I include the Brandy Cocktail in this list because it is a good example of the "original" cocktails. When the cocktail was first defined you would order a "cocktail" by spirit such as a Brandy Cocktail, Whiskey Cocktail, or Gin Cocktail and this was the basic formula: spirit, orange liqueur, bitters. It is a nice introduction to the most classic of cocktails and a fine way to enjoy any spirit.