The Most Popular Cocktails and Crowd Favorites in 2025

Cocktail culture in 2025 is a mix of nostalgia and innovation. From time-tested classics to inventive, flavor-forward creations, today’s most-requested drinks reflect both personal taste and cultural trends. For hosts, event planners, and caterers, keeping up with the year’s cocktail favorites is key to building a bar menu that feels current—and crowd-pleasing.

At NY Green Apple, we build drink menus that align with style, season, and setting. Our bar catering services in NYC are designed to deliver seamless service and exceptional sips, no matter the guest list. Here’s what’s trending—and what’s staying strong.

Classic Cocktails Still Leading the Way

Some drinks never go out of style. In 2025, the top three cocktails requested across events continue to be long-time crowd favorites.

Margarita: The Undisputed Champion

The Margarita continues to dominate global cocktail rankings, retaining its crown as the #1 most popular cocktail worldwide, according to BBC Good Food. Its refreshing blend of tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime makes it a year-round favorite. Creative riffs like spicy mango, coconut-lime, and jalapeño-cucumber Margaritas allow for on-theme customization at any event.

Espresso Martini: Elegant and Energizing

Second on BBC Good Food’s list and a favorite at evening events, the Espresso Martini combines vodka, espresso, and coffee liqueur into a sleek, modern pick-me-up. Its frothy top layer and caffeine kick make it ideal for cocktail hours and after-dinner service.

Need to perfect the pour? Start with our cocktail techniques for events to serve these like a pro.

Mojito: The Forever Summer Staple

Still holding strong in third place, the Mojito offers a bright, minty experience that’s perfect for outdoor events and warm-weather gatherings. Hosts love the flexibility of the Mojito Pitcher—a batch-friendly solution that skips muddling but keeps all the flavor.

For a wider range of beverages to pair with your cocktail menu, browse our beverage catering options.

What’s Trending in 2025

In addition to the classics, several cocktail trends are reshaping how we drink in 2025—many of which have real implications for catered events and mobile bar setups.

The Rise of Savory and Spicy

Spicy cocktails continue to dominate bar menus. Drinks like the Jalapeño Margarita, Ginger Basil Smash, and the increasingly iconic Picante are everywhere—from upscale bars to backyard weddings.

Savory cocktails are having a moment, too. Ingredients like miso, mushroom tincture, tomato water, and briny olive foam are popping up in Bloody Mary variations and reimagined Dirty Martinis. These umami-driven drinks may not be for everyone, but for the right event, they can be a bold highlight.

Hyper-Local Cocktail Culture

In 2025, the biggest movement in mixology isn’t global—it’s local. Events are increasingly featuring drinks made with regionally sourced ingredients. Whether it’s NY-grown herbs, borough-specific honey, or hyper-seasonal citrus, the flavor story is now part of the presentation.

Want to elevate your cocktail with the perfect vessel? Explore our tips on understanding bar glassware for visual appeal and practical service.

Batch Cocktails for Easy Hosting

In 2025, batch cocktails have become a staple of efficient entertaining. For large events, they eliminate long wait times at the bar while keeping service smooth and consistent.

Here are a few standout batch cocktails making waves this year:

• Mojito Pitcher: Rated 4.5 stars by BBC Good Food, this pre-mixed version saves you from muddling hundreds of mint leaves during service.
• Frozen Margarita: With a 4.8-star rating, this five-minute blendable favorite is ideal for summer parties or rooftop happy hours.
• Aperol Spritz: A 5-star rated aperitif that's simple to make and even easier to drink—just Aperol, prosecco, and soda water.
• Sangria (Red, White, Seasonal): Versatile and cost-effective, sangrias remain a top party pick for groups of all sizes.

Want to serve just enough without overbuying? Use our alcohol planning guide to estimate volume based on guest count and drink type.

Crowd Favorites That Always Win

Looking to build a menu that appeals to everyone in the room? Reddit communities and mixologist forums often cite these five cocktails as the safest, most beloved options at social events:

• Margarita: Universally loved and highly customizable
• Daiquiri: Clean, citrusy, and perfect with seasonal fruit syrups
• Old Fashioned: A whiskey-forward classic for more refined palates
• Espresso Martini: A post-dinner delight with high presentation value
• Lemon Drop: A bright, vodka-based option that’s easy to batch and enjoy

You can explore more curated ideas in our updated guide to cocktail favorites for parties.

Cocktail Planning Tips for Catered Events

The best drink menus don’t just taste good—they work logistically for your space, guest flow, and staffing. Keep these tips in mind:

• Limit your menu to 3–5 signature cocktails to streamline prep and reduce wait times
• Include at least one zero-proof cocktail for non-drinkers
• Coordinate your drink and food service for maximum pairing potential

From sourcing the right bar tools to ensuring your menu is balanced and cost-effective, our fully stocked bar checklist can help you cover every detail.

Pairing Cocktails with Event Style

Every event has its own energy, and your bar should reflect that. For example:

• Weddings: Include one custom couple’s cocktail alongside wine and prosecco
• Corporate Mixers: Stick with polished, simple drinks—think Old Fashioneds and Spritzes
• Brunch Events: Lean into Espresso Martinis, Bloody Marys, and low-ABV spritzes

Our team specializes in curating drink lists that suit your space and timeline. Need help making decisions? Read our expert alcohol service planning tips.

Let’s Build Your 2025 Cocktail Menu

From trendsetting cocktails to batch-ready crowd-pleasers, 2025’s drink scene is more flavorful and flexible than ever. Whether you want to wow with seasonal ingredients or keep it classic with Margaritas and Mojitos, our team is ready to design the bar your event deserves.

We also help ensure your service remains smooth and compliant. Our team follows strict alcohol responsibility policies to keep your celebration stress-free and safe.

Curious about crafting a theme-based cocktail list? Start with our guide to spirit types explained for pairing and flavor inspiration.