The 15 Most Popular Drinks

The Margarita is one of the most popular cocktails in North America, but its origins are shrouded in mystery. There are almost as many stories about who invented the Margarita as there are recipes. Some like it blended, others sweetened, but many argue the best Margarita recipe is this classic version. Memorize it and you’ll never fail to impress.

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The perfect way to capture summer all year long? A well-mixed Mojito, of course. A descendant of the Cuban cocktail El Draque, this five-ingredient highball has been a favorite of many, including Ernest Hemingway.

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Sometimes the simplest recipes are the most successful. Take the famous trio of tequila, orange juice and grenadine, which channels a picturesque sunrise in your glass, no matter the weather.

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Let’s face it, The Dude was onto something with his go-to drink. The classic combination of vodka, Kahlúa and heavy cream is comforting and easy as can be.

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This essential gin-and-lime cocktail was created for sailors as a way to prevent scurvy. It didn’t take long to realize that the preventative drink was also quite delicious. Scurvy may be a thing of the past, but this tart tipple is here to stay.

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Meet the adult equivalent of your favorite childhood lemon candy. The sweet-tart blend of citrus juice, orange liqueur and vodka is a tongue-tingling adult version of the memorable treat.

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Little more than a shot of whiskey seasoned and sweetened, this classic remains as popular today as it was 200 years ago.

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When two heavy-hitters like tequila and watermelon team up, magic is bound to happen. The result is a blushing pink beverage made with watermelon-basil puree, agave and fresh lime juice that packs a bit of heat thanks to muddled jalapeños.

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Gin lovers, your brunch cocktail has arrived. Why should vodka have a monopoly on the Bloody Mary game? Try your Bloody with a couple ounces of gin, minced garlic, horseradish and balsamic vinegar and you may never look back.

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Giggle all you want at the provocative name, but this vodka highball has proven to be a timeless crowd-pleaser, thanks to its fruity mix of peach schnapps, orange juice and cranberry juice.

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A slip of crème de violette gives this old-school gin classic its pale purple hue. The cocktail recalls a more glamorous period of commercial aviation, back in the ’20s and ’30s, when flying was reserved for daredevils and well-to-dos. Balanced with Maraschino liqueur and lemon juice, this might be the only purple cocktail that stands the test of time.

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Beefeater’s special Summer Edition Gin provides a pleasing dose of floral flavor, which pairs nicely with dry vermouth in this seasonal cocktail garnished with summer berries.

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Don’t look this eclipse straight in the eye. The crimson glass comes on sweet with Cherry Heering and Aperol, but morphs into a smoky, potent finish bearing mezcal and añejo tequila.

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It makes sense that this was one of the official cocktails of the U.S. Open. Can you think of a better cocktail for sipping courtside than a bubbly blend of cherry vodka, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup and club soda? Game, set, match.

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The Moscow Mule has its simple formula to thank for the drink’s survival. But that refreshingly crisp quartet of vodka, lime juice, spicy ginger and club soda just tastes best served in the Mule’s famous vehicle: the copper mug.

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