While choice of co*cktails and other alcoholic beverages is down to personal preference, there are some classic co*cktails that have stood the test of time and remain amongst the most popular co*cktails ordered in bars around the world today.
Here are 10 of the most popular co*cktails that will always be in style.
1. Margarita
As the most ordered co*cktail in the world, the classic Margarita has been one of the most popular co*cktails in America for years and still remains on top. While there are many variations, the traditional recipe consists of tequila, Triple Sec and lime juice. It's also often served with a salt rim for the perfect balance of sweet, sour and salty.
For a refreshing take on the Margarita, that's ideal for the summer months and allows the tequila to really shine, try Tommy's Margarita. Who is Tommy you ask? Well, it's actually the name of a self-proclaimed premier tequila bar in San Francisco. Tommy's Margarita adds a Mexican twist by replacing the Triple Sec with agave syrup for an extra sweet kick.
2. Cosmopolitan
Made popular in the 90s thanks to the hit TV show Sex and the City, the deliciously sweet Cosmopolitan definitely deserves its place on our list of the world's most popular co*cktails! Blending vodka, Cointreau and cranberry juice and traditionally served in a martini glass, the Cosmo is the co*cktail of choice for many glamorous individuals.
Created by The Martini Queen of South Beach, Cheryl Cook, in the 1980s, the Cosmo was designed to be aesthetically pleasing to appeal to more women. This modern, classic co*cktail is incredibly popular around the world and can be easily adapted by adding a splash of champagne to make it even more glitzy.
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3. Daiquiri
When you think of a Daiquiri you may think of clear blue skies over sandy Cuban beaches. While it may seem like it's a co*cktail that's best-suited for a tropical holiday, the Daiquiri is actually the most-ordered rum co*cktail in pubs and bars across the globe.
This classic, popular co*cktail, which remains a Cuban speciality, combines just 3 very simple ingredients, rum, citrus juice and sugar for the fresh flavour we all enjoy. Typically garnished with a lime slice too, the Daiquiri is one of the most well-balanced co*cktails around.
4. Gimlet
The Gimlet is a simple co*cktail combining gin and lime to create an ultra-refreshing drink that has stood the test of time and become one of the most popular co*cktails around. With its sharp kick, the Gimlet has an unmistakable flavour that's ideal for sipping on during those warm summer evenings
As the legend goes, this classic co*cktail was created in the late 18th century by Surgeon Admiral Sir Thomas Gimlette of the Royal Navy who added lime cordial to his sailors’ daily dose of gin to keep scurvy at bay. While it may not have the most glamourous of backgrounds, the Gimlet has long been adopted as one of the most sophisticated drinks to order.
5. Manhattan
The classic Manhattan co*cktail has survived countless trends, outlasted prohibition and is now known as one of the greatest co*cktails ever made. I think we can all agree it definitely deserves its spot amongst the world's most popular co*cktails! Made with whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters the Manhattan is the perfect after-dinner tipple.
First mixed in 1870 at the Manhattan Club (who would've guessed?) by Jennie Jerome, the mother of Winston Churchill, the co*cktail was a huge hit and has remained just as popular ever since. It's now widely available in bars, cafes and restaurants all over the world and is very highly regarded by both bartenders and patrons alike.
6. Negroni
A staple on many menus and an Italian classic, the Negroni is punchy, bittersweet and the ideal dinnertime aperitivo. Although many Italians will say that it's appropriate to drink any time of day!
Combining equal parts of gin, vermouth and Campari, the Negroni is an iconic co*cktail that will always be in style! Poured over ice and with a slice of orange to garnish, it's easy to see why it's one of the most popular co*cktails not only in Italy, but around the world.
7. Old Fashioned
With an air of class and sophistication, the Old Fashioned co*cktail is a classic that remains just as popular now as it did over 200 years ago. Mixing Bourbon Whiskey, bitters, sugar and a dash of water led to this dark and delicious co*cktail.
The origins of this classic co*cktail are a little foggy, with so many people claiming they created it it's difficult to trust anyone! The most common story is that it was invented in the late 1800s. This was when new liqueurs became available to bartenders, resulting in new and improved whiskey co*cktails. But, many bar-goers simply ordered a co*cktail 'the old fashioned way'. Even today the Old Fashioned has been the number one selling co*cktail in many bars. You just can't beat a classic!
8. Espresso Martini
A mixology classic, the Espresso Martini is the caffeinated co*cktail of choice for coffee lovers everywhere. Combining vodka and coffee liqueur for a rich, robust and distinct flavour, this sophisticated co*cktail will remain the stuff of myth and legend for years to come.
The Espresso Martini was created by a bartender named Dick Bradsell who was well-known for reviving the co*cktail scene in London. At either Fred’s Club or the Soho Brasserie (depending on who you ask) in the 1980s, a model asked Bradsell to make her a drink that would wake her up and give her a good time. Bradsell mixed vodka with espresso from the bar’s coffee machine and named it the Vodka Espresso. Since then, the co*cktail has undergone many name changes, but the ionic combination has remained the same.
9. Passionfruit Martini
Named as the UK's favourite drink, the Passion Fruit Martini has become the go-to tipple for many. This modern-classic popular co*cktail is made with vanilla vodka, fresh passion fruit, passion fruit liqueur and lime juice. It's also served with a shot of champagne or prosecco on the side to pour over the passion fruit to release all the wonderful flavours.
Created in London by the owner of the LAB bar, the Passion Fruit Martini was an instant hit and became the ultimate party drink. Stylish, fun and indulgent, this co*cktail evokes confidence in those who drink it and looks amazing in the classic martini style glass. We're certain the Passion Fruit Martini will remain highly popular for decades.
10. Mimosa
Over the last few years, the humble Mimosa has soared in popularity! Traditionally served in a champagne flute at brunch, weddings or in first class on some airlines, the Mimosa combines just two ingredients, champagne and chilled orange juice.
Invented by Frank Meier in 1925, the Mimosa was first served at The Ritz Hotel in Paris. Eventually, it was picked up by the British and was loved so much by the royal family that it took the rest of the world by storm. Nowadays, both American and European brunches are incomplete without a Mimosa. The co*cktail is so popular there is even a National Mimosa Day to celebrate it (May 16th if you were wondering).
Want to indulge in a delightfully refreshing Italian co*cktail? Read our article on the 3 best Campari co*cktails that Italy has to offer.
Looking for the perfect co*cktail gift? Whether it’s for your mum, sister, brother, partner or friend, checkout our fantastic selection of co*cktails gifts for her and co*cktail gifts for him that are sure to delight.
