The famous five cocktails (using four ingredients or less!)

WHISKY-BASED: OLD-FASHIONED

In a tumbler, muddle 1 t caster sugar or 1 sugar cube with 2–3 dashes bitters until almost dissolved. Add 60 ml whisky and stir to combine. Add a big block of ice if you like, then garnish with a twist of orange peel – and a cherry if you’re feeling frivolous.

GIN- OR VODKA- BASED: MARTINI

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine 75 ml gin and 15 ml dry vermouth. Shake for about 30 seconds, then strain into a martini glass. Add a dash or two of orange bitters if you fancy, then garnish with green olives.

TEQUILA- BASED: MARGARITA

Combine 35 ml tequila, 20 ml Cointreau and 35 ml freshly squeezed lime juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, then shake for about 20 seconds. Strain into a salt-rimmed glass, then garnish with a slice of lime

GIN-BASED: NEGRONI

Combine 30 ml dry gin, 30 ml Campari and 30 ml sweet vermouth in a cocktail shaker with ice. Stir well to combine, then strain into a tumbler. Twist a piece of orange peel over the glass, then use to garnish the drink if you like.

COGNAC-BASED: SIDECAR

Combine 30 ml each cognac and orange liqueur, 15 ml each freshly squeezed lemon juice and simple syrup, and a squeeze of lime juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake for about 20 seconds to combine, then strain into a glass.

Browse more drinks recipes here.