Best sipping cocktail recipes

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.

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.

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.

Amaretto old fashioned

The amaretto old fashioned is an easy yet indulgent cocktail that offers a nutty twist on a classic favourite. The sweet almond flavour of amaretto pairs beautifully with the depth of bourbon and a hint of bitters, making it perfect for sipping after dinner.

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.

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.

Dry gin martini

This dry gin martini is the epitome of simplicity and elegance. With just three ingredients it’s quick to make – taking only a few minutes plus chilling time. The classic 5:1 ratio of gin to dry vermouth creates a crisp, refined flavour, but you can adjust it to suit your taste: for a wetter martini, go for a 4:1 ratio, or increase the gin for a drier finish. Stirring the ingredients with ice ensures the perfect level of dilution, resulting in a beautifully balanced cocktail.

Cyanr boulevardier

This rich and warming boulevardier swaps bourbon for scotch and Campari for Cynar, an earthy artichoke-based bittersweet Italian amaro.

Rum vieux carré

If you love drinking sazeracs and manhattans, this sultry, nuanced cocktail is for you.

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.

Old fashioned

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

Hazelnut sour

The rich, nutty flavours of Italian hazelnut liqueur Frangelico are balanced by bright lemon in this lovely after-dinner cocktail.

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.

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.

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.

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.