What are the best-selling cocktails in the world, the most requested by customers, the favorites of a large part of the population?
Millions of people visit the bars of the hundreds of bars around the world, with a single purpose: to have a good drink, but what are the best-selling cocktails in the world, the most requested by customers, the favorites of much of the population?
The evolution of fine drinking, especially in mixology, goes beyond its beginnings in 1806, when this art of mixing distillates began to create new drinks that achieved the perfect balance between alcohol, water, sugar and bitter. Today, mixology continues to evolve, putting twists on classic cocktails, which continue to be the favorite of many palates.
Top 50: The best-selling cocktails in the world
The famous and popular cocktails are those that last over time to become legendary, drinks that endure the trends and fashions of the moment, cocktails with hundreds of years behind them that are still consumed in homes and bars around the world. Mixed and hectic stories that have seen wars, sailors and pirates, writers and movies, stories and legends about them.
Now, let’s go with the list of 50 cocktails, sure that some of them you already know, others do not sound like anything to you and many of them will one day be in your hand.
- WHITE RUSSIAN
The White Russian is one of the 50 best cocktails in the world.
Created in 1949 by a Belgian bartender named Gustave Tops, and popularized by the 1998 film “The Big Lebowski,” White Russian remains a worldwide favorite. The White Russian combines heavy cream (or half and half), vodka, and coffee liqueur for a luxurious evening drink.
- BELLINI
This crowd-pleasing cousin of Mimosa tops 2 ounces of peach puree with 4 ounces of Prosecco. It is believed to have been invented in the 1930s or 1940s by Giuseppe Cipriani at Harry’s Bar in Venice, Italy, and we are pleased to see that it endures today as a lunchtime staple.
- CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL
The Champagne Cocktail is a sophisticated drink with a simple name that has evolved over time. The original recipe, from Jerry Thomas’s 1862 volume, “Bon Vivants Companion,” suggests mixing brandy or cognac with champagne. Here at VinePair, we make a version with angostura bitters and a sugar cube.
- IRISH COFFEE
Irish Coffee was pioneered by Irish Chef Joe Sheridan in the 1940s. James Beard winner and author of “The Craft of the Cocktail” Dale DeGroff describes Irish coffee as “cold cream, hot sweet coffee, mixed with a wonderful Irish whiskey. ‘ What is it that cannot be loved? The exact proportions and types of whiskey, sugar, and cream preparations may vary slightly, but when done right, it’s delicious.
- ​​BAMBOO We
May have sherry to thank for the resurgence of Bamboo, a cocktail made with one and a half sherry, one and a half dry vermouth, two pinches of Angostura bitters, and two pinches of orange bitters.
- GIN GIN MULE
The Gin Gin Gin Mule is one of the 50 best cocktails in the world. You could do a double take when you see the Gin Gin Gin Mule on the list of the most popular cocktails in the world. This newcomer is a cross between a Moscow mule and a mojito, starring gin. The creative cocktail was first made in 2000 by Audrey Saunders, owner of the Pegu Club in New York City.
- LONG ISLAND ICE TEA
Long Island Iced Tea is a timeless anomaly: vodka, gin, tequila, rum, triple sec and cola in a large glass. It’s sweet, gooey, alcoholic, made to create memories (and quickly forget them), and it ranks 44th in the world’s most popular cocktails.
- VESPER
James Bond drinks vodka Martinis, agitated; sane people drink Martinis the way they should be: gin, stirred. Treat the Vesper as a compromise, using both vodka and gin, as well as Lillet vermouth.
- CAIPIRINHA
Brazil’s national cocktail, Caipirinha, had its moment in the spotlight during the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. The following year, it was ranked number 25 on this list. However, in 2019 it is reduced to number 42. The cocktail is prepared with the national spirit of Brazil, cachaça, along with sugar and lemon.
- TOM COLLINS
Tom Collins’ original recipe calls for gin, lemon, and soda water; essentially, it’s a sparkling lemonade for adults. This classic cocktail has lost 17 spots since 2017, but it remains a favorite around the world.
- PAIN KILLER
The Painkiller is one of the 50 Best Cocktails for 2019 Thanks to the national embrace of tiki culture, several tropical cocktails feature on this list. Originally from the British Virgin Islands, the pain reliever is a blend of Pusser’s Navy rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and orange juice. It’s a fruity, drunk, puffed Piña Colada.
- BEE ROLLS
Made with classic gin, lemon and honey, this Prohibition-era cocktail was originally invented to mask the fakes that bath gin drinkers made at home at the time.
- RAMOS GIN FIZZ
Originally called New Orleans Gin Fizz, later renamed in honor of its creator, Henry C. Ramos, Ramos Gin Fizz takes the classic fizz and increases smoothie-like creaminess. Known for requiring 12 minutes of gin, simple syrup, lemon juice, lime juice, egg white, heavy cream, and orange blossom water, we admire any bartender responsible for the cocktail featured on this list. However, it has lost 10 spots on the list since 2017.
- BRAMBLE
Created by Dick Bradsell at London’s Fred’s Club in the 1980s, the Bramble combines the bright and spicy flavors of gin berries and blackcurrant liqueur (Merlet Crème de Mures is a favorite of some bartenders, although creme de cassis works too). It also includes gin, lemon, simple syrup, and lots of crushed ice.
- VODKA MARTINI
The Vodka Martini hit huge popularity in 2017, but it slides 15 places in 2019. It’s pretty basic: a shot of chilled vodka mixed with a bit of dry vermouth, somehow still in demand in the best bars in town cocktails of the world.
- HANKY PANKY
The Hanky ​​Panky is one of the 50 Best Cocktails of 2019.The Hanky ​​Panky Panky jumped 12 places in just two years. First made by London-based bartender Ada Coleman, who was prepared to mix up a drink with a little flavor, she rocked dry gin, Italian vermouth, and Fernet-Branca. As the story goes, one customer exclaimed, “Wow! That is the real handkerchief! » and the name stuck.
- JUNGLE BIRD
Flying 10 points since 2017, the Jungle Bird is a throwback to the tiki movement of the 70s. It is made with rum, Campari, lime, pineapple juice and sugar, achieving balance despite its sweet ingredients. (He’s also a favorite of Dante’s bartender, Liana Oster.)
- WHITE LADY
This cocktail originated in the 1920s was reimagined with a hint of egg whites by Peter Dorelli, former manager of the American Bar in London. Its base is gin, mixed with fresh lemon juice and Cointreau or Combier.
- PALOMA
El Paloma may be VinePair’s most prized tequila cocktail. We were delighted when it first entered this list in 2017, and we are delighted to see it again today. La Paloma mixes tequila and grapefruit – we think the Avión, Spindrift grapefruit soda, and a squeeze of fresh lemon work best – or you can swap it out for seasonal ingredients or substitute tequila for lightly smoked mezcal.
- COSMOPOLITAN
Made iconic by “Sex and the City” television, the Cosmo mixes vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and lemon juice. It’s the liquid soul of the female wannabe from the ’90s, and it still resonates in the world today. (By the way, Carrie Bradshaw has moved to Stella Artois.)
- SIDECAR
Braggy, tragically underrepresented on this list, earns a well-deserved moment in the global spotlight as the star of one of the world’s most sought-after cocktails. The Sidecar is a good starting point for those unfamiliar with the spirit of the category: the drink mixes brandy, lemon and triple sec, making a sour and refreshing drink.
- FRENCH 75
The 75 French ask for gin, lemon juice, sugar and champagne. It’s a class affair, but it can also be found in one of our favorite canned cocktails.
- VIEUX CARRÉ
The Vieux Carré is an American cocktail invented in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Similar to Manhattan, it is made with brandy, whiskey, sweet vermouth, Benedictine, angostura, and Peychaud bitters.
- AVIATION
Aviation has dropped 10 places since 2017, but it has not lost its appeal. After Meeting Tom Collins, Meet An Aviation: Served in a Martini glass, the gorgeous lavender-colored cocktail is made with Crème de Violette or Creme Yvette, Maraschino liqueur, gin, and lemon juice.
- PIÑA COLADA
Another nod to the tiki resurgence, this 1970s Puerto Rican slush treat is made with white rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice. This year it enters the ranking as one of the most ordered cocktails of the year.
- AMARETTO SOUR
Amaretto Sour is one of the 50 Best Cocktails for 2019 On a victorious rise from No. 41 in 2017, Amaretto Sour is both a staple in the world’s best bars and a drink we’ve compared to a liquid Sour Patch Kid. It’s sweet from the nutty amaretto and sour from the lemon juice, while the egg white softens the tang.
- PISCO SOUR
Pisco Sour, made with the Peruvian and Chilean national pisco, along with lemon, syrup and an optional egg white, is appropriate for any occasion.
- AMERICAN
Not to be confused with the espresso drink (and in fact, it has nothing to do with coffee), this Italian cocktail was created by Gaspare Campari, who served it at his Caffè Campari bar in the 1860s. New to the listed in 2018, and with an increase of 15 places since then, Campari, vermouth, and soda water are rapidly increasing in popularity. Dont’ miss our article with The World’s 50 Best Restaurants here.
- GIMLET
With two parts gin, one part lemon juice and one part sweetener, the Gimlet is an easy sipper that inspires many iterations.
- MAI TAI
Perhaps the most tiki of tiki cocktails, Mai Tai was hard to resist among drinkers around the world last year. His recipe typically includes different varieties of rum, orange juice, triple sec, and various sweeteners. The best cocktail for travel and vacations.
- BOULEVARDIER
The Boulevardier is one of the 50 Best Cocktails for 2019A VinePair staff favorite, the Boulevardier is the brotherly twin of the Negroni that uses whiskey instead of gin. It’s just equal parts rye, amaro, and sweet vermouth. Decorate with a hint of orange, and you will have an afternoon.
- CLOVER CLUB
With 23 seats since 2018, the Clover Club is named after a Philadelphia men’s club, and is now synonymous with the Brooklyn cocktail club of the same name. The bright pink drink contains gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white.
- GIN FIZZ
A delicious artisan gin can make Gin Fizz shine. The simple drink is a mix of gin, lemon, sugar, egg, and soda.
- DARK AND STORMY
Dark ‘n’ Stormy contains a blend of Gosling rum (and only Gosling rum) and ginger ale. Sometimes the simplest is the best.
- CORPSE REVIVAL
Speaking of revival. This drink is up 22 points this year, and it has an interesting twist: There are two versions. Corpse Reviver # 1 asks for cognac, calvados, brandy and vermouth; while Corpse Reviver # 2 uses equal parts gin, lemon juice, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, and a dash of absinthe. Choose wisely.
- OLD FASHIONED RUM
Old Fashioned Rum is one of the 50 Best Cocktails for 2019 Rum has grown from its banality of rum and coke to become a world-class cocktail mixer. Old Fashioned Rum is simply an Old Fashioned made with rum.
- PENICILLIN
Nothing cures a weary bartender like penicillin, made with a blend of Scotch, smoked Scotch, lemon juice, and honey ginger simple syrup. Created by Sam Ross, co-owner of Attaboy of New York, it will bring you back to life as a Z-pack.
- BLOODY MARY
The Bloody Mary is both an experience and a drink. The main course at lunchtime is best enjoyed with a homemade mix of tomato juice, vodka, and spices. And, if that’s your thing, a variety of side dishes – from celery and olives to bacon to whole cheeseburgers – are known to make appearances.
- MOJITO
The Mojito could be Cuba’s most popular contribution to cocktail culture. The simple mix of white rum, lime juice, cane sugar, and soda (with muddled mint please) is fresh and tropical, and it’s a classic that we don’t expect to go away anytime soon.
- SAZERAC
The Sazerac is breaking out of the top 10 this year, but its staying power is clear. The drink originated in the 1850s in New Orleans, and remains deeply entwined with the culture of Crescent City. It can be made with rye or brandy, along with Demerara syrup, Peychaud bitters, a lemon omelette, and wormwood as needed.
- MOSCOW MULA
The Moscow Mule is one of the 50 best cocktails for 2019 This famous drink that lives in a cup contains ginger, vodka, lemon and soda. It is served in a Moscow mule mug, which we venture to guess is very attractive.
- APEROL SPRITZ
If you haven’t noticed the Aperol Spritz, you haven’t been drinking (or on Instagram). This popular appetizer is as visually pleasing as it is tasty and easy to make – a three, two, and one ratio of Prosecco, Aperol, and soda. May the summer of the sprinkles oblige you.
- MARGARITA
The Margarita, in its tangy and tart simplicity, is probably the best-known tequila cocktail in the world. It maintains its place as the best tequila-based classic in 2019.
- MARTINI DE ESPRESSO
As a refined Red Bull and vodka for lovers of the deep L, the Espresso Martini promises an uplifting and calming high in a tasty package. The post-dinner drink will wake you up while still feeling the buzz. It has also been called Espresso Vodka and Pharmaceutical Stimulant.
- DRY MARTINI
A well-made dry martini is elegance in a glass. The classic mix of gin and dry vermouth ranks sixth among the 50 best cocktails of the year.
- MANHATTAN
It’s hard to get away from Manhattan, and the recent rise in rye whiskey makes it even more difficult. Spicy rye, sweet vermouth, and two pinches of angostura, scrambled, strained, and garnished with a brandy cherry can make you feel like a true class act.
- DAIQUIRI
The Daiquiri is often abused with fruit and blenders, but a true daiquiri made with white rum, lemon juice, and simple syrup is a clean, refreshing drink for any occasion.
- WHISKEY SOUR
This reliable drink is easy to drink for whiskey lovers, as well as for those who are tired of the brown spirit: its slight sweetness and lemon flavor make it also attractive to citrus lovers. Its simple recipe calls for whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar.
- NEGRONI
We love Negronis at VinePair, so much so that we are very disappointed when a waiter doesn’t know how to make one. Fortunately, that shouldn’t be much longer as Negroni clinch second place for the fifth year in a row. Gin, Campari and vermouth in a perfect package.
- OLD FASHIONED: the old one is one of the 50 best cocktails in the world
The Old Fashioned is timeless. This simple classic made with rye or bourbon, a sugar cube, angostura bitters, a thick ice cube and a touch of orange, is the best option for every occasion. That is, the most popular cocktail in the world.
The long list is made up of classic cocktails that despite the years continue to conquer cocktail lovers, although currently it is the bartenders who have been in charge of offering them innovations, giving them a twist through new ingredients, creating new variations that have pleased to customers.
