1. Aperol Spritz
It might seem surprising to kick off this list with a somewhat divisive choice, but the allure of an Aperol Spritz is undeniable—especially when you're enjoying a holiday in Italy. This delightful drink features Aperol, a spirit recognized for its vibrant orange hue and a flavor profile that balances slight bitterness with citrus notes. Combined with Prosecco and soda water, and garnished with a slice of orange, the Aperol Spritz is often enjoyed as an aperitivo before dinner due to its lower alcohol content and refreshing qualities. It's a light beverage that's ideal for a summer day—or really, any occasion.
2. Bloody Mary
The quintessential brunch beverage, often touted as a remedy for hangovers, a traditional Bloody Mary combines vodka and tomato juice, enhanced by ingredients like Worcestershire sauce or horseradish for an extra kick. For a twist, you can incorporate pepper, lime juice, or pickle juice, and even substitute vodka with tequila or another spirit to create a unique flavor experience. Originating in the 1920s in Paris, this morning drink has proven to be enduringly popular, appearing on menus worldwide with an array of garnishes, including bacon, shrimp, and even fried chicken.
3. Boulevardier
For those who aren't fans of gin but enjoy Negronis (which you'll find further down the list), the Boulevardier is an excellent alternative — it replaces gin with bourbon. This cocktail was also created at the same Parisian bar that gave us the Bloody Mary. (Ironically, American Prohibition led to the creation of more cocktails than it suppressed.) The ingredient list for a Boulevardier is straightforward: bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari (a bitter liqueur with citrus undertones), ideally garnished with an orange peel (though a lemon peel works as well). You can serve it in a coupe glass or over ice in a rocks glass.
4. Cosmopolitan
HBO's "Sex and the City" brought us so much: stunning fashion, candid discussions about dating, and of course, the Cosmopolitan (often called a "Cosmo"). While this cocktail existed in the 1980s prior to the show, Sarah Jessica Parker's character, Carrie Bradshaw, revitalized its popularity among a new generation of stylish women. Made with vodka, the drink gets its vibrant hue from cranberry juice, while a splash of Cointreau or Grand Marnier combined with lime juice adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness. Typically garnished with a twist of lemon rind or a slice of lime, it's served in a martini glass.
5. Daiquiri
While many envision a frozen daiquiri best enjoyed on a beach, the classic version is far more straightforward and refined: just rum, lime juice, and sugar or simple syrup. This drink has a rich history in Cuba, with its recipe documented by an American engineer in the late 1800s. Ernest Hemingway also played a significant role in popularizing the daiquiri during his time there, indulging in them with remarkable regularity. So, the next time you’re tempted by one of the overpriced slushies on a resort menu, consider opting for the traditional, more sophisticated version instead.
6. Dark 'n' Stormy
As the name suggests, this beverage is favored by sailors and the boating community, earning the title of the "unofficial drink" of Bermuda, where it originated at the Royal Naval Officer's Club. Legend has it that some members of the Club mixed rum with their ginger beer, resulting in a frothy layer that resembled a storm cloud. This drink is akin to a Moscow Mule (also featured on the list), but it substitutes dark rum for vodka. Along with the rum and ginger beer, consider adding a lime wedge or even some candied ginger for an extra touch, if available!
7. Espresso Martini
The Espresso Martini has officially made a resurgence from the 80s and 90s. According to Forbes in 2022, this cocktail ranked among the top-selling drinks in the U.S., climbing five positions on the bestseller list. When you're in the mood for a perfect blend of caffeine and alcohol, this should be your drink of choice. Most Espresso Martinis you'll encounter on menus are made with vodka (though I personally enjoy substituting Mezcal for a richer, smoky flavor), and typically include a coffee liqueur, a shot of espresso, and some form of sweetener, making it an ideal after-dinner or dessert beverage.
8. French 75
Despite its sophisticated name, the French 75 has roots in warfare. The term "French 75" originally referred to a type of artillery used by the French during World War I. There were parallels made between the formidable weapon and the cocktail that shares its name. Over the years, some of the ingredients in the French 75 have evolved, but the core components—gin, Champagne, lemon juice, and a sweetener such as simple syrup—have remained constant. This delightful drink is often served in a champagne flute, typically garnished with a twist of lemon.
9. Gimlet
The Gimlet is a close relative of the Daiquiri, consisting of just three ingredients: gin, lime juice, and sugar. One theory regarding the drink's origin suggests it was created to help sailors obtain their vitamins. During a severe scurvy outbreak in the late 1880s, Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Gimlette urged his crew to consume lime juice to fight the disease, suggesting they mix it with liquor to make it more palatable. Even if you're not in need of a vitamin boost, this cocktail remains surprisingly refreshing to this day. For a finishing touch, add a lime wheel — if you squint, it might resemble a ship's helm.
10. Long Island Iced Tea
Indeed, it carries a negative image as the go-to beverage for college students and bachelorette parties across the board. However, its elevated alcohol content is what keeps it consistently in demand. To clarify, the drink does not actually contain iced tea; the name is more about its color, which is derived from a combination of lemon juice and cola. There is some debate regarding whether this cocktail was first created in Long Island, New York, or in a part of Tennessee. Regardless, the five alcoholic components remain unchanged: gin, rum, tequila, triple sec, and vodka.
11. Mai Tai
If you love tiki bars, chances are you've savored a Mai Tai at some point. You're not alone in this — this timeless cocktail has been a favorite among politicians like Richard Nixon and entertainers such as Elvis. The drink combines two types of rum — one light and one dark — along with orgeat (an almond-flavored syrup), lime juice, orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier), and simple syrup. While some recipes suggest a rum float, I prefer the cocktail blended for a smoother taste. You can also garnish it with lime and mint, and some bars might even add a slice of pineapple.
12. Manhattan
I must say, this is my absolute favorite cocktail on the menu. I've savored different takes on the Manhattan throughout New York and across the globe, and it consistently serves as a dependable choice to kick off or wrap up the night. Legend has it that this cocktail originated at the Manhattan Club in New York, though the identity of its creator remains a topic of debate (one theory suggests it was Winston Churchill's mother). The classic Manhattan consists of two parts bourbon or rye, one part sweet vermouth, and a dash of bitters. I also particularly enjoy the addition of a brandied cherry as a garnish.
13. Margarita
No matter how delicious the best Mexican cuisine may be, it never feels complete without a Margarita. A classic Margarita is quite straightforward: it consists of tequila, orange liqueur (usually Triple Sec), and lime juice, garnished with a lime wedge and an optional salted rim. (Personally, I often substitute mezcal for tequila in this cocktail.) While it was likely enjoyed in the 1930s under various names, a Margarita recipe was published in "Esquire" magazine in the 1950s. Numerous individuals from different regions of Mexico and various bars and gatherings have claimed to be the creators of this drink. Regardless of its origins, the Margarita has become a staple, especially on Taco Tuesdays.
14. Martini (Classic)
Alright, this is my second favorite cocktail on the menu. Just as a Manhattan warms me up in the winter, a Classic Martini refreshes me during the summer. Whether it's dirty (with an olive and/or olive juice) or garnished with a lemon twist, the Martini is traditionally crafted with gin (though I lean towards vodka). As James Bond famously said, it can be shaken or stirred — with dry vermouth, of course. To achieve the perfect Martini, don’t forget to use a chilled Martini glass. Some bars have started adding a splash of bitters, but I prefer mine plain.
15. Mimosa
Another timeless brunch beverage has secured its spot on the list, and it’s wonderfully straightforward, made with just two ingredients: orange juice and champagne. According to a playful piece of bartender history, filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock is credited with inventing this drink in San Francisco, although many agree that it was actually created by a bartender at the Ritz in Paris as early as the 1920s. If orange juice isn’t your preference, you can easily swap it out; using peach purée would transform the drink into a variation known as a Bellini.
16. Mojito
We're returning to a revitalizing rum-based cocktail with the Mojito, which incorporates elements that enhance the Daiquiri. To make a Mojito, you'll need to mix white rum, muddled mint leaves, lime juice, simple syrup, and club soda. The Mojito traces its origins to Havana, where Sir Francis Drake arrived in Cuba with intentions to seize the city. Although his expedition was not successful, it is said that a drink known as the Draque was left behind—either crafted by Drake himself or named in Havana to honor his visit. The Draque originally featured a cane spirit, which was later replaced by Bacardi in the 1800s, leading to a change in its name as well.
17. Moscow Mule
If you have a passion for barware, you’ve probably come across the Moscow Mule and its iconic copper mug, known for keeping the drink refreshingly cold. (The mug isn’t a necessary element; consider it more of an elegant accessory.) This cocktail typically features vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer, finished off with a lime wedge. It originated in Los Angeles during the 1940s as part of a vodka marketing strategy, but today’s variations include the Mezcal Mule and the Kentucky Mule, which substitutes bourbon for vodka.
18. Negroni
Numerous esteemed bartenders regard the Negroni as their preferred drink to prepare or enjoy, especially at the close of the evening. It epitomizes a classic cocktail, having been unintentionally created in early 20th century Florence by Count Camillo Negroni, who requested gin instead of soda water in an Americano. While we previously discussed the Boulevardier, the traditional Negroni consists of gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, and a twist of orange peel. There are many variations that substitute different base spirits or types of vermouth, but the classic Negroni will forever remain a fundamental item on cocktail menus.
19. Old Fashioned
One of the most historic cocktails on this list is the classic Old Fashioned. It is also among the most recognized and simplest to prepare, requiring only whiskey (typically bourbon or rye), sugar, and bitters. This drink traces its origins back to the 1700s, when it was referred to as the Whiskey Cocktail. While it may seem straightforward to make, a true Old Fashioned should achieve a harmonious balance, ensuring that no single ingredient dominates the others. Bartenders often experiment by incorporating extra fruit or changing the base spirit, but the original recipe remains timeless.
20. Paloma
Another option to consider at your favorite Mexican eatery, the Paloma is just as popular as the Margarita when it comes to tequila-based cocktails — it's even recognized as Mexico's national drink. Typically served in a highball glass, the Paloma is made with tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime juice. I've also tried a variation where fresh grapefruit juice replaces the soda. If you prefer a more savory flavor to balance the sweetness, you can add a pinch of salt to the drink or rim the glass with it.
21. Penicillin
The Penicillin has emerged as a contemporary classic, largely due to its popularity at the renowned New York bar, Milk and Honey. In the early 2000s, bartender Sam Ross experimented with another drink and combined blended scotch, lemon juice, and honey-ginger syrup, finishing it off with a float of smoky scotch. While this cocktail is a bit more intricate to prepare at home—primarily because of the need to create the honey-ginger syrup—it’s certainly achievable. Even better, you can order it at your favorite local cocktail bar, where you might find unique variations or even candied ginger as an option.
22. Piña Colada
A cocktail achieves iconic status when it inspires a dedicated song. This delightful frozen drink originated from a bartender in Puerto Rico during the 1950s and was officially recognized as the country's national drink in 1978. The classic Piña Colada consists of rum, cream of coconut, and pineapple juice, all blended with ice. Variations may include coconut milk, lime juice, and even a splash of dark rum, topped off with a maraschino cherry and a slice of pineapple. It’s my go-to vacation beverage, and when prepared perfectly, it’s creamy, refreshing, and just the right level of alcoholic.
23. Pisco Sour
I came across the Pisco Sour in South America, where it is undoubtedly a favored cocktail. It is thought to have been invented by an American in Peru in the early 1900s as a substitute for the Whiskey Sour. Pisco is a fruity spirit from Peru or Chile, crafted from distilled grape juice. The traditional recipe for a Pisco Sour includes Pisco, egg white, bitters, lime juice, and simple syrup. Ideally, the ingredients should be shaken together without ice initially and then topped with bitters on the egg foam for garnish.
24. Sazerac
You can't discuss a Sazerac without mentioning New Orleans, where it holds the title of the official city cocktail and even has a hotel bar named in its honor (the Sazerac Bar at the Roosevelt Hotel). Antoine Amédée Peychaud, a pharmacist, originally crafted bitters in New Orleans for medicinal purposes and began combining it with brandy and other ingredients of the Sazerac. The contemporary Sazerac closely resembles the previously mentioned Old Fashioned, but a true Sazerac features absinthe alongside whiskey, bitters, and sugar. While absinthe may not be found in every bar, if you come across it, this is a cocktail you simply must try.
25. Whiskey Sour
The last cocktail on this list is both simple and sophisticated, which likely contributes to its popularity among drinkers. Similar to the previously mentioned Pisco Sour, the Whiskey Sour features whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white, with the ingredients shaken without ice before being served. (While many bars may omit the egg white, including it adds a traditional frothy texture.) Recently, some establishments have started adding a red wine float, transforming it into a New York or Greenwich Sour. For garnish, you can top it off with a maraschino cherry or an orange slice and a dash of bitters.
Recommended
The Perfect Spritz To Sip As The Weather Gets Colder
Elevate Your Dirty Martini With Sauerkraut This Oktoberfest
The Tequila Cocktail Favored By Mick Jagger
Why Champagne Is Ruining Your Spritz (And What To Use Instead)
Next up