There’s a moment every guy knows. You belly up to the bar, the menu’s a novel, and the bartender asks, “What’ll it be?” You freeze. Do you go for something safe? Something strong? Something that says you actually know what you’re doing?

Here’s the truth: every man needs a short list of reliable cocktails. Drinks that always hit, always look good in your hand, and don’t need a degree in mixology to make.

These five classics never go out of style.

1. The Old Fashioned

The vibe: Confident. Timeless. Whiskey-forward.

What’s in it:

  • 2 oz bourbon or rye

  • 1 sugar cube or ½ tsp simple syrup

  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters

  • Orange peel

How to make it:
Muddle the sugar and bitters with a splash of water. Add ice and whiskey. Stir until cold. Express the orange peel over the glass and drop it in.

When to order it:
When you want to look like you’ve got your life together.

2. The Negroni

The vibe: Sharp. Sophisticated. Slightly bitter in the best way.

What’s in it:

  • 1 oz gin

  • 1 oz Campari

  • 1 oz sweet vermouth

How to make it:
Stir ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass. Garnish with an orange peel.

When to order it:
When you want something bold but balanced. It’s the Italian tuxedo of cocktails.

3. The Whiskey Sour

The vibe: Smooth operator. Old-school but friendly.

What’s in it:

  • 2 oz whiskey

  • ¾ oz lemon juice

  • ½ oz simple syrup

  • Optional: ½ oz egg white for a frothy top

How to make it:
Shake everything hard with ice. Strain into a rocks glass with ice. Garnish with a cherry or lemon twist.

When to order it:
When you want whiskey flavor without the burn.

4. The Martini

The vibe: Cool, clean, and dangerously strong.

What’s in it:

  • 2½ oz gin or vodka

  • ½ oz dry vermouth

  • Lemon twist or olive

How to make it:
Stir (never shake) with ice, then strain into a chilled glass. Garnish to taste.

When to order it:
When you’re keeping it classy or channeling your inner Bond.

5. The Tom Collins

The vibe: Easygoing. Classic. The gentleman’s summer drink.

What’s in it:

  • 2 oz gin

  • 1 oz lemon juice

  • ½ oz simple syrup

  • Club soda

How to make it:
Shake the gin, lemon, and syrup with ice. Strain into a tall glass with fresh ice, top with club soda, and give it a gentle stir. Garnish with a lemon wheel or cherry if you’re feeling fancy.

When to order it:
When you want something crisp and clean that won’t knock you out. The Tom Collins is proof you can drink gin without acting like you’re in a Gatsby novel.

The Dad Day Takeaway

You don’t need to know every craft cocktail in the book. You just need a few that fit your mood and your moment. Because sometimes confidence looks like ordering the right drink without hesitating.

And when in doubt? Old Fashioned. Always works.