Curious about the best-selling classic cocktails around the globe? Here’s a rundown of the top 50 classics according to Drinks International, based on the votes from the world’s top bars. See which of these timeless drinks you’ve tried and maybe discover a new favorite to add to your home bar.
- White Russian
Popularized by “The Big Lebowski” in the ’90s, this creamy cocktail combines Vodka, Cream, and Coffee Liqueur. While its trendiness may have waned, it remains a beloved choice.
- Bellini
This simple yet elegant drink, created by Giuseppe Cipriani of Harry’s Bar in Venice, blends Prosecco with Peach Purée or Nectar for a refreshing taste of Italy.
- Champagne Cocktail
Made with Sugar, Angostura bitters, Champagne, Brandy, and garnished with a Maraschino Cherry, this classic may feel a bit old-fashioned compared to some newer options.
A comforting mix of Irish Whiskey, Demerara Syrup, hot brewed Coffee, and lightly whipped Cream, the Irish Coffee remains a staple for a cozy pick-me-up.
This drink features Sherry, Dry Vermouth, Angostura Bitters, and Orange Bitters. Its inclusion on the list reflects a renewed interest in sherry-based cocktails.
- Gin Gin Mule
A gin twist on the Moscow Mule, this cocktail combines Gin, Ginger Beer, fresh Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, and a Mint Sprig for a refreshing, zesty experience.
Known for its potent mix of Vodka, Tequila, Light Rum, Triple Sec, Gin, and a splash of Cola, the Long Island Iced Tea has surged five places in popularity.
- Vesper
Named after the character Vesper Lynd in Ian Fleming’s “Casino Royale,” this martini blends Vodka and Gin for a sophisticated, powerful drink.
Brazil’s national cocktail, made with cachaça, sugar, and lime, has climbed two places, likely due to the increasing availability of cachaça worldwide.
Once a favorite, this Gin, Lemon Juice, Sugar, and Soda Water cocktail has slipped 16 places, perhaps overshadowed by newer trends.
- Painkiller
A tropical delight from the British Virgin Islands, this cocktail mixes Pineapple Juice, Orange Juice, Cream of Coconut, and Pusser’s Rum for a fruity, creamy treat.
- Bee’s Knees
A Prohibition-era classic, the Bee’s Knees combines Gin, Lemon Juice, and Honey for a smooth, slightly sweet drink that’s as comforting as it is classic.
- Ramos Gin Fizz
This New Orleans favorite, with its nine ingredients including Gin, Lemon Juice, Lime Juice, and Egg White, is both creamy and effervescent.
- Bramble
Created in the ’80s, the Bramble features dry Gin, Lemon Juice, Sugar Syrup, Crème De Mure, and a slice of lemon, but has fallen four places this year.
- Vodka Martini
Bond’s drink of choice, made with Vodka and dry vermouth, has dropped 15 places but remains a classic symbol of elegance and sophistication.
- Hanky Punky
A 1920s creation, the Hanky Punky blends Whiskey, Fernet-Branco, Simple Syrup, fresh Lime Juice, and Mint leaves for a distinctive, refreshing cocktail.
- Jungle Bird
This 1970s tropical cocktail, with Rum, Campari, Lime Juice, Pineapple Juice, and Sugar, has jumped ten spots, reflecting its enduring appeal.
- White Lady
Dating back to the 1920s, the White Lady combines Gin, Triple Sec, Lemon Juice, and a dash of Egg White for a smooth, citrusy classic.
A popular choice for Tequila lovers, the Paloma mixes Tequila with Grapefruit Soda and lime for a crisp, refreshing drink.
- Cosmopolitan
Famed for its association with “Sex and the City,” the Cosmopolitan blends Vodka, Triple Sec, Cranberry Juice, and fresh Lime Juice, though it’s dropped five places this year.
- Sidecar
A classic cocktail featuring Brandy, Orange Liqueur, and Lemon Juice, the Sidecar is a sophisticated choice that has maintained its popularity.
A sparkling alternative to the Tom Collins, the French 75 combines Gin, Lemon Juice, and Sugar, topped with Champagne for a bubbly twist.
- Vieux Carre
Created in 1938 by Walter Bergeron, this New Orleans classic features Whiskey, Cognac, Sweet Vermouth, Benedictine, and bitters for a complex, rich flavor.
- Aviation
Known for its beautiful lavender hue from Crème de Violette, the Aviation has lost some altitude but remains a charming classic with Gin, Lemon Juice, and Maraschino Liqueur.
- Piña Colada
A tropical favorite, the Piña Colada blends Rum, Coconut Milk, and Pineapple Juice for a creamy, sweet escape to paradise.
- Amaretto Sour
This sweet and tangy cocktail combines Amaretto, Lemon Juice, and Egg Whites, garnished with cherries for a timeless favorite.
- Pisco Sour
A Peruvian classic from the 1920s, the Pisco Sour blends Pisco with Simple Syrup, Lime Juice, Egg Whites, and a dash of Angostura Bitters.
- Americano
An Italian classic that has risen 15 places this year, the Americano combines Campari, Vermouth, and Soda Water, and even made a cameo in “Casino Royale.”
- Gimlet
Often compared to a gin-based Daiquiri, the Gimlet features Gin, Lime Juice, and Sugar Syrup, delivering a straightforward and refreshing cocktail.
- Mai Tai
A tropical staple, the Mai Tai combines Rum, Lime Juice, and Orange Liqueur, celebrated for its vibrant, fruity flavors and tiki heritage.
- Boulevardier
Often described as the Negroni’s American cousin, the Boulevardier mixes Bourbon or Rye, Campari, and Sweet Vermouth, garnished with an orange peel.
This cocktail has surged up 23 places and features Gin, Lemon Juice, Raspberry Syrup, and an Egg White, offering a delightful balance of flavors.
- Gin Fizz
Not to be confused with the Ramos Gin Fizz, the Gin Fizz is a simpler mix of Gin, Lemon Juice, and Sugar, topped with Soda Water for a refreshing fizz.
- Dark ‘N’ Stormy
A simple yet iconic cocktail, the Dark ‘N’ Stormy blends Dark Rum with Ginger Beer and is best made with Goslings Black Seal Rum.
- Corpse Reviver
The Corpse Reviver comes in several variations, with the second iteration featuring Gin, Lemon Juice, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, and a dash of absinthe.
- Rum Old Fashioned
A twist on the classic Old Fashioned, this version uses Aged Rum, Angostura Bitters, Water, Sugar, and an Orange peel for a rich, flavorful drink.
A medicinal mix created by Sam Ross, the Penicillin blends Scotch Whisky, Lemon Juice, Honey Syrup, fresh Ginger, and single-malt Scotch.
- Bloody Mary
A brunch favorite and potential hangover cure, the Bloody Mary combines Vodka with Tomato Juice and a blend of spices for a savory, satisfying drink.
- Mojito
Still popular, the Mojito combines White Rum, Sugar, Lime Juice, Soda Water, and Mint, though it has slipped two places this year.
- Sazerac
This New Orleans classic features Absinthe, a sugar cube, Rye Whiskey or Cognac, and Peychaud’s Bitters, offering a complex and aromatic experience.
- Moscow Mule
Served in a distinctive copper mug, the Moscow Mule mixes Vodka, Ginger Beer, and Lime Juice, garnished with a Lime wedge and Mint leaves for a refreshing kick.
- Aperol Spritz
Aperol Spritz, a popular pre-dinner drink, blends Aperol with Prosecco and a splash of Soda, retaining its charm and rising to the top 10 for the first time.
- Margarita
As the most popular classic Tequila cocktail, the Margarita combines Tequila, Orange Liqueur, and Lime Juice, traditionally served with a salted rim.
- Espresso Martini
A coffee lover’s dream, the Espresso Martini mixes Vodka, Espresso, Coffee Liqueur, and Sugar Syrup, showing a rise in popularity this year.
- Dry Martini
A timeless classic, the Dry Martini combines Gin with a touch of Dry Vermouth. Though down two spots, it remains a symbol of sophistication.
- Manhattan
This classic cocktail, with its blend of Bourbon or Rye, Sweet Vermouth, and Angostura Bitters, continues to be a refined choice for cocktail enthusiasts.
The Daiquiri, a popular Rum-based cocktail, combines White Rum, Simple Syrup, and Lime Juice, and remains a favorite with its countless variations.
Consistently popular, the Whiskey Sour combines Whiskey, Lemon Juice, Sugar, and optionally, Egg White, making it a reliable choice for classic cocktail lovers.
Staying strong in second place, the Negroni is a bold mix of Gin, Vermouth Rosso, and Campari, celebrated for its complex, bittersweet flavor.
The reigning champion, the Old Fashioned, combines Sugar, Angostura Bitters, Bourbon or Rye, Water, and a twist of Orange rind. Its enduring popularity confirms its status as the world’s top classic cocktail.
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