Whether you’re walking in the door and kicking off your shoes after a day of work or walking from your Zoom meeting to the couch, these days, we all need an easy, delicious cocktail. Next time you’re working on your at-home bartender skills, check out these simple and satisfying cocktails, turn on some music, close your eyes, and pretend you’re on vacation – even if it’s just for the evening:

1. Moscow Mule

All you need are three simple ingredients to make a Moscow Mule. One of the quickest mixed drinks made with vodka has a little spice from ginger beer and a zing from freshly squeezed lime. Whether you’re entertaining a group or entertaining a party of one, Moscow Mules feel like an expertly crafted cocktail every single time. High-quality ginger beer is the key to a knock-out Mule, so be sure to purchase a brand like Fever-Tree. For vodka, we recommend Tito’s or Absolut. Follow these simple steps and enjoy:

• Fill a glass (or traditional copper mug if you have one!) with crushed ice.
• Add 2 ounces of vodka.
• Squeeze the juice of half a lime on top of the vodka (not lime juice in a bottle- it has to be fresh!)
• Top with 4 ounces of high-quality ginger beer.
• Garnish with a lime wedge if desired.
• Voila, a classic cocktail that will make you look like you’ve been crafting them for years.

2. Mojito

Whether it’s summer or you want to feel like it’s summer, no cocktail is more refreshing than a Cuban minty mojito. Mojitos are one of the essential, easy rum cocktails. They contain rum, sugar, lime juice, mint, and a splash of soda. To make simple syrup, heat equal parts water and sugar in a pan, bring it to a boil and stir until the sugar dissolves. Then cool. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Change out the flavors of rum for a twist, but nothing beats the classic:

• Muddle (mash) 3 mint leaves and a half-ounce of simple syrup in a shaker. No muddler? No problem. Use a wooden spoon instead.
• Add 2 ounces of white rum, the juice from 3/4 of a lime, and ice.
• Shake lightly.
• Strain into a glass over fresh ice.
• Garnish with leftover mint and a lime wedge.

3. Dry martini

The martini is a simple drink and, if done correctly, is one of the very best. It is simple as it is sophisticated and is perfect for any occasion. There is no mystery about how to make a fantastic martini, and all you need to make one like a pro is the best gin and dry vermouth. To make:

• Stir ice, 2 1/2 ounces of gin (Beefeater works well here), and 1 1/2 ounces dry vermouth.
• Strain into a martini glass and garnish with an olive.
• To make a “Vesper” martini made famous by Ian Fleming’s novels about the secret agent James Bond, add an ounce of vodka to the recipe and make it “shaken, not stirred.”

4. Gin and tonic

A gin and tonic are precisely that: tonic water and gin—the right amount will ensure that each part of the drink does not overpower the other. One part gin to two parts tonic is the correct amount for a well-balanced drink. A mixologist always should have limes on hand for garnish. To prepare:

• Fill a highball glass (any glass will do) with ice.
• Put in the 2 ounces of gin and top with 4 ounces of tonic water.
• Garnish with a lime wheel.

5. Manhattan

A manhattan is a classic cocktail you’ll see on most bar menus, and it is essential to know how to craft one. There are a few ways to mix this classic cocktail based on your choice of whiskey or bourbon. Gather your ingredients: whiskey, sweet vermouth, aromatic bitters, and maraschino cherries. It is essential not to skip the bitters as it is an integral ingredient and balances the drink. To make:

• Add 2 ounces rye whiskey, Canadian whiskey, or bourbon to 1 ounce sweet vermouth and 2-3 dashes of bitters in a mixing glass or shaker with ice.
• Sir well and strain into a chilled glass.
• Garnish with a cherry – or two.