Sometimes a man is judged by what he drinks. And when that happens, ‘Rum and Diet Coke with an extra straw’ just won’t cut it anymore. Try these classic cocktails for a sophisticated, masculine drinking experience. Ordered from 10 to one, any one of these is among the most classy manly bar drinks that appreciates a masculine cocktail.

10. Black Russian

1 ¾ oz. Vodka
¾ oz. coffee liqueur

Overshadowed in popularity by its girlie cousin the White Russian, this tasty Vodka & coffee liqueur concoction gets straight to the punch– just hold the cream. Experiment with coffee liqueurs beyond the common Kahlua to discover new tastes.

The White Russian, although a tad feminine to be counted among manly bar drinks, was the beverage of choice for the Dude in the Big Lebowski. The Dude drank 9 of them in the movie.

9. Old-Fashioned

2 oz. Bourbon (substitute other whiskey as desired)
2 cashes Angostura Bitters
1 sugar cube (dissolved)
1 splash of water
Garnish with 1 maraschino cherry & a lemon wedge

Arguably the first drink ever defined as a cocktail, the Old Fashioned is a tasty whiskey drink. Served in a short ‘old fashioned’ rocks glass, it looks and tastes like pure class. The proper method of preparing an Old Fashioned is hotly debated, and any bartender worth his salt should have his own take.

8. Rob Roy

1 ½ oz. Scotch
¾ oz. Sweet Vermouth
1 dash Angostura Bitters
Garnish with 1 maraschino cherry

Named after Scottish folk hero badass Robert Roy McGregor, the Rob Roy is a Scotch drinker’s alternative to the Manhattan.

The standard Rob Roy is served with sweet vermouth, but it can also be ordered dry or perfect (equal parts sweet and dry Vermouth).

7. Stinger

1 ¾ oz. Brandy
¾ oz. white crème de menthe liqueur

Popular as a dessert cocktail in the 50’s and 60’s, this simple nightcap is tasty and sophisticated. Serve on the rocks or neat, just make sure not to use green crème de menthe (the taste won’t change, but the look will be ruined).

Ever tried this? This certainly would be one of your favorites. Try this and take a good sip.

6. Godfather

1 ½ oz. Scotch
½ oz. Amaretto
Garnish with an orange twixt

Besides the obvious Sicilian tone of this cocktail’s name, The Godfather is the perfect smooth drink to take the edge off. The sweet taste of Amaretto is an excellent companion to the bite of a good Scotch.

5. Negroni

1 ½ oz. Sweet Vermouth
1 ½ oz. Campari
1 ½ oz. Gin
Garnish with an orange twist

Like many gin drinks, the Negroni is an acquired taste: Sharp, distinct, and just slightly bitter. Intended to stimulate the appetite, this cocktail is best served before dinner.

This would rock your senses and would become your favorite manly bar drinks of all time.

4. Vodka Martini

1 ¾ oz. Vodka
¾ oz. Dry Vermouth

The old standby, the Vodka Martini is simple, elegant, and totally masculine. Remember: Shaken, not stirred.

3. Sidecar

1 ½ oz. Bourbon or Brandy
¾ oz. Cointreau
¼ oz. lemon juice
Garnish with an orange wedge

Created in Paris during World War I, this cocktail is supposedly named after the sidecar that high-ranking American soldiers would ride when escorted to their favorite bar. There are many variations of the Sidecar to suit your favorite spirit (Whiskey, Brandy, Gin, even Vodka are now commonly used in making this drink).

2. Manhattan

1 ½ oz. Bourbon
¾ oz. Sweet Vermouth
1 dash Angostura Bitters
Garnish with 1 maraschino cherry

As the expression goes, this drink will put hair on your chest. Ordering a Manhattan shows a sophisticated palette and a fine taste in cocktails. Experiment with different types of Whiskey (I prefer mine with Jack Daniels, but remember, made with Scotch this drink is called a Rob Roy), and decide whether you like yours sweet, dry, or perfect.

1. Rusty Nail

1 ½ oz. Scotch
½ oz. Drambuie
Garnish with a lemon twist

It’s no coincidence that Whiskey appears at the main ingredient in more than half the drinks on this list. Drambuie is a sweet complement to any Scotch, but don’t think for a second that this mixture lacks punch. All but the most hardened of eyebrows should raise when you calmly request a ‘rusty nail.’

Remember, a real man drinks responsibly, and knows when to say “when.” Of course, manly men don’t drink and drive.