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Cocktails|Sour|Vodka|Aperitifs & Vermouth

5 of the best stirred cocktails, no shaking required


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Posted 19 Oct 2023

By
Brad Nash


Use a bar spoon, use a chopstick, use a (clean) finger if you have to – these easy drinks will save you time and dishwasher space.

While bringing out your Boston shaker is a quick ticket to feeling like Tom Cruise in Cocktail, there’s something to be said for those elegant cocktails that, like a classic car or timeless outfit, don’t need any pomp or circumstance to announce their presence. Instead, many of the world’s most iconic drinks need little more than a stirring implement, a good amount of ice and an appropriate vessel to come to life, particularly when fizzy mixers like soda water and tonic are brought into the equation.

But while relying on the taller side of the drink spectrum would be too easy, we’ve decided to put together a list of weekend cocktail go-tos when you feel like a more elevated refreshment without the hassle of cleaning up a load of tools. These drinks can be mixed in the glass with little more than a spoon for max convenience, minimal fuss, and a creation that’s as relaxing to put together as it is to drink.

Negroni cocktail with an orange wedge
1. The NegroniMaybe the most romanticised cocktail of modern times (with the possible exception of the Aperol Spritz), the Negroni is an enduring icon for a reason, and it’s synonymous with leisurely Mediterranean summers partly because of how easy it is to throw together in a glass. Top tip: if the bitter twang of Campari isn’t really your vibe, opt instead for the fresh, fragrant and criminally underappreciated White Negroni instead.
2. The ManhattanThe Old Fashioned gets a lot of love from the beardier section of whisky lovers, but we personally think the not-so-humble Manhattan deserves a whole lot more attention. Lent an aromatic sweetness through the introduction of vermouth, it’s rounded, smooth and less reliant on having a top-shelf whisky to shine, although a good quality rye will always be the favoured option. Melbourne distillery The Gospel makes a killer Australian rye. Stir in a separate glass over ice before pouring into a coupe, or add Campari to make yourself a Boulevardier.
Manhattan cocktail in a coupe glass
3. The Queen’s Park SwizzleA thoroughly Caribbean concoction that’s perfect for spring, the Swizzle celebrates all that’s great and diverse about dark rum, making a strong case for adding a bottle of fancier rum to your own bar cart (Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva is a great place to start). Similar to a Mojito but emphasising sweet, spicy dark rum instead of its cleaner cousin, all you really need is to stock up on ice for this cocktail, which comes together in the glass with just lime, mint and a few dashes of bitters. 
4. The MartiniArguably the most elegant cocktail of all, the Martini is undoubtedly a bit of a Vegemite drink – that’s to say, it’s an acquired taste, although there’s a variant out there to suit just about any palate. It remains eternally popular thanks to its simplicity and crystalline qualities. While just about any light vermouth will do, investing in a good vodka or gin is absolutely key to a world-class Martini. Four Pillars’ Olive Leaf Gin is literally made for it. And yes, before you start bringing 007 into the conversation (his cocktail of choice, the Vesper, is actually a slightly different drink), a Martini is generally stirred, not shaken. That said, there’s always a choice when it comes to this drink – you can learn more about your Martini options here.
Mint Julep cocktail with a mint sprig as garnish
5. The Mint JulepAnother deceptively easy cocktail that’s fallen by the wayside, the Mint Julep is one of those rare drinks that’ll make even ardent whisky haters re-evaluate their position. It’s traditionally made with bourbon (Buffalo Trace is affordable and as good neat as it is in a cocktail) but, given the only other things you need are simple syrup (make your own), mint and soda water, it can be made with just about any spirit you have in your bar cart (brandies and aged rums are a particularly good substitute).