
Craft cocktails have seen a massive increase in popularity in recent years.
Premiumization, craft ingredients and mixology are seeing high demand at bars and restaurants around the country.
In 2024, there are a mix of classic and craft drinks that have been charted as the most popular cocktails so far.
Today, some cocktails have risen above others in popularity, becoming staples in bars and households around the world. These favorites are ordered time and again, not just for their taste, but also for the moods and memories they evoke.
Understanding the most popular drinks in the world is more than knowing what’s in vogue; whether it is about hard liquors or cocktails it reflects a global appreciation.
Each cocktail on the list has a distinct history, having traveled from the minds of their inventors to international fame.
These drinks stand out for their balance, versatility, and ability to bring together different spirits and mixers to create something greater than the sum of their parts.
Whether it’s the simplicity of a perfectly mixed gin and tonic or the layered complexity of a Mai Tai, these celebrated concoctions have secured their place in the canon of classic beverages.
The top 10 list of most popular cocktails, brimming with classics and contemporary favorites, comes from the insightful data of the annual consumer survey by the Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report. This survey underscores the prevailing preferences and trends that shape the current global cocktail scene.
Rank | Cocktail | % of Respondents |
---|---|---|
01 | Gin & Tonic | 28% |
02 | Mojito | 27% |
03 | Margarita | 20% |
04 | Bloody Mary | 20% |
05 | Whisky and Coke | 19% |
06 | Piña Colada | 19% |
07 | Daiquiri | 18% |
08 | Rum and Coke | 17% |
09 | Gin Lemonade | 17% |
10 | Vodka Lemonade | 15% |
According to The Mixer, here are the world’s 10 most popular craft cocktails in 2024:
Rank | Cocktail | Primary Spirit |
---|---|---|
01 | Old Fashioned | Bourbon |
02 | Negroni | Gin |
03 | Margarita | Tequila |
04 | Espresso Martini | Vodka |
05 | Cosmopolitan | Vodka |
06 | Manhattan | Bourbon |
07 | Daiquiri | Rum |
08 | Mojito | Rum |
09 | Gimlet | Gin |
10 | White Russian | Vodka |
The cocktail has evolved from a simple mixture of spirits and flavorings to a sophisticated symbol of culture and creativity. This transformation is marked by significant periods, including the Prohibition Era and the Craft Cocktail Movement, which have both shaped the landscape of mixology.
During the Prohibition Era (1920-1933), the United States banned the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages.
This period inadvertently fostered a culture of underground speakeasies, where bartenders had to be creative with limited resources.
The scarcity of quality spirits led to the creation of cocktails designed to mask the taste of inferior alcohol.
Drinks like the Sidecar and Mary Pickford gained popularity as they were both palatable and easy to produce with the available ingredients.
The Craft Cocktail Movement emerged in the late 20th century as a resurgence of interest in high-quality, artisanal cocktails.
Mixologists began emphasizing the art of cocktail making, focusing on fresh, high-quality ingredients, innovative techniques, and the overall drinking experience.
This movement has revived classic popular cocktails such as the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan and introduced new creations that have since become staples in bars across the world, contributing to a rich and ever-evolving cocktail culture.
Seasonality is also a factor, such as popular holiday drinks.
Creating the perfect cocktail goes beyond just mixing drinks; it requires an understanding of the essential ingredients that form the foundation of the world’s most popular cocktails, as well as the correct bar tools and equipment for impeccable execution.
The heart of any cocktail lies in its ingredients. For most classic and contemporary mixes, there are a few basic categories of ingredients that a bartender should always have on hand.
The right tools are essential for measuring, mixing, and serving cocktails with precision and style.
Crafting the perfect cocktail is an art form that extends well beyond the act of mixing beverages. It’s about the nuanced blend of essential ingredients and the skilled use of specialized tools for a flawless finish.
If mastering this art seems daunting or if you simply desire the pleasure of a professionally crafted drink, Rock Market Beverage is your go-to destination. Our expert bartenders wield the full spectrum of spirits, from vodka to brandy, and employ a range of liqueurs, mixers, and fresh ingredients to create cocktails that are as delightful to the palate as they are to the eye.
Whether you’re craving the zest of a freshly muddled Mojito or the refined elegance of a chilled Martini, let Rock Market Beverage be your shortcut to cocktail bliss.
Don’t wait any longer to enjoy your favorite cocktail made by experts. Visit Rock Market Beverage today to pick up your favorite spirits so you can create your own cocktails!
This section addresses common inquiries about the most popular cocktails, providing insights into essential recipes, timeless classics, and crowd-pleasers found in cocktail bars around the globe.
What are the essential cocktails everyone should know how to make?
Essential cocktails include the Negroni, a sophisticated blend of gin, Campari, and vermouth, and the refreshing Margarita, featuring tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur.
Which cocktails are considered classics in the world of mixology?
Classics in mixology such as the Mojito, with its white rum and mint, and the whiskey-based Old Fashioned have remained popular due to their timeless flavors and historical significance.
What are the signature drinks that every cocktail bar should offer?
Every cocktail bar should offer signature drinks such as the Manhattan, known for its mix of whiskey and sweet vermouth, and the elegant Martini, customizable to patron preference with either gin or vodka.
What are some universally loved cocktails for a diverse crowd?
Universally loved cocktails include the Margarita, appealing for its balance of sweet and sour.
Another universally loved cocktail is the Tequila Soda, which offers a lighter option with a crisp tequila kick.