Everyone loves a nice cocktail. They’re tasty, delicious and come in all shapes and sizes. There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of unique cocktail drinks available. Just look at our growing drink recipes collection.
Cocktails are favoured by a matter of opinion and personal preference. You may like the long island ice tea or perhaps a martini cocktail is more your choice, shaken not stirred.
No matter your preference, here are arguably the top ten most famous and popular cocktail drinks around. In no particular order.
Mojito Cocktail
The mojito cocktail was created in Havana, Cuba. The exact origin date is debated. It is said to be the most popular cocktail in Britain and France.
The mojito cocktail has the following ingredients:
- 40 ml of White Rum
- 30 ml of fresh Lime Juice
- 1 Handful of fresh Mint Leaves
- 2 tsp of Sugar
- Soda Water
- Handful of Ice
Learn how to make the mojito cocktail.
Mojito Cocktail Recipe
The mojito cocktail is a refreshing and classic Cuban cocktail that has gained popularity worldwide. The mojito has a light, crisp flavour that is perfect for summer days or any time you want to enjoy a refreshing drink. Its combination of …
Caipirinha Cocktail
The Caipirinha cocktail is Brazils national cocktail. The cocktail was invented by farmers in the State of São Paulo during the 19th century. It was made for ‘high standard’ events and parties. Its popularity has increased across the world with the rising availability of first-rate brands of cachaça outside Brazil.
The Caipirinha is made with the following ingredients:
- 60 ml of Cachaça (sugarcane hard liquor)
- ½ a Lime (Sliced)
- 1 tsp of Sugar
- Handful of Ice
Learn how to make the Caipirinha cocktail.
Caipirinha Cocktail Recipe
Caipirinha cocktail is the national cocktail drink of Brazil. It was originally based on a remedy to cure the Spanish flu but since been found as a sweet refreshing drink of choice for many instead. The Caipirinha cocktail is celebrated for …
Margarita Cocktail
The margarita was made popular in the song “Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffett. In 2004 it was said to be the most popular mixed drink in America. Another reason the margarita is popular is because after sweet and sour flavours, it engages the third primary taste of salty too.
The Margarita coccktail uses the following ingredients:
- Lime
- Salt (Coarse)
- 45 ml of Tequila (100% agave)
- 22 ml of Cointreau
- Handful of Ice
Learn how to make the Margarita cocktail.
Margarita Cocktail Recipe
The margarita cocktail is a very common and popular drink in bars around the world. Its main ingredients consist of tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. You will usually see salt on the rim of the cocktail glass too. There are …
Daiquiri Cocktail
The daiquiri cocktail has been around since the early 1900’s originating in Cuba. It became popular in the second world war when whisky and vodka were not as readily available. Rum was available due to ties with Latin America and Cuba trades which brought a supply that made the Daiquiri rise in popularity.
It quickly spread across America and the rest of the world because of its delicious taste and simple recipe.
There are a number of variations substitution ingredients or adding in banana or avocado. Another popular variation is the frozen slushy daiquiris. Frozen daiquiris are popular in many party/club venues around the world.
The daiquri uses the following ingredients:
- Half a teaspoon of sugar
- 15 ml of freshly squeezed lime juice
- 60 ml of white rum and
- A handful of ice.
Learn how to make the Daiquiri cocktail.
Daiquiri Cocktail Recipe
The Daiquiri cocktail is a number of cocktails where the main ingredients are rum, citrus juice, and sugar or other sweetener. The daiquiri originated in the early 1900’s in Cuba. You will see many variations of the daiquiri with many different …
Old Fashioned Cocktail
The old fashioned cocktail is a true classic. It was developed during the 19th century and given its name in the 1880s.
Throughout the years, the old fashioned cocktail has been portrayed in many films and television. Don Draper, the lead character of the television show Mad Men‘s drink of choice is the Old Fashioned. In the movie Crazy, Stupid, Love, Jacob Palmer’s preferred cocktail is the old fashioned.
The Old Fashioned cocktail uses the following ingredients:
- 45 ml Bourbon or Rye whiskey
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 sugar cube
- Few dashes plain water
Learn how to make the Old Fashioned cocktail.
Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
The old fashioned cocktail is a sophisticated drink of the modern man or lady. It is made by mixing sugar with bitters and adding whisky. The old fashioned is served in an old fashioned (rocks) glass with a twist of citrus …
Negroni Cocktail
The Negroni is a popular Italian cocktail. A Negroni is stirred, not shaken, and made with ice in an old fashioned glass and garnished with a slice of orange.
The Negroni Cocktail uses the following ingredients:
- 45 ml of Gin
- 22 ml of Campari
- 22 ml of Vermouth
- Handful of Ice
Learn how to make the Negroni cocktail.
Negroni Cocktail Recipe
The negroni cocktail recipe is a common cocktail drink originating from Italy. The negroni is made of one part gin, one part red semi-sweet vermouth and one part Campari. It is served in an old fashioned glass and garnished with an …
Whisky Sour Cocktail
The classic Whisky sour uses an American whisky like Bourbon. It is sometimes served with a dash of egg white. This drink is sometimes called a Boston sour.
The Whisky sour cocktail uses the following ingredients:
- 22 ml of freshly squeezed Lemon Juice
- 60 ml of American Whiskey
- 1 teaspoon of Sugar
- Handful of Ice
Learn how to make the Whisky Sour cocktail.
Whisky Sour Cocktail Recipe
The whisky sour cocktail recipe is a classic cocktail from the 19th century. The drink contains American whiskey such as bourbon, lemon juice and sugar over ice. You can optionally add a dash of egg white but due to the practicality, …
Manhattan Cocktail
The Manhattan cocktail is said to have originated from a popular bar in Manhattan called the Manhattan Club in the mid 1870’s. There is differing stories of where it originated from but all accounts point to Manhattan, New York over a century ago. It has grown popular since.
The Manhattan cocktail uses the following ingredients:
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- 60 ml of Rye Whiskey
- 30 ml of Sweet Vermouth
- Handful of Ice
Learn how to make the Manhattan cocktail.
Manhattan Cocktail Recipe
The Manhattan cocktail recipe features a mixture of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, stirred with ice and strained into a chilled glass. The sweet vermouth adds a rich, smooth sweetness that complements the bold, smoky notes of the whiskey, while the …
Martini Cocktail
The Martini originated some time in the late 1800’s. No one knows the exact origin but it is said to have evolved from another popular cocktail at the time called the Martinez.
The drink is one of the most famous mixed drinks in history. There are many variations of the martini and has been displayed in films such as the James bond films with his vesper martini.
Some newer drinks use the word martini or the suffix ‘-tini’ such as the Espresso Martini and the Appletini.
The martini cocktail uses the following ingredients:
- 75 ml of Gin
- 15 ml Dry Vermouth
- Handful of cracked Ice
- Olive (optional) to garnish
Learn how to make the Martini cocktail.
Martini Cocktail Recipe
A Martini cocktail is a classic cocktail made with gin and vermouth, typically garnished with a green olive or a twist of lemon. It is served chilled in a stemmed cocktail glass and is known for its simplicity and elegance. The …
Pina Colada
Is said to have originated in Puerto Rica in the 19th century.
If you like Pina Coladas and getting caught in the rain… lyrics from the song by Rupert Holmes called Escape (The Piña Colada Song). This song is credited for making this drink one of the top most popular cocktails.
The Pina Colada cocktail uses the following ingredients:
- 30 ml of Malibu White Rum
- 30 ml Coconut Cream
- 60 ml Pineapple Juice
- Handful of ice
Learn how to make the Pina Colada cocktail.
Piña Colada Cocktail Recipe
The piña colada is a sweet and tasty cocktail made with rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice. It can be blended, frozen, or mixed with ice, depending on your preference. Pina colada means “strained pineapple” in Spanish which is a reference …
More Cocktails
Did we miss you favourite cocktail from the list? Think there is one more popular?
Cocktails come in many shapes and sizes, colours and tastes. That’s why you have to try them all. Have a look at all our cocktail recipes here.
Let us know your drink of choice in the comments below.