15 Simple Mixed Drinks To Order At A Bar Today (2023)
Last Updated on November 5, 2023 by Lydia Martin
The complicated cocktail and drinks menu can be slightly overwhelming when you’re out at a bar, especially if you’re a first-timer and don’t know much about cocktail drinks in general.
These tried and tested simple recipes will eliminate the guesswork of choosing the best drinks to order at a bar.
Here are our top ten simple mixed drinks to order at a bar.
Top 15 Simple Mixed Drinks To Order At A Bar
15. Negroni
Why We Like It: Negroni is a crowd-favorite mixed drink that bartenders can easily whip in two minutes.
Negroni only needs three ingredients: a mixture of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. We like the herby and deep dark fruit flavors of this mixed drink.
14. Martini
Why We Like It: Martini sounds fancy but is a simple mixed drink that you can order at a bar and surely enjoy.
Martini is a no-joke drink and will certainly give you a buzz because it contains gin or vodka and dry vermouth. It is a popular mixed drink that any bartender knows how to make.
Read: Our Favorite Mixed Drinks At Olive Garden
13. Whiskey Sour
Why We Like It: Whiskey Sour is a mixture of whiskey, sugar, lemon juice, and a dash of egg white.
When we first tried to order it at a bar, it has a nice balance and velvety texture. The taste profile explodes in our taste buds, so it became our go-to order at a bar.
12. Manhattan
Why We Like It: Manhattan is a classic cocktail made of rye whiskey, Angostura bitters, and sweet vermouth.
We are impressed with the multi-dimensional taste profile of this mixed drink and its subtle sweetness. It has a nice kick too.
11. Gimlet
Why We Like It: If you are a fan of strong drinks, we recommend you try Gimlet. Gimlet is sweet and tangy with a gin-forward aroma and taste.
Gimlet is a mixture of gin, simple syrup, and lime juice. Bartenders know how to make it so just chill and wait for your drink.
10. Rum & Coke
Why We Like It: Rum and Coke is such a quintessential pairing that some brands, like Jack Daniel’s, even have ready-made Rum and Coke in a can to satisfy your thirst! [1]
This is a simple cocktail drink made by mixing white Rum and Coke. Its alcohol content is equivalent to a can of beer or a glass of wine, so you don’t have to worry about getting drunk too quickly.
9. Moscow Mule
Why We Like It: The Moscow Mule is all about that copper mug — believe it or not, it’s an integral part as it keeps the drink fizzy for longer.
This cocktail combines vodka, ginger beer, and lime and is served inside the aforementioned copper mug.
8. Cosmopolitan
Why We Like It: The Cosmopolitan was popularized by the ladies in Sex and the City, which has granted it the persona of being a feminine, classy cocktail.
It’s much less complicated than it appears, as it’s simply made by mixing vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec, and lime juice.
Read: How Long Will Coquito Drink Last?
7. Seven & Seven
Why We Like It: The Seven and Seven cocktail stays consistent in ingredients and flavor no matter which bars you order it from.
As the name suggests, this cocktail is made by mixing Seagram’s 7 Crown Blended whiskey and 7Up soda, served with lots of ice, and garnished with a lime wedge.
This simple long drink is often likened to Gin and Tonic or Rum and Coke because of its no-fuss ingredient list.
6. Cape Codder
Why We Like It: The Cape Codder, otherwise known as Vodka Cranberry, is made by combining vodka and cranberry juice and garnishing with a lime wedge.
Cranberry juice can be a bit tart for some people, so you can customize this cocktail by adding a splash of soda water or asking for vodka soda upfront and adding a tiny bit of cranberry juice.
5. Old Fashioned
Why We Like It: The Old Fashioned is a timeless classic that’ll make you look like you’ve got your whiskey all figured out [2].
This classic cocktail is made by mixing bourbon, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters, garnished with an orange peel and Maraschino cherry.
Personally, we like using spicy bourbons, as the spiciness adds more depth and dimension to the cocktail drink.
The great thing about this cocktail is that the mixers you use can elevate even the cheapest whiskeys and make them taste significantly better.
Read: What Not To Order At A Bar
4. Daiquiri
Why We Like It: Most bartenders would recommend you go for the classic Daiquiri for your first time at a bar.
Imagine a sweet and tangy drink made with white rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup — who wouldn’t fall in love right away?
Bars can even get away with using cheap rum bottles without sacrificing quality and taste — that’s how good and simple this cocktail drink is.
3. Mojito
Why We Like It: The classic Mojito has very simple flavors with a not-so-simple bartending process.
It’s made by crushing mint leaves until their natural juices are extracted, which can be tedious for the bartender, especially during busy nights at the bar.
When added with white rum, lime juice, and soda water, it makes for a truly refreshing drink you’ll find yourself reordering over and over again.
Read: Popular Strong Drinks To Order At A Bar
2. Gin & Tonic
Why We Like It: Gin and Tonic is one of the cheapest drinks to order at a bar, but if you’re not a fan of gin’s flavor, it’s best to skip this.
The tonic water won’t do much in terms of covering up its piney taste.
As the name suggests, it’s made with a simple mixture of gin, tonic water, and a spritz of lime juice, so if that sounds appealing, you should try this out.
Read: Top Drinks To Order At A Bar For A Man
1. Margarita
Why We Like It: The classic Margarita is made by mixing tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice.
It can be served in either one of three ways: shaken, blended, or stirred. Its customizability allows it to be enjoyed by various palates.
You also don’t have to limit yourself to using high-end tequila — just make sure to pick a label with 100 percent blue agaves, and it’ll taste really good.
Read: What’s A Respectable Drink To Order At A Bar?
FAQs
What’s a simple fruity drink to order at a bar?
The Cosmopolitan is a simple fruity drink to order at a bar. It’s made with vodka and cranberry juice, but if you find cranberry juice too tart, you can ask for it to be served to you with a splash of soda water.
Or better yet, order vodka soda with a bit of cranberry juice instead.
What simple drink should beginners order at a bar?
We find that beginners should order something palate-friendly for their first time at a bar, like Rum and Coke or a Daiquiri.
These cocktail recipes use familiar ingredients, like lime juice and Coke, so your palate won’t have a hard time adjusting to the alcohol in the drink.
What simple drink to order at a bar for a woman?
Margarita is a simple drink a woman can order at a bar. It has a nice balance of sourness, saltiness, sweetness, and bitterness which is ideal for a woman.
What simple drink to order at a bar for a man?
Old Fashioned is a simple drink a man can order at a bar. It has a nice depth, dimension, and kick suitable for men.
What is the best simple drink to order at a bar to get drunk easily?
Order a plain vodka or whiskey at a bar to get drunk and drink it at a faster rate. Aside from its high ABV, high consumption of liquor can get you drunk easily.
What is the most popular drink to order at a bar?
Rum and Cok is the most popular drink to order at a bar. It is frequently poured in the bar, easy to make, and consume.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of simple mixed drinks to order at a bar, with some of the most popular being Gin and Tonic, Mojito, and Rum and Coke.
Personally, our favorite simple cocktail to order at bars has got to be the Margarita, made with tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice.
We also love how it can be customized whether you want it shaken, stirred, or blended.
For beginners unsure of which drinks to order at bars, a rule of thumb we like to follow is to choose simple drinks with familiar ingredients so your palate knows what to expect.
References:
- https://www.foodandwine.com/news/jack-daniels-coca-cola-canned-cocktail-whiskey-coke
- https://www.thrillist.com/vice/history-and-origin-of-the-old-fashioned-cocktail
