From classic bars to modern mixology establishments, certain cocktails have achieved legendary status worldwide. These timeless drinks have captured hearts and palates across cultures and generations. Here is a closer look at the five most popular cocktails on the planet, including what makes each one special, where it came from, and how you can make it at home.
1. Margarita
The Margarita reigns supreme as the world's most popular cocktail. Learn how to make a margarita with our step-by-step guide. This refreshing blend of tequila, lime juice, and triple sec offers the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and salty flavors.
History and Origin: The Margarita's exact origin is debated, but the most widely cited story credits Carlos "Danny" Herrera, who reportedly created the drink around 1938 at his restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico, for a customer who was allergic to all spirits except tequila. Another popular account attributes it to socialite Margarita Sames, who mixed the drink for guests at her Acapulco vacation home in 1948. Regardless of who invented it, the Margarita became a fixture of American cocktail culture by the 1950s and has never looked back.
Why it's popular: The Margarita strikes a near-perfect balance between sweet, sour, salty, and boozy, making it approachable for newcomers yet endlessly customizable for seasoned drinkers. Its versatility across frozen, on-the-rocks, and straight-up preparations keeps it relevant in every setting from beachside bars to fine dining.
Quick Recipe:
- 2 oz silver tequila
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz triple sec or Cointreau
- Salt rim (optional)
Shake the tequila, lime juice, and triple sec vigorously with ice for 10-15 seconds. Strain into a salt-rimmed glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Pro tip: Always use 100% agave tequila and freshly squeezed lime juice. Bottled lime juice contains preservatives that create a noticeably artificial flavor. Rolling your limes on the counter before juicing extracts significantly more juice.
2. Old Fashioned
A true classic that has experienced a remarkable renaissance in recent years, the Old Fashioned showcases whiskey's complexity with just a few simple ingredients. It is the drink that defined the word "cocktail" itself.
History and Origin: The Old Fashioned is widely considered the original cocktail. Its roots trace back to the early 1800s, when the term "cocktail" was first defined as a combination of spirit, sugar, water, and bitters. By the late 19th century, as bartenders began experimenting with more elaborate drinks, purists started ordering their cocktails made the "old-fashioned way," giving the drink its enduring name. The Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky, is often credited with popularizing the modern version in the 1880s.
Why it's popular: The Old Fashioned lets the character of the whiskey take center stage while the sugar and bitters add just enough depth and complexity. Its simplicity makes it a benchmark for any bartender's skill, and it pairs beautifully with everything from a steak dinner to a quiet evening at home.
Quick Recipe:
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 sugar cube or 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel for garnish
- 1 large ice cube
Place the sugar cube in a rocks glass, add bitters, and muddle gently until dissolved. Add the whiskey and stir to combine. Add a large ice cube and express the oils from an orange peel over the drink, then drop it in as garnish.
Pro tip: Use a single large ice cube rather than several small ones. A large cube melts more slowly, keeping your drink cold without over-diluting it. Chill your glass beforehand for an even better experience.
3. Martini
Sophisticated and elegant, the Martini is the epitome of cocktail culture. Whether you prefer it dry, dirty, or with a twist, this gin-based classic never goes out of style.
History and Origin: The Martini's history is shrouded in mystery, with multiple origin stories competing for the title. One theory ties it to the town of Martinez, California, where a miner celebrating a gold strike was reportedly served the first version in the 1860s. Another credits the Knickerbocker Hotel in New York City around 1911. What is certain is that the Martini evolved from the sweeter Martinez cocktail and gradually became drier throughout the 20th century. Its association with sophistication was cemented by figures like James Bond and the mid-century cocktail culture of the 1950s and 1960s.
Why it's popular: The Martini is the ultimate canvas for personal preference. The ratio of gin to vermouth, the choice between shaken or stirred, and the garnish selection all allow drinkers to express their individual taste. Its clean, spirit-forward profile appeals to those who appreciate the nuances of quality gin or vodka.
Quick Recipe:
- 2.5 oz gin (or vodka)
- 0.5 oz dry vermouth
- Olive or lemon twist for garnish
Add gin and vermouth to a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir gently for 20-30 seconds until well chilled. Strain into a chilled Martini glass and garnish with an olive or lemon twist.
Pro tip: Stirring rather than shaking produces a clearer, silkier Martini. If you prefer it "dirty," add a splash of olive brine. Store your gin in the freezer for an extra-cold result without excessive dilution from ice.
4. Mojito
Originating from Cuba, the Mojito brings tropical vibes to any occasion. Its minty freshness and citrusy brightness make it one of the most refreshing cocktails ever created.
History and Origin: The Mojito's roots go back to 16th-century Cuba, where a primitive version called "El Draque" was named after Sir Francis Drake. Early versions used aguardiente (a rough sugarcane spirit) mixed with lime, sugarcane juice, and mint as a medicinal remedy. Over the centuries, as rum production refined in Cuba, the drink evolved into the Mojito we know today. It became a favorite of author Ernest Hemingway, who famously enjoyed them at La Bodeguita del Medio in Havana, helping to spread the drink's international reputation.
Why it's popular: The combination of fresh mint, lime, and rum creates a uniquely refreshing drinking experience that is difficult to replicate with any other cocktail formula. The Mojito is perfect for warm weather and works equally well as a brunch drink or a late-night refresher.
Quick Recipe:
- 2 oz white rum
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 2 tsp simple syrup
- 8-10 fresh mint leaves
- Club soda to top
Gently muddle the mint leaves with simple syrup in a glass to release the essential oils without tearing the leaves. Add lime juice and rum, fill with ice, and top with club soda. Stir gently and garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wheel.
Pro tip: The key to a great Mojito is gentle muddling. Press the mint leaves just enough to release their aromatic oils. Crushing them aggressively breaks down the cell walls and releases chlorophyll, which turns the drink bitter and gives it a grassy, unpleasant flavor.
5. Cosmopolitan
Made famous by pop culture in the 1990s, the Cosmopolitan combines vodka with cranberry juice for a sophisticated, slightly tart cocktail that is both beautiful and delicious.
History and Origin: The Cosmopolitan's modern form is most often attributed to bartender Toby Cecchini, who created his version at The Odeon in Manhattan in 1988 using Absolut Citron, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and cranberry juice. Earlier variations existed, but Cecchini's recipe became the definitive version. The drink exploded in popularity during the late 1990s after it was featured prominently on the television series Sex and the City, becoming a cultural icon that defined an era of cocktail drinking.
Why it's popular: The Cosmopolitan hits a sweet spot between accessible and refined. Its striking pink color makes it visually appealing, while the interplay of tart cranberry, bright citrus, and smooth vodka creates a flavor profile that pleases a wide range of palates. It also played a major role in reviving cocktail culture after the dark ages of the 1970s and 1980s.
Quick Recipe:
- 1.5 oz citrus vodka
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 0.5 oz triple sec or Cointreau
- 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice for 10-12 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lime wheel or a flamed orange peel for a more dramatic presentation.
Pro tip: Use 100% cranberry juice (not cranberry juice cocktail, which is much sweeter) for a more balanced, less cloying drink. The slight bitterness of real cranberry juice gives the Cosmopolitan its sophisticated edge.
Why These Cocktails Endure
These cocktails have remained popular for decades because they share several key qualities:
- Balance flavors perfectly - Each offers a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and spirit that appeals to a broad audience
- Use quality ingredients - Simple recipes that let premium spirits shine without hiding behind excessive mixers
- Adapt to preferences - Easy to customize while maintaining their core identity, from frozen Margaritas to smoky Old Fashioneds
- Have rich history - Each carries stories and traditions that add to their appeal and make them conversation starters
- Scale beautifully - All five can be made as single serves or batched for parties
Making the Perfect Cocktail at Home
To craft these classics at home with professional results:
- Use fresh ingredients - Fresh citrus juice makes all the difference. Squeeze your limes and lemons just before mixing.
- Measure precisely - Invest in a good jigger. Consistency is the foundation of great cocktails, and even small measurement differences change the balance significantly.
- Shake or stir properly - Drinks with citrus juice or syrups should be shaken to emulsify and chill quickly. Spirit-forward drinks like the Martini and Old Fashioned should be stirred to maintain clarity and a silky texture.
- Serve at the right temperature - Ice quality and quantity matter more than most people realize. Use large, fresh ice cubes for slow-diluting drinks and plenty of crushed ice for tropical serves.
- Invest in basic tools - A shaker, jigger, bar spoon, and strainer will cover the vast majority of cocktail recipes and cost less than a round of drinks at a good bar.
What to Try First
If you are new to cocktails and wondering where to begin, here is a suggested order based on complexity and approachability:
- Margarita - The simplest to make well and the most forgiving of minor measurement errors. Start here.
- Mojito - Introduces the muddling technique, which is an essential skill for any home bartender.
- Cosmopolitan - A great way to practice your shaking technique and learn about balancing sweet and tart flavors.
- Martini - Teaches you the art of stirring and the importance of proper dilution and temperature control.
- Old Fashioned - The most spirit-forward of the five, this drink rewards careful attention to detail and quality ingredients.
Each cocktail teaches you something different, and together they cover the core techniques you will use in almost every other drink you make.
Whether you are a cocktail enthusiast or just beginning your mixology journey, these five drinks offer a perfect starting point for exploring the wonderful world of cocktails. Master each one, and you will have a solid foundation for understanding flavor balance, technique, and the art of hospitality.