Cocktails have been around for a long time, although their origin is highly debated. They are great ways to entertain guests and friends at parties and casual meetings. Surprisingly, cocktails have gone through a long history with a variety of purposes around the globe, and they were also used as remedies. Today, making cocktails is an integral part of bartending, a popular art form that can be learned in many schools around the world. Here are some famous classic cocktail recipes for entertaining guests:

• Manhattan
  One of the world’s best-known whiskey-based cocktail was invented sometime during the 1880s. Since its invention, this cocktail has seen many variations and improvisations, but at the heart of the mix lies the sweet vermouth and bitters that are added in the right amount to the whiskey. The earlier versions of Manhattan were rye-based instead of bourbon as it was spicier and sharper in taste. It is considered that bourbon causes the drink to be more mellow. To prepare this simple cocktail, add two ounces of rye or bourbon of your choice to one ounce of Sweet vermouth. Then, add two dashes of Angostura bitters, a dash of orange bitters, and some ice in the mixing glass. After stirring well, strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish this timeless cocktail with a brandied cherry.
• Rusty Nail
  Truly a classic whiskey-based cocktail recipe for entertaining guests, the rusty nail has stayed in the bar card of pubs around the world for long. This cocktail can be made by simply stirring one and a half ounces of scotch and a three-fourth ounce of Drambuie, a scotch-based liqueur flavored with honey, spices, and herbs. It is served on the rocks or with ice.
• Martini
  Martini’s rise to popularity is owed to Ian Fleming’s James Bond, where the spy hero mostly asks for his vodka martini to be shaken and not stirred. There are many variations to the martini, but the base of this cocktail is a mixture of gin and dry vermouth. To prepare one of the popular versions, add 2 ounces of gin and an ounce of dry vermouth into a mixing glass of ice and stir for about a minute. Then, empty this mixture into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with an olive.
• Bourbon old-fashioned
  This is a simple and time-tested classic cocktail recipe for entertaining people that has been tingling tastebuds for more than 200 years. Making this cocktail starts with a fine bourbon as substandard bourbons can derail the authentic taste of this cocktail. A fine bourbon is palatable all by itself, and bourbon old-fashioned cocktail is made by adding one teaspoon of sugar, three dashes of angostura bitters, and one teaspoon of water into a glass and stirring it until the sugar is dissolved. Add the bourbon after placing large cubes of ice in the glass. After gently stirring this mixture, garnish it with a twist of orange peel.