Ten Most Popular US Cocktails
It’s hard to be sure of the ten most popular US cocktails, but based on bar trends and industry reports, this is Travel Distilled’s top ten choice.
Ten Most Popular US Cocktails
1. Margarita
History: Claimed origins vary, but likely emerged in Mexico in the 1930s-40s.
Recipe:
2 oz Tequila
1 oz Cointreau (or other orange liqueur)
1 oz Lime Juice
Salt for the rim (optional)
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well. Strain into a salt-rimmed margarita glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.
2. Old Fashioned
History: A classic with roots in the 1800s, likely originating in Kentucky.
Recipe:
2 oz Bourbon or Rye Whiskey
1-2 dashes Angostura Bitters
1 sugar cube (or 1 tsp simple syrup)
2-3 dashes water
Orange peel for garnish
Muddle sugar cube with bitters and water. Add whiskey and ice. Stir well. Garnish with orange peel.
3. Martini
History: Emerged in the late 19th century, likely in New York City.
Recipe:
2 1/2 oz Gin or Vodka
1/2 oz Dry Vermouth
Olives or lemon twist for garnish
Stir ingredients with ice in a mixing glass. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish.
4. Moscow Mule
History: A mid-20th-century creation, popularized in the 1950s.
Recipe:
2 oz Vodka
0.5 oz Lime Juice
4-6 oz Ginger Beer
Lime wedge for garnish
Combine vodka and lime juice in a copper mug filled with ice. Top with ginger beer. Garnish.
5. Mojito
History: Originated in Cuba, with roots in the 16th century.
Recipe:
2 oz White Rum
0.5 oz Lime Juice
1 tsp Sugar
6-8 Mint Leaves
Club Soda
Muddle mint leaves, sugar, and lime juice in a glass. Add rum and ice. Top with club soda. Garnish with mint sprig and lime wedge.
6. Cosmopolitan
History: Became wildly popular in the 1990s, thanks in part to the TV show “Sex and the City.”
Recipe:
1 1/2 oz Vodka
1/2 oz Cointreau
1/2 oz Cranberry Juice
1/4 oz Lime Juice
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.
7. Bloody Mary
History: Emerged in the 1920s, likely in New York City.
Recipe:
2 oz Vodka
4 oz Tomato Juice
1/2 oz Lemon Juice
1/4 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
1/4 tsp Hot Sauce (e.g., Tabasco)
Celery Salt and Black Pepper to taste
Garnish with celery stalk, olives, lemon or lime wedge.
Combine all ingredients in a glass filled with ice. Stir well. Garnish.
Photo by Jose Pereiro
8. Espresso Martini
History: Created in the 1980s in London.
Recipe:
2 oz Vodka
0.5 oz Coffee Liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
1 oz Espresso
Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with 3 coffee beans.
9. Manhattan
History: A classic cocktail, likely created in the late 1800s in New York City.
Recipe:
2 oz Rye Whiskey or Bourbon
1 oz Sweet Vermouth
2-3 dashes Angostura Bitters
Maraschino cherry for garnish
Stir ingredients with ice in a mixing glass. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish.
10. Gin & Tonic
History: A classic and refreshing combination, dating back to the 18th century.
Recipe:
2 oz Gin
4-6 oz Tonic Water
Lime wedge for garnish
Fill a glass with ice. Add gin and top with tonic water. Garnish with a lime wedge.
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