pouring a cocktail into a whiskey glass

Best-selling cocktails in the world

The world of cocktails is ever evolving. Mixologists and bartenders are forever pushing the boundaries of this realm of drinks as they craft new and exciting concoctions. The question remains, however, do people prefer the classics or these new creations? What are the best-selling cocktails in the world? 

As it turns out, people do love the classics. While bars continue to sell variations on these old standbys, people crave the familiarity of a perfectly crafted cocktail. Here are the top sellers from around the globe. 

Old Fashioned

The number one drink on any continent remains America’s Old Fashioned. This bourbon or rye cocktail is mixed with Angostura bitters, a few dashes of water, and is muddled with a sugar cube. If you’re looking for the real deal, it should also be finished off with a citrus rind. 

Negroni

The Negroni has earned its spot in second place for five years in a row now, with almost 20% of bars worldwide saying it’s their most-served drink. This cocktail calls for one parts gin, vermouth rosso, and Campari. An orange peel acts as garnish. 

Experts and car accident attorneys alike warn drinkers to be careful with this one. It’s so easy to knock back that you almost forget you’re drinking at all. So, take it easy and gauge yourself if you’re planning to drink Negroni all night. 

Whiskey Sour

Coming in third is the whiskey sour, which is popular thanks to its ability to be sweet and sour all at the same time. This simple yet delicious drink calls for whiskey, sugar, and lemon juice. You can also add in a dash of egg white if you prefer your drink to be creamier. 

Daiquiri 

Another simple mix, the Daiquiri combines simple syrup and lime juice with white rum. However, bars around the world serve up their own variations with several types of juices sweeteners. In most cases, you’ll find this cocktail finished with a lime rind. 

Manhattan

Straight from New York, this cocktail is sold at 40% of bard worldwide. It uses a sweet red vermouth mixed with rye whiskey and Angostura bitters. To make it traditional, a maraschino cherry is used for garnish. 

Dry Martini

Ever popular, the dry martini almost always finds itself in the top ten. There are dozens of ways to make a martini, but the dry variant calls of one-part dry vermouth and six parts gin. It is also garnished with three green olives. 

Due to the high alcohol mix in the dry martini, it’s advised to sip on this cocktail. More than two in an hour sitting is often enough to have you fail a sobriety test. As always, drink responsibly before you find yourself in need of a DUI defense attorney

Espresso Martini

If you want a less alcoholic option, try the seventh most popular cocktail in the world. An espresso martini combines vodka with espresso, coffee liqueur, and sugar syrup. It’s sweeter and more decadent than it’s dry cousin. 

Margarita

Finishing off this article’s list at number eight in worldwide popularity is the margarita. It remains the most popular tequila cocktail, but you might have had this drink without one key ingredient. A traditional margarita combines tequila with the lime juice, simple syrup, and salt rim you love, but also includes orange liqueur.