Hey @CJ, I see a negroni on your original list, which is my go-to cocktail starter when out to dinner. I also make them at home. You might want to try shaking it with ice beforehand if you haven't tried, It really smooths out that first sip.
I recently tried a tequilla-variation for a negroni called a Rosita. Just as easy to make and it uses both sweet and dry vermouth! Quite tasty and a bit more summer-like. Give it a try of you have tequilla in the house...
[Edit] I made a couple of Rosita's last evening and decided I did not like the bitters being added. YRMV