Cocktails. What a long standing history they have with humanity. In fact, over a grand 200 year-old history!

Originally thought to have been inspired by the great ‘British Punch’ during the 18th century, which later lead (with some American influences) into an official workable definition in 1806 by The Balance and Columbian Repository of Hudson, New York, who wrote the binding law which all mixologists still must follow today …“a stimulating liquor composed of any kind of sugar, water and bitters”

And so, over two hundred years on, the same rules of engagement for any professional mixologist apply.

But one thing is for sure, despite all the hype and endless recipes of cocktails available there are still those powerful iconic numbers that are withstanding the test of time.  

Those that have always been top of their game, never go out of style and will be known by any qualified mixologist who is passionate about their craft!

According to the trade publication for the alcohol industry ‘Drinks International’ here are the Top 10 most Iconic, best selling cocktails:

10. MOSCOW MULE

Containing ginger, vodka, lime, and soda and served famously of crushed ice in a specific Moscow Mule mug.

9. APEROL SPRITZ

Made up of a three-two-one ratio of Prosecco, Aperol, and soda. A divine Italian number, perfect for a Summer’s day.

8. MARGARITA

Everyone should know it. Possibly the most famous Tequila based cocktail known to man. Tequila, Cointreau and lime juice served commonly with a salt rimmed glass.

7. ESPRESSO MARTINI

Coffee lovers this one’s for you. The Espresso Martini offers a caffeine buzz in an alcoholic heavenly realm. Made up of Brewed espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur and sugar syrup.

6. DRY MARTINI

A mix of gin and dry vermouth. Sophistication in a glass.

5. MANHATTAN

The Manhattan – spicy rye, sweet vermouth, two dashes of Angostura, stirred until chilled and strained into a glass and garnished with a maraschino cherry. It really is the Cherry on the cake of cocktails, so to speak!

4. DAIQUIRI

A refreshing number, a perfect Daiguiri is traditionally (and correctly) made up of white rum, lime juice, and syrup.

3. WHISKEY SOUR

Simple made with bourbon whiskey, lemon juice, egg white and sugar. You can opt out of the egg white as a personal preference but the end result will not be as silky smooth.

2. NEGRONI

What an amazing drink in at number 2. The Negroni comprised of Gin, Campari, and vermouth.

1. OLD FASHIONED

A timeless classic. One tha never disappoint and totally deserves its No1 ranking. Mixed with Bourbon, a sugar cube, Angostura bitters, a thick cube of ice, and an orange twist to garnish.

So that its for the Most Iconic Cocktails. We hope to have inspired you to start mixing and practicing some of the most timeless cocktail pieces in history.