Discover a handpicked selection of modern marvels – a carefully curated list of contemporary cocktails that have solidified their status as modern classic cocktails. These libations have transcended the confines of the bars where they were born, capturing the hearts of both patrons and bartenders alike.
Inspired by their Prohibition era predecessors, this distinguished group of second generation drinks artfully blends familiar and groundbreaking ingredients, showcasing the ingenuity of their creators. Distinguished by their enduring appeal, these modern classics stand apart from fleeting trends, leaving an indelible mark on the world of mixology.
Crafted after 1985, these drinks have earned their place as icons of their era, achieving fame through their exceptional taste, widespread recognition, and accessibility to both renowned bars and cocktail enthusiasts worldwide.
1. Black Manhattan
The Black Manhattan, conceived by bartender Todd Smith in 2005 at Bourbon and Branch in San Francisco, introduces an innovative twist to the traditional Manhattan cocktail. Daringly replacing sweet vermouth with Averna, Smith’s creation elevated the Manhattan to new heights. By incorporating Averna, the Black Manhattan boasts a profound complexity, accentuated by its herbal and bitter undertones derived from the amaro. Aptly named after its remarkably dark hue, the Black Manhattan stands as a testament to Smith’s artistry and ingenuity behind the bar.
2. Bramble
Dick Bradsell, known as the Cocktail King, crafted this iconic drink in the mid-1980s at Fred’s Club in London, England. The Bramble is a delightful fusion of a Cobbler and Gin Sour, but what sets it apart is the inclusion of créme de mûre, a blackberry liqueur with a delectable sweet-tart and jam-like taste. Aptly named after the blackberry bushes known as brambles, this modern classic pays tribute to nature’s bounty. Dick Bradsell’s pioneering flair as a bartender catapulted him to international fame, earning him the well-deserved title of the father of modern bartending.
3. Breakfast Martini
Crafted in 1996 by bartender Salvatore Calabrese at the prestigious Lanesborough hotel in Mayfair, the Breakfast Martini stands as a remarkable testament to the use of jam in cocktails during the revival era. Inspired by his wife’s brilliant suggestion to swap his usual espresso for a breakfast of toast and marmalade, Calabrese ingeniously concocted this modern classic at the Library Bar. With a delightful resemblance to both the White Lady and the Corpse Reviver No.2, the Breakfast Martini has rightfully earned its place in the cocktail world. Bursting with vibrant, juicy flavors, subtle sweetness, and a refreshing tartness, this cocktail has become a beloved favorite among discerning drinkers everywhere.
4. Chartreuse Swizzle
The Chartreuse Swizzle puts a herbaceous spin on the beloved Caribbean Rum Swizzle, with green Chartreuse commanding the spotlight. Crafted by bartender Marco Dionysos in 2003, this delightful concoction originates from the renowned tiki haven, Smuggler Cove in San Francisco. Immerse yourself in a symphony of flavors, blending herbal essences, sweet-citrus notes, and tantalizing spices. Experience the ultimate modern refreshment with the Chartreuse Swizzle, a true testament to the evolution of the classic swizzle.
5. Cosmopolitan
The true origins of the Cosmopolitan, also known as the Cosmo, are subject to debate. However, it gained immense popularity in the 1990s, particularly in New York by Dale DeGroff aka “King Cocktail” at the Rainbow Room, during the era when vodka reigned supreme. The very name of this exquisite drink conjures the sophisticated and refined essence of these two influential cosmopolitan cities. Its vibrant hue of pink sets it apart, capturing attention on any bar countertop. Notably, the Cosmopolitan’s recurring presence in the beloved TV series Sex and the City further solidified its status as a contemporary classic, cherished by connoisseurs worldwide.
6. Espresso Martini
Dick Bradsell, known as the cocktail king and a pioneer of modern bartending, crafted the Vodka Espresso in 1983, later renamed as the Espresso Martini. This chilled, caffeinated libation came to life during Bradsell’s tenure at London’s Soho Brasserie. Combining vodka, espresso, and coffee liqueur, the drink packs a potent punch. The genesis of this concoction stems from a seemingly straightforward request made by a customer, rumored to be a top-model, who sought a beverage that would “wake her up, and fuck her up.”
Although some bartenders may approach its preparation with caution due to the time and effort involved, the Espresso Martini can be enjoyed at any cocktail-serving establishment. Remarkably, even after nearly four decades, the demand for this iconic beverage remains consistently high. It not only secures a coveted spot on the list of modern classics but also stands as the vanguard among its illustrious contemporaries.
7. Gin Basil Smash
The Gin Basil Smash, initially named Gin Pesto, has gained immense popularity since its inception in 2008 at Le Lion by Jorg Meyer. Week by week, this delightful libation is requested anywhere from 300 to 500 times, resulting in a remarkable 22,000 servings annually. To meet the high demand, Le Lion exhausts over 3,100 bottles of gin each year. Jorg attributes the Gin Basil Smash’s triumph to its copious use of basil, which has led to its establishment as a cherished cocktail found in bars throughout Germany.
8. Gold Rush
The Gold Rush burst onto the cocktail scene during the onset of the cocktail renaissance. Originating at the renowned Milk & Honey bar in New York City in the early 2000s, this delightful libation quickly gained popularity across the nation. With its straightforward three-ingredient recipe, the Gold Rush exudes the nostalgia of a pre-Prohibition classic while bearing a striking resemblance to the beloved Bee’s Knees cocktail. Give your taste buds a treat and savor the allure of the Gold Rush.
9. Kentucky Maid
The Kentucky Maid, an iconic cocktail in the realm of contemporary mixology, continues to wield substantial influence even after close to twenty years since its inception. Crafted by the esteemed Sam Ross at New York City’s renowned Milk & Honey in 2005, this libation played a pivotal role in shaping the renaissance of artisanal cocktails. The Kentucky Maid’s recipe features a harmonious blend of bourbon, mint, lime, and cucumber, resulting in a delightfully refreshing concoction. Its sophisticated taste and elegant presentation have solidified its status as a must-try libation for any discerning drinker.
10. Kingston Negroni
Introducing the Kingston Negroni, a delightful twist on the timeless Negroni cocktail. Instead of gin, this version features the richness of Jamaican rum, curated by renowned bartender Joaquin Símo. With his expertise in crafting modern classics, Símo has masterfully created a simpler yet equally complex aperitivo. The Kingston Negroni retains the original’s elegant three-ingredient, equal-parts formula, where the bold flavors harmoniously complement and gently mellow each other. Indulge in this captivating concoction and experience the extraordinary taste of the Kingston Negroni.
11. Naked & Famous
The Naked and Famous sprang forth in 2011 under the creative hands of Joaquín Símo at New York’s revered Death & Co. This exquisite libation intertwines mezcal, yellow Chartreuse, Aperol, and lime juice in perfect harmony. As Joaquín Símo himself affirms, The Naked & Famous is indeed the unconventional offspring, born from an illicit Oaxacan romance between the esteemed Last Word and the renowned Paper Plane cocktail crafted by Sam Ross. The Naked & Famous deviates from its predecessor, the Last Word, by embracing the mellower and sweeter Yellow Chartreuse, while also daringly selecting mezcal as its base spirit.
12. Oaxaca Old Fashioned
The Oaxaca Old Fashioned, crafted in 2007 by Philip Ward from New York’s esteemed Death & Co., played a pivotal role in igniting the mezcal phenomenon across the United States. This captivating variation of the timeless Old Fashioned artfully combines three distinct agave components. It masterfully intertwines the robust Mezcal, derived from the revered Mexican state Oaxaca, with the velvety reposado tequila and gentle agave syrup. By harmonizing these elements, the Oaxaca Old Fashioned skillfully tempers the mezcal’s smoky essence. Amidst the myriad adaptations of the classic Old Fashioned, the Oaxaca Old Fashioned emerges as an exemplar of genuine innovation, setting the stage for a multitude of mezcal based libations.
13. Old Cuban
The Old Cuban, a delightful concoction crafted by the renowned mixologist Audrey Saunders in 2001, showcases her genius even before the Pegu Club era. As the cocktail renaissance blossomed, Saunders drew inspiration from the Mojito, infusing it with her own creative touch. By adding bitters and champagne to the classic combination of rum, lime juice, and mint, she transformed the Old Cuban into an extraordinary libation. Notably, Saunders elevates this cocktail by opting for aged rum instead of the usual white rum, resulting in a truly exquisite and indulgent rum experience.
14. Paper Plane
In 2007, Sam Ross was approached to craft a cocktail for The Violet Hour in Chicago, while he was working at New York’s Milk & Honey. This endeavor resulted in the creation of the Paper Plane, a delightful spin on the renowned Last Word cocktail. Inspired by the repetitive sounds of the M.I.A. song bearing the same name, the drink harmoniously combines bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice in equal measures. The Paper Plane has gained considerable popularity, standing shoulder to shoulder with Ross’s renowned Penicillin (#15). Ross himself expresses great pride in the simplicity, deliciousness, and uniqueness of the Paper Plane, finding it to be an extraordinary and unprecedented taste experience.
15. Penicillin
Sam Ross, the renowned bartender from New York’s Milk & Honey, crafted this renowned beverage known as the Penicillin. Since its introduction in 2005, it has become a staple on bar menus worldwide. The Penicillin combines two varieties of scotch, lemon juice, honey, and ginger to create a harmonious blend. Its name draws inspiration from the groundbreaking medicinal drug, alluding to the restorative properties of its ingredients. Similar to a comforting Hot Toddy, this elixir is believed to possess healing qualities that can alleviate symptoms of colds and flu. Just like Alexander Fleming’s remarkable discovery, the Penicillin has gained a reputation as a revered remedy embraced by people all around the globe.
16. Porn Star Martini
The Porn Star Martini, conceptualized by Douglas Ankrah at London’s Townhouse bar in 2002, defies the traditional martini categorization. Crafted to capture the spotlight, this sensational libation showcases the innovative blend of passion fruit liqueur and purée. Combined harmoniously with vanilla vodka and lime juice, these elements yield a cocktail that is both vibrant and tangy.
Despite the controversy surrounding its name, Ankrah clarifies that the intention was not to provoke, but rather to encapsulate the essence of indulgence – a drink that exudes allure, enjoyment, and provocation. To enhance the experience, the cocktail is traditionally served alongside a chilled glass of champagne, as a suggested palate cleanser between sips. Like a radiant film star, this extravagant and effervescent creation instantly captivates attention and beckons enthusiasts to savor its allure on a menu.
17. Red Hook
The Red Hook cocktail pays homage to the Brooklyn neighborhood and blends the characteristics of both the Brooklyn and Manhattan cocktails. Crafted by Enzo Errico in 2003, a former Milk & Honey bartender, this libation combines rye whiskey, Punt E Mes (an Italian vermouth with a bitter taste), and maraschino liqueur. The result is a well-balanced, strong, and complex flavor profile with a boozy and dry essence, complemented by a subtle touch of sweetness. Enjoy it straight or over ice to savor its enduring modern twist on the classic Manhattan. The Red Hook cocktail has earned its place on menus nationwide, showcasing its popularity and widespread appeal among discerning drink enthusiasts.
18. Siesta
Crafted by Katie Stipe in 2006 at the now-closed Pegu Club in New York City, the Siesta cocktail revolutionized the world of tequila-based mixed drinks. Prior to its creation, options were limited to the famous Margarita and Paloma. This modern masterpiece introduces a delightful touch of bitterness to the classic Hemingway Daiquiri by ingeniously swapping rum for tequila and replacing maraschino liqueur with Campari. With its distinctive and captivating flavors, the Siesta cocktail has rightfully earned its place among the esteemed collection of contemporary classics.
19. Tommy’s Margarita
The Tommy’s Margarita, renowned for its absence of Curaçao, presents a straightforward variation of the classic Margarita. Its origins trace back to Julio Bermejo, who introduced this cocktail during his tenure at Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco, CA during the 1980s. Comprised of tequila, lime juice, and agave syrup, served over ice, this uncomplicated blend revolutionized perceptions of the Margarita. It steered away from overly sweet frozen concoctions, allowing the tequila to take center stage. By the 1990s, Tommy’s had emerged as the focal point of the tequila renaissance, offering a staggering selection of over 100 different 100% agave tequilas.
20. White Negroni
