Popular Cocktail Guide: Must‑Try Drinks for Every Palate

If you’ve ever asked yourself what to order at a bar, you’re not alone. The world of cocktails moves fast, but a few drinks keep popping up on menus because they taste great and look good. Below is a quick rundown of the cocktails that are stealing the spotlight right now, plus tips on how you can mix them yourself without a fancy bar set‑up.

Why These Cocktails Keep Trending

First, people love a drink that balances sweet, sour, and bitter. The classic Old Fashioned nails that mix and never feels outdated, so bars keep it front‑and‑center. Next, the Espresso Martini rides the coffee‑culture wave – it gives a caffeine kick and a smooth finish, perfect for after‑dinner conversations.

In 2025, a new star has emerged: the Raspberry Basil Smash. Fresh basil and bright raspberry make it Instagram‑ready and refreshing in warm weather. Another crowd‑pleaser is the Spiced Pineapple Margarita. It swaps plain lime for pineapple and adds a pinch of chili, giving a tropical twist that pairs well with everything from tacos to grilled fish.

What ties these drinks together? Simplicity. You can find the key ingredients at any grocery store, and each recipe uses no more than five steps. That’s why home bartenders stick with them – they’re easy to remember and look impressive when you serve them.

How to Make Your Own Classic Favorites

Grab a shaker, a jigger, and a glass. Here’s a quick cheat sheet for three of the most popular cocktails.

Old Fashioned
• 2 oz bourbon or rye
• 1 sugar cube (or ½ tsp simple syrup)
• 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel for garnish
Muddle the sugar and bitters, add bourbon, stir with ice, then strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Finish with an orange twist.

Espresso Martini
• 1½ oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 1 oz fresh espresso (cooled)
• ¼ oz simple syrup (optional)
Shake everything with ice, strain into a chilled coupe, and sprinkle a few coffee beans on top.

Raspberry Basil Smash
• 2 oz gin
• ½ cup fresh raspberries
• 4–5 basil leaves
• ¾ oz lemon juice
• ½ oz simple syrup
Muddle raspberries and basil, add gin, lemon, syrup, and ice. Shake hard, then double‑strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice. Garnish with a basil leaf.

These recipes cover the sweet, the bitter, and the fresh side of the cocktail world. Feel free to experiment – swap gin for vodka in the Smash, or use dark rum in the Margarita for a richer flavor.

When you’re ready to explore more, check out other posts on our site. We’ve got deep dives on mocktails, whisky pairings, and the science behind why certain drinks taste better together. The takeaway? A popular cocktail is only popular because it delivers flavor, looks good, and can be made at home without a lot of fuss. Grab what you need, follow the steps, and you’ll be the go‑to drink maker at your next get‑together.