A Tom Collins is a classic cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and sparkling water. Combine the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice and shake until chilled. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice and top with sparkling water. Garnish with a lemon wedge or cherry for the perfect finishing touch. To make a Tom Collins, you'll need a highball glass, shaker, measuring cup or jigger, and strainer. It's a refreshing and easy-to-make drink that's perfect for any occasion.

The Manhattan is, along with the Dry Martini, probably the epitome of late 1800s classic cocktail-making. Wild myths of origins, simple preparation that highlights the bartender's craft, wonderful flavor, and a hearty kick. Some say it was made at the Manhattan Club in New York mid-1870s for a banquet hosted by Lady Randolph Churchill (mother of a certain Winston). But as she was pregnant in Paris at the time of the banquet, they are most likely wrong. The cocktail has spawned a whole school of cocktails. Swap Rye for scotch and it's a Rob Roy. Use Cognac and you have a Harvard.

The Martini is, along with the Manhattan, probably the epitome of late 1800s classic cocktail-making. Wild myths of origins, simple preparation that highlights the bartender's craft, wonderful flavor and a healthy kick. Maybe it has its origin in a Martinez, maybe it has roots in a marketing campaign by vermouth company Martini. But it is certain it starts out being made with Italian (sweet) vermouth, and gin. In the early 1900s, it changes to French (dry) vermouth, which gets known as a dry martini. Then comes Churchill, Bond, and suddenly the 80's. The recipe stands for itself, but let us stress here that Espresso Martinis, Pornstar Martinis, and Breakfast Martinis are not martinis at all.