Top 10 most popular cocktails
Try our most popular cocktail recipes for your next party. Mix up a refreshing mojito, a classic margarita or a coffee-lover's espresso martini
A classic cocktail is a thing of beauty. Whether you like something delicate and floral, sweet and fruity or strong and bitter, there's a drink for you. We've picked our 10 most popular cocktails – some are familiar famous drinks, while others are common cocktails you'll find on every bar menu. Read on for our most popular drinks, plus insider tips and mixology tricks to create the very best cocktails at home. Crack open the cocktail cabinet, dust off the martini glasses and get some friends over for a round of truly spectacular tipples.
Get even more inspiration for cocktails and drinks, how-to guides and advice from drinks experts with our recipe hub.
Top 10 most popular cocktail recipes
1. Margarita
Coming in as your most popular cocktail recipe is the classic margarita. Tequila and triple sec combine with plenty of fresh lime juice to create a tart and refreshing cocktail that carries through the seasons. Next, try our spicy margarita, frozen margarita and coconut margarita.
2. Espresso martini
The espresso martini is the classic coffee-flavoured cocktail of choice for lovers of caffeine. Use freshly brewed espresso and a dash of coffee liqueur for a real flavour hit. This sophisticated drink, with its distinctive, frothy top layer, is sure to impress. If you don't have a martini glass to hand, try our reverse espresso martini with a splash of Baileys and espresso.
3. Mojito
A minty mojito is the perfect drink for a hot summer's afternoon. Mix together some white rum, sugar, zesty lime and cooling soda water for a winning drink no-one will turn down. Learn the bartender's tricks for making the best mojito, like choosing rum and muddling ingredients. We guarantee a single sip of this latin-inspired tipple will transport you to a sun-drenched beach.
Get that holiday feeling with our six mojitos you can make in minutes.
4. Pina colada
Try a taste of the tropical with our fun and fruity piña colada. This irresistible blend of creamy coconut, smooth white rum and tangy pineapple is a retro classic for a reason, and is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. Garnish with as many kitsch umbrellas, colourful straws and pineapple slices as you can. Fancy something a little lighter? Try our crystal colada with coconut water and Brazilian cachaca.
5. Sex on the beach
Synonymous with summer itself, recreate the classic sun-drenched cocktail - wherever you are - with a sweet and fruity mixture of vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry and orange juice. Now try more fruity cocktails.
6. Passion fruit martini
Celebrate in style with our prosecco-based passion fruit martini. Break out the cocktail shaker and combine passion fruit pulp with vodka, passoa, (a fruity passion fruit liqueur), lime juice and a simple sugar syrup. Serve in a swanky martini glass and top with half a passion fruit. This impressive looking cocktail is simple to make, so you can look like an expert with minimal effort.
7. Classic negroni
Dark and delicious, the classic negroni has just three key ingredients and is a staple on all good cocktail menus. Simply mix together equal parts gin, vermouth and campari for a boozy taste sensation. This punchy, slightly bitter drink is our ideal dinnertime aperativo. Feeling daring? Try one of our delicious variations, like our softer sherry negroni or a prosecco-topped negroni sbagliato.
Discover our top tips on how to make the perfect negroni.
8. Old fashioned
One for the more refined palettes out there, whisky, bitters, soda water and orange zest combine to create a heady mix that's best served over plenty of ice. Discover more whisky cocktails.
9. Cosmopolitan
What's in a cocktail name? The origins of a cosmopolitan may be disputed, but we can all agree it is the perfect balance of sweet and sour flavours, with a deliciously fresh hint of citrus. The recipe is easily adapted if you fancy a twist, too – add a splash of champagne to your finished cocktail, or try replacing the vodka with tequila if you're a fan. Serve in the obligatory martini glass and let the good times roll! Check out our 10 best vodka cocktail recipes for more inspiration.
10. Pimm's
It wouldn't be British summertime without a glass of fruity Pimm's punch. Make a pitcher for your next gathering with friends, and add plenty of mint leaves, cucumber, orange and strawberries for a fruitier flavour. Turn this sensational summer cup into a Pimm's slushie to keep everyone cool or add a splash of juice and a sprinkling of seeds to make our pomegranate Pimm's.
Check out our guide on how to make perfect Pimm's and our 7 new ways with Pimm's for cakes, bakes and iced Pimm's lollies.
Want more drinks inspiration? Check out our best ever cocktail guides and recipe collections...
Two-ingredient cocktails
5 ways with coffee cocktails
Prosecco cocktails and recipes
Brilliant brunch drinks
Easy cocktail recipes
The best tequila cocktails
Easy cocktail garnish ideas
3-ingredient cocktail recipes to try
Best ever rum cocktail recipes
Top 10 fun cocktail recipes
What's your favourite go-to tipple? Leave a comment below...
By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.