The greatest hits of the cocktail world. These are the must-know, must-try, always-in-style drinks that built the bar. From old-school icons to modern staples, this list is your crash course in cocktail canon—no fluff, just the essentials.
Old Fashioned
whiskey
water
Angostura bitters
sugar
smooth
rich
aromatic
winter
digestif
Whiskey warmth with subtle sweetness and spice
Manhattan
rye whiskey
sweet vermouth
boozy
spiced
timeless
classic
Whiskey-forward with herbal, spiced sweetness
Negroni
gin
Campari
bitter
complex
sophisticated
year-round
Bold bitterness with herbal and citrusy sweetness
Dry Martini
dry vermouth
crisp
botanical
summer
aperatif
Crisp, herbal, and spirit-forward
Daiquiri
white rum
lime juice
simple syrup
rum
tart
bright
Sharp lime with smooth, clean rum and subtle sweetness
Whiskey Sour
bourbon
lemon juice
egg white
velvety
rocks
Tangy citrus with smooth whiskey warmth
Margarita
tequila
Cointreau
zesty
refreshing
bold
Tangy lime with smooth tequila and a hint of orange
20th Century
Gin
citrusy
chocolatey
creamy
Alabama Slammer
Southern Comfort
Fruity
Sweet
Retro
Alaska
herbal
elegant
Alexander
Brandy
Chocolate
Cream
Algonquin
Rye whiskey
Rye
Pineapple
Dry Vermouth
