Famous Cocktails: A Guide to the World's Most Iconic Drinks

The Martini

Origin: Late 1800s, United States Base Spirit: Gin or Vodka

The martini represents the epitome of cocktail sophistication. Originally made with gin, vermouth, and orange bitters, it has evolved to include vodka variations and countless modern interpretations.

Classic Recipe:

• 60ml gin
• 15ml dry vermouth
• Garnish: olive or lemon twist
• Method: Stirred, never shaken

Old Fashioned

Origin: 1880s, Louisville, Kentucky Base Spirit: Bourbon or Rye Whiskey

One of the oldest known cocktails, the Old Fashioned embodies the original definition of a cocktail: spirits, sugar, water, and bitters.

Classic Recipe:

• 60ml bourbon
• 1 sugar cube
• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel
• Method: Built in glass

Negroni

Origin: 1919, Florence, Italy Base Spirit: Gin

Created for Count Camillo Negroni when he requested his Americano be made stronger. The perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and strong.

Classic Recipe:

• 30ml gin
• 30ml sweet vermouth
• 30ml Campari
• Garnish: Orange slice
• Method: Stirred

Margarita

Origin: 1930s-1940s, Mexico Base Spirit: Tequila

Despite disputed origins, this combination of tequila, lime, and orange liqueur has become one of the world's most popular cocktails.

Classic Recipe:

• 50ml tequila
• 25ml Cointreau
• 25ml fresh lime juice
• Salt rim
• Method: Shaken

Manhattan

Origin: 1870s, Manhattan Club, New York Base Spirit: Rye Whiskey or Bourbon

A sophisticated blend of American whiskey and Italian vermouth that has stood the test of time.

Classic Recipe:

• 50ml rye whiskey
• 25ml sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Garnish: Maraschino cherry
• Method: Stirred

Mojito

Origin: Havana, Cuba Base Spirit: White Rum

A refreshing combination of rum, mint, and lime that originated as a medicinal tonic and became a global favourite.

Classic Recipe:

• 50ml white rum
• 25ml fresh lime juice
• 2 tsp sugar
• 6-8 mint leaves
• Soda water
• Method: Built, mint muddled

Moscow Mule

Origin: 1941, Los Angeles Base Spirit: Vodka

Created to promote vodka in the US market, this refreshing drink in its signature copper mug became an American classic.

Classic Recipe:

• 50ml vodka
• 15ml lime juice
• Ginger beer
• Garnish: Lime wedge
• Method: Built-in copper mug

Daiquiri

Origin: Early 1900s, Cuba Base Spirit: White Rum

A perfectly balanced sour that demonstrates how three simple ingredients can create cocktail perfection.

Classic Recipe:

• 60ml white rum
• 30ml fresh lime juice
• 15ml simple syrup
• Method: Shaken

Whiskey Sour

Origin: 1870s Base Spirit: Bourbon or Rye Whiskey

A classic sour that showcases how egg white can transform a cocktail's texture.

Classic Recipe:

• 60ml bourbon
• 30ml fresh lemon juice
• 15ml simple syrup
• Optional: Egg white
• Method: Shaken

Mai Tai

Origin: 1944, Oakland, California Base Spirit: Rum

Created by Trader Vic, this complex rum cocktail became the flagship drink of the tiki movement.

Classic Recipe:

• 30ml aged rum
• 30ml dark rum
• 15ml orange curaçao
• 15ml orgeat
• 30ml lime juice
• Method: Shaken

Preparation Techniques

Shaking vs Stirring

• Shake: Drinks with citrus, dairy, or egg
• Stir: Spirit-forward drinks without cloudy ingredients

Garnishing

• Citrus twists: Express oils over drink
• Olives: Should be room temperature
• Cherries: Use quality brands
• Fresh herbs: Slap to release oils

Ice Considerations

• Large cubes for spirits-forward drinks
• Crushed ice for juleps and tiki drinks
• Regular ice for shaking
• Block ice for Japanese-style cocktails

Modern Classics

Espresso Martini

Origin: 1983, London

• Vodka, fresh espresso, coffee liqueur

Cosmopolitan

Origin: 1980s, various claims

• Vodka, cranberry, lime, Cointreau

Penicillin

Origin: 2005, New York

• Scotch, lemon, honey-ginger syrup, smoky whisky float

Conclusion

These iconic cocktails have earned their place in drinking culture through perfect balance, interesting histories, and enduring appeal. Whether you prefer spirit-forward classics or fresh, citrusy options, understanding these fundamentals provides a strong foundation for cocktail appreciation.