Classic Cocktail Recipes, Costing, and Spirits Brands

Posted on Jan 11, 2026 in Visual arts

Tequila: Origin and Production

  • The Red Volcanic Soil region is well suited to grow the Blue Agave plant.
  • Mexico has claimed international rights to the word “Tequila.”

Tequila Region Requirements

Mexican law states that Tequila can only be produced in the state of:

  1. Jalisco
  2. Limited areas of Guanajuato, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas.

Global Spirits Brands

Indian Brands

  • Whisky: Royal Stag, Blenders Pride, Imperial Blue.
  • Rum: Old Monk, McDowell’s.
  • Brandy: Mansion House, Honey Bee.
  • Vodka: Magic Moments, Romanov.
  • Gin: Greater Than, Blue Riband.

International Brands

  • Whisky: Johnnie Walker, Chivas, Jack Daniel’s.
  • Rum: Bacardi, Captain Morgan.
  • Vodka: Smirnoff, Absolut, Grey Goose.
  • Gin: Beefeater, Bombay Sapphire.
  • Brandy/Cognac: Hennessy, Remy Martin.
  • Tequila: Jose Cuervo, Patrón.

Classic Cocktails: Recipes, Costing, and Innovation

This resource provides a simple, clear, and exam-friendly note on classic cocktails, including recipes, costing methods, and innovative cocktail and mocktail ideas, presented in easy-to-understand point form.

1. Introduction to Cocktails

  • Cocktails are mixed drinks made using spirits, mixers, syrups, fruits, and ice.
  • Classic cocktails have standard recipes followed globally.
  • Mocktails are non-alcoholic versions of cocktails.

2. Classic Cocktail Recipes

Martini

  • Base Spirit: Gin / Vodka
  • Ingredients: 60 ml gin, 10 ml dry vermouth
  • Method: Stir
  • Glass: Martini glass
  • Garnish: Olive / Lemon twist

Margarita

  • Base Spirit: Tequila
  • Ingredients: 45 ml tequila, 15 ml triple sec, 15 ml lime juice
  • Method: Shake
  • Glass: Margarita glass (salt rim)
  • Garnish: Lime wheel

Mojito

  • Base Spirit: White rum
  • Ingredients: Mint leaves, lime pieces, sugar, soda water, 45 ml rum
  • Method: Build (muddle mint + lime, add rum + ice + soda)
  • Glass: Highball
  • Garnish: Mint sprig

Cosmopolitan

  • Base Spirit: Vodka
  • Ingredients: 45 ml vodka, 15 ml triple sec, 30 ml cranberry juice, 15 ml lime juice
  • Method: Shake
  • Glass: Martini
  • Garnish: Orange peel

Old Fashioned

  • Base Spirit: Bourbon / Whiskey
  • Ingredients: Sugar cube, bitters, 60 ml whiskey
  • Method: Build
  • Glass: Old fashioned glass
  • Garnish: Orange peel

Pina Colada

  • Base Spirit: Rum
  • Ingredients: 45 ml rum, 60 ml pineapple juice, 30 ml coconut cream
  • Method: Blend
  • Glass: Hurricane
  • Garnish: Pineapple slice

3. Cocktail Costing Methodology

Cocktail costing involves calculating the cost of each drink to accurately set the selling price.

Steps in Cocktail Costing

  1. List ingredients (spirits, juices, syrups).
  2. Calculate quantity used in the recipe (ml, grams).
  3. Find cost per unit (cost of 1 ml or 1 gram).
  4. Multiply quantity × cost per unit = ingredient cost.
  5. Add garnish cost.
  6. Add overhead cost (glass breakage, ice, electricity).
  7. Add standard profit margin (usually 65–70%).
  8. Final calculation equals the Selling Price.

Costing Example

  • 60 ml vodka → ₹30
  • 30 ml juice → ₹5
  • Garnish → ₹2
  • Total Cost = ₹37
  • Selling Price (70% margin) ≈ ₹120–150

4. Innovative Cocktail Ideas

Modern and creative cocktail concepts:

  1. Mango Chilli Mojito: White rum + fresh mango puree + lime + mint + chilli flakes + soda. Taste: sweet, tangy, spicy.
  2. Rose & Lychee Martini: Vodka + lychee juice + rose syrup. Floral, sweet flavor.
  3. Coffee Old Fashioned: Whiskey + cold brew + sugar + bitters. Strong and aromatic.
  4. Spicy Guava Margarita: Tequila + guava juice + lime + chilli salt rim. A Desi twist.
  5. Coconut & Pineapple Cooler: Rum + fresh coconut water + pineapple juice. Light and tropical.

5. Innovative Mocktails (Alcohol-Free)

  1. Virgin Mojito: Mint + lime + sugar + soda. Refreshing and classic.
  2. Blue Lagoon Mocktail: Blue syrup + lemonade + ice. Bright blue color.
  3. Watermelon Cooler: Watermelon juice + mint + lime. Hydrating and sweet.
  4. Ginger Lemon Fizz: Lemon juice + ginger syrup + soda. Spicy and fresh.
  5. Fruit Punch: Orange + pineapple + mango + grenadine. Mixed fruity flavor.

6. Essential Service Tips

  • Use fresh ingredients.
  • Use proper glassware for each drink.
  • Chill the glass before serving.
  • Add garnish to improve look and aroma.
  • Maintain a standard recipe for consistency.