Apart from barbecues and lots of potluck options on the patio, cocktails are the most important part of any summer gathering. Whether you are chilling out in a bar, grilling out with friends, or celebrating a long weekend, you will always want to keep a pitcher of these delicious drinks within reach. Classic cocktails are unmatched when it comes to entertaining or celebrating. Below is a list of super-rich and top-notch classic cocktail recipes for summer entertaining:

Old Fashioned
It is always fun to drink in style with the ever-classy old fashioned cocktail. You need to just pour a splash of soda water over sugar and a maraschino cherry. Add a few drops of bitters and top off with bourbon or rye of your choice. If you prefer it chilled, serve on the rocks.

Manhattan
It is made with bourbon, vermouth, and Angostura bitters. That calls for a few top-quality maraschino cherries too.

Dark and Stormy
Dark and Stormy cocktail features homemade ginger syrup and soda water. For a quick sip, you can also opt for ginger beer available at your local market.

Classic Gin Martini
The perfect martini uses equal parts sweet and dry vermouth for a perfectly balanced drink. For a super enriching taste, garnish with an olive or a lemon rind.

Mojitos
It is a combination of sweet simple syrup with fresh citrus and mint flavors. And it harmoniously blends with light rum; thus, it becomes a refreshing cocktail.

Mint Julep
This has minty flavors, which are reminiscent of a mojito. But use whisky instead of tequila. Remember to freeze it overnight for a slushy consistency. For a great flavor, garnish it with a mint or lavender sprig.

Long Island Iced Tea
Nothing quite takes the edge off like a Long Island Iced Tea. You can be sure that the five types of liquor in this highball cocktail will do their job, though it’s named after a nonalcoholic beverage. This is another one of the classic cocktail recipes for entertaining.

Classic Negroni
It includes a base spirit, some bitters, and vermouth. And it comes with a more classic combination of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.

Gin and Tonic with cucumbers and lemongrass
Freshen up this classic, bitter highball cocktail with some fresh mint, crisp cucumber slices, and a stick of citrusy lemongrass.

Classic Margarita
The classic margarita is a tequila cocktail. In this, there is something for everyone. You can add just fruit flavors to keep it simple or it can be blended or had straight up.

French 75
It’s a full-bodied champagne-based cocktail. The lemon juice and simple syrup mixed with it balance out the alcohol with a subtle flavor.

Caipirinha Cocktail
Add a splash of club soda for a fizzy take on Brazil’s national cocktail. This is classically made of fresh lime, raw sugar, and cachaça or sugar cane rum.