45 Classic Cocktails That Stand the Test of Time
These popular drink recipes have endured for a reason.
You don’t need to hit up a foofy “mixology” bar for the best cocktails. With just a few ingredients, you can make these tried and true classic cocktails. Think of them as your drink equivalents of a white tee shirt and blue jeans — they never go out of style. No fancy equipment or bartender tricks required. Just pick your poison: vodka, gin, whiskey, tequila, mezcal, rum or brandy, perhaps?
If hard liquor packs too much of a punch for you, choose from gentler tipples, like champagne cocktails where sparkling wine and affordable champagne will give a mellower buzz. For teetotalers or guests who are going alcohol-free for Dry January or Sober October, many of these classic cocktails can be revamped as delicious mocktails. So you still get the celebratory vibes without the booze. You could also simply make life easy by popping open the best non-alcoholic drinks (or for those partaking, the best canned cocktails) you can buy online.
Browse our list to find the best cocktail recipes perfect for any occasion, any time of the day. Boozy brunch? We’ve got your mimosa, Bellini and Bloody Mary. Pre-dinner aperitifs? Aperol Spritz and Pimm’s Cup are here to say, “Hold my beer.” Looking for stiffer drinks to serve as an after-dinner nightcap? Sazerac and Manhattan have entered the chat. So stock your bar cart with the staple spirits, fill up your ice cube trays (or step it up with crystal-clear ice cubes) and get ready to shake up some good, good, good libations.
Margarita
One of the most popular drinks in the U.S., this refreshing cocktail originated in Mexico and was discovered by Americans in the early 1920s. Stories differ on how it came to be, but the name gives a hint: Margarita is Spanish for "daisy," a flower, but also once a variety of mixed drinks consisting of a spirit plus citrus and a sweetener.
Get the Classic Fresh Lime Margarita recipe or kick things up with the Spicy Margarita recipe.
Piña Colada
If you like Piña Coladas... come sit with us. This tropical party drink became popular at the legendary Trader Vic's restaurant in New York City back in the '70s. Today it's a crowd fave and a must at any pool party.
In a blender, combine 4 cups of ice cubes with 3/4 cup fresh pineapple juice and 1/2 cup amber rum. Blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and frothy. Pour into chilled glasses and garnish with a wedge of pineapple. To complete the vacay vibes, don't forget the little cocktail umbrella.
Paloma
This tequila-based highball is a lighter alternative to the more famous margarita. It can be made with grapefruit soda (pink or yellow) or for an easy upgrade, fresh grapefruit juice and club soda. Our version here adds a zingy hit with ginger beer.
Get the Grapefruit Ginger Paloma recipe.
Bellini
Nothing says simple elegance like a Bellini. This two-ingredient cocktail was invented by Giuseppe Cipriani, founder of Harry's Bar, in Venice, Italy. Pro tip: Freezing the white peach puree will help keep the Prosecco nice and chilled. You could also switch up the fruit with your favorite berries.
Get the Berry Bellini Party Ice recipe.
Egg Nog
Is there a more divisive drink for the holidays? Creamy, rich and nicely spiced, this quintessential Christmas cocktail can be spiked with brandy or rum.
Get the Old-Fashioned Egg Nog recipe.
RELATED: 48 Christmas Cocktails to Get the Holiday Party Started
Dirty Martini
Olive brine gives this martini a savory edge that's even more delicious with the blue cheese–stuffed olives.
Negroni
This classic cocktail couldn't be easier to make. It's equal parts gin, Campari and vermouth plus an orange twist.
Get the Negroni recipe.
Cosmopolitan
Have your Carrie Bradshaw moment with this eye-catching cocktail made with vodka and cranberry juice.
Get the Cosmopolitan recipe.
RELATED: 24 Best Valentine's Day Cocktails Perfect for a Romantic Toast
Espresso Martini
Fun fact: This cocktail was reportedly created in the 1980s specifically for model Naomi Campbell. It features vodka, Kahlúa and of course, espresso.
Get the Espresso Martini recipe.
RELATED: How to Make Espresso at Home
White Russian
This decadent cocktail is the perfect thing to cozy up with. You can include a bit of pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal drink, or omit it if you want a more classic recipe.
Get the Pumpkin Spice White Russian recipe.
RELATED: 35 Best Fall Cocktails That Will Keep You Warm All Season Long
Coquito
Spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, this creamy Puerto Rican rum drink features not one, not two but three different kinds of milk.
Get the Coquito recipe.
Aperol Spritz
Give your Aperol spritz a festive upgrade with this icy version. It's extra bright from fresh orange juice and zest.
Get the Aperol Spritz Granita recipe.
Michelada
Take your next brunch up a level with these flavorful, colorful drinks made with beer, tomato juice and spices.
Get the Zesty Michelada recipe.
Gin Fizz
A classic gin fizz combines the spirit with citrus, sugar and sparkling water. This pear version gets sweetness from honey and the sparkle from Prosecco.
Get the Pear Gin Fizz recipe.
Whiskey Sour
This sophisticated cocktail comes together in just five minutes, and uses ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Get the Maple Whiskey Sour recipe.
Classic Daiquiri
This citrusy drink is said to have started its path to popularity by thirsty Americans (Ernest Hemingway, for one) living or visiting Cuba during Prohibition. Although you’ll see variations churning away in frozen slush machines in bars and restaurants all over, the original was once served, very cold, over ice.
Get the Classic Daiquiri recipe.
Classic Old-Fashioned
Even in the late 1800s, the basic three-ingredient version (whiskey or brandy, sugar and bitters) of this spirits-based drink was considered a throwback to the “good old days,” when cocktails were made without trendy additions like vermouth or curaçao. In the early 20th century, the occasional addition of muddled citrus and cherries became an embellishment we still love today.
Get the Classic Old-Fashioned recipe.
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Classic Mai Tai
In 1944, Victor “Trader Vic” Bergeron, founder of the international Polynesian restaurant chain (yes, that Trader Vic) served his new tiki drink to friends visiting from Tahiti. One sip and it was declared “Maitai’i roe a’e” (“out of this world, the best,” in Tahitian).
Get the Classic Mai Tai recipe.
Big-Batch Watermelon Margaritas
These cocktails are basically summer in a glass, thanks to the watermelon and lime flavors. But there's definitely no rule saying you can't make this easy big-batch recipe for any party in fall, winter or spring!
Get the Big-Batch Watermelon Margaritas recipe.
RELATED: 28 Refreshing Summer Cocktails That Totally Beat the Heat
Bees Knees
The name of this Prohibition era classic is slang for "the best." Fitting for this top-tier gin and honey cocktail that we kicked up with black pepper.
Get the Bees Knees recipe.
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