocktail.

A Manhattan cocktail served in a coupe glass

Margarita

Bring the very best tequila cocktails to your classic drinks menu and shake up a refreshing margarita. Make the classic version or try our summery twists by adding a dash of hot sauce, pickling brine or even a glug of watermelon juice.

Easy margarita recipe in front of a green plant

Spiced sidecar

A warming, cold-weather cocktail made using homemade spiced brandy. Omit the spices for a classic sidecar cocktail, or try using bourbon if you can’t find cognac.

Sidecar cocktail in a coupe glass with a bottle of red liquid behind

Old fashioned

A seriously sophisticated cocktail, the original old fashioned calls for just four ingredients. It's a punchy, mature and super-classy option.

Easy Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

Sloe sazerac

This fruity whisky cocktail is a real winter warmer. Use a dash of sloe gin to add a subtle sweetness that blends perfectly with a fiery rye whisky. Garnish with lemon peel and sloe berries for an eye-catching serve.

Sloe Sazerac in a glass

Rosé negroni sbagliato

We've taken a classic Italian cocktail and given it a summery twist with a dash of fruity rosé wine, perfect for an easy aperitivo. Whip up this simple sbagliato with just a handful of ingredients.

Negroni Sbagliato Cocktail Recipe with Rosé Wine

Whisky sour

In a whisky sour, the lemon juice is (almost) as vital as the punchy bourbon. A generous, foamy top is what you're aiming for with this cocktail recipe. This silky smooth drink is perfect for slow sipping.

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Whisky Sour Recipe

The broken spur

A delicious cocktail with gin, vermouth and port, plus a splash of Pernot to create an elegant, simple serve. Shake, strain and serve this chilled tipple in a coupette glass for extra flair.

The Broken Spur Cocktail Recipe

Authors

Hannah Guinness olive magazine portrait
Hannah GuinnessSenior sub editor and drinks writer

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