What is the secret sauce behind creating popular cocktails?
Is it a catchy name, a flashy glass, or a long list of hard-to-find ingredients? Or is it something else entirely?
There are a select few cocktails that have captured the attention and palates of the world and remain icons in the world of mixology.
Join us on this journey through the most popular cocktails of 2024. The final destination is our Gold Bar, so you can discover them all!
Negroni
The Negroni may have been invented in 1919, but in 2024 it’s one of the most popular gin cocktails ever: with just one sip it’s easy to see why. It’s a perfect marriage of floral and herbaceous gin, bitter-sweet and spicy Campari, and the sultry character of sweet Vermouth. A twist of orange over the glass releases aromatic oils and cocktail perfection is achieved.
Cosmopolitan
When the writers of Sex and the City decided on the Cosmo as the drink of choice for its stars, cocktail history was made. The Cosmopolitan certainly existed since the 1980s, but it was this decision in 1999 that catapulted it into the legend of classic cocktails. It would be easy to dismiss the Cosmo as merely a pop culture moment—if it wasn’t so darn delicious. It’s a citrus vodka, orange liqueur, and lime juice citrus flavor bomb that’s complemented by the sweet and sour edge of cranberry. The 90s may have come and gone, but just like the little black dress, the Cosmo never goes out of style. So, keep calm and Carrie on!
Old Fashioned
It might be a simple blend of whiskey, sugar, and bitters with an orange peel and cherry garnish, but it’s the cocktail definition of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. It’s on every cocktail list in any bar worth its Margarita salt, and it’s spawned dozens of spin-off variations.
Mojito
In the world of popular cocktail recipes, this icon cannot be missed. Like many of the greats, its origins are lost to time but a variation has been traced back to 16th-century Cuba. With its muddled mint leaves and suspended lime wedges, the Mojito is unmistakable in any part of the world. The bright citrus and vanilla flavors of white rum bounce off the fresh lime and fragrant mint. The sugar adds a touch of sweetness to temper the acidity and club soda brings it all together with tongue-tingling vibrancy. Few drinks go down easier than a well-made Mojito on a hot summer’s day.
Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is a hardworking cocktail that has been slaking thirsts for over 80 years. The story goes that it was invented by two men from New York City. One had a new vodka that he was trying to sell and the other had a surplus of ginger beer that he couldn’t get rid of fast enough. The men put two and two together, and the thirst-stomping Moscow Mule was born. It’s traditionally served in a copper mug, because it keeps the drink cooler for longer than a normal glass. The Mule is another great example of less is more.
Vodka Martini
Where vodka is clean and smooth, the subtle flavors of Dry Vermouth come through and the lemon twist brightens things up. It’s a classic for a reason (to be precise, the famous agent 007 loved consuming the Vesper Martini, with the addition of Gin) and as long as there is a Mr. Bond, he will live to die another day.
Margarita
It is a tequila-based after dinner cocktail, ideal to sip after dinner on an evening with friends, but it can also be an excellent aperitif drink. Sweet and savory come together in a very pleasant way. For sure, you must like salt, which is used to rim the glass.
Long Island Iced Tea
It’s like 5 different people trying to have a conversation with you about 5 different topics at the same time. And yet, for all its quirks, the Long Island just works. Vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and triple sec come together with a splash of cola and lemon juice. It’s big, it’s boozy and it’s downright delicious.
Tom Collins
This adult lemonade has been the star of many cocktail parties, garden parties, and summer parties since the late 1800s. It’s a simple blend of Old Tom Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda—and that’s all it needs. It’s served with a lemon wheel and a maraschino cherry.
Espresso Martini
It’s a simple 3-part cocktail featuring vodka, coffee liqueur, and a freshly brewed shot of espresso. It’s sweetened with a touch of simple syrup and shaken hard over ice to create its classic frothy look. Sip it slowly and let the soothing coffee-spiked flavors wash over your senses.
Now all you have to do is sit at our Gold Bar and embark on this journey through the most refined tastes of world mixology.
