Mojito

A Mojito is traditionally made of five ingredients: white rum, sugar (traditionally sugar cane juice), lime, sparkling water and mint. The original Cuban recipe uses spearmint or "Hierba buena", a much lighter mint variety very popular in the island. Its combination of sweetness, refreshing citrus and mint flavors are intended to complement the potent kick of the rum, and have made this clear highball a popular summer drink.

When preparing a Mojito, lime juice is added to sugar (or syrup) and mint leaves. The mixture is then gently mashed with a muddler. The mint leaves should only be bruised to release the essential oils and should not be shredded. Then rum is added and the mixture is briefly stirred to dissolve the sugar and to lift the mint sprigs up from the bottom for better presentation. Finally, the drink is topped with ice cubes and sparkling water. Mint leaves and lime wedges are used to garnish the glass.

Harvey Wallbanger

The Harvey Wallbanger cocktail is made with vodka, Galliano, and orange juice.

Vodka and orange juice are stirred with ice in the glass, then the Galliano is floated on top. It is then garnished and served.

Cosmopolitan

Made with vodka, Cointreau or Triple Sec, cranberry juice, and fresh-squeezed lime juice or sweetened lime juice. It is known, informally, as a Cosmo.

The cosmopolitan is usually served in a large cocktail glass, also called a martini glass.

A lime wedge is always used to garnish. Traditionally a coin sized piece of orange should be "flamed" across the top of the drink. This coats the drink with a slick of citrus oil, but also produces a flame.

Black Russian

The Black Russian is a mix of vodka and coffee liqueur. It is traditionally poured over ice cubes or cracked ice in an old-fashioned glass.

The ingredients are poured into an old fashioned glass containing ice cubes. The mix is then stirred gently.