If the term cocktail seems daunting, it probably means that the word makes you think of a laundry list of ingredients combined in a method that only certified bartenders should tackle. Not to worry! Cocktails are really about finding out which flavors you enjoy and tweaking them in different ways to create different combinations to savor.
Start by picking a liquor that you like. If the intensity of that bold "alcohol" flavor makes you recoil (or dry heave as the saying goes...), turn to something more mellow like Vodka or Gin. As you start to feel more comfortable, you'll likely be ready to kick it up a notch and get adventurous. Once you have a base flavor to play with, consider your add-ins:
-Citrus (Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, etc)
-Sweeteners (Simple Syrup, Grenadine, Agave, Honey, Triple Sec or other flavored liquors)
-Mixers (Soda, Tonic, Fruit Juice, Coffee, Packaged Margarita Mix, etc)
The possibilities are endless, think outside the box, add Pomegranate Seeds (called Arils), use spices! Get creative. The following is a new favorite of mine. I'll admit that it was, in part, a response to a challenge that I ventured toward Whiskey. Here it is, and I love it.
Basic Whiskey Cocktail:
1 part Whiskey of your Choice (e.g. 1 oz)
2 parts club soda or tonic (e.g. 2 oz)
1 teaspoon sugar
1-3 fresh Lemon Slices
In the bottom of a glass, mix the sugar with a bit of water until dissolved. Squeeze at least one lemon slice in the glass, then add the Whiskey followed by the soda (I prefer club soda to tonic in this one) and fill the glass to the top with ice. Garnish with an extra slice of Lemon.
Experiment with this one, and remember what you enjoy!
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