Oh, These? Just 35 Drinks to Order at a Bar If You Haven't Found *Your* Cocktail Quite Yet
just a list/overview of drinks that are commonly ordered. based on the 'people also ask' questions, i would be willing to bet most people searching for this are about to turn 21. so i think we can acknowledge in the post that ordering for the first time (or just trying to mix it up if you already have a go-to) can be daunting!
Similar KWs: best drinks to order at a bar, fruity drinks to order at a bar, sweet drinks to order at a bar
Maybe it’s your first time at a bar in a while after hanging low at home during the pandemic and you need a lil refresher course, or it’s your first time getting into a bar legally after turning 21 (Happy bday queen, if so!). I mean, I’m sure this isn’t your first sip of alcohol but it may be the first time you’re actually ordering for yourself. (Or, have a big date coming up and want to look ~profesh~ ordering your drinks at the bar?
There’s a cocktail for you, even if you thought you didn’t like to drink prior to this. We’ve all the classics: got something for vodka lovers, tequila lovers (even if you don’t know you are one yet)
And you don’t have to have something in mind before you get to the bar. TK quote from Kenta Goto, Kenta Goto owner of Bar Goto and Bar Goto Niban in New York City about chatting up the bartender to help you decide what’s the signature or what’s best at that bar. “I’d also suggest that you ask the bartender for a recommendation, if the bar is not too busy. An easy way to start that conversation is to ask what the popular drinks on the menu are. If you don’t have the drinks knowledge or vocabulary to describe exactly what you like, this is a good opportunity to let the bartender guide you. All of the drinks I’m mentioning here are classic cocktails, and most bartenders should know how to make them well. These classics never go out of style, and more importantly, they are delicious.”
Whether you’re looking for sweet, fruity, or a little bit more boozy, here are the best drinks to order at a bar.
1. Daiquiri – Goto https://www.instagram.com/p/CV790vil_I9/
I’m talking about a classic daiquiri here, not a frozen daiquiri you get out of a machine. A classic daiquiri is made with rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. It’s very easy to drink. It’s actually a go-to drink that many off-duty bartenders order when they visit a cocktail bar.
2. Spritz (+ Kishu spritz from Bar Goto) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSSjrobrpXD/
In its classic form, the Spritz is a cocktail made with Italian aperitivo, sparkling wine, and sparkling water, though there are now many variations on that recipe. A Spritz is light, fizzy, and refreshing, and is great to accompany bar snacks. You can order a Spritz at a bar at night, or daytime at brunch (especially outside in nice sunny weather).
This was a cocktail we had on our menu this past summer. We call it the Kishu Spritz, and it was created by Bar Goto bartender Mathew Resler. It is made with sparkling Japanese plum wine, aperitivo, gin, and lemon. I would describe it as Spritz meets French 75, with a Japanese touch. It is light, fizzy, refreshing, with a hint of plum.
3. Cosmopolitan – Did you really think we’d tell you what to order and not include a classic Cosmo? Of course not, and Ina Garten ships it, so you should ask for this. https://www.instagram.com/p/CXJiWnxuKGh/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading
4. French 75 - https://www.instagram.com/p/CYIFBMwvd0b/or https://www.instagram.com/p/CF3T2mJARiO/
A French 75 is classic, and sophisticated. It is made with gin, lemon, simple syrup, and topped with champagne. It is a great cocktail for when you feel like celebrating, but also good to order on any night out.
5. Paloma - https://www.instagram.com/p/CTzdd3bLin-/
A Paloma is made with tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda. A Paloma is always delicious, but it’s even better if you’re at a bar that makes it with fresh grapefruit juice. This is a great cocktail to order at a bar, and it’s also very easy to make one at home.
6. Mojito - https://www.instagram.com/p/CJjNlbyrNpC/
7. Old Fashioned- https://www.instagram.com/p/CVT_soBruig/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CVDjydJMXzs/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ1Lvm9LJQs/
This is one step up from beginner, but a classic that is definitely worth trying. An Old Fashioned is made with either bourbon or rye whiskey, angostura bitters, and a touch of sugar. It’s a stronger drink that the cocktails listed above and meant to sip on, but it is a true classic, and a great introduction to whiskey cocktails.
8. Sbagliato – https://www.instagram.com/p/CYoJg0_sxDe/
It’s always a safe bet to start with a glass of wine or champagne, especially if you show up first and are waiting for your date. If you’re looking to order a cocktail, try a bubbly cocktail made with champagne or sparkling wine, like a French 75 or Sbagliato. These cocktails are sophisticated (so you’ll look good but without looking like you’re trying too hard), and are generally not too boozy, so you can assess how your date is going after the first drink or two before you decide what to order next.
9. Grasshopper https://www.instagram.com/p/CV0RNgPA2H4/
10. Bellini https://www.instagram.com/p/CV8-jMeAvMP/
11. Glass of wine https://www.instagram.com/p/B0ov3KXn_y_/
12. Vodka Gimlet https://www.instagram.com/p/CG5aJj8BLEr/
A Vodka Gimlet is a vodka, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup (You can also make a gimlet with gin). It is like a daiquiri, but the rum is replaced with vodka. The taste is citrusy and refreshing.
13. Black Russian - https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt2mO1uHzaV/c/17936321407271598/
Essentially, this a White Russian without the cream, so it’s lighter. If you are someone who likes to drink black iced coffee, this cocktail is for you. It is made with vodka and coffee liquor, and served over ice.
14. Mimosa- https://www.instagram.com/p/CJMGH6HpYXs/
15. Gin and Tonic- https://www.instagram.com/p/CYeuQZ-ASm6/
16. Margarita- https://www.instagram.com/p/COOXvRPJVSu/
17. Tequila sunrise- https://www.instagram.com/p/CYeuOyyN12a/
18. Moscow mule- https://www.instagram.com/p/CY2ioN-t0Em/ OR https://www.instagram.com/p/CY17gHcrpYy/
19. Mai tai https://www.instagram.com/p/CDrNYfAlLrg/
20. Sangria https://www.instagram.com/p/CY4qDPOOHhT/or https://www.instagram.com/p/CW_WMHGp8r-/
21. Aviation - https://www.instagram.com/p/B9r8PxRl3tu/
22. Mudslide- https://www.instagram.com/p/CVQzpy9MxQU/or https://www.instagram.com/p/CYHNb_XLKsB/
23. Sea Breeze – https://www.instagram.com/p/CRu_oyhN2LU/
24. Brandy Alexander- https://www.instagram.com/p/CYKBCiBOTnz/
25. Painkiller - https://www.instagram.com/p/COLkucGjfY0/
If you're reading this, chances are you haven't found your go-to alcoholic bev yet. And that's so fine! Maybe you just turned 21 and can finally (legally!) get yourself a drink for the first time. Or, maybe you have a big date coming up and want to look profesh when you inevitably get a nightcap. Totally get that. No matter why you're here, welcome. I'm certain there's a cocktail you'll love on this list!
To get you started before you get to bar hopping, I gathered 35 of the best Adult Beverages in existence. There's something for vodka drinkers, tequila lovers (yes, that might be you!), and people who prefer things on the lighter side. I even chatted with award-winning mixologist Kenta Goto, owner of Bar Goto and Bar Goto Niban in New York City, to confirm that he would back everything on the list. "All of the drinks mentioned here are classic cocktails, and most bartenders should know how to make them well," Goto says. "These classics never go out of style, and more importantly, they are delicious." We would never steer you wrong, would we?!
So, whether you’re looking for something sweet, fruity, or downright boozy, scroll down to find the best drinks to order at a bar.
Martini
Perhaps no cocktail is as aesthetically pleasing as the classic martini. I mean...the frosty glass! The olive pick! The standard version is a mix of gin and vermouth—shaken or stirred—with an olive or lemon twist. Some people trade the gin for vodka, and others spice things up and incorporate some additional ingredients/flavors. My personal favorite? The espresso martini, which adds espresso shots and coffee liqueur to the recipe.
Daiquiri
Just so you don't get it twisted, I'm not referring to a frozen daiquiri situation here. "A classic daiquiri is made with rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. It’s very easy to drink," says Goto, adding that it's a go-to for off-duty bartenders when they hit up a bar.
Negroni
Okay, who is she?! That’s what everyone will be saying when they lay eyes on you as you sip one of the sexiest cocktails of them all. It only requires three ingredients—Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth—which blend into a reddish-orange drink. If the bartender serves it up with an orange peel twist and one big ice cube, you know you’re at a nice place.
Spritz
I don't even need to describe an Aperol Spritz (it's 2023, after all), but I am here to tell you that it's one of many ways in which you can prepare a Spritz. "In its classic form, a Spritz is a cocktail made with an Italian aperitivo (like Aperol), sparkling wine, and sparkling water, though there are now many variations on that recipe," Goto says. Basically, it's the perfect brunch or happy hour starter.
Cosmopolitan
Did you really think we’d tell you what to order and not include a classic Cosmo? Of course not. A typical Cosmopolitan is made with vodka, an orange-flavored liqueur called triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice. It might be a little strong for beginner drinkers, but you can def work your way up to this one.
Whiskey Sour
Egg whites in a cocktail might not seem yummy, but trust me, it works. It’s one of the main ingredients in a whiskey sour, along with whiskey (duh), lemon juice, and simple syrup. If you go somewhere fancy, they’ll likely squeeze the lemons and crack the eggs right in front of you. If you’re somewhere a little divey, they’ll probably just mix a shot of whiskey with a pre-made sour mix. Both are good, tbh!
Kir Royale
If you didn’t already see this drink on the most recent season of Emily in Paris (remember when Emily tried to get Champére into the canned cocktail business?), allow me to introduce you. The Kir Royale is a pink cocktail that requires just two ingredients: sparkling wine and crème de cassis, a tart red liqueur made from blackcurrants. It’s fruity, fizzy, and f*cking delicious. (Just don’t drink too many if bubbles give you a headache!)
French 75
Idk about you, but I feel classy just saying this one. "A French 75 is made with gin, lemon, simple syrup, and topped with champagne," says Goto. "It's a great cocktail for when you feel like celebrating, but also good to order on any night out."
Mojito
Nothing screams summer quite like a mojito! The basic recipe is rum, simple syrup, lime juice, club soda, and mint, but other fruits are often added to the mix, like pineapple, mango, strawberry, or cucumber.
Old Fashioned
This boozy baby is def meant to be sipped, not chugged. "An Old Fashioned is made with either bourbon or rye whiskey, angostura bitters (essentially a mix of herbs and spices dissolved in alcohol), and a touch of sugar," Goto says. "It's a classic that is definitely worth trying."
Long Island Iced Tea
Perhaps the most silent but deadly on this list, a Long Island Iced Tea is a sweet combo of so many different liquors it’s almost concerning. Believe it or not, there’s actually no iced tea in a Long Island iced tea—it’s vodka, tequila, rum, triple sec, gin, and a little bit of Coke. And somehow, it tastes really freakin’ delicious. Where I come from, you order a LIIT if you wanna get, well, lit. Use that information as you wish.
Paloma
If you've never had a Paloma, get yourself to a bar ASAP. "It's made with tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda," explains Goto. And if you can find a bar serving it up with fresh grapefruit juice, even better.
Vodka Gimlet
Wanna order something slightly less college than a vodka cran? Try a vodka gimlet. "It's made with vodka, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup, though you can also make it with gin," says Goto. "It's like a daiquiri, but the rum is replaced with vodka".
Bellini
Need something yummy to order during brunch? You can never, ever go wrong with a bellini, made with prosecco and peach purée. Sweet, bubbly, and deliciously fruity, it's a drink order you will absolutely not regret.
Manhattan
You don’t have to be in New York to order a Manhattan (although, tbh, it’s more fun when you are). The cocktail requires just three ingredients: whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. But if you get a good one, it’ll also include a fourth ingredient: a maraschino cherry for garnish. This baby is definitely strong and a little bitter, but it’s also super hot. If it suits your tastebuds, you’ll look like a badass with every sip.
Mimosa
The mimosa is the legitimate queen of brunch cocktails. It's so simple...just sparkling wine and OJ. Pro tip if you're doing bottomless brunch: do not schedule anything for the rest of the afternoon. Mimosas are often accompanied by midday naps (speaking from experience).
Gin & Tonic
The G&T is another staple you could literally order at any bar on earth. The most basic version is made with gin, tonic water (pretty much club soda with a lil added sugar), and some lime, though fancier recipes might add other fruit and mint.
Margarita
I don't think I need to convince you to order a margarita, aka the greatest possible way to consume tequila and lime juice. They're delicious when accompanied by chips and guac, which is great because they can catch up to you fast, so you should always sip them with food, IMO.
Sbagliato
Goto calls this bubbly cocktail (pronounced spahl-yah-toe, btw)—made with Campari, sweet vermouth, and prosecco—the perfect first-date order. "These cocktails are sophisticated, so you’ll look good without looking like you’re trying too hard," he says. "And they're generally not too boozy, so you can assess how your date is going after the first drink or two before you decide what to order next." Honestly, that's the move.
Tequila Sunrise
Look at that pretty ombré! You can barely taste the tequila in a Tequila Sunrise because it's mixed with orange juice and grenadine (you know, the sweet red syrup in Shirley Temples?). These go down like juice, jsyk.
Tom Collins
Refreshing is probably the best word to describe a Tom Collins. The tart and tangy cocktail is a blend of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and club soda, which together taste a little bit like sparkling lemonade (but alcoholic, duh). If you’re in the mood for something easy to sip but not too sweet, Tom Collins is your dude.
Moscow Mule
You can never go wrong with a Moscow Mule—especially if you love the taste of ginger! It's just vodka, ginger beer, lime juice, and a fresh sprig of mint, and the signature copper mug will always keep it ice cold for ya.
Dark and Stormy
Love a Moscow Mule but wanna change things up a bit? Give a Dark and Stormy a go. It’s made with dark rum and ginger beer, and served on the rocks with a lime wedge. Some bartenders will also add lime juice and simple syrup to cut the booziness a wee bit, and I recommend trying it that way if you’re a dark-cocktail novice.
Bloody Mary
You’ll typically find this savory cocktail in the hand of a brunch-goer, but personally, I think it’s tasty any time of day. The two core ingredients are vodka and tomato juice, which are mixed with a variety of other seasonings, including celery salt, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, paprika, horseradish, and lime and lemon juice. You can add pretty much anything as a garnish—I’ve seen shrimp, bacon, and even mini cheeseburgers—but the standard is an olive, celery stalk, or lime wedge. Also, fwiw, these just taste better during an après-ski moment.
Sangria
Traditional Spanish sangria is always made with red wine, citrus fruit, and spices (like cinnamon). But some bartenders will add other alc—like rum or brandy—as well as juices, sweeteners, berries, and more.
Black Russian
Here's another great brunch option, esp if you were gonna order coffee anyway. "If you are someone who likes to drink black iced coffee, this cocktail is for you. It is made with vodka and coffee liquor, and served over ice," Goto says.
Green Tea Shot
If the thought of downing straight vodka or tequila gives you literal chills (same), allow me to introduce you to perhaps the tamest shot of all time: the green tea shot. It’s a classic at any college bar, but you shouldn’t be ashamed to order it all the way into adulthood, because, well, it actually tastes good. It’s typically a combo of whiskey, peach schnapps, sour mix, and a little bit of lemon-lime soda, all layered together in a shot glass. It’s pretty sweet, and very peachy, which means it goes down a little too smooth.
Mai Tai
Need to temporarily transport yourself to a beach somewhere? Order a Mai Tai. It's made with rum, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and an almond syrup called orgeat. And if you drink one, you are obligated to post it on your story. We don't make the rules.
Mudslide
Have you ever been like, "I want a milkshake, but I also need a strong drink?" Well, that's what the mudslide was created for. It has basically everything you need: Bailey's, Kahlua, vodka, and either heavy cream or ice cream.
Boulevardier
News flash: Your new go-to winter cocktail is right here! Composed of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Campari, a Boulevardier is a bold and boozy sipper for those who like things bitter. To say it warms the soul would be an understatement.
The Aviation
Probably the most Instagrammable drink ever, the Aviation gets its pretty purply-blue color from crème de violette, a liqueur made from the violet flower. There's also gin, maraschino cherry liqueur, and lemon juice in it.
Sea Breeze
This is a super easy one to order and drink! A sea breeze is just vodka, cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, and a lil bit of lime. A tart and fruity beauty!
Brandy Alexander
You'll feel fancy when you order this aloud and when you sip it while sitting at the bar. A Brandy Alexander has cognac, crème de cacao (yep, you're getting some chocolatey flavor!), and fresh cream. Just FYI, it's a dessert drink, so don't order it for HH if you don't want the bartender to look at you funny.
Painkiller
Here's another classic vacay (or pretend you're on vacay) cocktail from the British Virgin Islands. The ingredients are pineapple juice, dark rum, cream of coconut, orange juice, and a dusting of nutmeg. It's giving tropical!!!
Grasshopper
If you wanna go for a classy after-dinner drink, get a Grasshopper. It has a minty liqueur in it called crème de menthe, plus crème de cacao, and fresh cream. Think of it like a boozy mint chocolate chip milkshake.
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