Introduction

Some drinks never go out of style. They stand the test of time, cross borders, and remain firmly at the top of the list of favorites among bartenders and drink lovers. We're talking about classic drinks —cocktails that have become cultural icons.

They appear in films, books, bar menus around the world, and even inspire modern versions. In this comprehensive article, you'll learn:

• What defines a drink as a classic

• What are the most famous cocktails in the world?

• How to prepare recipes at home

• How to make a Negroni at home (the current favorite)

• What are the main classic Brazilian drinks?

Get your glass ready and let's go!

1. What are classic drinks?

Classic drinks are renowned cocktails that have made history and continue to be a benchmark in cocktail making. These drinks have well-defined characteristics: few ingredients, balanced flavors, standardized preparation, and widespread international recognition.

They are called “classics” because:

• They have historical origins (many created in the 19th and early 20th centuries)

• They are replicated in bars around the world

• They inspire dozens of variations

• They remain relevant, generation after generation

It's not just about flavor. A classic drink carries a story, a social context, a ritual. An Old Fashioned can evoke exclusive 19th-century clubs, while a Mojito takes us straight to bohemian Cuba.

2. How are classic drinks defined?

Although there is no official body that “certifies” a drink as a classic, the IBA – International Bartenders Association maintains an official list of IBA Official Cocktails , divided into three categories:

• The Unforgettables

• Contemporary Classics

• New Era Drinks (new references)

This list includes more than 80 cocktails, internationally recognized for their importance and replicability.

But what really makes a drink classic is the consistent use of the same recipe over decades, its popularity, and its continued presence in bar culture.

3. What are the 10 most famous classic drinks in the world?

Below is a selection of famous cocktail recipes that appear on virtually every respectable bar menu—from New York to Tokyo, São Paulo to London.

1. Negroni

Origin: Italy
Ingredients: gin, Campari and red vermouth in equal parts
Taste: bitter, herbal, sophisticated

See the full recipe below!

2. Old Fashioned

Origin: USA (1800s)
Ingredients: bourbon or rye, sugar, angostura bitters, and ice
Flavor: strong, dry, slightly sweet

3. Margarita

Origin: Mexico
Ingredients: tequila, orange liqueur (Cointreau) and lemon
Flavor: citrus, refreshing

4. Martini

Origin: USA/Europe
Ingredients: gin (or vodka) and dry vermouth
Flavor: dry, direct, elegant

5. Manhattan

Origin: New York
Ingredients: rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, angostura
Flavor: full-bodied, sweet, aromatic

6. Mojito

Origin: Cuba
Ingredients: white rum, mint, lime, sugar, sparkling water
Flavor: light, herbal, tropical

7. Daiquiri

Origin: Cuba
Ingredients: rum, lemon and sugar
Taste: citrus, dry, refreshing

8. Whiskey Sour

Origin: USA
Ingredients: bourbon, lemon, sugar and (optionally) egg white
Flavor: citrus with an alcoholic body

9. Bloody Mary

Origin: France/USA
Ingredients: vodka, tomato juice, lemon, pepper, Worcestershire sauce
Taste: salty, spicy, robust

10. Piña Colada

Origin: Puerto Rico
Ingredients: rum, coconut milk, pineapple
Flavor: sweet, creamy, tropical

4. How to make Negroni at home

The Negroni is undoubtedly one of the most popular drinks in the world today—especially among fans of bitter, complex flavors. Learning how to make a Negroni at home is practically an introduction to the world of cocktails.

🥃 Negroni Recipe

Ingredients:

• 30 ml gin

• 30 ml red vermouth

• 30 ml of Campari

• Ice

• Orange peel for decoration

Preparation method:

1. Fill an old fashioned glass with ice.

2. Add all ingredients directly to the glass.

3. Mix lightly with a spoon.

4. Finish with an orange twist.

Tip: Use quality gin and a good vermouth to ensure balance.

5. 5 Famous Cocktail Recipes to Impress

If you want to try your hand at making classic drinks at home, start with these tried-and-true recipes. Simple, effective, and full of personality.

🍋 1. Whiskey Sour

• 50 ml bourbon

• 25 ml lemon juice

• 20 ml sugar syrup

• (optional) egg white

Shake everything in a cocktail shaker with ice. Serve in a small glass. Garnish with an orange slice or cherry.

🍸 2. Dry Martini

• 60 ml gin

• 10 ml dry vermouth

Stir with ice and serve strained into a martini glass. Garnish with an olive or lemon zest.

🥭 3. Classic Margarita

• 50 ml of tequila

• 25 ml of Cointreau

• 25 ml lemon

Shake with ice. Serve in a glass with a salt rim.

🍍 4. Piña Colada

• 50 ml white rum

• 30 ml coconut milk

• 60 ml pineapple juice

Blend with ice in a blender. Serve in a tall glass.

🌿 5. Mojito

• 50 ml white rum

• Juice of half a lemon

• 1 tablespoon of sugar

• Fresh mint

• Sparkling water

Muddle lemon, sugar, and mint. Add rum and ice, and top up with sparkling water.

6. Classic Brazilian drinks

Yes, Brazil has its classic drinks too! Many originated in bars, beaches, and popular festivals, but have now gained recognized cocktail status.

🇺🇸 1. Caipirinha

The most classic of Brazilian drinks.

• 50 ml of cachaça

• 1 lemon

• 2 tablespoons of sugar

• Ice

Muddle the lemon with sugar. Add ice and cachaça. Stir and serve.

🍓 2. Caipifruta

Variation with strawberry, passion fruit, cashew, grape and other Brazilian fruits.
Same process as caipirinha, swapping the lemon for the fruit of the moment.

🍸 3. Roostertail

Bar drink that mixes cachaça and red vermouth.

• 45 ml of cachaça

• 15 ml of vermouth

Serve directly in a glass with ice.

🍶 4. Coconut Milkshake

• 50 ml of cachaça

• 30 ml coconut milk

• 30 ml condensed milk

Blend in a blender with ice. Serve chilled.

🧉 5. Quetzalli Tequila Passion Fruit

One of the new modern Brazilian classics.
Made with natural Brazilian fruits and tequila, Quetzalli RTS has 17% alcohol and is ready to serve. It combines the tropical flavor of passion fruit with the strength of tequila.
A practical, balanced and delicious alternative for those who want a natural drink without having to prepare anything.

Conclusion

Classic drinks are an essential part of the history of cocktails. They stand the test of time because they deliver balance, simplicity, and flavor—everything a good drink needs.

Whether you're looking to impress friends, create more elegant experiences, or simply enjoy a special moment at home, learning famous cocktail recipes and exploring classic Brazilian drinks is a delicious way to broaden your horizons.

And if you want to combine the best of both worlds — convenience and flavor — try ready-made drinks with a distinctive identity, like Quetzalli RTS .