35 Drinks to Order at a Bar If You Wanna Look Like You Actually Know What You’re Doing

Must read

Drowning in a Sea of “Shoulds”: How the Modern Woman Can Find Her Footing and Thrive with Cherillyn

The modern woman is drowning. Not in the literal sense, but in a sea of "shoulds." She should be a high-powered executive, climbing the...

Janna Johnson On Parenting With Or Without Chains

Author of Unf*ck Your Mind shares how to be the perfect mother in a life of chaos and instability. By Sarshar Hosseinnia “Every single generation should...

Jackie Edmundson, CEO Of Stealth Venture Labs, On Why Leaders Should Be Challenging Everything

From challenging clients to internal staff, the most efficient method for leadership is to question everything – which can only be applied effectively by...

Diana Trudic: Shattering Ceilings and Shaping Futures with Astrology

In a remarkable display of talent and perseverance, Diana Trudic has claimed two prestigious accolades in 2024, solidifying her place as one of the...

1

Martini

martini cocktail

Blanchi Costela//Getty Images

Perhaps no cocktail is as aesthetically pleasing as the classic martini. I mean…the frosty glass! The olive pick! The standard version is a mix of gin and vermouth—shaken or stirred—with an olive or lemon twist. Some people trade the gin for vodka, and others spice things up and incorporate some additional ingredients/flavors. My personal favorite? The espresso martini, which adds espresso shots and coffee liqueur to the recipe.

2

Daiquiri

boozy cold refreshing rum daiquiri

bhofack2//Getty Images

Just so you don’t get it twisted, I’m not referring to a frozen daiquiri situation here. “A classic daiquiri is made with rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. It’s very easy to drink,” says Goto, adding that it’s a go-to for off-duty bartenders when they hit up a bar.

3

Negroni

negroni cocktail on white table

Giovanni Bortolani//Getty Images

Okay, who is she?! That’s what everyone will be saying when they lay eyes on you as you sip one of the sexiest cocktails of them all. It only requires three ingredients—Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth—which blend into a reddish-orange drink. If the bartender serves it up with an orange peel twist and one big ice cube, you know you’re at a nice place.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

4

Spritz

spritz cocktail food and drink photography click for more

nzphotonz//Getty Images

I don’t even need to describe an Aperol Spritz (it’s 2023, after all), but I am here to tell you that it’s one of many ways in which you can prepare a Spritz. “In its classic form, a Spritz is a cocktail made with an Italian aperitivo (like Aperol), sparkling wine, and sparkling water, though there are now many variations on that recipe,” Goto says. Basically, it’s the perfect brunch or happy hour starter.

5

Cosmopolitan

close up of two cosmopolitan martinis on a paris sidewalk bar patio

Instants//Getty Images

Did you really think we’d tell you what to order and not include a classic Cosmo? Of course not. A typical Cosmopolitan is made with vodka, an orange-flavored liqueur called triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice. It might be a little strong for beginner drinkers, but you can def work your way up to this one.

6

Whiskey Sour

homemade whiskey sour cocktail drink

bhofack2//Getty Images

Egg whites in a cocktail might not seem yummy, but trust me, it works. It’s one of the main ingredients in a whiskey sour, along with whiskey (duh), lemon juice, and simple syrup. If you go somewhere fancy, they’ll likely squeeze the lemons and crack the eggs right in front of you. If you’re somewhere a little divey, they’ll probably just mix a shot of whiskey with a pre-made sour mix. Both are good, tbh!

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

7

Kir Royale

refreshing alcoholic kir royale

bhofack2//Getty Images

If you didn’t already see this drink on the most recent season of Emily in Paris (remember when Emily tried to get Champére into the canned cocktail business?), allow me to introduce you. The Kir Royale is a pink cocktail that requires just two ingredients: sparkling wine and crème de cassis, a tart red liqueur made from blackcurrants. It’s fruity, fizzy, and f*cking delicious. (Just don’t drink too many if bubbles give you a headache!)

8

French 75

boozy bubbly lemon french 75 cocktail

bhofack2//Getty Images

Idk about you, but I feel classy just saying this one. “A French 75 is made with gin, lemon, simple syrup, and topped with champagne,” says Goto. “It’s a great cocktail for when you feel like celebrating, but also good to order on any night out.”

9

Mojito

two glasses of mojito

Westend61//Getty Images

Nothing screams summer quite like a mojito! The basic recipe is rum, simple syrup, lime juice, club soda, and mint, but other fruits are often added to the mix, like pineapple, mango, strawberry, or cucumber.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

10

Old Fashioned

old fashioned cocktail

Annie Otzen//Getty Images

This boozy baby is def meant to be sipped, not chugged. “An Old Fashioned is made with either bourbon or rye whiskey, angostura bitters (essentially a mix of herbs and spices dissolved in alcohol), and a touch of sugar,” Goto says. “It’s a classic that is definitely worth trying.”

11

Long Island Iced Tea

long island ice tea cocktail on the wooden table

Maxim Sparish//Getty Images

Perhaps the most silent but deadly on this list, a Long Island Iced Tea is a sweet combo of so many different liquors it’s almost concerning. Believe it or not, there’s actually no iced tea in a Long Island iced tea—it’s vodka, tequila, rum, triple sec, gin, and a little bit of Coke. And somehow, it tastes really freakin’ delicious. Where I come from, you order a LIIT if you wanna get, well, lit. Use that information as you wish.

12

Paloma

refreshing boozy tequila grapefruit paloma

bhofack2//Getty Images

If you’ve never had a Paloma, get yourself to a bar ASAP. “It’s made with tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda,” explains Goto. And if you can find a bar serving it up with fresh grapefruit juice, even better.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

13

Vodka Gimlet

vodka gimlet alcoholic cocktail drink with vodka, syrup, lime juice and ice, dark green background, bright hard light and shadow pattern, banner

5PH//Getty Images

Wanna order something slightly less college than a vodka cran? Try a vodka gimlet. “It’s made with vodka, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup, though you can also make it with gin,” says Goto. “It’s like a daiquiri, but the rum is replaced with vodka”.

14

Bellini

bellini cocktail standing on the table at bar's terrace outdoor in the downtown

Kateryna_Mostova//Getty Images

Need something yummy to order during brunch? You can never, ever go wrong with a bellini, made with prosecco and peach purée. Sweet, bubbly, and deliciously fruity, it’s a drink order you will absolutely not regret.

15

Manhattan

manhattan cocktail, close up

Christian Kargl//Getty Images

You don’t have to be in New York to order a Manhattan (although, tbh, it’s more fun when you are). The cocktail requires just three ingredients: whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. But if you get a good one, it’ll also include a fourth ingredient: a maraschino cherry for garnish. This baby is definitely strong and a little bitter, but it’s also super sexy. If it suits your tastebuds, you’ll look like a badass with every sip.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

16

Mimosa

mimosa cocktail

Cris Cantón//Getty Images

The mimosa is the legitimate queen of brunch cocktails. It’s so simple…just sparkling wine and OJ. Pro tip if you’re doing bottomless brunch: do not schedule anything for the rest of the afternoon. Mimosas are often accompanied by midday naps (speaking from experience).

17

Gin & Tonic

fresh gin tonic

ahirao_photo//Getty Images

The G&T is another staple you could literally order at any bar on earth. The most basic version is made with gin, tonic water (pretty much club soda with a lil added sugar), and some lime, though fancier recipes might add other fruit and mint.

18

Margarita

margarita

mitchellpictures//Getty Images

I don’t think I need to convince you to order a margarita, aka the greatest possible way to consume tequila and lime juice. They’re delicious when accompanied by chips and guac, which is great because they can catch up to you fast, so you should always sip them with food, IMO.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

19

Sbagliato

boozy cold negroni sbagliato cocktail

bhofack2//Getty Images

Goto calls this bubbly cocktail (pronounced spahl-yah-toe, btw)—made with Campari, sweet vermouth, and prosecco—the perfect first-date order. “These cocktails are sophisticated, so you’ll look good without looking like you’re trying too hard,” he says. “And they’re generally not too boozy, so you can assess how your date is going after the first drink or two before you decide what to order next.” Honestly, that’s the move.

20

Tequila Sunrise

juicy orange and red tequila sunrise

bhofack2//Getty Images

Look at that pretty ombré! You can barely taste the tequila in a Tequila Sunrise because it’s mixed with orange juice and grenadine (you know, the sweet red syrup in Shirley Temples?). These go down like juice, jsyk.

Headshot of Mara Santilli

Mara Santilli

Mara is a freelance writer and editor specializing in culture, politics, wellness, and the intersection between them, whose print and digital work has appeared in Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, Airbnb Mag, Prevention, and more. She’s a Fordham University graduate who also has a degree in Italian Studies, so naturally she’s always daydreaming about focaccia.

Headshot of Hannah Chubb

Associate Lifestyle Editor

Hannah Chubb is the associate lifestyle editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things home, travel, food, health, career, and more. She spends pretty much every hour of every day curating the internet for the best new products, trends, and travel destinations. You can typically find her looking for houses she can’t afford on Zillow or Airbnb, planning her next meal before she gets to the restaurant, or taking all of the Justin Bieber classes over and over and over again on Peloton. Follow her on Instagram

More articles

Latest article

Drowning in a Sea of “Shoulds”: How the Modern Woman Can Find Her Footing and Thrive with Cherillyn

The modern woman is drowning. Not in the literal sense, but in a sea of "shoulds." She should be a high-powered executive, climbing the...

Janna Johnson On Parenting With Or Without Chains

Author of Unf*ck Your Mind shares how to be the perfect mother in a life of chaos and instability. By Sarshar Hosseinnia “Every single generation should...

Jackie Edmundson, CEO Of Stealth Venture Labs, On Why Leaders Should Be Challenging Everything

From challenging clients to internal staff, the most efficient method for leadership is to question everything – which can only be applied effectively by...

Diana Trudic: Shattering Ceilings and Shaping Futures with Astrology

In a remarkable display of talent and perseverance, Diana Trudic has claimed two prestigious accolades in 2024, solidifying her place as one of the...

Michella Filipowitz: Leading the Way for Special Needs Support

From sneaking out of her home at 15 to pursue a modeling career in Paris, to becoming a leading advocate for children with disabilities,...