Actually, cocktail tip: Most of the really good cocktails you'll have on a night out follow a really simple formula;
2 parts Liquor + 0.5-1 part Citrus + 0.5-1 part Simple Syrup + 1 part Flavour
If you follow this formula, it's hard to go wrong. Most cocktails out there that people really like and order a lot are just sours with a twist and you look like some sort of mixological wizard if you learn this formula. If you're feeling fancy, get an array of bitters and add a few dashes, or shake with an egg white.
Play around with the proportions too. I like equal parts citrus and simple syrup, a few extra dashes of bitters, and extra on the flavourings; in particular, I make my own simple syrup using dark brown sugar. Particularly for my favourite cocktail, the Bramble. (Gin + Lemon + Simple Syrup + Chambord/Creme de Mure)
