12 Oldest Cocktails in the World

Cocktails have been a staple in American culture for over a century, with some recipes dating back to the 1800s. These classic drinks have stood the test of time and have been enjoyed by many generations.

We will examine the origin and evolution of these iconic drinks and highlight the unique ingredients and preparation methods that make each one so special. So whether you’re a seasoned cocktail connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of mixology, you’ll surely find something of interest in our list of the oldest cocktails. 

12. Margarita

photo source: Cocktail DB

The origin of the Margarita cocktail is often disputed, with several stories attempting to explain its beginnings. One of the tales is that the Margarita was created by bartender Francisco “Pancho” Morales in the late 1940s. According to this story, Morales worked at a bar in Juarez, Mexico, and created the Margarita as a variation of tequila Cointreau and lime juice.

Today, the Margarita remains a staple in bars and restaurants worldwide and is widely recognized as a classic cocktail. Whether or not Francisco Morales was the true inventor of the Margarita, his contribution to the cocktail’s history is still celebrated by bartenders and enthusiasts.

Did You Know?

The Margarita is often associated with Mexican culture and is often consumed during celebrations, such as Cinco de Mayo.

11. Pisco Sour

photo source: Liquor.com

The origin of the Pisco Sour cocktail is disputed, with both Peru and Chile claiming to have created it. However, the most widely accepted story is that it was created by bartender Victor Morris in Lima, Peru, in the early 1920s. It is made with Pisco, a brandy from grapes, lemon or lime juice, syrup, egg white, and bitters.

The Pisco Sour has become one of the most famous cocktails in South America and is widely enjoyed in both Peru and Chile. The Pisco Sour is a simple yet complex drink that has become a symbol of South American hospitality. It is often served as an aperitif or after-dinner drink.

Did You Know?

The Pisco Sour is made by shaking Pisco, lemon or lime juice, syrup, egg white, and bitters together with ice and then straining the mixture into a glass. The egg white gives the drink a smooth, frothy texture, while the bitters add a bitter, tangy flavor.

10. Aviation

photo source: Food & Wine

The traditional recipe for the Aviation consists of gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and crème de violette, a rare and delicate liqueur. The Aviation is known for its balanced flavor profile, with the gin and lemon providing a crisp, dry flavor, while the maraschino and crème de violette add sweetness and a hint of floral notes.

Over the years, Aviation has become a staple of cocktail culture over the years, enjoyed by cocktail enthusiasts worldwide. Yet, despite its historical significance and popularity, it remains a relatively lesser-known cocktail, making it a unique choice for those looking for a sophisticated and flavorful drink.

Did You Know?

Aviation is typically made by shaking or stirring its ingredients and serving it straight up or on the rocks.

9. Sidecar

photo source: imbibemagazine.com

The traditional recipe for the Sidecar consists of Cognac or brandy, Cointreau or triple sec, and fresh lemon juice, shaken or stirred and served in a sugar-rimmed cocktail glass. Over the years, the Sidecar has become a staple of cocktail culture. It continues to be a popular choice among cocktail enthusiasts today, known for its balance of sweetness, acidity, and strength.

The Sidecar became popular during the golden age of cocktails and is a classic drink enjoyed by cocktail enthusiasts today. Over the years, variations of the Sidecar have been created, including those made with different spirits or liqueurs or with changes in the proportion of ingredients.

Did You Know?

The Sidecar is known for its balance of sweetness, acidity, and strength and is considered a sophisticated cocktail.

8. Daiquiri

photo source:Liquor.com

The Daiquiri is a classic cocktail that originated in Cuba in the late 19th or early 20th century. It is believed to have been created by an American mining engineer named Jennings Cox, working in the iron mines near Daiquiri, Cuba. According to legend, Cox mixed together rum, lime juice, and sugar to create a refreshing drink for his fellow workers.

The drink became popular among American expatriates and was eventually introduced to the United States, where it became a staple of cocktail culture. The basic recipe for a classic Daiquiri remains the same: rum, lime juice, and sugar, typically shaken or stirred and served up in a cocktail glass.

The Daiquiri is a simple yet sophisticated drink popular among cocktail enthusiasts worldwide.

Did You Know?

Over time, the Daiquiri has evolved into several variations, including the frozen Daiquiri and the strawberry Daiquiri.

7. Whiskey Highball

photo source: The Spruce Eats

Whiskey Highball made its way to the United States and became popular among American drinkers. During Prohibition, the Highball became a popular way to disguise the taste of lower-quality alcohol as the carbonation and mixers helped to mask the flavor.

After Prohibition, the Highball regained popularity and became a staple in bars across the country. The Whiskey Highball is typically served over ice and garnished with a lemon or lime wedge.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the Whiskey Highball became associated with sophistication and style, thanks partly to its frequent appearance in popular culture and its association with the Mad Men era.

Did You Know?

Japanese Highball, considered a version of the Whiskey Highball, is a simple mixed drink consisting of whiskey and soda water served over ice. It is a popular and classic cocktail in Japan and is considered a staple in bars and homes.

6. Gin Fizz

photo source: DIfford’s Guide

Gin Fizz is believed to have originated in New Orleans, Louisiana, where it was a popular drink among members of high society. The Gin Fizz was created as a refreshing and effervescent drink that could be enjoyed in the hot summer months.

The original Gin Fizz was made using gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water. The drink was shaken vigorously to create a light and frothy texture and was then strained into a chilled glass.

It is a well-balanced cocktail known for its bright, tart flavor. Its tanginess comes from the lemon juice, while the gin adds a touch of sweetness and alcohol to the drink. The sugar helps balance the flavor and adds a touch of sweetness, while the carbonated water helps to make the drink more refreshing.

Did You Know?

The Gin Fizz is typically served in a tall, narrow glass, which helps to showcase its light and frothy texture.

5. Old Fashioned

photo source: acouplecooks.com

The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that is widely considered one of the oldest mixed drinks in the world. It is thought to have originated in the late 19th century and was initially made with just a few simple ingredients: sugar, bitters, water, and whiskey.

It became especially popular in the mid-20th century when cocktail culture experienced a resurgence, and the Old Fashioned became a staple of classic cocktail menus. Today, the Old Fashioned is considered one of the quintessential classic cocktails and is enjoyed by people worldwide.

The whiskey provides a smooth and warming base, while the citrus and cherry help to add depth and complexity to the flavor. The Old Fashioned is a drink that is both classic and timeless, and it remains a popular choice for cocktail lovers everywhere.

Did You Know?

Over time, the Old Fashioned evolved to include the addition of a citrus wedge and a cherry, which helped to balance the sweetness of the sugar and add a touch of fruitiness to the drink.

4. Gin Rickey

photo source: The Spruce Eats

Gin Rickey is said to have originated in Washington, D.C., where it was a popular drink among politicians and members of high society. The Gin Rickey was created as a refreshing and simple drink that could be enjoyed in the hot summer months.

The original Gin Rickey was made using gin, lime juice, and carbonated water. The drink was simple to make and required only a few ingredients, making it an attractive option for those looking for a quick and easy cocktail. The Gin Rickey quickly became a popular drink in the United States and was widely served in bars and taverns across the country.

Did You Know?

The Gin Rickey is often garnished with a lime wedge, adding to its fresh flavor and aesthetic appeal.

3. Manhattan

photo source: Food & Wine

The Manhattan cocktail is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for over a century. It is said to have originated in the late 19th century at the Manhattan Club in New York City, where it was served at social events and quickly became a popular drink among the city’s wealthy and influential residents.

The original Manhattan was made using rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, and it was garnished with a cherry to add a touch of sweetness and color to the drink.

The Manhattan became a popular drink in the United States and was widely served in bars and taverns across the country. Its popularity declined in the mid-20th century, but it has since seen a resurgence and is now considered a classic cocktail enjoyed by many.

Did You Know?

Manhattan is also garnished with a cherry to add sweetness and color to the drink.

2. Blue Blazer

photo source: hips.hearstapps.com

The Blue Blazer is a classic cocktail with a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century. The drink was created by bartender Jerry Thomas, known for his flair and showmanship behind the bar.

The drink is made by lighting a mixture of hot water and whiskey on fire and then pouring the flaming liquid back and forth between two mugs. This creates a spectacular show and gives the drink its distinctive blue flame and smoky flavor.

The Blue Blazer became a popular drink in the United States and was widely served in bars and taverns across the country. Its popularity declined in the early 20th century, but it has since seen a resurgence and is now considered a classic cocktail enjoyed by many.

The Blue Blazer is still made using the same method as it was in the 19th century, with the drinker carefully pouring the flaming liquid back and forth between two mugs. The result is a robust and smoky cocktail that will impress anyone who tries it.

Did You Know?

Despite its intense flavor and fiery appearance, the Blue Blazer is a balanced cocktail that is surprisingly easy to drink.

1. Sazerac

photo source: Liquor.com

The Sazerac is considered to be the oldest cocktail in existence, originating in New Orleans in 1838. It was created using rye whiskey, Peychaud’s Bitters, and sugar, which were stirred together and poured into a glass coated with absinthe.

The Sazerac quickly became a popular cocktail in the city, especially among the wealthy and influential residents. By the late 1800s, the Sazerac had become so well-known that it was officially trademarked as the “Sazerac Cocktail.”

The cocktail is typically garnished with a lemon twist, which adds a touch of citrus to the drink and helps to balance the flavors of the whiskey and bitters. The Sazerac is a strong, flavorful cocktail that is considered a staple of classic cocktail culture. Today, the Sazerac is still a popular cocktail enjoyed by many and is regarded as a symbol of the city’s rich history and culture.

Did You Know?

Despite its popularity, the ingredients of the Sazerac changed over time due to the Prohibition era in the United States, which saw the banning of alcohol. During this time, rye whiskey was replaced with brandy or cognac, but the cocktail remained a staple of New Orleans culture.