Classic Cocktails Every Woman Should Know How to Make

April 11, 2025

Classic Cocktails That Every Woman Should Know: Make Them Your Own With a Homebrew Twist

You know that feeling when the sun dips low, tunes are humming in the background, and you're pouring yourself (or your favourite people) something fabulous into a glass? 🍸 There's something about a well-made cocktail that just hits the spot—it tells a story, sets a mood, and adds a little sparkle to the moment. And here’s the beautiful part: crafting stunning cocktails doesn’t require booking bartending lessons or emptying your wallet on spirits with fancy labels. With a touch of know-how and a dash of creativity, you can make timeless classics right from your own kitchen counter.

So whether you're planning a girls’ night in, or just want a little solo moment of happy hour bliss, here are the classic cocktails that deserve a spot in your repertoire. I’ll also share a gorgeous shortcut to make them uniquely yours… homebrewer style.

1. The Classic Mojito – Crisp, Cool, and Always Classy

This Cuban beauty is light, fresh and fizzy—like a summer breeze in a glass. It’s perfect for when you want something that’s equal parts refreshing and grown-up.

Fresh mint
White rum
Raw sugar
Lime juice
Soda water

The secret? A top-notch white rum. If you’re crafting spirits at home, Still Spirits White Rum is a smooth, molasses-kissed base that plays beautifully with citrus and mint. No base packs, no fuss—just mix it with your own neutral spirit and you’re ready to sip something stunning. It gives you that timeless “beach bar at sunset” flavour, without hopping a plane.

2. The Daiquiri – Like Lemonade, But Make It Sophisticated

If someone ever tells you a daiquiri is "only for sugar fiends", they’ve clearly never met a classic one. I’m talking three simple ingredients here: white rum, lime juice, and sugar. That’s it. Shaken till icy cold—silky, tangy and just the right kick to remind you you’re not at a kids' party.

Still Spirits White Rum works brilliantly here as well. The best thing about making it yourself? You can tweak it how you like—strong and bold or lightly sweet. Either way, it tastes like summer in a glass.

3. The Hazelnut Espresso Martini – After-Dinner Drama

If coffee and cocktails had a baby, this would be it. And let me tell you, she is rich, smooth and practically begs to be sipped in your PJs on a Friday night when the kids are in bed and the to-do list has finally shut up.

Vanilla vodka (or any neutral homemade base that you’ve jazzed up)
Shot of espresso
Coffee liqueur
Still Spirits Hazelnut (add just a splash for richness!)

This homemade hazelnut spirit sings sweet notes of cocoa and vanilla without overwhelming the coffee. It’s inspired by that nutty Frangelico charm but with way more control and none of the overly syrupy stuff. Whether you're serving it at your next dinner party or just bringing grown-up glam to your Tuesday mug life, it’s dangerously good.

4. The Cowboy – Butterscotch and Bold

This lush little number is one of those under-the-radar stars that packs a creamy, caramel punch. A Cowboy is just equal parts butterscotch schnapps and Irish Cream. Poured over ice, it’s your go-to indulgence when you need dessert in a glass and don’t feel like getting the blender out.

Still Spirits Butterscotch Schnapps essence (mixed with your own base spirit)
Irish Cream (store-bought or homemade—it’s your moment!)

The beauty of using Still Spirits Butterscotch Schnapps? You control the sweetness and the strength. It’s creamy, buttery, and candy-in-a-glass perfection. Make things a little more decadent by adding a hint of cinnamon or a dash of whipped cream for VIP vibes. Just sayin'.

5. Homemade Spirit, Your Exact Way

Every master cocktail starts with a fine spirit. And in the world of homebrewing, you don’t need a distillery to pull that off. Each bottle you craft allows you full control—from tweaking sweetness, aroma, or strength—to discovering your signature blend. You can even host taste-test nights with your girls, rating each mix like you’re judging a reality TV show (handwritten scorecards optional... but highly encouraged 🥂).

With products like Still Spirits Hazelnut and the ultra-versatile Still Spirits Butterscotch Schnapps, anyone can experiment with bold new flavours that aren’t available on the typical bottle shop shelves.

Here’s What I Love About Making Cocktails This Way...

Control. Over alcohol content. Over flavour intensity. Over pricing (seriously—the savings add up).

Craft. There’s real joy in creating something from scratch. You’re not just sipping a cocktail—you’re sipping something you made. There’s pride in that.

Connection. These drinks become stories. They're what you share when your friends are over… when your sister comes by for a vent session… or when your partner needs spoiling after a hard week.

You Don’t Need to Know It All. Just Start with These Favourites.

Whether it’s shaking your first daiquiri or stirring the perfect Cowboy, every great maker had their first go. Don’t wait until you feel ‘ready.’ Just grab a bottle of flavouring essence, a clean base spirit, and let your tastebuds do the leading. Who knows? Your kitchen might just become the hottest cocktail bar in town.

Cheers to that 🥂

Warm sips and good company, always,

Candeece