There are many different types of cocktails available, but only a few are truly popular. The following list includes 15 of the most popular cocktails around the world.
Mojito
The mojito is a traditional Cuban cocktail that originated in the city of Havana. The word mojito comes from the Spanish word “mujer”, which means “woman”. The original version of this drink was made with rum and lime juice, but there are now many variations on this recipe depending on where you’re from.
Daquiri
The daiquiri is a cocktail that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. The recipe consists of only four ingredients: rum, sugar, lime juice and ice. You can use white or aged rum for this cocktail; both will provide different flavor profiles to your drink, but if you’re looking for something simple and straightforward then go with white rum (it has more body). Many variations exist on this classic drink including adding fruit juices or substituting the lime juice with lemon or grapefruit juice. It also makes a great base for other cocktails such as pina coladas or daiquiri slushies in which case try using frozen fruit instead of ice cubes!
Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea is a cocktail made with gin, vodka, rum and tequila mixed with sweet and sour mix. It is often served on the rocks in a highball glass with cola poured over the back of a spoon so that it floats on top of the drink. The long island iced tea has its origins in New York City where each drink is typically served in shot glasses over ice cubes. The long island iced tea is popular at bars and parties because of its low price point and high alcohol content. The average batch contains between eight to twelve shots of hard liquor liberally mixed with carbonated soft drinks resulting in an alcoholic beverage that usually exceeds 40% ABV!
Cuba Libre
You may have heard of Cuba Libre before, but just in case you haven’t, it’s a cocktail made with rum and cola. It was originally created as an alternative to the cocktail known as Cuba Libre (which was also called “El Presidente” and “Cuba Sun”), which is made with rum, lime juice and club soda instead of cola. The original recipe for Cuba Libre is believed to have originated in Cuba sometime around 1910-1915; however, this new take on it has become more popular than its predecessor!
White Russian
If you’ve ever had a white russian and thought to yourself, “this is delicious,” then this cocktail is for you! The combination of vodka, cream, and coffee liqueur—known as Kahlua or Tia Maria in other parts of the world—is as simple as it sounds. And while we’re sure there are many people who don’t drink their coffee with cream they probably should try this at least once. Originally called by some sources “black Russians” because it was made with black coffee instead of milk (although others maintain that the name comes from its association with Russia during World War II). Either way, if you want the full effect go ahead and order one yourself at your local bar or restaurant (or even better make one yourself).
Screw Driver
The screwdriver is a popular cocktail, especially in the United States and Canada. It is made with vodka, orange juice, and ice. The screwdriver was invented in 1971 by Ted Danson at the Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant in Los Angeles when he asked for a “screwdriver” (meaning vodka on the rocks) but instead received orange juice on the rocks. He liked it so much that he ordered another one, naming it after its color: orange vodka. In Hawaii this drink is called an “Aloha”.
Cape Cod
The Cape Cod is a simple and delicious cocktail made with vodka, cranberry juice, and orange juice. The drink is named after the cape cod peninsula in Massachusetts and started to gain popularity stateside in the mid-20th century. It’s typically served in a tall glass over ice—just like other summer drinks you’ve probably had!
Cosmopolitan
Using Cranberry for garnish is very perfect for this cocktail.
Bloody Mary
A perfect Bloody Mary is one of the most popular cocktails in the world and has been for decades. In fact, it’s hard to find a city or town in America that doesn’t have at least one bar that specializes in this crowd-pleaser. The basic recipe is simple: vodka, tomato juice (usually Clamato) and hot sauce on ice with a celery stick garnish. What separates good versions from bad ones is how well they’re balanced—a great Bloody Mary should be spicy but not overpowering; salty but not too salty; bitter from the celery salt instead of being sweetened by too much crushed ice or tomato juice.
Sazerac
The sazerac is a classic New Orleans cocktail that was invented in the 1850s by Antoine Amédée Peychaud, who served it at his pharmacy. It consists of rye whiskey, bitters and absinthe (or pastis) served over ice. The sazerac has been called “The Manhattan’s Elder Brother,” but with an extra kick from the herbal liqueur of absinthe or pastis. The drink is simple to make yet complex enough for even serious cocktail enthusiasts; its bittersweet flavor will have you coming back for more!
Manhattan
A Manhattan is a cocktail made with whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters. The drink was first served in 1874 at a banquet hosted by Jennie Churchill, mother of Winston Churchill, at the Manhattan Club in New York City.
Whiskey Sour
The whiskey sour is a popular cocktail in the United States, made with whiskey and lemon juice. Its popularity has spread across the world, and it can be found on menus everywhere from restaurants to bars to home parties. The drink is simple to make and perfect for beginner drinkers who want to try something new but stay away from more complicated cocktails.
Margarita
Margaritas are one of the most popular cocktails around the world, and it’s easy to see why. They’re refreshing, they taste great on a hot day, and they’re really simple to make. Most people know how to make margaritas from scratch, but if you don’t have time or access to good tequila (or just want an easier way out), it’s also possible to make them with a mix at home.
Mimosa
When it comes to brunch cocktails, mimosas are king. They’re light, refreshing and perfect for sharing with friends or family on a Sunday morning. This drink was created in New Orleans by legendary bartender Walter Bergeron at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in 1909. The first time it appeared on the menu at his bar was when he served it to actress Katherine Hepburn during filming of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961). Though she wasn’t sure what it was called, she loved the taste so much that she asked him to make one for her every morning during filming. Mimosas generally consist of Champagne and orange juice—though some versions may add lemon juice or grenadine as well—and are commonly served over ice in tall glasses with plenty of ice cubes floating around (or sometimes just plain water).
Martini
The martini is one of the world’s most iconic and beloved cocktails. It’s a staple of any respectable bar menu and features in many films, books and songs. The drink itself is a simple combination: gin or vodka mixed with vermouth and garnished with an olive or lemon twist. But it’s not that simple—there are many variations on this theme! You can choose between dry (no sweetener), dirty (with olive brine) and wetter versions such as the Martinez (with maraschino liqueur). You can also opt for gin or vodka—or both if you’re feeling particularly decadent!
And that’s it! 15 of the world’s most popular cocktails illustrated. We love seeing your reactions to these illustrations and hearing from you on what we could have done better. We’re always striving to improve so if there is anything specific we can do for you, please let us know in the comments below.
