A trip around the world might lead you to believe that many of your favorite cocktails are international creations. However, it’s surprising for some Americans to learn that most of the drinks they love so much – daiquiris, margaritas, bellinis, mojitos, and others – aren’t actually from their homeland. Many popular cocktails come from Mexico, Cuba, Italy, Brazil, Ireland, and France. That being said, there are still numerous excellent American cocktails worth trying.
For this list, I’ve curated 10 of the most renowned American cocktails for you to enjoy. Plus, just for fun, in addition to highlighting why you’ll love them, I’ll also provide a brief snippet about their history. So get ready to expand your knowledge and perhaps indulge in a little revelry with these ten classic American cocktails.
Mint Julep
Vying for attention in the world of classic cocktails is the refreshing mint julep, a drink steeped in history and tradition. This iconic beverage first gained popularity in the Commonwealth of Virginia, where it’s said to have originated. Characterized by its delicate balance of sweet and savory flavors, the mint julep is a masterclass in subtlety, with its signature notes of fresh mint and rich, smoky bourbon perfectly complementing each other.
The drink’s vibrant peachy-orange hue adds to its allure, and it’s traditionally served over plenty of ice to bring out its full flavor profile. If you’re on the hunt for a revitalizing cocktail to quench your thirst on a sweltering summer day, look no further than the mint julep.
Sazerac
Wrapped in mystery and intrigue, the Sazerac is often referred to as America’s oldest cocktail. Its roots lie firmly within the vibrant city of New Orleans, which lends itself perfectly to the creation of such an iconic drink. A potent concoction featuring rye whiskey as its base, combined with bitters, simple syrup, ice, a lemon peel garnish, and the distinctive touch of absinthe or Herbsaint-coated glass, all come together to create a truly unique experience for those who dare to try it.
If you’re one who appreciates the rich, earthy flavors found in whiskey, then you’ll undoubtedly fall under the spell of this timeless classic.
Wisconsin Brandy Old-Fashioned
Zest for the Wisconsin brandy old-fashioned is certainly high in this Midwestern state, where it’s no surprise that the cocktail originated. Locals have taken the traditional old-fashioned recipe and given it a unique twist by substituting brandy for whiskey, creating a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from its more common cousin.
Those who enjoy their drinks on the sweeter side can opt for a lemon-lime soda wash, such as Sprite, to create a sweet old-fashioned, while those with a penchant for tanginess can use grapefruit soda like Fresca to achieve a sour version. Ultimately, the choice of garnish will depend on personal taste and the desired tone of the drink, allowing individuals to customize their Wisconsin brandy old-fashioned to suit their unique preferences.
Tom and Jerry Cocktail
Year-round, many people look forward to festive cocktails that evoke the warmth and coziness of the holiday season. One such drink is the Tom and Jerry cocktail, which is a fantastic option if you’re seeking something sweet, spiced, and perfectly suited for winter celebrations.
To prepare it, you’ll need eggs, vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, cream of tartar, powdered sugar, spiced rum, and boiling water – ingredients that are similar to those used in traditional eggnog recipes, but with an even more pronounced emphasis on spices. The origins of this cocktail are somewhat murky, as most sources attribute it to an English author; however, it has become a beloved American Christmas tradition, which is why it earned its place on our list.
Rather than making the cocktail from scratch using the recipe provided, you can also opt for pre-made Tom and Jerry batter sourced from companies based in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North and South Dakota. This convenience allows us to enjoy this drink without necessarily adhering to traditional methods, and we’ve definitely made it our own by adopting it as a cherished American classic.
Gin Rickey
Despite its simplicity, the Gin Rickey is an American cocktail that packs a punch in terms of flavor and refreshment. Named after Joe Rickey of Washington D. C., a fan of lobbying for the Democratic party and drinking no-sugar drinks, this classic cocktail has stood the test of time. To create one, all you’ll need is gin, lime juice, and club soda – a straightforward combination that’s easy to prepare.
Adding some lime wheels as garnishes takes it to the next level, making this drink visually appealing as well as delicious. The Gin Rickey is a zesty, heavily lime- and gin-flavored drink with plenty of bubbles, minimal calories, and virtually no sugar content. This makes it an ideal choice for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
Classic Manhattan Cocktail
Taking inspiration from the name itself, it’s clear that New York City has a special claim to fame when it comes to the Manhattan cocktail. This elegant and sophisticated drink has become one of the city’s signature cocktails over time. With its origins dating back to the late-1800s, it’s no wonder why it remains so popular today. The complex flavor profile, which features notes of caramel, herbs, vanilla, and oak, is a major contributor to its enduring appeal.
Additionally, the perfect balance of sweet and bitter flavors, along with a hint of spice, makes the Manhattan a bittersweet delight. With just three simple ingredients – bourbon (or rye), sweet red vermouth, and orange bitters – this cocktail can be easily prepared in under 5 minutes.
Hurricane Cocktail Recipe
Savoring the taste of a sweet tropical getaway is what The Hurricane brings to those who enjoy sipping on this New Orleans favorite. Its origins are rooted in ingenuity, as it’s rumored that bartenders created this cocktail as a way to make cheap rum more palatable by combining it with passion fruit juice, orange juice, grenadine, simple syrup, and lime juice.
While both dark and white rum add to its potency, the addition of garnishes like orange slices and maraschino cherries gives The Hurricane its visually appealing touch. As a classic party drink, it’s no wonder that many people have fallen in love with this cocktail over time.
Dirty Martini
Crafted in the heart of New York City, the dirty martini has become an iconic staple that instantly recognizable to many. Its signature light golden hue, complemented by a delicate olive garnish, makes it easily identifiable without needing further introduction. The drink itself is built on two straightforward ingredients: vodka and olive juice, resulting in a flavor profile that showcases its salty and slightly bitter undertones.
This dichotomy creates a harmonious balance that makes the dirty martini an enjoyable before- or after-dinner choice, particularly when paired with earthy, umami-rich appetizers like shrimp and deviled eggs.
Lynchburg Lemonade
Poured into glasses around southern gatherings and picnics alike, Lynchburg Lemonade is a quintessential summer refresher that embodies the warm hospitality of its namesake city. Originating from Huntsville, Alabama, it’s little wonder why this cocktail has become a staple in the region, as it combines three essential elements: sweet tea, fried chicken, and lemonade. To craft this delightful drink, you’ll need to combine equal parts Jack Daniel’s whiskey, sweet and sour mix, and triple sec.
Next, add four parts of Sprite to create a perfectly balanced blend. Finally, garnish with a jar of maraschino cherries and a slice of lemon for a touch of elegance. With its tangy yet revitalizing flavor profile, Lynchburg Lemonade is the perfect antidote to the sweltering Alabama heat, making it an absolute must-try during your summer excursions.
Long Island Iced Tea
Yet another classic cocktail that often gets overlooked is the Long Island iced tea, despite being one of the most well-known drinks in America. Born in Long Island, New York, this decadent and potent drink packs a punch that’s not immediately apparent due to its sheer quantity of liquor. The combination of tequila, vodka, white rum, triple sec, gin, simple syrup, lemon juice, and Coca-Cola might sound innocent enough, but trust us, it’s far from it.
When made according to the standard recipe, using just a half-ounce of each liquor, the drink isn’t too overpowering. However, some individuals take liberties with this rule, adding an ounce (or more) of each spirit, which can result in a drink that’ll knock you off your feet surprisingly quickly. As you might expect from its name, Long Island iced tea doesn’t actually contain any real tea – but the dark color does bear a striking resemblance to a steaming cup of tea.
10 Classic American Cocktails
Sipping on a refreshing cocktail is a quintessential American experience that transcends time and trends. Classics such as the mint julep, old-fashioned, and Manhattan continue to captivate palates with their unique flavor profiles and rich histories.
Instructions
Very few things are as exciting as mixing and matching flavors to create a unique taste experience, and that’s exactly what you can achieve with an American cocktail. To start, carefully select your favorite recipe from a trusted source, such as a cookbook or online platform. Once you’ve chosen the perfect combination of ingredients, it’s time to gather all the required elements, making sure to have each component on hand before proceeding.
With this preparation out of the way, you’ll be ready to craft your American cocktail in 30 minutes or less, allowing you to enjoy a delicious drink without breaking a sweat.
