{"id":674,"date":"2023-04-26T12:48:19","date_gmt":"2023-04-26T16:48:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/?p=674"},"modified":"2026-02-12T11:03:43","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T15:03:43","slug":"on-the-rocks-cocktails","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/learn\/on-the-rocks-cocktails\/","title":{"rendered":"8 On The Rocks Cocktails To Master at Home"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ice is, without a doubt, one of the most essential ingredients used in cocktail making, so when you\u2019re making <\/span>on the rocks cocktails<\/span>, you’re not just pouring alcohol on ice. What you\u2019re actually doing is a bit of science, and here\u2019s why: the addition of ice to any alcoholic drink influences the temperature and consistency of the drink, which influences the taste of what you’re sipping on.\u00a0<\/span>Check out our list of <\/span>on-the-rocks premium cocktails<\/span> that you can make at home:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Old Fashioned<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Top<\/p>\n

This one is for the whiskey lovers. Declared the official drink of Louisville, Kentucky, in 2015, the <\/span>Old Fashioned <\/span>is an iconic American favorite. This <\/span>on the rocks cocktail<\/span> is so popular that it has two weeks dedicated to it in June every year, known as the <\/span>Old Fashioned Fortnight<\/span>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll only need <\/span>bourbon,<\/span> simple syrup (or a sugar cube), and aromatic bitters to create this classic. Once you have that, add everything to a large mixing glass filled with ice, and stir until nicely chilled. Next, strain it into a tumbler over ice and garnish with a lemon peel twist or a maraschino cherry. Oh, and remember to serve it immediately! This Instagram-worthy amber-colored old-school drink is the perfect ending to your evening. It\u2019s one of the <\/span>best summer whiskey cocktails<\/a><\/span> you\u2019ll ever make.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Wild Turkey Bourbon<\/span><\/a> <\/strong>is a solid choice for an Old Fashioned thanks to its bold, rich flavors of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice. Its full-bodied character holds up beautifully against bitters and sugar, creating a well-rounded cocktail with depth and warmth. It\u2019s a classic pairing for a timeless drink.<\/h6>\n<\/blockquote>\n

2. Lime Margarita<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Front<\/p>\n

Who doesn\u2019t love a good margarita? It\u2019s the quintessential drink to have with spicy food, the go-to cocktail to get the party started, and an epic <\/span>on-the-rocks drink <\/span>to enjoy with good friends at sunset. The <\/span>Lime Margarita <\/span>has a special place in our cocktail-loving hearts. <\/span><\/p>\n

To make one, you only need a few ingredients: fresh lime juice, Grand Marnier orange liqueur, and decent tequila. And ice, of course. It\u2019s one of the most popular summer cocktails in North America\u2014and once you\u2019ve made them, you\u2019ll understand why these classic clinkers are so good. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Moscow Mule<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Virgin<\/p>\n

The delicious and refreshing <\/span>Moscow Mule<\/span> cocktail was born in the Big Apple in the 1940s. Made with just three ingredients (vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer), you can\u2019t take any shortcuts when it comes to quality. Trust us on this. Use fresh lime juice, good quality ginger beer, and premium vodka, like <\/span>SKYY.<\/span> It makes <\/span>all <\/span><\/i>the difference. <\/span><\/p>\n

This popular vodka cocktail is traditionally served in a copper mug for that extra frost factor. If you don\u2019t have one, use a highball glass instead. To make one of these <\/span>classic on-the-rocks mixed drinks,<\/span> pour the vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer over ice in a copper mug, add ice, and stir until combined. Finish it off with fresh mint leaves and a wedge of lime to garnish. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Mint Julep<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Refreshing<\/p>\n

While we’re visiting the area, let’s introduce you to the<\/span> Mint Julep<\/span>: the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. This cooling clinker is a <\/span>bourbon-based delight and is a legit reason for you and your friends to have a cocktail in the morning. It used to be the high society tradition back in the 1800s\u2014and who are we to frown upon that? However, if you’re more of a wake-up-and-smell-the-coffee kind of person, make this cocktail a refreshing pick-me-up from the heat during a summer’s lunch or dinner.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Mint Julep is served in a silver or pewter Julep cup but opt for a rocks glass instead if you don’t have these in your glass collection. Making these <\/span>summer whiskey cocktails <\/span>is super simple, so it\u2019s great for a novice. All you will need is bourbon, simple syrup, crushed ice, and 10 – 12 mint leaves. <\/span><\/p>\n

Add the mint leaves and simple syrup to a Julep cup and lightly muddle until the scent of mint fills the air. Add the bourbon and add loads of crushed ice, then stir until the cup is frosted on the outside. Finally, top with more crushed ice and garnish with a mint sprig. This Gatsby-era slow sipper is a strong drink that will make your friends feel very happy on a hot day.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Rickey<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Gin<\/p>\n

The Rickey isn\u2019t a cocktail you often see on the drinks menu, but that doesn\u2019t mean that these gin or bourbon based <\/span>on the rocks mixed drinks <\/span>shouldn\u2019t crack an invite to your next dinner party. And the best part? It\u2019s a <\/span>low-calorie cocktail<\/span>, so you can enjoy more than one (or two) (or even three). A <\/span>Rickey<\/span> cocktail is refreshing, fragrant, and packed with lime and floral notes that will remind you of a perfect summer\u2019s day.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are two variations of the Rickey cocktail, with gin and bourbon often competing for the top spot. Our favorite is the gin version. The botanical notes of the gin blend beautifully with the fresh lime juice and give you those awesome poolside summer vibes. To get a taste of summer, simply fill a highball glass with small ice cubes, then pour in the gin and lime juice. Top with club soda and garnish with a lime wedge.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Gin Bramble<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Front<\/p>\n

Add a little fruit flavor to your summer with the Gin Bramble. This <\/span>sassy sip <\/span>comes from the creator of the <\/span>Espresso Martini,<\/span> so you <\/span>know <\/span><\/i>it\u2019s gonna be good. Named after a blackberry bush, the Bramble is a modern classic that won\u2019t disappoint. The Bramble shot to fame in Soho back in 1984 and was inspired by Dick Bradsell\u2019s nostalgia for picking fresh berries during his childhood. Made with gin, blackberry liqueur, and lemon juice and served on the rocks, the Bramble is an invigorating <\/span>summer cocktail<\/span> that\u2019ll hit the spot every time. It\u2019s safe to say, it\u2019s the berries!\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Hugo<\/a> \u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Front<\/p>\n

Created in 2005, the <\/span>H<\/span>u<\/span>go<\/span><\/a> is fairly new on the cocktail scene. This spritz-style elderflower and Prosecco cocktail is an Italian favorite. It\u2019s light, floral, and refreshing, making it perfect for a summertime get-together with friends. To make one, you\u2019ll need dry Prosecco (Italian sparkling wine), elderflower syrup, and soda water. For a slightly stronger version, you can add a dash of gin. Pour the elderflower into an ice-filled lowball glass and stir to chill the syrup. Top it off with prosecco and soda water, then garnish with a slice of lime and fresh mint leaves. You\u2019ve basically created summer in a glass. Epic!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

8. Tequila Sunrise<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Top<\/p>\n

Fruity and fun, the Tequila Sunrise was very popular back in the 80s and has been one of the most <\/span>popular beach-vibe drinks <\/span>ever since. Named after the sunrise, this is an <\/span>on-the-rocks drink<\/span> layered in a way that really lives up to its name. Create a spectacular sunrise with layers of tequila, orange juice, and the star of the show\u2014grenadine. <\/span><\/p>\n

Because the grenadine is heavier than the other liquids, it sinks to the bottom creating a sunrise surprise that will delight your guests. To add that final flair, garnish it with an orange slice and add an extra pop of color with a Maraschino cherry. And that\u2019s how simple it is to make a Tequila Sunrise. Pretty and very (very) drinkable. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Insider tips for making great drinks on the rocks<\/h2>\n

Once poured, don’t leave the drink to mingle with the ice for too long – the longer it sits, the more diluted it will become\u2014and there’s nothing crowd-pleasing about that!\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Secondly, choose your ice carefully. Using the right kind of ice for the right cocktail can make or break an on-the-rocks drink. Use small ice cubes (1 – 1.25 inches) for recipes that call for a cocktail to be served on the rocks (like a Tom Collins<\/a> or Paloma<\/a>). Large cubes and spheres are great for whiskey drinks; the kind that is well chilled but not watered down. <\/span><\/p>\n

Crushed ice belongs in Zombies, Daiquiris, and Mai Tais. Easily make your own by wrapping ice in a clean, damp kitchen towel and hammering the life out of it with a wooden mallet. Use your standard freezer ice for mixing drinks like <\/span>Cosmopolitans<\/span> and <\/span>classic Martinis <\/span>in your cocktail shaker.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to stir a cocktail the right way<\/h2>\n