The Most Popular Cocktails: What Drink Does Everyone Love?

If you ask ten people what the perfect cocktail is, you’ll almost always get ten answers. Everyone has their own idea, right? But there really are a few drinks that just seem to get everyone nodding with the same grin. The trick isn’t about wild ingredients or tricky methods—it’s about nailing those flavors that make people say, “Yep, that’s the one.” So let’s look at the cocktail that everyone seems to like, why it works, and how you can make yours a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re at a mate’s BBQ in Bondi or chilling by yourself after a long week.

Why Some Cocktails Win Over Everyone

Think about your last party or dinner out. Which drinks got snapped up first? Drinks that are easy on the palate, a bit sweet, not too boozy, and super refreshing usually win. There’s science behind our drink choices. Psychologists who study taste say most people prefer a balance of sour and sweet, with just a little edge of bitterness—think lime, sugar, and maybe a gentle spirit base. It’s why cocktails like the Mojito or Margarita rule, not just at fancy bars but even in the simplest backyard get-togethers.

The Mojito especially seems to hit the mark with almost every crowd. Mint, lime, sugar, rum, and soda water—fresh, bubbly, cool, with a flavor that’s never too much. No wonder it shows up near the top of “world’s most popular cocktails” lists year after year, from Sydney’s harborside bars to rooftop gigs in New York. Huge global surveys, like the Diageo World Class poll, often list the Mojito, Margarita, and Piña Colada as the three cocktails most likely to be ordered by groups. Even people who hate strong drinks go for these because they’re easy-going and approachable.

But there’s another little secret: the best-loved cocktails are versatile. You can swap spirits, tweak the sweetness, and nobody gets left out. Even designated drivers can join in the fun with mocktail versions.

The Classic Crowd-Pleaser: The Mojito

Let’s break down the Mojito, because this drink is a party hero. The origins go way back to 16th-century Cuba, when it was called “El Draque” after Sir Francis Drake. It started simply as aguardiente (a rough local spirit), lime, sugar, and mint—designed to fight off disease. Add ice and soda water, swap in white rum, and you’ve got the Mojito, which took off globally thanks to writers like Hemingway.

So what’s the secret sauce that keeps people coming back for it? The Mojito balances sweet and tart with fresh mint and a blast of bubbles. Here’s the classic recipe:

• 60ml white rum
• 30ml fresh lime juice
• 2 teaspoons white sugar
• 8-10 fresh mint leaves
• Soda water, to top
• Crushed ice

Muddle the mint, lime, and sugar at the bottom of your glass—don’t shred the mint, just press gently to let those oils burst out. Add rum and ice, stir, then top with soda. Easy as. You don’t need fancy glassware—just a regular tall glass. The trick? Use fresh, real ingredients. Bottled lime juice, brown mint, or cheap rum can ruin this drink. People notice the difference instantly.

If you want to make everyone happy, prep a big batch. Squeeze a heap of limes and chop lots of mint ahead, so people aren’t waiting. Some bartenders in Sydney say you should always taste as you go—some limes are super tart, some sweeter. Trust your tongue, not the recipe alone.

Got non-drinkers at your table? The Mojito works just as well without rum. Just skip the spirit and it’s just as refreshing. Add some berries or sliced cucumber if you want a twist.

Other Cocktails Everyone Loves

The Mojito isn’t alone in people’s hearts. There are a few others that have stood the test of thousands of parties, barbecues, and “drinks after work.” Here are some that almost never bomb:

• Margarita: Tequila, lime, triple sec, sugar rim. Salty, sour, and sweet in perfect harmony. Try it frozen on a hot day—light and super satisfying.
• Espresso Martini: Vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso shot. This Aussie staple is perfect for when everyone wants a pickup. It even gets called ‘Australia’s national cocktail’ sometimes.
• Piña Colada: Rum, coconut cream, pineapple. Tastes like a tropical holiday—even kids love the mocktail version with just pineapple and coconut.
• Tom Collins: Gin, lemon juice, sugar, soda. It’s got nearly the same vibe as the Mojito but a touch more citrus bite and a smaller botanical twist.
• Spritz (like Aperol Spritz): Prosecco, Aperol, soda. Everywhere right now—from beach bars in Queensland to Italian-style terraces. Bubbly, orangey, not too strong.

Out of these, the Margarita often ends up second to the Mojito as the “redo round” favorite, especially if you lay out bowls of chips and guac. People like drinks that match well with food and are easy to sip.

When you’re mixing for a group, stick to flavors most people enjoy naturally: not too bitter, not too smoky, not too complicated. Citrus, mint, berries, ginger, cucumber—all these flavors are rarely turned down. Skip stuff that’s heavy on novelty or strong flavors unless you really know your crowd loves those.

How to Make Cocktails Everyone Will Love

If you want to win every time, it really comes down to a few simple tricks. First—never skimp on fresh ingredients. People can taste the difference if you use fresh limes versus the stuff from a green plastic bottle. Second—pay attention to balance. Too much citrus will have people puckering, too much sugar leaves everyone with sticky teeth. Make your syrup easy: dissolve equal parts sugar and hot water and keep it in the fridge, so your drinks are always smooth.

Batting for a big crowd? Make pitcher cocktails. Mix everything but the bubbles (so soda water, Prosecco, or tonic get added last minute) in a jug. Serve with heaps of ice. That way, you don’t have to stop conversations to mix fresh drinks every time someone’s glass dries up. Besides, big-batch cocktails look inviting and encourage people to top themselves up.

Keep the glassware basic. If you’ve only got a random stack of tumblers and plastic cups, embrace it. People care vastly more about taste than presentation, unless you’re at a black-tie dinner in the city. Add a wedge of fruit or a sprig of mint for that bit of color and freshness. If you want to get fancy, try freeze-dried berries or a slice of cucumber.

And always ask about allergies. You wouldn’t believe how many people can’t do pineapple, strawberries, or nut-based liqueurs. It saves your night—and keeps your mates happy—if you ask first.

The Psychology of the Perfect Cocktail

So why do these cocktails work so well for just about everyone? It comes down to basic psychology: people love drinks that are familiar, easy to sip, and not too extreme. There was a fun experiment at a Sydney bar last year—one bartender made bespoke drinks for half the guests, and the other half got just Mojitos or Margaritas. The crowd given classics ranked their “drink happiness” higher, with almost everyone finishing their glass. It turns out, when people see something they recognize, they relax and actually enjoy the party more.

Another layer is nostalgia. A lot of us remember our first good cocktail experience—a hot summer, a trip overseas, some big life milestone. The taste of a well-made Mojito or Margarita reminds people of their best trips, good times, and laughter. You want people to relax and have a good time? Serve them something they associate with fun and friends.

Finally, those classic crowd-pleasers are easy to make, so the host doesn’t get trapped behind the bar all night. No pressure, no fuss—everyone’s got more time to actually hang out.

So if you’re after a cocktail everyone likes, aim for balance, simplicity, and a bit of freshness. The Mojito leads the pack, but you won’t go wrong with any of those all-star favorites. Get the basics right, and the party takes care of itself.