Top Cocktails

Cocktails with the highest average score

Not too sweet, not too sour - just super pleasant. Worth the extra effort to make.

Turn the classic on its head for your Derby party! Finally a julep to enjoy any time, instead of enduring for the yearly Run For The Roses. Mysterious/notorious components for conversation starters.

Strong, sophisticated, perfect for sipping.

Great and refreshing drink for parties

Light and refreshing

A beautiful balance of sweet, sour and bitter. Easy to prepare. The Amaretto is sweet enough to not need any added sugar. Wow!

This cocktail is strong yet nice to taste.

Rum and ginger is a marriage made in heaven!

Sounds like a dream come true. Another of my pre dinner cocktail.

Sweet, peachy, and refreshing

Cocktails with the most page views

Sexy Alligator (380962 views)

A refreshing shooter that is 'UGLY' to look at but tastes a treat.

Several variations of this very popular drink exist. This is my favorite.

A popular but strong drink from the Philippines.

A delicious and very nice-looking drink from Hawaii.

The zombie is popular among young crowds. It's delicious and packs a very strong alcoholic content. This drink is dangerous, after 2 of them you'll likely walk like a zombie.

A more potent orgasm.

The genuine recipe invented in the Long Bar of the Raffles Hotel in Singapore

Short for Adios Mother Fucker. A very potent cousin of the Long Island Ice Tea

A refreshing tropical drink

Or 'Long Island Iced Tea' : A very popular long drink.

Cocktails with the most votes

Mojito 8.8/10 (76 votes)

The official Cuban drink. Excellent and refreshing!

One of the most beautiful cocktails!

Several variations of this very popular drink exist. This is my favorite.

A famous derivative of the Black Russian cocktail. The favored beverage of "The Dude" character in The Big Lebowski!

Saltiness, sweetness and sharpness all at once. A sweetened version of one of the most classic cocktails.

Or 'Long Island Iced Tea' : A very popular long drink.

The original and true Margarita recipe. The orange liqueur it contains being the only sweeteness it needs.

A Girly Martini for Sex in the City fans

Some would call the Manhattan the most classic cocktail, or the King of Cocktails.

10 Classic Cocktails

Meet the timeless standards of the cocktail playbook. Mix up these classic adult beverages for your next party or home happy hour.

1) Martini (Gin, vermouth)

Sometimes made with vodka, this is a classic, clear, and very strong cocktail. Serve chilled in (you guessed it) a martini glass.

Classic Martini with Olive | Photo by Meredith

2) Manhattan (Rye whiskey, vermouth)

Similar to the martini, but with a touch of sweetness. This 100-year-old cocktail can also be made with bourbon. Serve in a martini glass or a short tumbler--always chilled.

Photo by Meredith

3) Bloody Mary (Vodka)

Usually served at breakfast or brunch, the Bloody Mary is easy to customize depending on how strong you like your drinks--and how much spice you can handle. Serve over ice in a tall glass with the vegetable garnish of your choice.

Photo by Meredith

4) Margarita (Tequila, triple sec)

A sweet party drink that's easy to make in batches. Blend in some fruit for extra flavor. You can serve in special rounded margarita glasses or whatever's handy (serving in a mason jar is increasingly popular).

Photo by Meredith

5) Old Fashioned (Whiskey)

A sweet, sophisticated cocktail that's simple to make and goes down smooth. Serve over ice in a short tumbler (also known as an Old Fashioned glass).

Photo by Meredith

6) Mojito (White rum)

A refreshing Cuban classic made with fresh mint. Sweet and fruity on hot summer days. Serve over ice in a tall glass.

Photo by Meredith

7) Daiquiri (Rum)

An easy, sweet, and slushy blender drink. Serve in a chilled martini or margarita glass.

Photo by Meredith

8) Gin and Tonic

The good 'ol G&T is a dead-simple summer drink, and a good reason to stay stocked up on fresh limes. Serve over ice in a short tumbler.

Photo by Meredith

9) Screwdriver (Vodka)

Also called vodka and orange juice, because that's all it is! Easy to make as weak or as strong as you like. Typically served at breakfast or brunch in a tall glass over ice.

Photo by Meredith

10) Gimlet (Gin)

A classy Gin and sweetened lime juice (Rose's is the most common brand). Also sometimes made with vodka. Serve in a martini glass or short tumbler.

Photo by Meredith

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The Top 10 Cocktails of 2015, According to Google

Find out what drinks people were searching for in 2015.

In terms of cocktails, this year was all about retro. Bartenders gave the sticky-sweet neon-colored cocktails of the 1980s a makeover, new tiki bars popped up across the country and slushie machines regained their status as essential equipment. Google’s just-released list of the top ten trending cocktails proves that the retro drink movement isn’t just happening behind the bar. The home bartender is also getting in on the kitsch. Here, the full list of drinks along with the best ways to make them.

Easy to make for a crowd and decidedly delicious, sangria tops the list of trending cocktails. This fruity red version is as classic as it gets, while this recipe made with white wine gets a tropical twist from mango and mint.

Celebrate summer, America and all the delicious food our great country has to offer. Get festive for America's birthday this year with red sangria, a firecracker salsa, color-coded hors d'oeuvres and much more.

One of the world’s greatest two-ingredient cocktails, the Moscow Mule is a simple mix of vodka and ginger beer. Purists know to drink it out of a chilled copper mug.

If you can squeeze a lime, then you can make a Gimlet. Try this sweet-tart recipe with vodka or the more traditional gin.

Invented in the 1980s in Miami Beach, the Cosmo can be delicious when made with fresh ingredients rather than a sticky-sweet mix. Try this recipe made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and fresh lime juice.

The extra-potent cocktail is a favorite amongst neophyte drinkers. While it certainly has its place (a trashy bar during spring break), we don’t recommend making it at home. Instead, try this equally boozy but more refined, coffee-flavored riff on the drink.

Margaritas will never go out of style. This classic recipe is perfectly balanced between boozy, citrusy and sweet.

A great Mojito can transport you to the tropics no matter where you are. Try this terrifically minty, rummy recipe.

A hazy, light-purple-hued cocktail, the Aviation gets its floral flavor and gorgeous color from violet liqueur. It’s one of the best reasons to keep a bottle of maraschino liqueur in the house.

We don’t recommend you drink this cocktail. You can do better than the way too sweet mix of vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice and cranberry. Instead, satisfy your cravings with a Peach Donkey, a spritzy cocktail made with vodka, ginger liqueur, peach puree and ginger beer.

These days, a Daiquiri can mean a slushy, frozen, fruity concoction, but we prefer the classic mix of rum, fresh lime juice and simple syrup shaken and served up.

10 Classic Cocktails You Must Try

An Introduction to the Finest Cocktails of All Time

Some of the best cocktails were created over a century ago. These are the timeless favorites that have tantalized and whetted the palates of generations of drinkers. Remember that Martini you enjoyed last night? Imagine a younger version of your grandma sitting down and enjoying that exact same drink!

Sure, the modern cocktail scene is filled with great drinks that will astound and amaze the most refined palates. These classic cocktails, however, have stood up to the tests of time, survived . MORE Prohibition and seen amazing changes in the booze that is poured into them.

For very good reasons, we keep going back to them. They are simply great drinks!

A Foundation for Great Cocktails

While only 10 of the best drinks have been chosen, this is only a beginning. There are many more classic recipes that deserve to be on this list , we just have to start somewhere. If by chance, you have yet to dive into the classic cocktail scene, these will give you a taste of what to expect.

Follow the recipes in their traditional form, then experiment and tweak them to your own liking. Drinks are not a one-size-fits-all experience and these are simply a foundation that you can use to build a true appreciation for everything the cocktail scene has to offer.

The Martini is often the first cocktail many people think of when it comes to "fancy" drinks. While many 'up' drinks are typically referred to as 'martinis' and come in every color and flavor imaginable, there is only one original.

The true Dry Martini is simply comprised of gin and dry vermouth. It often comes with a dash of bitters and either an olive or lemon twist garnish. It is that simple!

There are many variations on this simple drink, including a Dirty Martini and Vo . MORE dka Martini . Of course, there is also that matter of how 'dry' you want your Martini, which is up to your personal preference.

What the Martini is to gin, the Manhattan is to whiskey. It is that simple, but is it really? Whiskey is complicated and you can only imagine how many different whiskeys have been poured into a Manhattan over the years.

Traditionally, it would have been rye whiskey. That fell out of favor (and production) for a large part of the 20th Century, so Canadian whiskey found its way into many Manhattans. When bourbon got a boost in the last half of the century, it became the go-to whiskey. Now that . MORE rye's back, many fans are rediscovering the original Manhattan. (Like I said, it's complicated!)

Beyond the base spirit, the Martini's dry vermouth is swapped out for sweet vermouth and a cherry is a customary garnish for a Manhattan. When you can make one of these first two drinks well you should have no problem making the other.

Again, the Manhattan can be made to order depending on your preference and it is a staple cocktail for tasting new whiskeys .

The Old-fashioned is another cocktail that is very simple and a great way to experience different whiskeys. Consider this an essential to completing a well-rounded cocktail repertoire.

This cocktail will also introduce you to the bartending technique of muddling because this cocktail is more about the process than the ingredients. You begin by muddling sugar, bitters and a slice of orange, then add ice and bourbon and stir the mix.

While some people prefer finishing the Old-fashioned with club . MORE soda, traditionalists skip that touch. Think of this more as a way to dress up whiskey rather than building a mixed drink.

One of the great things about the Old-fashioned is that the fruits and spirit are open to adaptation. Just follow the basic formula and have fun with it!

The Brandy Cocktail in this list because it is a good example of the "original" cocktails. The Balance and Columbian Repository of 1806 defined a cocktail as ". a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters."

Back in the early days of the bar, you would order a "cocktail" by spirits such as a Brandy Cocktail, Whiskey Cocktail or Gin Cocktail. The basic formula for these was: spirit, orange liqueur, bitters.

The orange liqueur would be the . MORE 'sugar' element and shake or stir with ice would add the 'water'. It is a nice introduction to the most classic of all cocktails and a fine way to enjoy any high-end liquor.

Everyone has heard of the Margarita and, like the Martini, it now comes in every color and flavor imaginable.

The classic recipe is far simpler than many of its modern counterparts and there is no blender needed. Some drinkers (myself included) would even say that it is the best 'margarita' you will ever have!

The traditional Margarita is served up and made simply of tequila, triple sec, and lime juice. That's it!

Why do I include it here when you've likely already had a Margarita? . MORE To encourage everyone to make one from scratch! This cocktail is one of the most abused drinks out there and I cringe every time I see one of those bottles of "margarita mix" walking out the liquor store.

If you really want to appreciate tequila in a really great drink, then take a moment to enjoy the ultimate Margarita experience!

You will also find that the original Daiquiri has been dealt a similar fate and I encourage you to revisit this classic as well.

More simple tequila cocktails to try:

The Sazerac may not be for everyone for the simple fact that it includes absinthe that adds an underlying anise flavor (though it is minimal). Despite this fact, I encourage everyone to try a Sazerac at least once in their drinking life.

The best Sazerac experiences happen when the drink finds that perfect balance between a great rye whiskey and absinthe. The absinthe is only used to rinse the glass, so it is not overwhelming.

Beyond that aspect, the Sazerac is made in a very similar manner to the . MORE Old-fashioned . A sugar cube is saturated with bitters, smashed, then the whiskey is stirred in and the drink is strained into the rinsed glass.

It is a very simple drink and has the potential to be the best cocktail you have ever had. The Sazerac is also one of the famous cocktails of New Orleans and in 2008 the Sazerac became the official cocktail of the city.

The fizz is a popular style of drink that began back in the "Golden Age" of cocktails and the New Orleans Fizz (aka Ramos Gin Fizz) is one of the most popular.

A favorite of the "Big Easy," this drink was once so popular that during the 1915 Mardi Gras celebration, 35 shaker boys worked at one time to fill orders at the creator's bar.

The New Orleans Fizz is a great introduction to the qualities that shaking eggs bring to cocktails. It creates a rich, creamy, frothy drink that . MORE is simply delicious. The key to a great fizz cocktail is to shake until it hurts!

Ahh, the Mint Julep. It is the drink of the Kentucky Derby and one of the best-known bourbon cocktails made ever created.

Like the Old-fashioned, this drink requires muddling and in this case, you will muddle mint and simple syrup. Once the essence of the mint has been release, fill the glass with crushed ice and add your favorite bourbon.

It is simple, delightful and refreshing. Once you get the hang of working the muddler and lightly bruising the mint, you will find the Mint Julep to be one of . MORE the easiest drinks to make. It's no wonder it has remained a favorite for years!

How long has the Mint Julep been around? A recent finding by cocktail historian, David Wondrich, points to the American Revolution. All of the details are in the second edition of his book, Imbibe! and this revelation may just make the Julep the oldest cocktail!

The early bar had a series of cocktails that came to be known as 'corpse revivers.' These were designed by crafty barmen to help their ailing patrons come back to life after a night of too much revelry.

A number of those original recipes are long gone and forgotten, but a few have held out through the years. The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is now the most popular of this classic lot of drinks.

If you are looking for a complex, truly elegant gin cocktail, then this is it! The mix includes an . MORE aromatized wine (Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano) with lime juice and orange liqueur. Even absinthe makes a brief appearance here.

When the Corpse Reviver No. 2 is carefully crafted, it is a thing of beauty and a drink that you will not forget anytime soon!

If you browse any number of classic bartending guides, you will notice that sour drinks were very popular back in the day. These were simple mixes that found that perfect balance of sweet and sour.

The list of tours is endless and includes favorites like the Sidecar and Whiskey Sour along with those Margaritas and Daiquiris discussed above.

One of the best sours that are often overlooked takes on the suggestive name of Between the Sheets (or Maiden's Prayer). She certainly is a sexy little . MORE drink!

The recipe is extremely easy and showcases the close relationship that brandy and rum had in many classic drinks . Quite simply, you will pour equal amounts of brandy, rum, and triple sec, add a little lemon juice, shake it up and you're done!

You may have noticed that there is not a single vodka cocktail in this list and there is a very good reason for that.

The bar grew up in America and early bartenders did not use vodka like we do today. In fact, many of them probably did not use or had even heard of it. Vodka did not become a hit in America until the 1930's and 40's when drinks like the White Russian and Moscow Mule hit the bar scene. Even then, vodka didn't become really popular for a few decades.

Brandy, gin, rum and whiskey were the base liquors of the original bar. Even tequila was not widely available and the Margarita (dating to around 1938) was not common outside of areas near Mexico unless a tourist brought the idea of the drink home.

10 Most Popular Cocktail Drinks

Another 10 list for special nights. A cocktail is an alcoholic mixed drink that contains two or more ingredients. Generally women prefer cocktails than other alcohol drinks because of easier drinking experience. Still men should know about cocktails if they are into a ‘’little’’ drunk women if you know what i mean. This is list about most popular cocktails around the world. If you are a heavy drinker you should check out 10 Most Popular Alcohol Drinks article. Here is 10 Most Popular Cocktail Drinks …

10 – Kir Royale

Ingredients: Creme de Cassis, Chilled champagne or sparkling wine

Pour 1 Oz of Creme de cassis in the glass
Tilt the glass and fill it with your champagne or sparkling wine
Give it a stir with you bar spoon or any long thin object
If you have a cherry just throw it in your drink.

09 – Caipirinha

Ingredients: 2 Spoons brown sugar ,1 lime cut into six (wedges) ,2 Oz Cachasa ,Juice of half a lime or lemon ,1 Oz Lime Cordial (Rose’s Lime Juice recommended), 8 Ice cubes or crushed ice

Muddle the limes and sugar
Add 2 Oz of Cachasa
Add the fresh lime juice or just squeeze a whole lime inside
Add the lime cordial or simple syrup
Add 8 ice cubes
Shake it hard! 20 times at least
Pour the whole cocktail into your glass or strain over crushed ice and add a fresh lime wedge on top
Drink or serve it, your drink is ready!

08 – Mint Julep

Ingredients: 3 Oz bourbon ,1 Spoon white sugar,Hand full of Mint leaves,4 Drops of bitters ,Splash of club soda,Lime Cordial ,8 Ice cubes or crushed ice

Muddle the mint and sugar, muddle until you actually smell the mint.
Add 3 Oz of Bourbon
Add the Bitters
Stir 10 times
Add 8 ice cubes
Shake it hard! 20 times at least
Strain into the glass full of fresh new ice
Top the drink with club soda
Add 5 fresh new mint leaves on top and serve it, your Perfect Mint Julep is ready to drink!

07 – Long Island Iced Tea

Long Island Iced Tea

Ingredients: 1 Oz Vodka,1 Oz Gin,1 Oz White Rum,1 Oz Silver Tequila ,1 Oz Triple sec,1.5 Oz Sweet and Sour mix,Splash of Coke,8 Ice cubes of ice

Pour the vodka and gin
Add the rum, tequila and triple sec
Add the sweet and sour mix
Add 8 ice cubes
Shake it ! 12 times at least
Fill your highball glass with ice, fill it to the top.Strain the cocktail into your glass
Strain the cocktail into the glass over the ice
Save a little room for the coke, top the drink with it
Drink or serve it, garnish with a lemon wedge

06 – Margarita

Ingredients: 2 Oz Tequila,1 Oz Orange liqueur,Juice of 1 lime or lemon,0.5 Oz of simple syrup or Lime Cordial,8 Ice cubes or crushed ice

Pour all ingredients into the shaker.
Add 8 ice cubes
Add the fresh lime juice or just squeeze a whole lime inside
Shake it hard! 12 times at least
Strain the cocktail into your chilled glass or strain over ice (margarita on the rocks)
Place a lime peel on the rim of the glass or put salt on the rim of the glass. If you want to “salt your rim” check out our cocktail guru tip at the bottom of this page.
Drink or serve it, your Perfect Margarita is ready to drink!

05 – Mimosa

Ingredients: Half a glass of orange juice,Chilled champagne or sparkling wine

Fill half of your glass with orange juice, make sure it’s cold
Tilt the glass and fill it with your champagne or sparkling wine
Give it a stir with you bar spoon or any long thin object

04 – Apple Martini

Ingredients: 1.5 Oz Apple flavored vodka,1 Oz Sour apple liqueur or apple flavored schnapps,Dash Midori,1 Oz Pineapple juice,1 Oz Apple juice,8-10 Ice cubes

Pour the alcohol into your shaker
Add apple and pineapple juice
Add ice
Stir 12 times
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or over fresh ice a tall glass
Drink or serve it, your cocktail is ready to drink!>
Garnish with three apple pieces on a toothpick

03 – Bellini

Ingredients: One third of a glass of peach puree or juice,Two thirds of Chilled champagne or sparkling wine

Muddle a whole peach (or skip this step and just pour peach juice in the the glass)
Tilt the glass and fill it with your champagne or sparkling wine
Give it a stir with you bar spoon or any long thin object

02 – Cosmopolitan

Ingredients: 2 Oz citron vodka ,1 Oz orange liqueur ,1 Oz Cranberry Juice ,Dash of Lime Cordial ,8 Ice cubes or crushed ice ,Lime peel for garnish

Chill the martini glass (click here if you want to know how)
Pour the liqueur and vodka to your shaker
Pour the cranberry and cordial to your shaker
Add the fresh lime juice or just squeeze a half of lime inside
Fill shaker with ice
Add 8 ice cubes
Stir it! 12 times at least
Strain your cocktail into the chilled glass

01 – Mojito

Ingredients: 1 Spoon white sugar ,2 Oz White Rum,Hand full of Mint leaves ,Half of one lime cut into 3 wedges ,Splash of club soda ,1.5 Oz Sweet and Sour Mix ,8 Ice cubes or crushed ice

Muddle the mint, limes and sugar, muddle until you actually smell the mint.
Add 2 Oz of Rum
Add the sweet and sour mix
Add 8 ice cubes
Shake it hard! 20 times at least
Double Strain into the glass full of crushed ice
Top the drink with club soda
Add 5 fresh new mint leaves and a lime wedge on top and serve it, your perfect drink is ready!

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I would also like to add my own favorite list of cocktails drinks that i will love to have at any party.

I really love mojito.. best cocktail ever..

you spelt mohitto wrong

No, they spelt it right. I have NEVER seen it spelt the way you spelt it.

Top 10 Most Popular Cocktails in the World

Many of today’s most popular cocktails are either variations of iconic drinks or based on old-fashioned remedies for sicknesses that we now cure with injections or pills. The recipes might have changed, the liquors have become more refined and yet the enjoyment of a tasty cocktail remains the same.

From the sophisticated Apple Martini to the powerful punch of a Zombie, there are plenty of well-known cocktails available for patrons of any restaurant or bar. The presentation and experience of a fine cocktail defines the moment and even character of the person enjoying the drink. Much like a brand of beer or a label on a fine bottle of wine, ordering a cocktail can say so much more than just a preference in taste.

There will always be the Martini, Screwdriver, Bloody Mary and even the Tom Collins are ordered with a fair amount of consistency at just about any bar. Even the Mimosa and Bellini have become standard additions to any bartender’s list. The following 10 cocktails, however, have become trendy and popular or have managed to maintain their popularity despite great pressure from fine wine and even craft beer.

10 . Apple Martini

An Apple Martini, or “Appletini,” is a trendy cocktail that has gained popularity by adding a big twist to the typical dry martini. Vodka, instead of gin, is the basis of the cocktail and apple schnapps is most often used to add the sweet but slightly sour taste of apple to the trendier version of the cocktail. The Appletini is usually finished with a little lemon juice and garnished with a slice of apple to differentiate it from a normal martini served in the same glass.

The Appletini is a favorite drink of late night host Conan O’Brien and has been featured in several movies and sitcoms. In 2007, an Appletini was a focal point in a Disney movie, Enchanted, where a version of the cocktail made with poisoned apples was presented to the character Giselle in an attempt to harm her.

9 . Long Island Iced Tea

Packing quite a punch, the Long Island Iced Tea is one cocktail that never seems to go out of style, especially with men. The potent concoction of rum, vodka, tequila, gin and triple sec is often finished with a mixture of sweet and sour, lemon juice and cola. Traditionally, there is no tea added to the mixture but the ingredients, especially the taste from the cola, provide the flavor profile of a tea with much more flavor and attitude.

The origin of the drink is debatable, but one thing that is known is that it appears to come from the community of Long Island. In 1920, a version was said to be created in the Long Island community of Kingsport, Tennessee, while the modern version was said to be invented in a contest in a bar on Long Island, New York in 1972. Much of the confusion surrounding its origin probably stems from the fact that many variations of the drink exist, including substitutions for tequila, cola and even sweet and sour mix.

8 . Californication

A California twist on the Long Island Iced Tea, the Californication is a golden state version of the popular Long Island concoction. The Californication is mixture of run, vodka, tequila and gin finished with orange liqueur, lemon juice and orange juice to taste. Strong and yet sweet. The cocktail is finished with either a slice of orange or a twisted peel of orange rind.

The Californication is not a subtle cocktail, but the citrus flavor imparted by the orange liqueur and orange juice attempt to disguise the punch it packs from the mixture of spirits. The name of the cocktail, Californication, is based on a term that is prominent in the lyrics of a song by the rock group, the Red Hot Chili Peppers. There has also been a television series that has run since August 2007 with the same name.

7 . Pina Colada

The classic tropical cocktail with a distinctive look and taste would have to be the Pina Colada. The simple yet exquisite mixture of rum, coconut milk and pineapple juice has been a favorite in the tropics and with the less experienced cocktail drinkers looking for a sweet cocktail that drinks more like a smoothie than an alcoholic beverage. The drink has become a popular drink to enjoy poolside or anywhere offering a glimpse of the ocean or the feel of sand between the toes.

The Pina Colada has roots that can be traced to Puerto Rico and has long been considered the island Country’s national drink. The cocktail was said to be invented by a bartender at the luxurious Caribe Hilton Hotel’s Beachcomber Bar in 1952 shortly after a key ingredient, Coco Lopez cream of coconut, was developed. Puerto Rico honors the cocktail with a National Pina Colada Day that is celebrated each year on July 10th.

6 . Margarita

The margarita is easily the most popular cocktail in the United States made with tequila. The simple mixture of tequila, triple sec and lime juice is often blended with ice but is traditionally served on the rocks. In either instance, the beverage is commonly presented in a salt rimmed glass. Since the basic lime margarita was invented, many other fruity variations of the cocktail have been created that are mostly found in its blended form.

The origin of the margarita dates back to the late 1930’s or early 1940’s and while the exact location of the origin of the drink has been a subject of great debate, the region of Baja California, Mexico somewhere between Tijuana and Ensenada is more than likely the birthplace of the drink. The refreshing cocktail continues to be popular in the sunny and somewhat arid regions of Mexico and San Diego, California as well.

5 . Caipirinha

The World Cup is about to introduce the world to the fun-loving country of Brazil and one drink that Brazilians are always delighted to share with others is the slightly intimidating Caipirinha. The national drink of Brazil is made with cachaca (spirit from sugar cane) or white rum, brown sugar and lime juice. Some formulations of cachaca can be over 100 proof and like magic, Caipirinha manages to hide almost all of the alcohol taste.

Caipirinha, has its origin that goes back to 1918 and is based on a remedy that was commonly used to treat Spanish flu. The word “Caipira” refers to a person from the countryside of Brazil who is far from modern or sophisticated in his or her ways. The drink is served from households to restaurants and bars in Brazil and has only recently started to gain popularity outside of Brazil. The inability to find good brands of cachaca in North America and Europe has been the only limiting factor to its growth in popularity.

4 . Mint Julep

The official drink of the Kentucky Derby, the Mint Julep, is a symbolic cocktail of the American South. The concoction of Bourbon, a little bit of water, powdered and granulated sugar and plenty of mint has long been a very popular way to drink a cocktail made with Bourbon in the region that produces most of the Bourbon in the United States. Simple and yet refined, the cocktail has gained acclaim elsewhere thanks in large part to its association with the crown jewel of horse racing, the Kentucky Derby.

The origins of the Mint Julep go back as far as the late 18th century. Evidence suggests that it was an established drink by the early 1800’s with gin, brandy and whiskey all used to create different variations of the drink. The current version with Bourbon has been promoted by Churchill Downs to Kentucky Derby fans since 1938. Currently, about 120,000 mint juleps are consumed each year at Churchill Downs during the two days of horse racing over the weekend that includes the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks.

3 . Mai Tai

The Mai Tai is a Polynesian-style cocktail that has a fruity tropical taste indigenous to the Western Region of the United States. The mixture of light and dark rum, orange curacao, orgeat syrup and lime juice has been a symbol of Tiki or Tahitian culture ever since it was first created. The cocktail was very popular in the 50’s and 60’s and was even featured in Blue Hawaii, a film staring Elvis Presley.

The cocktail has over 10 documented recipes and was said to have been invented by the proprietor of Trader Vic’s of Oakland, California in 1944. He created the drink for some friends who were visiting from Tahiti and after one of them exclaimed that the drink was “Maita’i”, or very good in Tahitian, the name stuck. A rival restaurant, Don the Beachcomber, also claims to have invented the cocktail in 1933 with a more complex version of the drink. The truth probably lies somewhere in between, but California was more than likely the birthplace of the popular cocktail.

The Mojito has become very popular as its fresh minty taste complements warm summer weather much like a cool glass of non-alcoholic lemonade. The mixture of white rum, mint, lime juice, sugar and soda water is crisp and clean with a relatively low alcohol content. Sprite or 7-up can often be used in place of the soda water and a good portion of the sugar. One of the keys to preparing a proper Mojito is to crush, not cut or dice, the mint leaves in order to unlock more of the oils of the mint, thus enhancing the minty flavor.

The origins of the minty mixture with rum go back as far as 1586 when the men aboard Sir Francis Drake’s armada reached out to local Indians in search of a cure for scurvy and dysentery. Drake’s small boarding party returned from the shores of Cuba with the primary ingredients for the modern day Mojito. Several other stories exist regarding the cocktail’s true origins, but most stories simply provide evidence to how long the general recipe has been in existence. The great author, Ernest Hemingway, was known to have developed quite a taste for the refreshing drink.

1 . Cosmopolitan

The Cosmopolitan is an ultra modern drink that has surged in popularity during the last 20-30 years. The tangy concoction of vodka, triple sec, lime juice and cranberry juice has managed to leapfrog the venerable screwdriver as many vodka drinkers prefer the Cosmopolitan’s cleaner and slightly tart taste. The keys to the preparation of a Cosmopolitan are a good brand of cranberry juice and Cointreau Triple Sec, two essential elements to the drink.

The origin of the drink is unclear, but the modern version presented in a sophisticated martini glass is said to be invented in 1985 by a bartender of the Strand restaurant in South Beach, Florida. Other stories place its origin coming from a bar in Minneapolis around 1975. In either case, the cocktail has created quite a following with females and seems to have the perfect name to match its sophisticated taste and traditional martini-like presentation. The shortened name of “Cosmo” and the drink itself exploded in popularity during the 1990’s with frequent mentions on the hit television series, Sex and the City.

Top 10 Most Popular Cocktails in the World

10 . Apple Martini

9 . Long Island Iced Tea

8 . Californication

7 . Pina Colada

6 . Margarita

5 . Caipirinha

4 . Mint Julep

3 . Mai Tai

1 . Cosmopolitan

The 25 best-selling cocktails in the world

Oct. 5, 2016, 7:47 AM
377,401

The Negroni was the second best-selling cocktail in the world, but which was the first? Mdurson/Shuttesrtock

Expensive cocktails are great for both bar owners who want to make a bigger profit on their drinks and customers looking for something sophisticated to order.

The website surveyed 100 bars globally, asking their bartenders which were the most ordered drinks throughout the year.

While the best-selling tipples used a variety of spirits, the most popular liquors on the list were whiskey and gin.

From Daiquiris to Dry Martinis, here are the 25 best-selling cocktails in the world in 2016.

Top 10 Cocktails in Miami

A wise man once asked, “Oh, you fancy, huh?” Well, it just takes one night out in Miami to realize that this glitzy town is, in fact, very fancy. It’s filled with folks we affectionately like to call, fancy pants. There are some people, on the other hand, that vacillate between the ultra-high-end establishments and the humble dives without trouble; it truly just depends on the occasion. To indulge in your inner fancy and do it big, consider this round-up of Miami’s most sophisticated cocktails and atmospheres.

1. White Cosmo at db Bistro Moderne

The quintessential cocktail of the 90s has undergone a chic makeover. Head to Chef Daniel Boulud’s downtown Miami outpost to rediscover the Cosmo, featuring a glamorous ice sphere with a delicate orchid frozen inside.

1 oz. St. Germain elderflower liqueur

1 oz. lime juice

1 oz. white cranberry juice

1 orchid or other edible flower as garnish

Shake all the ingredients together with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Prepare the garnish beforehand. Freeze an ice ball with an orchid or other edible flower in its center.

2. Dewar’s Smash at Gotham Steak at Fontainebleau Miami Beach

While some scotch-obsessed readers may scoff at this suggestion, we strongly recommend what we’ve dubbed an impressive twist on the mojito. Its thirst-quenching characteristics defy what’s traditionally associated with both the mojito and scotch. The Smash is well-balanced and could become a favorite for the budding scotch drinker, who may not have the confidence to keep it neat or on the rocks yet, but is open to a new adventure.

2 parts Dewar’s White Label Blended Scotch Whisky

1 – 2 mixing spoons of granulated sugar or ¾ parts simple syrup

3 – 4 fresh mint sprigs

Muddle the fresh lemon, fresh mint and sugar in the bottom of a mixing glass. Add Dewar’s, shake, and strain into a Collins glass filled with crushed ice. Top with soda water and garnish with fresh mint leaves.

3. Atlantico 75 at St. Regis Bal Harbour

When you enter the exclusive enclave that is the St. Regis, you can’t help but feel fancy. We recommend posting up at the bar in the lobby for an Atlantico 75, which is typically ordered by suave patrons. The rum, by the way, is partly owned by a Miami man whose name is synonymous with suave, Mr. Enrique Iglesias. The recipe is essentially a ramped up version of the classic French 75 that packs a deceivingly powerful punch.

¾ oz. Atlantico Private Cask Rum

¾ oz. Grand Marnier

¾ oz. passion fruit puree

½ oz. pasteurized egg white

4 oz. sparkling wine

Shake the first four ingredients in an ice-filled shaker. Then, open the shaker and add the sparkling wine. Strain into a champagne flute and garnish with a strawberry on the rim.

4. English Rose at The Dutch

Robert Ferrara, head bartender at The Dutch, created this complicated cocktail to help the non-gin drinker ease into the wild world of gin. The flavor is enhanced by the rhubarb, a tart/sweet ingredient we’ll start seeing more of stateside (bartenders in the UK have been using it since they were young chaps). The English Rose recently received the seal of approval form a judging panel of renowned fancy pants at the Manhattan Cocktail Classic.

1 ½ oz. Plymouth Gin

1 oz. Dolin Blanc

2 strawberries muddled

½ oz. fresh lemon juice

½ oz. homemade rhubarb syrup

1 small egg white

3 drops of Bitterman Burlesque Bitters

Add all ingredients and shake without ice for 20 seconds to emulsify the egg whites. Add ice and shake vigorously for 20 seconds. Double strain the cocktail into an ice cold coupe. Zest a fresh lemon twist and discard.

5. Tequila Beets at Bloom

Beet the heat (not our precious basketball team, of course) with this unique blend of Alacrán — a super smooth tequila — fresh roasted beet juice, and homemade chamomile syrup. It’s a refreshing, organic drink with a deep agave bite. The popularity of the quirky root vegetable surfaced a few years ago in the most culinary corners of the cocktail scene. Mixologist Chris Hudnall’s recipe will help you forget a few things at this new spot in Wynwood, including how nutritious it is for you.

2 oz. Alacrán Tequila

¾ oz. fresh lime juice

¾ oz. chamomile syrup

1 oz. fresh roasted beet juice

2 dashes of whiskey barrel-aged bitters

Add all ingredients into Boston glass and shake vigorously. Double strain into a frosted coupe glass, garnish with an orange zest and a sprig of thyme.

6. Love Unit at Hyde Beach, SLS Hotel South Beach

You’re guaranteed to fall in love with this dynamic cocktail as you play poolside at South Beach’s newest sandy hot spot. The Love Unit is the Hyde Lounge’s signature drink because it’s balanced and beautiful. Just like true love should be.

1 oz. vanilla vodka

¾ oz. fresh lime juice

½ oz. red grapefruit

½ oz. simple syrup

2 red bell peppers

2 large basil leaves

In a pint shaker glass, add red bell pepper and basil and hand press with a muddler. Add spirits and mixers. Fill glass with ice. Shake vigorously for 6 seconds. Strain into cocktail glass.

7. Cherry Red Carpet at Ortanique in the Gables

Flavored vodkas tend to absorb a lot of criticism in the sophisticated cocktail scene, but not all are created equal and we’re certainly not suggesting you embrace anything with cotton candy on the label. This cocktail just screams fancy. Featuring Grey Goose Cherry Noir, the brand’s first new flavor in five years, it’s made with rare black cherries handpicked in French Basque Country.

1½ parts Grey Goose Cherry Noir

¾ parts simple syrup

1½ parts fresh squeezed lemon juice

¾ parts cranberry Juice

Shake all ingredients together with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Top with club soda and a cherry.

8. New Deal at FDR at Delano

To add a bit of presidential pomp and circumstance to any party, reach for the New Deal cocktail at FDR. Formerly The Florida Room, the subterranean lounge is now run by a new nightlife regime out of Las Vegas and the cocktail menu pays homage to the leader that brought our country out of a dark time. Nothing says relief, recovery and reform like a progressive pour of bourbon.

1½ oz. Bulliet Bourbon

1 oz. peach purée

¾ oz. agave nectar

Float of ginger beer

In a mixing glass, add Bulleit bourbon, peach puree, and agave nectar with ice. Shake and strain into rocks glass. Finish off with a splash of ginger beer. Garnish with a mint sprig and orange peel.

9. Crushed Cherry Velvet at Zuma

This cocktail is unequivocally for the veteran scotch drinker (see above) and worth the visit to Zuma to experience. It’s so fancy we can’t give you the exact recipe. Theo Von Ungern-sternberg, the mastermind behind Zuma’s bar, blends scotch, blood orange, cherry heering, antica formula and battle-aged bitters to give a bold and extravagant taste. We think it’s the cherry heering that makes this drink so fancy. After all, it’s been used by royalty for nearly 200 years.

10. Smoking Maguey at Lantao Kitchen & Cocktails at Surfcomber Hotel

Mezcal, the drink distilled from the maguey plant (different from tequila’s blue agave origins), is quite bold, distinctively smoky, and has been traditionally consumed straight up for many moons. In the spirit of keeping things fresh and fancy, the bar team at the relatively new Lantao restaurant amplified the old school margarita with a remarkably balanced blend of smokiness and sweetness from the agave syrup. Consider it a good introduction to what’s still considered a pretty esoteric spirit.

1½ oz. Partida Blanco Tequila

½ oz. Del Maguey Vida (mezcal)

1 oz. fresh lime juice

1 oz. agave nectar

Combine all ingredients into a mixing glass, add ice and shake. Strain over fresh ice in a martini glass with smoked paprika on the rim. Garnish with lime wheel.

Top 10 Cocktails

Worldly vodkas, Jamaican rums, regional tequilas and grained whiskeys in the hands of a creative mixologist are the inspirations for luscious libations. We’d like to introduce you to our Top 10 masterpieces. Each is handcrafted to expand your horizons in tempting new ways.

Vodka-Based Cocktails

Vodka – an icy, clear liquor typically made from the grain of potatoes – was first produced in Northern, Central and Eastern Europe. It's the perfect choice for infusions and the base upon which dynamic cocktails are built around the world.

Ultimate Cooler

What flavor is your sunset? Swirling together passion fruit puree, watermelon and cranberry juices, and Grey Goose vodka. This tantalizing layered cocktail looks like the twilight sky in a glass.

Conjure up a day on a Tahitian beach and say “oui” to this tantalizing combination of the French liqueur Cointreau, plus Skyy vodka, melon liqueur, sweet and sour, and tangy pineapple that will magically sweep you away.

Paradise Punch

The perfect poolside libation, one sip of this refreshing blend of Absolut vodka, Southern Comfort and Amaretto splashed with grenadine, tart limes and the silky sweetness of pineapple and orange juice will whisk you into paradise. Just add some new friends and the sun-drenched Caribbean coast.

Tequila-Based Cocktails

When your palate is ready to celebrate south of the border, a tequila-based cocktail will take you there! These uniquely spirited drinks will instantly transport you to a sailboat off Cabo or onto the pure white sands of Acapulco.

24K Gold Rita

Strike it rich with this masterful blend of tart and sweet. This citrusy margarita, containing expertly aged 1800 tequila, Cointreau and exotic orange Grand Marnier, is the perfect accompaniment to a night of salsa dancing or some late-night downtime under the stars.

Rum-Based Cocktails

The diverse hues of rum arise from the barrel aging of fermented sugarcane juices and/or molasses. This spirit is synonymous with Caribbean celebrations. Hoist one of our rum-based specialties and chart a course for adventure.

Dirty Banana

Utterly a-peel-ing, this tantalizing concoction blends banana, chocolate and coffee flavors with a dash of vanilla and a smattering of chocolate sprinkles, transporting you to a rum-soaked day on golden-sand beaches. So good, you’ll be swinging from the trees.

Classic Mojito

One sip of this cultural icon and you’ll be poolside in Havana with Hemmingway. Our genuine mojito pays homage to its 16th-century Cuban roots with a spirited mix of Bacardi rum, fresh mint, sugar syrup and lime juice. Carefully muddled, it’s topped off with refreshingly crisp club soda.

Captain's Bounty

Discover the treasure of the tropics and reward yourself with this heady concoction of Bacardi Limon rum, Bacardi Oakheart rum, Cruzan Dark rum and Malibu rum, boosted with the fragrance of crushed tropical fruits and the fizzy sweetness of Coca-Cola.

Strawberry Daiquiri

The flavor of summertime in a glass, a daiquiri is traditionally made with light rum, sweet strawberries and a tart lime sting. One sip of this indispensable essence of vacation brings a smile to your sun-kissed lips.

Mucho Mango

Legend tells that a magpie flew to the heavens to bring a mango seed to earth. The juice of this celestial fruit, artfully blended with Bacardi and Malibu rums, creates a drink that’s simply divine.

Whiskey-Based Cocktail

Whether you’re cuddling up with a good book in your room or warming up with friends on an evening of smiles and conversation, what better companion is there than a coffee with whiskey. Top it off with a dollop of cream or a sprinkle of nutmeg for a little extra luxury.

Nutty Irishman

Gaze out over the glaciers as the last of the sun beams through the frosty air, while enjoying this robust and warming beverage that combines the woodsy notes of Irish whiskey with the sweetness of Frangelico hazelnut liqueur and rich, aromatic coffee.