12 of the Best American Cocktails

Put on the ritz with the best American cocktails! These colourful beverages were invented in the US around the mid-19th century and shot to fame from there. From refreshing Juleps to icons like the Old Fashioned and Bloody Mary, we’ve got the most classic American cocktails that you can mix up and serve at home for just about any occasion. 

1. Mint Julep

Get into the spirit of the roaring 20s with the Mint Julep—a Kentucky Derby favourite. This summery all-American cocktail used to be a breakfast beverage in the 17th century and gained popularity through the Great Gatsby and its modern heroine Daisy. It’s easy and delicious, featuring bourbon, mint leaves, and simple syrup over crushed ice. Perfect for summer entertaining. 

2. Bloody Mary

Hey, party animals, you’ll know this one. The Bloody Mary is the ultimate drink for the morning-after-the-night-before. Choose the best quality tomato juice and combine it with vodka, and all the spices to taste. We recommend adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce (or soy if you’re vegan) for a fully rounded umami flavour. Savoury and boozy, it will pick you up in no time.

3. Sazerac

Take a sip of cocktail history with the Sazerac, considered the first mixed drink recipe in the world! Invented by the New Orleans apothecary Antoine Peychaud, it’s a real celebration of the flavours of rye whisky. We suggest using a rye whisky that has some deep aromatic notes for the best result. A subtle sweetness is given by a sugar cube and balanced out with a dash of bitters. The result is a simple cocktail with a surprising complexity of flavours. 

 4. Old Fashioned

In terms of classics, the Old Fashioned is probably one of the most famous ones out there. Recommended for whisky lovers, it’s a simple combination of bourbon, simple syrup and aromatic bitters. If you want to give your Old fashioned an autumn outfit, we recommend trying the American Trilogy cocktail, which adds apple brandy to the original recipe for a warm and spicy touch.   

5. Piña Colada

Nothing says summer and holidays more than a Piña Colada. This iconic South American cocktail is a sweet and creamy concoction that tastes like a beach holiday in a glass. To make, combine rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream and lime juice in a blender with ice. Once blended you’ll be left with the ultimate tropical adult slushie. This is the ideal drink to cool your guests down at your next pool party.  

6. Tom and Jerry Cocktail

Get the festive spirit going with the classic Tom and Jerry cocktail—a delicious combination of batter and rum similar to eggnog. It’s always served warm, so make it a treat to sip after a day on the slopes or as a dessert drink after an indulgent Christmas roast. It requires some effort, but the result is well worth it. 

 7. Tequila Sunrise

Feel like a rockstar with the Tequila Sunrise. This cocktail was made popular by the Rolling Stones during their ’72 American tour making it a winner for your next retro party. It combines tequila, orange juice and grenadine in a colourful drink that looks as good as it tastes. Serve these tequila cocktails all summer long!

8. Gin Rickey

Arguably one of the most popular summer drinks, the Gin Rickey is a thirst-quenching sipper for those days when you want an ice-cold drink to cool you off. It’s simple and light, featuring gin, lime juice and soda water, and can be made in big batches for garden parties. 

9. Cosmopolitan

Are you ready to feel like Carrie (Bradshaw) and co.? Then the Cosmopolitan is the drink you need to know. This American cocktail may have originated in the 60s, but it’s as popular as ever. Pretty and pink, it’s a combo of vodka, cranberry juice and lime juice and the perfect drink to serve to get the night started.  

10. Manhattan

Firmly in the hall of fame of whisky-based cocktails, the Manhattan is one of the most classic American cocktails you should try at least once in your life. This socialite sipper, born in the 1800s, is super easy to make and will take your dinner party to a whole new level. To make this iconic cocktail, you’ll need rye whisky, vermouth and bitters. Simple and so sophisticated.   

11. Pan American Clipper Cocktail

The Pan American Clipper Cocktail dates back to 1939 and gets its name from the first Pan American Airlines airport in Florida, where it was created. It’s a fabulous mix of ingredients that taste as good as luxury travelling feels.

Ingredients

• 60 ml Calvados or other apple brandy
• 20 ml Lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 15 ml Grenadine
• 2 dashes Absinthe
• Lime wheel, to garnish
• Ice

Method

1. Add the Calvados, lime juice, grenadine, absinthe, and ice to a shaker
2. Shake until well chilled
3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass
4. Garnish with a lime wheel and serve

12. 4th of July Cocktail

Get ready for one of most American-themed cocktails ever. The 4th of July Cocktail is a brightly coloured drink that showcases the colours of the American flag. Serve these signature drinks during 4th of July celebrations.  

Ingredients

• 30 ml Grenadine
• 90 ml Lemonade
• 30 ml Vodka
• 30 ml Blue Curaçao
• Ice

Method

1. Pour the grenadine into a tall glass, then fill it with ice
2. Stir the lemonade and vodka together, then pour that slowly over the back of a spoon so it floats over the grenadine
3. Gently layer the blue Curaçao the same way, pouring it slowly over a spoon and onto the top
4. Serve immediately