Who doesn’t love a good mixed drink? Drinking liquor straight or taking shots can be fun and exciting, but it’s nice to pour yourself a classic mixed drink every now and then.

Plus, mixing liquor with juice, soda, bitters, or other complementary ingredients can help you customize your drink to meet your specific flavor preferences.
They also mask the taste of liquor, which is great if you’re not a huge fan of tequila, rum, vodka, etc.
Whether you’re looking for a refreshing cocktail on a toasty summer day or a warming drink to warm you up on a chilly winter night, here are some of the top mixed drinks for every occasion.
Bloody Mary is my favorite mixed drink for brunch. Yes, even above mimosas!
I love the savory, spicy elements in Bloody Mary. The tomato juice base pairs perfectly with a variety of flavorful garnishes, from bacon to shrimp.
And while I love a classic Bloody Mary made with vodka, you can also mix things up by using tequila or gin if you prefer.
Brandy Old-Fashioned is my go-to drink for a cozy night in.
Made with rich, aged brandy and sweet, syrupy orange juice, this drink is perfect for when I just want to relax and unwind.
Whether I'm sipping it on its own or pairing it with a warm blanket, some good books, and soft ambient music, the Brandy Old-Fashioned is a hit every time!
The Gimlet is a classic cocktail that never goes out of style.
A blend of lime juice, sugar, and gin or vodka, this simple and refreshing drink is perfect for various occasions and seasons.
I enjoy making them when hosting a dinner party or just relaxing after a long day.
The Gimlet is relatively simple, making it a versatile drink that pairs well with various meals, from fish to steak to pasta.
Looking for something refreshing and tart? Fresh Lime Margaritas are the perfect drink for hot summer days!
These margaritas are made with fresh-squeezed lime juice and good-quality tequila, are super straightforward to make and are ideal for enjoying on the patio or by the pool.
I like doubling or tripling the recipe and making it in pitchers before friends come over because sharing is caring!
Classic Martinis are excellent, but sometimes you just want something more decadent and indulgent. That's where the Chocolate Martini comes in!
This rich, chocolatey drink is made with a combination of vodka, chocolate liqueur, and heavy cream, creating a creamy and luxurious drink that's perfect for special occasions, date nights, or just treating yourself.
I already mentioned why I love a decadent Chocolate Martini, but you really can't go wrong with a classic Martini cocktail either.
I appreciate Martinis at fancier events such as cocktail parties, weddings, or New Year celebrations because they always seem to fit the occasion.
Made with just a few simple ingredients - vermouth, gin, and bitters if you'd like - this timeless drink is always a crowd-pleaser.
If you're looking for something refreshing, minty, and just a little bit boozy, Mint Juleps are a perfect choice.
This classic cocktail is made with just three ingredients - fresh mint, simple syrup, and bourbon whiskey - that work together to create a delightful concoction for the tongue.
I appreciate Mint Juleps the most on sunny, warm days, but their minty nature of them makes them agreeable at any time of the year.
Moscow Mules are simple and delightful.
I'm not the biggest fan of Vodka alone, but adding ginger beer and lime juice makes this drink so much more flavorful and exciting.
Moscow Mules are a fun party cocktail because they are so easy to make, so you can whip them up for your guests in no time.
Who doesn't love a good Piña Colada?
This classic tropical cocktail blends rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice for a juicy, tasty, super cold, and refreshing drink.
Whenever I'm on vacation in a tropical destination, I always order Piña Coladas.
They're perfect for sipping on the beach, by the pool, or even on the balcony of your hotel room! They are also a great option if you want to avoid carbonated drinks.
Vodka and grenadine are the main components of a Dirty Shirley, which is essentially a Shirly Temple with liquor inside.
I love Dirty Shirleys because they're sweet and refreshing but also have a nice little kick to them.
They are ideal for parties or celebrations where you want something festive that isn't too complicated to make.
Like Piña Coladas, Bahama Mamas are another go-to tropical holiday drink.
But I won't lie - I've definitely had them outside of vacation as well because they are so tasty!
The lime, pineapple, and orange juice combined with coconut cream and dark rum provide a truly tropical and citrusy feel that will transport you to your favorite island - even if you're just in your backyard with a few friends.
If you're looking for a looser, more fruity cocktail with just a hint of rum, look no further than the Malibu Sunset.
This drink works well as an aperitif, a dessert cocktail, or even just for sipping on the beach.
It's super easy to make, and the taste is light and refreshing, making it ideal for any occasion.
One of my all-time favorite summer cocktails is Sex on the Beach.
This fruity drink balances flavors of peach schnapps, orange juice, vodka, and cranberry for a delicious blend perfect for any day or night.
If you like juicy, fruity, and sweet cocktails, you'll love Sex on the Beach.
Whiskey Sour is an appropriately named drink because its sourness is its standout feature.
People tend to either love it or hate it, but I love the bold, whiskey-forward flavor that's balanced by the sweet and tangy taste of lemon juice.
The combination of whiskey, lemon juice, and egg white makes for a perfect drink to enjoy in the evenings, either on the rocks or neat.
A Cosmopolitan, regularly shortened to just "Cosmo," is a classic fruity cocktail featuring vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec, and lime as its main ingredients.
I love to enjoy Cosmopolitans when I want a fun, fruity drink with just the right amount of bitterness.
A French 75 gets its name from a World War I artillery piece called the French 75 mm gun, and that makes sense to me because of this drink's great power!
Not only does it include gin, but it also incorporates Champagne, giving it an exciting bubbly kick you can't ignore.
If you're hoping to drink something a bit more complex and bitter, the Negroni is an excellent choice.
In this Italian cocktail, the Carpano Antica Formula vermouth provides a rich and earthy base, which is balanced by the bitterness of Campari.
The gin rounds things out with a clean, floral finish.
The Paloma is a fantastic alternative to your standard margarita, and it's the perfect drink for someone like me who loves tequila but can't handle the tartness of most margaritas.
Since it's made with tequila and grapefruit juice, this drink is both sweet and tart, and it also has a nice effervescent quality from the soda water. It's just delicious!
Lemon Drop Martinis take a classic Martini and adds a citrusy kick with the help of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
These cocktails are great for parties or get-togethers when you might want to have more than one drink because they are light and don't give you that bloated feeling that other mixed drinks might.
A Black Eyed Susan is a drink people associate with the summertime, and that's probably because of its refreshing flavors of pineapple juice, orange juice, and vodka.
People also associate it with The Preakness Stakes horse races, but I've never been to the races and thoroughly enjoy this drink, regardless!
Maple Blackberry Mojitos are complex, dynamic, and exceptionally delicious!
The blackberry and maple syrup adds a rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tartness of lime, and the resulting cocktail is refreshing, fruity, and tangy all at the same time.
Whether you're looking for a new cocktail to try or just want a delicious and creative one that everyone will love, you can't go wrong with a Maple Blackberry Mojito.
Sex in the Driveway has a funny name but a serious kick.
People who love Long Island Iced Teas will appreciate this cocktail because it combines multiple types of alcohol for an explosion of flavor and punch.
Peach schnapps, vodka, and blue curaçao work together to make this visually-appealing drink.
It's great for barbecues and other outdoor events because it automatically adds a cheerful vibe just by the way it looks!
Mexican Strawberry Tequila Mojitos are excellent summer drinks.
Made with tequila, fresh strawberries, and mint leaves, they are light, fruity, and refreshing.
Whether you're lounging by the pool or having a backyard party, these cocktails are the perfect way to beat the heat.
Amaretto Sours are sweet, tart, and sour cocktails that appeal to courageous tastebuds.
The Amaretto liqueur provides a rich and smooth flavor that balances out the lemon juice, lemon-lime soda, and simple syrup.
This drink is ideal for both big celebrations or casual weekend sipping, and I enjoy it most in the spring and fall.
Another cocktail I love in the springtime is a Peach Lemonade Sangria.
Normal sangrias can start to feel a bit heavy and one-note after a while, but adding lemonade and fresh peaches to this recipe keeps things refreshing and light.
Long Island Iced Tea is the best drink for adventurous souls who are looking to have a good time no matter what!
With different types of alcohol combined in one glass, the Long Island Iced Tea is a definite party starter.
I love them because they are powerful and have a delicious taste that masks the alcohol, making it easy to drink more than you should.
If you're looking for a tropical cocktail that's sure to please the senses, look no further than the Blue Hawaiian.
With its blend of rum, blue curacao, pineapple juice, and coconut cream, this cocktail is sweet, refreshing, and truly delightful, especially during a hot day.
Another Martini on the list is a Pear Vodka Martini. The pear flavor works swimmingly in Martinis because it adds a touch of sweetness and juiciness to the drink.
With vodka, pear nectar, and fresh pears as their main ingredients, this cocktail is perfect for special occasions or impressing guests at a dinner party.
Check out other pear cocktails to make!
Classic Manhattans are tasty any time of the year, but it's hard for me to resist making an Apple Cider Manhattan in the fall!
The apple cider makes this cocktail feel perfectly autumnal, and the rye whiskey or bourbon gives it a warming kick that's ideal for curling up next to the fire.
Blue Lagoon cocktails are another fantastic option for people who enjoy tropical flavors.
They're also great for special occasions, such as birthdays or bridal showers, since they are bright, beautiful, and festive, especially when you include a salted rim!
Pineapple Vodka Lemonades are a refreshing hit that doesn't make you feel as full as other pineapple drinks like Pina Coladas.
Plus, they are super easy to make and only require a few simple ingredients, including lemonade and pineapple vodka.
Have you ever heard of a Jolly Rancher Cocktail? This unique but super tasty cocktail requires green apple vodka for that special, jolly rancher taste.
If you're looking for something that's simple to make but sure to amaze, try out a Jolly Rancher Cocktail.
Last but not least is a classic Mai Tai, which combines citrus, tart, and even nutty flavors for a complex drink that'll create a story on your tongue!
Although a good Mai Tai requires a few more ingredients and time than some of the other cocktails on this list, it's well worth the extra effort!
With this list, you have plenty of options to order at the bar.
Pair these cocktails with your favorite finger foods for a fun night out or a party at home!
33 Popular Cocktails To Order at a Bar
If you don’t have a go-to order at the bar, you’ll find one on this list of the best mixed drinks to order. Choose from the most popular cocktails.
Ingredients
- Bloody Mary
- Brandy Old-Fashioned
- Chocolate Martini
- Fresh Lime Margaritas
- Gimlet
- Martini Cocktail
- Mint Julep
- Moscow Mule
- Piña Colada
- Dirty Shirley
- Bahama Mama
- Malibu Sunset
- Sex on the Beach
- Whiskey Sour
- Cosmopolitan
- French 75
- Negroni
- Paloma
- Lemon Drop Martini
- Black Eyed Susan
- Maple Blackberry Mojito
- Sex in the Driveway
- Mexican Strawberry Tequila Mojito
- Amaretto Sour
- Peach Lemonade Sangria
- Long Island Iced Tea
- Blue Hawaiian Cocktail
- Pear Vodka Martini
- Apple Cider Manhattan
- Blue Lagoon Cocktail
- Pineapple Vodka Lemonade
- Jolly Rancher Cocktail
- Mai Tai
Instructions
1. Choose your favorite recipe.
2. Gather the necessary ingredients.
3. Prep and cook your recipe.
4. Enjoy!
Hi Erin Elizabeth
I love this wild recipe and it made for a perfect and delicious party this weekend.