Ever found yourself staring at a cocktail menu, totally lost on what to order? You're not alone. Bars everywhere usually get the same hits called out—and they’re on the list for a reason. The top mixed drinks combine easy ingredients, balanced flavors, and just something special that keeps us coming back.
If you want to up your home bartending game, you don’t have to start with anything fancy. Most of the crowd-pleasers need just a shaker, a citrus squeezer, and ingredients you’d find in a regular grocery run. No need for expensive liqueurs or obscure bitters to wow your friends or treat yourself. Want a drink to feel a bit fancier? Swap soda for tonic or add a simple garnish like lime, mint, or a cherry. That’s usually all it takes.
Some of these drinks have stuck around for over a century. Others only took off after Instagram and TikTok made them viral. But every one on this list has its rabid fans—and probably a story or two about wild nights out or chill afternoons in the backyard. Curious which ones made the cut? Let’s break down the favorites, plus a few secrets to make them even better.
Timeless Classics
Every good bar—whether it’s your kitchen counter or the local pub—starts with the classics. These mixed drinks are basically the foundation of cocktail culture. Most bartenders can shake them up in their sleep, and they’re the go-to order for a reason: easy, balanced, and you actually know what you’re getting.
Let’s break down four drinks you’ll spot everywhere from high-end bars to beach parties. If you’re going to master any cocktails at home, start with these.
- Margarita: Tequila, triple sec, and lime juice. The origin is a little fuzzy—some say it was invented in Mexico in the 1930s or '40s. Either way, it’s the star of Cinco de Mayo and Taco Tuesday everywhere.
- Martini: This classic is just gin (or sometimes vodka), a splash of dry vermouth, and an olive or lemon twist. James Bond might have made it famous, but it’s been around way longer. Fun stat: Over 30% of people still order their martini with gin rather than vodka.
- Mojito: Start with white rum, fresh mint, sugar, lime juice, and soda water. It’s a Cuban classic. Ernest Hemingway was a fan—he’d apparently order his with double the rum. The trick: Don’t skip the muddling, or it just won’t taste right.
- Old Fashioned: Bourbon or rye, sugar, bitters, and a twist of orange. This one dates way back to the 1800s, and it’s the drink for anyone who wants actual whiskey flavor in their glass. A lot of bartenders call this the true test of a cocktail bar.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet if you’re stocking your bar or planning a party. These stats from a 2023 beverage group study show just how much these classics still rule:
| Drink | Year First Served | Global Rank (2024) | Most Popular Base |
|---|---|---|---|
| Margarita | 1938 | 1 | Tequila |
| Martini | Early 1900s | 3 | Gin |
| Mojito | 1930s | 5 | Rum |
| Old Fashioned | 1860s | 2 | Bourbon |
New York City’s legendary bartender Dale DeGroff once said:
“If you can make an Old Fashioned the right way, you can master just about any cocktail.”
So if you’re looking to build some skills, get these drinks right first. Most of the ‘fancy’ stuff out there is just a riff on one of these anyway. Don’t be shy to try your own twist—swap spirits or add a fruit slice—but nailing the basic recipe comes first.
Modern Must-Haves
Trendy cocktails come and go, but a few have broken out of the "fad" category and landed solidly in top order lists everywhere. Whether it’s thanks to Instagram posts, pop culture moments, or just unbeatable flavor, these mixed drinks are true party starters. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up at home, no matter how new you are to the whole mixing thing.
Lately, drinks like the Espresso Martini and Aperol Spritz have become total stars. The Espresso Martini, created by London bartender Dick Bradsell in the 1980s, became a huge hit during the past decade. Google searches for the drink shot up 300% between 2019 and 2024. The Aperol Spritz, super simple to make and just as pretty as it is tasty, exploded with the "Spritz" trend, especially because it’s lower in alcohol—perfect for sipping in the sun.
- Espresso Martini: Vodka, fresh espresso, coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa), and a little simple syrup, shaken hard for that foamy top. Serve in a chilled martini glass. Tip: If you’re out of espresso, cold brew concentrate works in a pinch.
- Aperol Spritz: Just 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, and 1 part soda water over ice with an orange slice. This one looks fancy with no effort. If it’s too bitter, try adding more Prosecco or a splash of orange juice.
- Moscow Mule: Vodka, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice poured over lots of ice and served in that classic copper mug. The mug keeps it extra cold! Not a vodka fan? Swap gin or bourbon for a twist.
- Tommy’s Margarita: Tequila, fresh lime juice, and agave syrup. No triple sec, so it tastes brighter and less sweet—plus, it's easier to make, and bartenders love it for the simplicity.
Curious which of these are pouring the most worldwide? Check out this data from a 2024 global bar survey:
| Drink | Average Orders per Night | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso Martini | 42 | Evening pick-me-up |
| Aperol Spritz | 35 | Brunch & patio sipping |
| Moscow Mule | 31 | Refreshing & gingery |
| Tommy’s Margarita | 28 | Sour, simple, easy to make |
Want your drinks to taste like the pros? Chill your glass first—just pop it in the freezer for ten minutes. And use real citrus juice instead of the bottled stuff. Those small steps bump up any mixed drinks recipe, and suddenly you’re everyone’s favorite host.
Tasty Twists & Tips
Let's be real—no one wants a boring drink, even if it's a classic. The magic of mixed drinks is in making them personal. You can tweak almost any recipe to fit your taste, what’s in your fridge, or who you’re sharing it with.
If you want your cocktails to stand out, even tiny changes matter. For example, switching out vodka for tequila in a Moscow Mule gives you a Mexican Mule. If you run out of fresh limes for a Margarita, try blood orange or grapefruit—those flavors are amazing and unexpected.
You can also play with how sweet or strong you want your drink by changing the mixer or holding back on the syrup. One study by Drinks International found that 37% of bars say guests almost always ask to "make it less sweet." Keep that in mind if you’re mixing for a group.
- Use flavored seltzer instead of plain soda water for a pop of flavor.
- Substitute honey simple syrup for regular simple syrup if you want extra depth. It’s great in an Old Fashioned.
- Try smoked salt on the rim of a Margarita glass—total game changer.
- For lighter drinks, top with a splash of prosecco or sparkling wine instead of tonic or soda.
Sometimes the secrets are in the little details. Use a big ice cube for Old Fashioneds or Negronis so your drink stays cold but doesn’t water down fast. For fruity drinks, freeze berries and drop them in instead of plain ice. They look cool and keep everything icy without turning slushy.
| Classic Drink | Simple Twist | Why Try It? |
|---|---|---|
| Mojito | Add fresh berries or swap mint for basil | Brightens flavor, looks colorful |
| Negroni | Substitute Aperol for Campari | Smoother, less bitter taste |
| Margarita | Use mezcal instead of tequila | Smoky, bold twist on a favorite |
| Whiskey Sour | Add a red wine float | Looks cool, sneaky layer of flavor |
| Gin & Tonic | Try rosemary or cucumber as garnish | Fresh and herbal, feels fancy |
And here’s a tip from Jack McGarry, award-winning bartender at New York's Dead Rabbit:
"Always taste your drink before serving—everyone's palate is different, and a quick sample tells you exactly what it needs."Trust your taste buds. The best drink is the one you actually like.
So, next time you’re mixing up a favorite, don’t be afraid to twist it up. Sometimes your "oops, out of lemon" moment becomes the start of a new signature cocktail.
Mix Like a Pro at Home
Ever notice how some drinks just taste better at your favorite bar? It’s usually the tiny details that do the trick. You don’t need a full bar cart or pro bartender skills—just a few smart moves and a little practice. Here’s how to step up your home mixing game without turning your kitchen into a chemistry lab.
First, get your basics right. A simple shaker, jigger, strainer, bar spoon, and citrus juicer are more than enough for the mixed drinks people actually order the most. No need to buy fancy gear unless you're geeking out over it.
- Fresh makes a difference: Use fresh citrus juice instead of the bottled stuff. Seriously, it’s game-changing.
- Quality over quantity: You don’t need top-shelf everything, but don’t buy the absolute cheapest, either. Mid-range spirits often taste best in mixed drinks.
- Ice matters: Large cubes dilute drinks slower, so your cocktail keeps its flavor. If you want to get nerdy, use filtered water or clear ice molds just like the bars do.
- Have a cheat sheet: Tape a drink recipe list inside a cabinet door for quick help when you blank on ratios.
If you’re not sure which bottles to keep around, focus on what’s used most often. Here’s a quick chart showing how often the main spirits pop up in the 10 most popular mixed drinks:
| Spirit | # of Popular Cocktails that Use It |
|---|---|
| Vodka | 5 |
| Rum | 3 |
| Tequila | 2 |
| Whiskey/Bourbon | 3 |
| Gin | 2 |
One last thing: Don’t overthink the garnish. Lime wheels, lemon twists, frozen berries, or a sprig of mint—whatever you’ve got lying around works to make your drink look like someone else made it for you. It's a small touch that can make guests feel like they’re at a fancy bar, without you stressing over anything complicated.
