We admit it. Researching this article was fun. Some might say enjoyable even. What it has left is a legacy of cocktail creations and a breadth of beverages that we had no idea even existed. Because here’s the secret: cocktails at home have got nothing to do with recipes.

Sure, in your local hipster bar or our favorite, the speakeasy with no name outside, you need to be served consistently. A Manhattan should have the right ratio of whiskey to vermouth, and a classic margarita needs the right quantity of lime. But at home that’s all different and as long as you have just a few of the right ingredients and you understand balance, anything is achievable and your friends are going to LOVE you!

Let’s s