Since the pandemic shook the world, there are many things you would have learned to do differently: work, cook, and even socialize! But is any party complete without a few cocktails? A home bar should have some essential ingredients required to mix drinks, and after a bit of borrowing from the kitchen, you can outdo your local barkeeper. To get you started, here are four classic cocktails you should certainly master!

1. Old Fashioned
Old Fashioned is such an old drink, it had its name changed! Originally ordered as a Whiskey Cocktail, the fact that this drink has lasted over time and still remains popular is a testament to how good it is. You will need a teaspoon of sugar, three dashes of bitters, and two ounces of rye whiskey to give a peppery, spicy bite. But if you like a sweeter drink, switch out the whiskey for bourbon. Stir the sugar and bitters in warm water till the sugar dissolves, then add three large ice cubes and pour whiskey. Stir again for a few seconds and garnish with an orange wedge and a Maraschino cherry if you have them at home.

2. Aperol Cocktail
Another home favorite is the Aperol cocktail. It is summery, refreshing, and has a low alcohol content, making it perfect for any time of the day. Another advantage is the short ingredient list. All you will need is prosecco, Aperol, sparkling water, and an orange slice. Fill a large wine glass halfway with ice, pour in 3 ounces prosecco or any other sparkling wine you like. Stir in two ounces of Aperol and top with an ounce or more of sparkling water. Garnish with an orange slice, and et voila! You have yourself a classic cocktail.

3. Martini
While James Bond preferred Martinis shaken, not stirred, most mixologists agree that stirred is the better version of this classic cocktail. However, either way, this is an ageless, time-honored cocktail you should know how to make. To feel the part of a sleek spy, make sure you stock up on gin and dry vermouth. In a pint glass or cocktail shaker, depending on your preference, add in ice, 3 ounces gin, and a quarter ounce vermouth. Stir or shake after letting it sit for a few minutes. Add some lemon zest, strain into a chilled martini glass, and serve right away. This is a strong drink, so reserve it for your evening celebrations or reduce the gin to 2 ounces.

4. Mojito
No list of classic cocktails is complete without mentioning the Mojito. It is a refreshing drink that is easy to pick up. Once you master the basic recipe, you can come up with a medley of variations of the drink. You simply have to shake one and a half ounces silver tequila, ¾ ounces triple sec, one and a half tablespoons fresh lime juice, and half a tablespoon of simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Strain the contents into an old-fashioned glass packed with ice. You can elevate the drink by dipping the rim in salt and wedging a lime slice on the side. Some recipes also call for mint, other citrus fruits, and juices.