What is the most popular alcoholic drink? 

It’s a good question, and we’ll start off by saying a few things are more relaxing than sitting with your friends sipping cocktails. Figuring out drinks to order at a bar might seem overwhelming, but cocktails are a great option to seem confident and drink something delicious.

Here are the most famous cocktails you can try, ranked from least notable to most. And yes, we understand this list is subjective, but we can’t help picking favorites.

1. Zombie cocktail

Holiday-themed drinks are always a hit, so include Halloween on your festive docket. Zombie cocktails were initially created by a Tiki bartender in the 1930s, using a bright, punchy mix of bitters, rum, and syrup. Top this cocktail mixer off with some ice, mint, and orange slices, and you’re ready to go. 

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2. Bellini

Italian alcoholic beverages are increasingly popular, including the bellini cocktail. Bellinis are a mix of peach puree, prosecco, lemon juice, and sugar served in a sparkling champagne glass. This fruity delight is perfect for fancy brunches, so check out this easy bellini cocktail recipe to make your own. 

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3. Sazerac

Sazerac is a New Orleans invention: a combination of absinthe, simple syrup, rye or whiskey, and Peychaud’s bitters. Because of the high alcohol content, you’ll definitely be feeling the kick of these mixed drinks. 

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4. Amaretto sour

Amaretto sours are a masterpiece of smooth, creamy flavors thanks to the thickened egg whites in the drink.  

Amaretto is an almond-flavored liqueur made from almonds, apricot cores, or peach stones; sours are made sweeter with syrup and egg whites. If you want a thick, smooth, classic cocktail, we have the perfect amaretto recipe for you. 

The best part is that the drink can be topped off with lemon peels and a maraschino cherry as a garnish for a zesty flair. 

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5. Vodka sour

Want to have your daily dose of eggs in a drink format? We don’t recommend hard liquor first thing in the morning, but vodka sours are popular for a reason, and we’ve got the best cocktail recipes right here.

Mix vodka, egg whites, bitters, syrup, and lemon juice together before topping it off with a bright red cocktail cherry to serve. (If you don’t like vodka or amaretto, try the also classic whiskey sour.)

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6. Hot toddy

Looking for one of the best tasting cocktails to keep you warm during the cold winter months? A hot toddy is your answer.

This classic cocktail combines lemon twists, cloves, and honey for the non-alcoholic elements. Then, simply add whiskey, brandy, or spiced or dark rum. The difference between this hot toddy recipe and the other drinks on the list is that toddies are warmed up, while the others are served chilled.

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7. Manhattan

The word “Manhattan” conjures up a mental image of urban sophistication, overcast days, bold skyscrapers, and the constant hum of traffic. It’s no wonder that this equally elegant creation draws from the New York aesthetic and is one of the more popular drinks at bars. 

Our favorite Manhattan cocktail recipe is a delicious blend of bourbon, sweet vermouth, and orange juice bitters. Angostura bitters work well, too. Add brandied cherries for the garnish. 

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8. Cosmopolitan

The cosmopolitan is another drink that screams “upscale urban living.” Its appearance in numerous pop-culture shows has continued its popular trend. These bright red drinks are garnished with a citrus wheel and are sure to delight.

You just need Cointreau, vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice. Top the drink off with ice and an appropriate garnish, then serve in a martini glass. 

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9. Long Island iced tea

The Long Island iced tea is a classic drink perfect for the easy days of summer. It combines equal parts gin, tequila, vodka, white rum, and triple sec before being topped off with a zesty blend of lemon juice and cola. It’s deceptively high in alcohol content, as it’s smooth and easy going down the throat.

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10. The old-fashioned

Few things express the idea of “old-fashioned” better than, well, the old-fashioned. It first appeared over a hundred years ago and is a perennial favorite of the whiskey-drinking crowd. This is a no-fuss version of the Sazerac, and you can use any whiskey you’d like. We recommend bourbon for the sweetness, but rye whiskey works well, too.

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11. Sangria

Even if you’re not a big cocktail drinker, you’ve probably heard of this one. Sangria is a wine punch known for its association with backyard BBQs in the summer. It comes in various flavor profiles, many of them fruit-flavored, and you can try this fantastic white sangria recipe to start. You can use red, white, or rose for the base — whichever you prefer.

Party tip: If you’re looking for drinks but want to skip the wine punch, make yourself a Bahama mama or a jolly rancher drink instead. 

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12. Mojito

Mojitos are a Cuban drink associated with beach days and suntanning. They’re a mix of white rum, lime juice, syrup, and ice, and like the sangria before it, the mojito can come in a dazzling array of options. 

Our favorite? The minty mojito recipe is perfect for a relaxing day by the pool. 

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13. Bloody Mary

Alright, who doesn’t know what a Bloody Mary is?

This drink is one of the most well-known worldwide, and with good reason. Its distinctive tomato juice and vodka combo is a visually striking mix, and you’ll never forget the flavor once you take a sip.

Potential garnishes include celery sticks, asparagus, or olives. 

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14. Margarita

Even more famous than the bloody mary is the margarita: a mix of lime juice, tequila, and triple sec. This classic cocktail is glamorous and easy to make. It’s the perfect breezy drink to top off a fun evening with friends — or to get one started.

If you want to keep things simple, here’s how to enhance your margaritas with a store-bought mix. 

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Know your alcohol types before you buy

Before you make cocktails at home, what is the difference between distilled and undistilled drinks?

• Undistilled drinks are fermented, like beer or wine.

• Distilled drinks are beyond the simple fermentation process, with a higher alcohol concentration. Think liqueurs and spirits 

If you want to buy some of those distilled drinks without leaving your home, browse Gopuff’s virtual aisles. You can shop online and we can deliver those drinks ASAP.