5 Cocktails You Need To Know How To Make

Even if you don't drink them, you should know how to make certain classic cocktails. It's a personality elevator. It's a rite of passage. A barometer of maturity, and — who are we kidding — a decent way to up your cool factor. Even if you just learn the most popular five, you'll know the basics of bartending, bringing you one step closer to awesomeness. Now go, purchase a few basics (i.e. shaker, spoon, jigger, etc.) and some libations; here are the top cocktails in order of popularity, gauged by Google Trends. Remember: Once you learn to play by the rules, you can break them — now get shaking!

1. Martini

Shaken, not stirred, remember? Or, it could be the other way around. Nevertheless, this is the quintessential cocktail.

2. Bloody Mary

Nothing perks up a morning (or cures a hangover) quite like this staple.

3. Manhattan

This whiskey-based cocktail is an easy recipe, yet rich and warming.

4. Mint Julep

Fragrant mint and sweet bourbon make this the perfect cocktail for late spring into early fall.

5. Cosmopolitan

There are some people that order Jameson straight, and there are some that order a cosmopolitan. If you happen to be the latter (and there's nothing wrong with that), this with come in handy.