Classic, fresh, fruity, frozen or bitter? Cocktail types at a glance
Classic Cocktails: These cocktails are timeless favorites that often consist of a few, high-quality ingredients and are usually prepared and stirred in mixing glasses. Examples include the Martini, Manhattan, Negroni and Old Fashioned.
Fresh cocktails: These cocktails are characterized by the use of fresh fruits, juices and herbs. They are often refreshing and seasonal. Examples are the Mojito, Caipirinha and Daiquiri.
Fruity Cocktails: These cocktails emphasize the fruity taste through the use of juices, fruit pieces or liqueurs. Examples include the Piña Colada, Sex on the Beach and Tequila Sunrise.
Cream Cocktails: These cocktails often contain cream, milk, or similar ingredients that give them a creamy texture. Examples include the White Russian, Irish Cream and Mudslide.
Frozen Cocktails: These cocktails are mixed or pureed with ice to achieve a frozen consistency. Examples include the Frozen Margarita, Piña Colada and Daiquiri.
Spicy cocktails: These cocktails have a certain level of spiciness due to the addition of hot spices or sauces. Examples include the Bloody Mary and the Spicy Mango Margarita.
Bitter cocktails: These cocktails have a pronounced bitterness due to the addition of bitter liqueurs or bitters. Examples include the Negroni, Americano and Aperol Spritz.
Sweet Cocktails: These cocktails are particularly sweet due to the use of syrups, liqueurs or fruit juices. Examples include the Mai Tai, Amaretto Sour and Zombie.
Strong cocktails: These cocktails have a higher alcohol content and are often enjoyed in smaller quantities. Examples include the Manhattan, Martini and Vieux Carré.
Tiki Cocktails: These cocktails are often exotic and fruity, with a mix of different spirits and exotic juices. Examples include the Mai Tai, Zombie and Scorpion.
Mocktails: Also known as non-alcoholic cocktails, mocktails are made from non-alcoholic ingredients and offer the taste of cocktails without the alcohol content. Examples include the Virgin Mojito, Nojito and Virgin Piña Colada.
Molecular Cocktails: These modern cocktails utilize molecular gastronomy techniques to create intriguing textures, shapes and flavors. Examples include the Spherified Margarita and the Smoke Bubble.
Champagne Cocktails: These cocktails combine champagne or sparkling wine with other spirits or juices to create elegant and sparkling concoctions. Examples are the Bellini, Mimosa and Kir Royale.
Herbal Cocktails: These cocktails use herbs and spices to create complex flavor profiles. Examples include the Basil Smash, Rosemary Gin Fizz and Thyme Lemonade.
Twisted Cocktails: A modern twist on classic cocktails in which additional ingredients or flavors are added to give the drink a new twist. Examples include the Cucumber Mojito and Chocolate Old Fashioned.
Exotic Cocktails: These cocktails use unusual or regional ingredients to create unique flavor combinations. Examples include the Lychee Martini, Açaí Caipirinha and Dragon Fruit Margarita.
Coffee Cocktails: These cocktails combine coffee with spirits to provide a mix of energy and relaxation. Examples include the Espresso Martini, Irish Coffee and Black Russian.
Seasonal Cocktails: These cocktails are created due to the availability of seasonal ingredients and flavors and may vary depending on the season. Examples include the Apple Cider Moscow Mule and Cranberry Margarita.
Dry Cocktails: These cocktails have a lower sugar content and are less sweet to focus on the flavors of the spirits. Examples include the Dry Martini and Negroni Sbagliato.
Retro Cocktails: Inspired by decades past, these cocktails are often made with classic ingredients and styles. Examples include the Aviation, Harvey Wallbanger and Grasshopper.
Soup cocktails: Unusual concoctions that sometimes incorporate savory ingredients such as vegetable juices or broths to create unique flavor experiences. Examples include the Gazpacho Cocktail and Bull Shot.
Layered Cocktails: These cocktails have different colors or densities that create layers and are visually appealing. Examples include the B-52 and Pousse Café.
Upside-Down Cocktails: The ingredients are added in reverse order to create a unique look. Examples include the Tequila Sunset and Coconut Negroni.
Health-Conscious Cocktails: These cocktails use healthier ingredients like fresh juices, herbs, and less sugar to provide a lighter option. Examples include the Skinny Margarita and Cucumber Cooler.