The Ultimate Guide to the Top 50 Cocktails: Recipes & History

Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just beginning your journey into the world of craft cocktails, having a solid repertoire of classic and contemporary drinks is essential. From the timeless Old Fashioned to the trendy Espresso Martini, this definitive guide explores the top 50 cocktails that have captured the hearts and palates of drink enthusiasts worldwide.

Each cocktail on this list has earned its place through a combination of historical significance, popularity in bars around the globe, and sheer deliciousness. We’ve included the fascinating stories behind these iconic drinks along with detailed recipes so you can recreate these libations in the comfort of your own home.

Classic Cocktails That Stand the Test of Time

1. Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is considered the original cocktail, dating back to the early 1800s. This timeless classic combines whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a touch of water, garnished with an orange peel and sometimes a cherry. The simplicity of the Old Fashioned is what makes it truly special – allowing the quality of the whiskey to shine through while being enhanced by just a few complementary ingredients.

2. Negroni

Equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, the Negroni is the perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and strong. This vibrant red Italian cocktail was reportedly invented in Florence around 1919 when Count Camillo Negroni asked his bartender to strengthen his favorite cocktail, the Americano, by replacing the soda water with gin. The result was a perfectly balanced, sophisticated cocktail that remains incredibly popular over a century later.

3. Daiquiri

Despite its association with frozen, fruity vacation drinks, the classic Daiquiri is actually a simple, elegant cocktail made with just three ingredients: white rum, fresh lime juice, and sugar. Created in Cuba in the late 19th century, this refreshing cocktail showcases how perfect simplicity can be when quality ingredients are used. The Daiquiri was famously a favorite of writer Ernest Hemingway during his time in Cuba.

4. Dry Martini

Few cocktails are as iconic as the Martini. This elegant combination of gin and dry vermouth, garnished with an olive or lemon twist, has become synonymous with sophistication. The perfect Martini is stirred, not shaken (despite James Bond’s preference), and the ratio of gin to vermouth has been the subject of debate among cocktail enthusiasts for decades. Some prefer it very dry with just a whisper of vermouth, while others enjoy a more balanced approach.

5. Margarita

The Margarita is the world’s most popular tequila-based cocktail, combining the spirit with lime juice and orange liqueur. Traditionally served in a salt-rimmed glass, this refreshing cocktail perfectly balances sweet, sour, and savory elements. While its exact origins are disputed, the Margarita likely emerged in Mexico during the 1930s or 1940s and has since become a global favorite.

Modern Classics That Define Contemporary Mixology

6. Espresso Martini

Created in the 1980s by legendary bartender Dick Bradsell, the Espresso Martini was reportedly made for a model who asked for something that would “wake me up and then f**k me up.” This caffeinated cocktail combines vodka, coffee liqueur, and freshly brewed espresso for a sophisticated pick-me-up that’s perfect as an after-dinner drink or to kick-start your evening.

7. Whiskey Sour

The Whiskey Sour is a perfect example of a balanced cocktail, combining whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and sugar. Often topped with a float of red wine (then called a New York Sour) or finished with egg white for a silky texture, this versatile cocktail dates back to the 1870s. The combination of sour citrus, sweet sugar, and strong whiskey creates a harmonious blend that has made it a perennial favorite.

8. Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule was invented in 1941 as a clever marketing ploy to sell vodka, ginger beer, and copper mugs. This refreshing combination of vodka, spicy ginger beer, and lime juice, served in a signature copper mug, became an instant hit and helped popularize vodka in America. The copper mug isn’t just for show – it keeps the drink colder longer and some say it enhances the flavors.

Rum-Based Tropical Favorites

19. Mai Tai

The Mai Tai is one of the most famous tiki cocktails in the world, made with rum, orange curaçao, orgeat (almond syrup), and lime juice. This cocktail was created in the San Francisco Bay Area, although there are competing stories about its origin. Both Victor J. Bergeron (Trader Vic) and Donn Beach claim to have invented the Mai Tai. Regardless of who deserves the credit, this tropical drink truly captures the essence of paradise in a glass.

Bay Breeze

With its Hawaiian origins, the Bay Breeze offers a refreshing tropical escape in cocktail form. This elegant layered drink combines vodka and cranberry juice as its base, with the addition of pineapple juice and sugar. Sometimes referred to as Downeaster, Hawaiian Sea Breeze, or Paul Joseph, it’s the perfect cocktail for warm summer evenings or when you need a virtual vacation.

Caribbean Rum Punch

A staple at beach parties and tropical celebrations, Caribbean Rum Punch combines dark rum with a medley of fruit juices, typically including orange, pineapple, and lime, along with grenadine for sweetness and color. The traditional recipe follows the rhyme: “One of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, four of weak,” referring to the proportions of lime juice, sugar, rum, and water or juice.

Whiskey and Bourbon Cocktails

18. Boulevardier

The Boulevardier is essentially a whiskey variation of the classic Negroni, substituting bourbon or rye whiskey for gin while keeping the Campari and sweet vermouth. This sophisticated cocktail originated at a bar in Paris during the 1920s and gained popularity thanks to the book “Barflies and Cocktails.” Its creation is credited to Erskine Gwynne, the founder of Boulevardier, a magazine for American expatriates living in Paris during the Prohibition era.

20. Sazerac

Considered by many to be America’s oldest cocktail, the Sazerac originated in New Orleans in the mid-19th century. Originally made with cognac, the recipe evolved to use rye whiskey after phylloxera devastated French vineyards. This potent cocktail combines rye whiskey, sugar, Peychaud’s bitters, and a touch of absinthe (or Herbsaint) in a chilled, absinthe-rinsed glass. The Sazerac was officially named the official cocktail of New Orleans in 2008.

Manhattan

Dating back to the 1870s, the Manhattan is one of the most distinguished whiskey cocktails. Made with whiskey (traditionally rye), sweet vermouth, and bitters, this sophisticated cocktail is typically garnished with a brandied cherry. Legend has it that the drink was created at the Manhattan Club in New York City for a banquet hosted by Lady Randolph Churchill, Winston Churchill’s mother.

Gin-Based Delights

35. Aviation

This pre-Prohibition favorite disappeared from bar menus in the 1960s when one of its key ingredients, crème de violette, became unavailable in the United States. Thankfully, in the early 2000s, a Minneapolis importer began bringing crème de violette from Austria, allowing this beautiful sky-blue cocktail to make its comeback. The traditional Aviation combines gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and lemon juice, creating a perfectly balanced, slightly floral cocktail with a distinctive hue reminiscent of the sky.

Tom Collins

Often described as a sparkling gin lemonade, the Tom Collins is a refreshing highball cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water. This classic drink dates back to the 1870s and was named after a widespread practical joke of the time known as the “Tom Collins Hoax.” The drink’s simple, refreshing nature makes it perfect for warm weather sipping.

Brandy and Cognac Cocktails

34. Sidecar

A descendant of the Brandy Crusta, the Sidecar is one of the most famous Cognac cocktails. It’s believed to have been invented around World War I, as it appeared in cocktail books from that era. This sophisticated drink combines Cognac, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice, often served in a glass with a sugared rim. The sweet rim is optional but adds a pleasant contrast to the otherwise dry cocktail. The name supposedly comes from an American army captain who arrived at his favorite Paris bar in the sidecar of a motorcycle.

Brandy Alexander

This creamy, indulgent cocktail combines brandy with dark crème de cacao and cream. Created in the early 20th century, the Brandy Alexander became particularly popular during the Prohibition era when quality spirits were hard to come by and creamy, sweet drinks helped mask the flavor of inferior alcohol. Today, it’s enjoyed as a sophisticated dessert cocktail with notes of chocolate and vanilla complementing the brandy.

Coffee and Cream Cocktails

36. Irish Coffee

The perfect blend of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and topped with a layer of lightly whipped cream, Irish Coffee is both a cocktail and a pick-me-up. The drink was invented in the 1940s by Joe Sheridan, a chef at Foynes Port near Limerick, Ireland, who created it to warm up passengers on a delayed winter flight. The drink became internationally famous after travel writer Stanton Delaplane brought it to the United States in 1952.

Grasshopper

A vibrant green, mint-chocolate delight, the Grasshopper combines crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and cream. This sweet, dessert-like cocktail was reportedly created in 1918 at Tujague’s, the second-oldest restaurant in New Orleans. The Grasshopper gained particular popularity during the 1950s and 1960s when sweet, creamy cocktails were all the rage.

Summer Refreshers

The Real Mojito

This Cuban classic combines white rum, fresh lime juice, mint leaves, sugar, and soda water for a refreshing, herbaceous cocktail. The Mojito’s origins date back to the 16th century when the early version was consumed for medicinal purposes. Today, it’s one of the most popular summer cocktails worldwide, offering the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and minty freshness.

Watermelon Margarita

A seasonal twist on the classic Margarita, this refreshing variation incorporates fresh watermelon juice along with the traditional tequila, lime, and orange liqueur. The natural sweetness of the watermelon reduces the need for additional sugar, making it a somewhat lighter option. Served with a salt or tajin rim, this vibrant pink cocktail captures the essence of summer.

Watermelon Sangria

This fruity, wine-based punch combines the refreshing qualities of watermelon with the traditional elements of sangria. White wine serves as the base, mixed with watermelon juice, fresh watermelon chunks, and often other summer fruits like berries or citrus. A splash of vodka or white rum can be added for extra kick, while a hint of mint brings freshness to this perfect summer party beverage.

FAQs About Cocktail Making

Q: What basic equipment do I need to start making cocktails at home?

A: To begin your home bartending journey, you’ll need a few essential tools: a cocktail shaker, a jigger for measuring, a bar spoon for stirring, a strainer, and a quality knife for cutting garnishes. As you advance, you might want to add a muddler, mixing glass, and different types of glassware to your collection.

Q: How important is the quality of ingredients in cocktails?

A: The quality of ingredients is crucial in cocktail making. Using fresh juices rather than pre-packaged ones, quality spirits, and proper sweeteners makes a significant difference in the final taste. Remember that cocktails typically have few ingredients, so each component’s quality is noticeable.

Q: Should cocktails be shaken or stirred?

A: It depends on the cocktail. As a general rule, cocktails containing fruit juices, dairy, egg whites, or other non-alcoholic mixers should be shaken to properly incorporate these ingredients and create the right texture. Cocktails made entirely with alcoholic ingredients (like a Manhattan or Martini) should be stirred to achieve clarity and the proper dilution without over-aerating the drink.

Q: What’s the difference between a cocktail and a mixed drink?

A: Technically, a cocktail traditionally referred to a specific type of mixed drink containing spirits, sugar, water, and bitters. However, the term has evolved to encompass virtually any alcoholic mixed drink. Some purists might say that a proper cocktail must be balanced and crafted with care, while a mixed drink might be any combination of alcohol and mixer.

Q: How can I create balanced cocktails?

A: The key to a balanced cocktail is understanding the interplay between sweet, sour, strong, and weak elements. Most classic cocktails follow patterns that balance these elements. Start with established recipes to understand these ratios, then experiment by substituting similar ingredients while maintaining the same proportions.

Author

Anjali Sayee

 

Anjali is an Associate Editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience specializing in hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She has authored over 300 articles and offers expert advice on hair styling techniques, effective skin care routines, and tips for maintaining healthy hair and skin.

Read full bio of Anjali Sayee