Cocktails have always ruled the drinking world. Everybody fancies a well-done cocktail, served in a fancy glass and so on. But remember, adding a lemon slice or a nice fancy little umbrella to your glass doesn’t make it a cocktail. There’s a lot that goes into making an amazing cocktail that becomes world famous and also tops the list as the most popular cocktail in the world. Going back to history, it sees many interesting and amusing stories, and also sees many conspicuous stories. The whole idea of creating this fancy drink has been around for ages, as alcohol brewing has been happening for centuries.
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Cocktails that are traditionally thought of as an American innovation, but also see a much British inspiration and punches like the use of fruit juice, spices, and more, that were consumed in punch houses around the 18th century. The word cocktail was documented and used in publications from 1798 and 1803. As the year draws to a close, it is only right to honour the most delicious cocktails that the world sipped over and over again. There are countless combinations to try, although some are more well-known than others. These are the top 10 most popular cocktails of 2025, according to Google Year In Search, albeit there was a comeback for some old favourites and some newbies too!
1. Margarita
The classic margarita never loses its charm. To make this cocktail, you don’t need anything but tequila, fresh lime juice and triple sec. This cocktail refreshes perfectly and goes well on all occasions. With a twist to the classic margarita, this recipe features the flavour of coconuts, which astonishingly melds with all the ingredients. The recipe features blanco tequila and coconut cream blended to make a smoothie. It is served in a tall Collins glass to display picturesque colours. Another popular variation is the Al pastor margarita that combines the popular flavours of Al pastor tacos into a cool drink. This inventive beverage creates a distinctive flavour experience that is ideal for any occasion by fusing the unique taste of premium tequila with the sweet tanginess of pineapple and the gentle heat of chilli.
2. Lantern Fly
This drink first became a cult favourite at Attaboy, a prominent cocktail bar in New York noted for its no-menu policy and bartender-led classics. Jojo Colona's lantern fly, a shaken equal-parts cocktail that combines Jamaican pot still rum with Amargo-Vallet, a Mexican digestif sometimes compared to Angostura, is one of its signature creations. It sets the tone for a family of simple, remixable beverages that you may just as easily attempt making at home. The simplicity of equal parts, brisk shaking, and straining into a chilled glass is what makes it so tempting. Because of its structure, it's perfect for experimenting at home. For a smoky edge, try mezcal and Campari; for a lighter, more citrussy flavour, try gin and Aperol. Knowing the technique makes it simple and incredibly enjoyable to replicate (or riff on) the lantern fly at home.
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3. Old Fashioned
True to its name, the old-fashioned is deemed one of the oldest alcoholic drinks. Historians claim that the drink was first developed at the Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky, in the 1880s. It is believed that the old-fashioned was drunk as a response to the withdrawal of the 25th mayor of New York and former Democratic candidate for the U.S. Presidency from the United States Presidential election. The recipe for the cocktail was also brought to the Waldorf Astoria Hotel bar in New York by bartender James E. Pepper. The classic cocktail saw a rise in popularity with more chocolate ingredients as the base note. Start by combining chocolate syrup and a dash of chocolate bitters in a glass. Add 60 ml of bourbon and ice, then stir well to combine the flavours. Finish with an orange twist to create a zesty aroma that complements the deep chocolate overtones.
4. Espresso Martini
The classic espresso martini has a perfectly balanced profile; its intensity is matched by the sweetness of the liqueur, although it's pretty to moderate the flavours. The cocktail marries the intensity and bold richness of espresso with the smoothness of vodka and the sweet complexity of coffee liqueur. While the predominant flavour in an espresso martini is coffee, it’s played up by the vodka’s clean and neutral base, resulting in a sophisticated and well-balanced concoction with just the right amount of bitterness. The classic espresso martini has evolved into new flavours such as blueberry & pistachio or with dark chocolate instead of the usual ingredients, making it a hit globally in 2025.
5. Negroni
The Negroni remains a favourite today amongst bartenders and patrons alike. The drink has seen several classic and modern variations. There are many variations. The negroni sbagliato is one such version. According to legend, this drink was accidentally made when a bartender prepared a Negroni using sparkling wine rather than gin. The Italian word sbagliato translates to a mistake in English, hence the name. The Old Pal and Boulevardier are two other versions. Both contain whiskey, either rye or bourbon, rather than gin, as in the negroni. Some claim, however, that getting used to the cocktail's distinctive bitter palate takes time. The contentious negroni, according to a few others, has a little bit of "acquired taste." Therefore, if you haven't decided whether you enjoy it yet, you might want to give it another go a few times. To really appreciate a negroni, one should ideally have three of them.
6. Carajillo
The origin of this Spanish drink dates back to the time when Cuba was a Spanish province. Carajillo is blended with a shot of freshly brewed espresso and alcohol. In different parts of the world, it is brewed with different ingredients and preparation styles. In Latin American countries, it is made with brandy, while in other countries blend it is blended with rum. In Mexico, the drink is made with a typical coffee liqueur that is Kalhua or Tia Mariana. Carajillo is traditionally served in a small glass. This Spanish beverage is consumed both hot and cold, depending upon personal preferences. There are several ways of putting together this Spanish drink. A typical Spanish recipe calls for combining three parts of coffee with one part brandy. The liquor is poured over coffee beans, and the drink is flavoured with a dash of lime and sugar.
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7. Rusty Nail
The ultimate scotch cocktail is the rusty nail. Served on the rocks in an antique glass, it's a fairly basic concoction of just two ingredients–drambuie and scotch. It's a great drink to have after dinner and is meant to be a classy, slow-sipping beverage. There are rumours that it was first served at the British Industries Fair in 1937 in a version that also contained bitters. One popular story claims that a rusty nail was used to stir it at first, while another blames the colour of the beverage. It's commonly known that Frank Sinatra and his close associates, known as the Rat Pack, popularised this beverage and helped to solidify its appeal.
8. Hugo Spritz
The Hugo cocktail is a lovely option for cool fall or winter evenings since it is refreshing, flowery, and herbal. Use prosecco and a little gin to make this easy spritz. With herbal depth from fresh mint and floral undertones from elderflower liqueur, this Italian drink is bright and sparkling. It lacks the harshness of its more well-known cousin, Aperol, yet it is as refreshing. Rather, it's delicate and mildly sweet. It is a very recent addition to the repertoire of traditional cocktails. The bartender Roland Gruber invented the Hugo spritz in 2005 in the Northern Italian region of South Tyrol.
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9. Naked & Famous
Made with mezcal, aperol, yellow chartreuse, and lime juice, the naked & famous cocktail is a straightforward equal-parts drink that is served cold without ice. It was first developed in 2011 by bartender Joaquín Simó at Death & Co. in New York. It is smoky, bittersweet, and fresh. In 2025, it has undoubtedly made a big comeback, gaining new admirers and a renewed affection on cocktail menus. Every item counts since the formula is so precise. To keep the tastes light and well-rounded, Yellow Chartreuse is used. Fresh lime gives brightness and lift, and the mezcal's earthy smokiness remains clear and distinct. Despite all those opposing aromas, the outcome is a cocktail that feels clean, complex, and surprisingly refreshing.
10. Salad Bar Martini
The salad bar martini cocktail is a microtrend that is genuinely drinkable, demands true mixology skills, yet manages to remain light-hearted and unexpected. Whether it's a classic dish like the Caesar, a veggie-forward spread, or just a loose mixture of vegetables, there's a zesty drink inspired by a salad everywhere you look. Salad bar martinis are incredibly popular right now, even though making them is obviously a task. According to many bartenders and mixologists, the trend is consistent with a number of larger trends, including the popularity of savoury beverages, the increasing usage of savoury ingredients from Asia and Latin America, and the continued interest in healthy drinks.