Lots of drinks are great but not all of them make it onto the ultimate drink bucket list.
This list of the 50 cocktails everyone must try in their lifetime is perfect for anyone who loves a challenge.
There’s no need to spend your hard-earned money on expensive drinks at the bar when you can make them yourself, the tough part is figuring out what drinks you want to try.
Look no further than this ultimate cocktail bucket list.
With some basic ingredients, you can make cocktails that taste just as good (if not better) than anything you’d order at a bar.
Enjoy and remember to always enjoy responsibly.
THE ULTIMATE DRINK BUCKET LIST
When it comes to cocktails, the sky’s the limit. You can make just about anything into a drink by adding alcohol. But sometimes, it’s fun to keep things simple and just enjoy a classic cocktail.
If you’re looking for some inspiration, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite cocktails that are perfect for any occasion.
Some of them are classic that you are familiar with while others are traditional cocktails that not everyone knows.
Whether you’re looking for something fruity and refreshing or something rich and indulgent, you’ll love this list.
So grab your shaker and let’s get mixing!
Mojito
Let’s start the list with one of the most famous cocktails out there – the mojito!
Mojitos are a popular Cuban drink that consist of rum, sugar, lime juice, and mint leaves. Muddling the mint with the sugar gives a wonderful refreshing flavor.
You can use all different types of rum to make a mojito. You can also include other flavors as seen on our delicious strawberry mojito and our celebratory Champagne mojito cocktail.
More Fantastic Mojito Recipes
Blood Orange Mojito: Delicious Winter Mojito Recipe
Martini
James Bond’s drink of choice, a martini is a cocktail of gin and vermouth, and garnished with an olive or a lemon twist.
The martini was originally invented in the early 19th century as a mixture of sweet and dry vermouths.
Over time, the proportion of gin to vermouth grew until the modern martini became predominantly gin.
Nowadays, there are all kinds of martini recipes, from holiday classics like the peppermint martini with Baileys to fun drinks like out red velvet cupcake martini.
Tom Collins
A Tom Collins is a type of cocktail containing gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water.
The drink is usually served in a Collins glass, hence the name.
The first mention of the Tom Collins appeared in 1876 making it a popular cocktail for more than a century.
Tequila Sunrise
Tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup are all you need for a delicious Tequila Sunrise.
It is typically served in a hurricane glass. The drink gets its name from its characteristic colors, which resemble a sunrise.
Variations of the classic tequila sunrise include the Sunrise Mimosa and the the vodka sunrise, perfect for people who aren’t fans of tequila.
Cuba Libre
A Cuba Libre is a drink made with cola, dark rum and lime juice. It is usually served in a highball glass with ice.
The drink gets its name from the Spanish term for “free Cuba”.
Whiskey Sour
A Whiskey sour is classic cocktail that contains whiskey, lemon juice, sugar, and optionally an egg white. It is one of the oldest cocktails in the United States, and is is a popular drink with whiskey lovers.
You can get lots of different kinds of sour cocktails from a comforting maple syrup whiskey sour that is popular in winter to a more summery peach whiskey sour made with fresh fruit.
Manhattan
A Manhattan cocktail is a classic drink that consists of bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters. It is typically served in a martini glass and garnished with a cherry or lemon twist.
The Manhattan is one of the most popular cocktails in the world and is perfect for any occasion.
Old Fashioned
Even us modern folk love an Old-fashioned drink!
An Old Fashioned cocktail is a delicious and comforting drink that was first served in the early 1800s.
The drink consists of bourbon, sugar, water, and bitters. The drink is usually served in a glass with ice and a lemon or orange slice.
Try our Smoked Old Fashioned for the ultimate delicious winter cocktail recipe.
B-52
When we think of classic cocktails, names like Margarita, Martini, or Manhattan come to mind. But there’s another cocktail that is often overlooked – the B52.
This layered drink is made with Kahlua, Bailey’s Irish Cream, and Grand Marnier, and it’s perfect for those who enjoy a sweet and creamy beverage.
Although the ingredients might sound a bit unusual, they combine together to create a delicious drink that is perfect for any occasion.
Pina Colada
A popular drink found at most beach bars – the pina colada.
The drink consists of rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream or milk. There really is nothing more tropical and vacation-like than sipping on a Pina colada at the beach.
Margarita
Here’s another great drink for supping poolside.
The margarita is a cocktail made with tequila, triple sec, and lime juice. It is typically served with salt on the rim of the glass.
Margaritas can be shaken or blended with ice, and served either frozen or on the rocks like our delicious Coconut Rum and Tequila Margarita.
Gin Rickey
Gin Rickeys are a refreshing summer drink that are easy to make and require few ingredients. They are made with gin, lime juice, and club soda and taste great on a hot summer’s day.
Gin Rickeys can be enjoyed on their own or garnished with fruit or a wedge of lime.
Cosmopolitan
A cosmopolitan, typically referred to as a “cosmo”, is a cocktail made with vodka, cranberry juice, and orange juice.
The drink is often served in a martini glass and garnished with a lemon or lime wedge.
Cosmopolitans had a revival in the early 2000s when the movie Sex and the City made it very popular among hip urban women.
Mimosa
A mimosa is made with champagne and orange juice. It is often served at brunch or at fancy events as it is elegant and delicious.
In the UK, most people know the Mimosa by its other name “Bucks Fizz”.
Although the classic Mimosa is made with orange juice, there are all kinds of varieties you can try:
Peppermint Mimosa {Peppermint Bark Cocktail)
Cranberry Champagne Mimosa (Poinsettia Cocktail) – pictured above.
Bay Breeze
A Bay Breeze is a cocktail made with vodka, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice. It can be served on the rocks or blended.
The Bay Breeze is a refreshing drink that is perfect for summertime and a popular drinks at vacation resorts.
Blue Hawaiian
The ultimate Tiki drink, a Blue Hawaiian is a drink made with rum, pineapple juice, and Blue Curacao. It is usually served in a hurricane glass and can be made either frozen or on the rocks.
If you love this drink make sure to check out its cousin, the Green Hawaiian!
Traffic Light
A traffic light shot or stop light shot is a fun layered drink that is always popular at parties.
It is sometimes also called a Bob Marley because the colors are similar to the Rastafarian colours of red, green and gold.
Mai Tai
You have probably heard of a Mai Tai but have you tried one? A Mai Tai is a cocktail made with rum, Curacao, orgeat syrup, and lime juice.
It is often served on a special occasion, such as a birthday party or at a tiki bar. The Mai Tai was invented in 1944 by Victor J. Bergeron, who owned the Trader Vic’s restaurant chain.
Screwdriver
The screwdriver cocktail is one of the simplest cocktails to make, requiring only two ingredients: vodka and orange juice.
But don’t let its simplicity fool you – the screwdriver is a refreshing and potent drink that is perfect for any occasion.
Vodka is the spirit used in most screwdriver cocktails, but you can use any type of liquor you like.
Mint Julep
Originating in the American South, the mint julep is a bourbon-based drink that is typically served during the warm summer months.
The drink is refreshing and flavorful, with a crisp mint flavor that is perfect for sipping on a hot day.
Brown Cow
If you are a fan of chocolate milk, take it up a notch with the Brown Cow cocktail. The drink is a simple mix of Kahlua and milk, but it’s delicious and easy to make.
It’s perfect for a relaxing evening at home or a party with friends.
Million Dollar Coffee
This delicious coffee drink is also known as Millionaires Coffee.
T his rich and decadent coffee drink will make you feel like a million bucks, regardless of the state of your bank balance.
Singapore Sling
The Singapore sling is a drink that was created in the 1920s at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore. The drink is a gin based cocktail that is made with cherry brandy, pineapple juice, and lime juice.
It is often served with a straw so that the drinker can mix the different flavors together.
Zombie
Not to be confused with the Zombie Brain Hemorrhage Shot, the Zombie is actually a fruity Tiki drink.
It is a tropical cocktail made of fruit juices, liqueurs, and various rums and brandy. It was invented by Donn Beach at his Hollywood Don the Beachcomber restaurant
Slippery Nipple
Yes it has a funny name that is sure to get a laugh at frat parties. But the truth is, this is actually a delicious shot and one of the most fun shots on this drink Bucket list.
To make a slippery nipple, you only need two ingredients – Sambuca and Irish creme.
Harvey Wallbanger
The Harvey Wallbanger is a popular alcoholic drink that originated in the early 1950s. We included it in this drink bucket list because it truly is a classic that every body has heard of but nobody has tried.
The drink is made with vodka, orange juice, and Galliano, an Italian liqueur.
The drink gets its name from the Harvey Wallbanger cocktail glass, which is a tall and thin glass with a flared top.
Dark ‘n Stormy
A Dark and Stormy cocktail is a drink made with dark rum and ginger beer. It is similar to a Moscow Mule except it uses rum instead of vodka.
The drink is popular in Bermuda, where it is often served at sunset as a refreshing drink on a hot day.
Sidecar
Sidecar cocktails are a classic drink that is made with either whiskey or brandy. They are simple to make and always a hit at parties.
It contains Cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice. It is one of the oldest cocktails that is still popular today. The drink was supposedly first seen in Paris in the early 1900s.
The drink gets its name from the sidecar glass, which is a small glass that is wider at the top than the bottom.
Moscow Mule
What is not to love about a Moscow mule? This delicious and versatile cocktail gained popularity in New York but gets its name from the vodka that is the main liqueur in the drink.
Traditionally drunk from in copper mugs, you can make all kinds of Moscow Mules for every season:
Californication
If you like drinks that pack a punch, then the Californication cocktail is for you.
A Californication contains vodka, gin, tequila and rum. The drink is similar to a Long Island Ice Tea with the amount of alcohol it contains.
Brandy Alexander
A Brandy Alexander is a drink that containing brandy, crème de cacao and cream. Brandy Alexander is a popular drink at Christmas time.
Kamikaze
Kamikaze cocktails are a popular drink at bars and parties. Traditionally they contain vodka, triple sec, and lime juice.
However, there are many variations of the kamikaze.
The drink can be made with different flavors of juice or soda. Kamikazes are easy to make and they taste great.
Caipirinha
The caipirinha is Brazil’s national cocktail and consists of cachaça, lime juice, sugar, and ice.
The drink is simple to make, and can be quite potent. Cachaça is a liquor made from sugarcane that is popular in Brazil and often has a smoky flavor.
The lime juice and sugar balance out the smokiness of the cachaça and create a refreshing drink perfect for a hot day.
Gin Fizz
A gin fizz is contains gin, lemon juice, sugar, and club soda. The drink is usually shaken with ice and strained into a glass filled with ice. A garnish of lemon or lime slice top it off.
This is a simple drink to make for a crowd and is perfect for summer parties.
TRY IT NOW: Winter Gin Fizz: Orange And Cranberry Cocktail
Alabama Slammer
An Alabama Slammer is a drink that consists of Southern Comfort, amaretto, and cranberry juice.
Spanish Coffee
Spanish coffee has three different types of alcohol: citrus liquor, rum, and Kahlua.
Many people think it is similar to an Irish coffee but in fact they taste completely different.
Mudslide
If you are a chocolate lover – we added this to the drink bucket list for you! A mudslide is a cocktail containing Kahlua, Bailey’s Irish Cream, and vodka.
Mudslides can be frozen or not and are normally served with ice cream and chocolate sauce drizzled in the glass.
Long Island Iced Tea
The ultimate strong drink, a Long Island Iced Tea is a cocktail that contains vodka, gin, tequila, light rum, triple sec, sweet and sour mix, and cola.
Not for the faint of heart, this surprisingly delicious cocktail is most usually served in a hurricane glass.
Gin and Tonic
It might seem a bit “simple” but the classic G & T is a great summertime cocktail that is often overlooked.
All you need is gin and tonic water and a slice of lemon.
Rusty Nail
Rusty Nail cocktails are a classic drink that everyone should have on their cocktail bucket list.
The drink is simple to make, consisting of just two ingredients: scotch and Drambuie.
The scotch gives the drink its characteristic smoky flavor, while the Drambuie adds a touch of sweetness and spice. This combination makes for a delicious and refreshing drink.
Sea Breeze
A Sea Breeze cocktail is a refreshing drink made with vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice. It’s perfect for summertime sipping on the beach or by the pool.
The tart cranberry juice and sweet grapefruit juice are the perfect balance for the vodka.
Death in the Afternoon
Death in the afternoon is a strong drink that is making a comeback. The drink contains absinthe and Champagne. An orange slice and a maraschino cherry are the typical garnishes.
A variation of this cocktail is the Christmas Fairy Absinthe Cocktail.
The drink gets its name from the Ernest Hemingway book “Death in the Afternoon”. Hemingway was a fan of the drink and often wrote about it.
After Eight Cocktail
An After Eight cocktail contains creme de menthe, crème de cacao, and Baileys. A chocolate or a mint leaf is the usual garnish.
As you have probably guessed, the name comes from the popular after dinner mints.
Grasshopper
Famous for their bright green color, Grasshopper cocktails are a refreshing summer drink consisting of just a few ingredients.
Crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and cream combine in a shaker with ice to make a Grasshopper.
Some people like to add a touch of chocolate syrup or whipped cream to the top.
French 75
The French 75 cocktail is a gin champagne-based drink that was created during World War I. The drink gets its name from the French 75mm artillery shell, used by the French military during the war.
To make a French 75 you need champagne, gin or cognac, lemon juice, and sugar, and a Champagne flute.
Rob Roy
This is one cocktail on the drink bucket list that you might not know.
A Rob Roy is a cocktail with Scotch whisky and vermouth. The drink gets its name from the Scottish hero Rob Roy MacGregor.
How do you make a Rob Roy? A Rob Roy typically contains 2 ounces of Scotch whisky and 1 ounce of vermouth. You can serve it on the rocks or strained into a chilled glass.
Daiquiri
A daiquiri in its simplest form is a cocktail containing rum, lime juice, and sugar.
The daiquiri is one of the simplest cocktails to make, and variations include using different types of rum or adding fruit juices or fresh fruit. Strawberry daiquiris are my favorite!
Black Magic
Don’t scared of black magic cocktails- they’re just a mysterious and fun way to mix up your drink bucket list!
They definitely make the perfect Halloween cocktail although they are cool and mysterious enough for any occasion.
There are lots of ways to make black magic cocktails, but most get their color from black vodka.
Bellini
A Bellini is a classic Italian cocktail that typically consists of peach nectar and Prosecco wine.
Serve your Bellini in a champagne glass and garnish with a peach slice or a cherry.
Hurricane
No drink bucket list would be complete without this classic drink made popular in the song “It’s Five O’ Clock Somewhere” by Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett.
Rum, pineapple juice, and cranberry juice are the main ingredients in a hurricane.
You’ll need a hurricane glass and a slice of pineapple and a maraschino cherry for garnish when you make a classic hurricane. The drink is named after the hurricane glass as you can imagine (although as it is really popular on New Orleans, many people think the name comes from the terrible storms that the city has experienced).
The Ultimate Drink Bucket List – Final Thoughts
There are plenty of delicious and unique cocktails for all kinds of occasion. If you’re looking to broaden your drink repertoire, be sure to add some of these concoctions to your bucket list!
You’re sure to find a new favorite on this cocktail bucket list – it really does have something for everyone.
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