Discover the top 10 best cocktails to try in 2024, from the classic Espresso Martini to innovative drinks like the Smoky Mezcal Sour and Negroni Sbagliato. Elevate your cocktail experience with these must-try recipes!

In 2024, the cocktail scene continues to evolve with exciting new trends and innovative ingredients. From reinvented classics to avant-garde creations, bartenders around the world are pushing the boundaries of mixology. Whether you’re a fan of timeless drinks or eager to try something adventurous, these top 10 cocktails are the perfect way to elevate your drinking experience this year. Let’s explore the best cocktails to try in 2024!

The Top 10 Best Cocktails to Try in 2024

1. Espresso Martini

  • Why It’s Great: The espresso martini has seen a resurgence in popularity, combining the rich flavor of coffee with the smoothness of vodka. This cocktail is perfect for those looking for an energizing and indulgent drink to enjoy after dinner or as a nightcap.
  • Ingredients: Vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, simple syrup.

2. Paloma

  • Why It’s Great: A refreshing twist on the margarita, the Paloma is a light and zesty cocktail made with tequila and grapefruit soda. With its tangy and slightly bitter notes, this drink is perfect for warm weather and outdoor gatherings.
  • Ingredients: Tequila, grapefruit soda, lime juice, salt rim.

3. Negroni Sbagliato

  • Why It’s Great: A twist on the classic Negroni, the Negroni Sbagliato replaces gin with sparkling wine, giving it a lighter, more effervescent feel. This bubbly take on a beloved cocktail is a fantastic aperitif that adds a touch of elegance to any occasion.
  • Ingredients: Campari, sweet vermouth, sparkling wine.

4. Tropical Old Fashioned

  • Why It’s Great: The classic Old Fashioned gets a tropical makeover with the addition of rum and pineapple. This 2024 favorite combines the sophistication of an Old Fashioned with the playful, fruity flavors of the tropics, making it ideal for rum lovers.
  • Ingredients: Dark rum, pineapple syrup, bitters, orange twist.

5. Spicy Margarita

  • Why It’s Great: The margarita gets a kick of heat with the addition of jalapeño or spicy chili peppers. This fiery take on the classic is balanced by the freshness of lime juice and sweetness from agave syrup, making it an irresistible choice for those who love a little spice in their cocktails.
  • Ingredients: Tequila, lime juice, agave syrup, jalapeño slices, salt rim.

6. Gin Basil Smash

  • Why It’s Great: The Gin Basil Smash is a bright and herbaceous cocktail that has gained popularity for its simplicity and refreshing flavor. With gin, fresh basil, and lemon juice, this drink is a perfect balance of botanical notes and citrus, making it a must-try in 2024.
  • Ingredients: Gin, fresh basil leaves, lemon juice, simple syrup.

7. Clarified Pina Colada

  • Why It’s Great: The Pina Colada is a tropical classic, but bartenders in 2024 are elevating this drink by clarifying it, creating a smoother, cleaner version of the beloved rum and coconut concoction. The clarified Pina Colada delivers the same tropical flavors without the heaviness, making it a sophisticated twist on a summer favorite.
  • Ingredients: Rum, pineapple juice, coconut water, clarified milk, lime juice.

8. Paper Plane

  • Why It’s Great: This modern classic cocktail has gained traction in 2024 for its perfectly balanced blend of bourbon, Aperol, Amaro, and lemon juice. The Paper Plane is known for its harmonious mix of bitter, sweet, and sour flavors, making it a complex yet easy-drinking cocktail.
  • Ingredients: Bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, lemon juice.

9. Smoky Mezcal Sour

  • Why It’s Great: Mezcal’s smoky and earthy flavor profile takes center stage in this smoky twist on the classic whiskey sour. The Mezcal Sour is an intriguing blend of mezcal, lime juice, and egg white, offering both texture and bold flavor, ideal for adventurous drinkers in 2024.
  • Ingredients: Mezcal, lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, bitters.

10. Lavender Collins

  • Why It’s Great: The Lavender Collins is a floral and aromatic twist on the classic Tom Collins, combining gin, lemon juice, and lavender syrup for a drink that’s as refreshing as it is fragrant. Perfect for brunches or springtime gatherings, this cocktail adds a touch of elegance to any occasion.
  • Ingredients: Gin, lemon juice, lavender syrup, soda water.

Sources

  • Cocktail industry insights: Based on trends from top bartenders, mixologists, and cocktail enthusiasts in 2024.
  • Expert analysis: Compiled from reviews and tastings of signature cocktails, highlighting the most innovative drinks of the year.

Conclusion

In 2024, the world of cocktails is brimming with creativity and flavor, offering a wide range of drinks that cater to every palate. Whether you’re enjoying the sophisticated twist of a Negroni Sbagliato, the bold heat of a Spicy Margarita, or the refreshing notes of a Gin Basil Smash, these top 10 cocktails promise to elevate your drinking experience. Cheers to new flavors, inventive twists, and the timeless pleasure of a well-made cocktail!

FAQs

Q: What is the most popular cocktail trend in 2024?

A: Clarified cocktails, like the Clarified Pina Colada, are gaining popularity for their smooth texture and refined presentation.

Q: Which cocktail should I try if I love spicy drinks?

A: The Spicy Margarita is perfect for those who enjoy a kick of heat with their cocktails, featuring jalapeño-infused tequila for an extra fiery touch.