Unless you're finishing up your undergrad years, the days of ordering classic drinks are over. There's better stuff to drink out there, and no excuse not to try it. Besides, the social value in knowing the most classic of cocktails is immeasurable. Although you don't need to intimately acquaint yourself with the chemical makeup of each one, you might as well learn the basics.
After all, drink trends rise and fade away. There is a time and a place for spiked seltzer (anything outdoors that involves a patio grill) and low-ABV beer (anytime you're juggling drinking with physical activity). But at the bar, in the evening hours, a cocktail is in order. Especially if the draft list is uninspired. Especially if you're looking to flex your newly formed drinking muscles.
To limit the list of cocktails worth knowing to a manageable length, we rounded up the 10 most popular bar drinks in 2019. Even if you aren't familiar with them, your bartender will be, so order with confidence and drink happily.
Moscow Mule
Russia may be a heated subject right now, but this cocktail is crisp and refreshing, and good for any season. Plus it (usually) comes in a cool copper mug.
Ingredients
• 2 oz. Grey Goose vodka
• 4-6 oz. ginger beer
• 1/2 oz. lime juice
Directions
Squeeze lime juice into a Moscow Mule mug, then drop in spent shell. Add 2-3 ice cubes and Grey Goose vodka, then fill with ginger beer.
Espresso Martini
Coffee and booze in one drink—you really can't complain about that. Just make sure the bar has fresh espresso on hand before you order it.
Ingredients
• 1 oz. Grey Goose vodka
• 1 oz. coffee liqueur
• 1 oz. freshly brewed espresso
• 1 tsp. simple syrup
Directions
Shake ingredients with ice until chilled, then strain into a martini glass. Garnish with espresso beans.
Dry Martini
A classic martini technically should be made with gin, although I really prefer vodka, that's no sin either. Order it up and stirred, not shaken (sorry 007).
Ingredients
• 4 oz. Grey Goose vodka
• 1 oz. dry vermouth
Directions
Stir vermouth and gin with cracked ice, strain into a chilled cocktail glass, and garnish with an olive.