The recipes may vary slightly amongst bartenders, restaurants, and books, but there are certain types of cocktails that remain a constant in the popularity realm. Here are a few of those popular favorites, along with instructions for mixing them up on your own...

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MARGARITA (on the rocks)
There are many variations on this ultra-popular cocktail, but my personal favorite is this recipe from Sam the Cooking Guy. Sam's philosophy is that one good drink beats two watered-down versions, so just a word of warning - this one has a kick!

Ingredients:
2 parts tequila (good tequila - this is not the time to hold back!)
1 part Sweet & Sour - DO NOT substitute Margarita mix
1/2 parts Grand Marnier
1 lime
1 orange
1 splash Rose's Lime Juice
kosher salt

Mixing Instructions:
1. Fill a shaker 1/3 of the way with ice and add tequila, sweet & sour, Grand Marnier, juice from 1/2 lime, juice from 1/4 orange and a splash of Roses Lime Juice.
2. Place lid on shaker and shake like a fool - you want it icy.
3. Rim a glass with kosher salt, add fresh ice, and pour in the Margarita from shaker.
4. Squeeze a wedge each of lime and orange on top and drop wedges into glass.
5. Float a little more Grand Marnier over the top and voila - life is good.

{recipe via Sam the Cooking Guy}

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COSMOPOLITAN
It's true that the popularity of this pretty this red martini skyrocketed amongst the days of HBO'S Sex and the City, but even after the series ended, it remains a favorite at bars across the country.

Ingredients:
• 1/2 oz.  lime juice
• 1 1/2 oz.  vodka
• 1 oz.  Cointreau
• 1 oz.  cranberry juice
Orange peel and/or lime. (for garnish)

Mixing instructions:
Mix all ingredients  with ice in shaker or blender.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with orange peel, lime wedge, or lime wheel.

{recipe via that's the Spirit}

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MOJITO

Ingredients:
3 fresh mint sprigs
2 tsp sugar
3 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 1/2 oz light rum
club soda

Mixing Instructions:
1. In a tall glass, crush part of the mint with a fork to coat the inside.
2. Add the sugar and lime juice and stir thoroughly.
3. Top with ice.
4. Add rum and mix.
5. Top off with *chilled* club soda (or seltzer).
6. Add a lime slice and the remaining mint, and serve.

{recipe via Drinks Mixer}

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CLASSIC GIN MARTINI

Ingredients:
2 1/2 oz gin
1/2 oz dry vermouth
green olives or lemon twist for garnish
orange or Angostura bitters (optional)

Mixing Instructions:
1. Pour the ingredients into a shaker or mixing glass filled with ice cubes.
2. Shake or stir for 30 seconds.
3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
4. Add a dash of orange or Angostura bitters if desired
5. Garnish with the olives or lemon twist.

{recipe via About.com}

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GIN & TONIC

Ingredients:
1 1/2 o. gin
lime wedge
tonic water

Mixing instructions:
1. Pour gin into chilled Collins glass with several ice cubes.
2. Fill with tonic water and squeeze lime wedge over drink and drop into glass.

{recipe via that's the Spirit}

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CHEERS!

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