Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just looking to impress your friends at happy hour, knowing the latest cocktail slang is key to staying in the loop. From “shaken, not stirred” to “on the rocks,” we’ve got you covered with a list of trendy terms that will elevate your bartending game. So grab your shaker and get ready to shake things up with our guide to the coolest cocktail slang out there!
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1. G&T
This is a classic cocktail made with gin and tonic water. The abbreviation “G&T” is commonly used to refer to this refreshing drink.
- For example, at a bar, a person might order, “I’ll have a G&T, please.”
- A friend might ask, “Do you prefer your G&T with a slice of lemon or lime?”
- Someone might say, “A G&T is the perfect drink to enjoy on a hot summer day.”
2. Marg
A margarita is a popular tequila-based cocktail that typically includes lime juice and triple sec. “Marg” is a shortened version of the word margarita and is commonly used in casual conversation.
- For instance, a person might say, “I could really go for a marg right now.”
- At a Mexican restaurant, someone might ask, “Do you want salt on your marg?”
- A friend might suggest, “Let’s get pitchers of margaritas for the party.”
3. Mojito
A mojito is a refreshing cocktail made with rum, lime juice, sugar, mint leaves, and soda water. It’s a popular choice for those looking for a light and flavorful drink.
- For example, at a beach bar, someone might order, “I’ll have a mojito, please.”
- A person might say, “I love the combination of mint and lime in a mojito.”
- A friend might suggest, “Let’s make mojitos for our summer barbecue.”
4. Martini
A martini is a classic cocktail made with gin (or vodka) and vermouth, typically served in a chilled glass. It’s known for its elegance and simplicity.
- For instance, someone might order, “I’ll have a dry martini, shaken, not stirred.”
- A person might say, “A martini is the perfect drink for a sophisticated evening.”
- A friend might ask, “Do you prefer your martini garnished with an olive or a twist of lemon?”
5. Cosmo
A cosmopolitan, often referred to as a “cosmo,” is a popular cocktail made with vodka, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and lime juice. It’s known for its vibrant pink color and sweet-tart flavor.
- For example, at a cocktail party, someone might say, “I’ll have a cosmo, please.”
- A person might comment, “A cosmo is a great choice for a girls’ night out.”
- A friend might suggest, “Let’s order a round of cosmos to celebrate.”
6. Daiquiri
A classic cocktail made with rum, lime juice, and sugar. It is often served frozen or on the rocks, and can be flavored with various fruits.
- For example, “I’ll have a strawberry daiquiri, please.”
- At a beach party, someone might say, “Pass me a daiquiri, I need something refreshing.”
- A bartender might ask, “Would you like your daiquiri blended or on the rocks?”
7. Old Fashioned
A traditional cocktail made with whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus peel. It is typically served over ice in an old-fashioned glass.
- For instance, “I’ll have an old fashioned with bourbon.”
- At a cocktail bar, someone might order, “Can I get an old fashioned with rye whiskey?”
- A bartender might ask, “Do you prefer your old fashioned sweet or with less sugar?”
8. Mai Tai
A tropical cocktail made with rum, lime juice, orange liqueur, and orgeat syrup. It is often garnished with a pineapple wedge and a cherry.
- For example, “I’m in the mood for a fruity mai tai.”
- At a tiki bar, someone might say, “I’ll have a mai tai with extra rum, please.”
- A bartender might ask, “Do you want your mai tai with light or dark rum?”
9. Pina Colada
A creamy cocktail made with rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice. It is often served blended with ice and garnished with a pineapple wedge and a cherry.
- For instance, “I’ll have a pina colada with extra pineapple juice.”
- At a beach resort, someone might order, “Can I get a virgin pina colada?”
- A bartender might ask, “Do you want your pina colada with coconut milk or coconut cream?”
10. Long Island
A potent mixed drink made with vodka, tequila, rum, gin, triple sec, lemon juice, and cola. It is known for its high alcohol content and is often served in a tall glass.
- For example, “I’ll have a Long Island iced tea, please.”
- At a party, someone might say, “Let’s start the night with a round of Long Islands.”
- A bartender might ask, “Do you want your Long Island with a splash of cranberry juice?”
11. Paloma
A refreshing tequila-based cocktail made with grapefruit soda and lime juice. The Paloma is a popular drink in Mexico and is often enjoyed during summer.
- For example, at a beach party, someone might say, “Pass me a Paloma, please.”
- A bartender might recommend, “If you like tequila, you should try our signature Paloma.”
- A person sharing their favorite cocktail recipe might post, “Here’s how to make a delicious Paloma at home.”
12. Negroni
A classic cocktail made with equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. The Negroni is known for its bitter and bold flavor profile and is often garnished with an orange peel.
- For instance, at a cocktail bar, a customer might order, “I’ll have a Negroni, please.”
- A mixologist might explain, “The Negroni is a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness.”
- A cocktail enthusiast might share, “I love sipping on a Negroni while enjoying a beautiful sunset.”
13. Bellini
A delightful cocktail made with Prosecco and peach puree or peach nectar. The Bellini is a popular brunch drink and is known for its sweet and fruity taste.
- For example, at a brunch gathering, someone might say, “Let’s start with a round of Bellinis.”
- A bartender might suggest, “If you’re in the mood for something fruity, try our signature Bellini.”
- A person hosting a summer party might share, “I’ll be serving refreshing Bellinis by the pool.”
14. Sazerac
A classic cocktail originating from New Orleans, made with rye whiskey, absinthe, sugar, and Peychaud’s bitters. The Sazerac is known for its strong and complex flavor profile and is often garnished with a lemon twist.
- For instance, at a speakeasy-style bar, a patron might order, “I’ll have a Sazerac, please.”
- A mixologist might explain, “The Sazerac is considered the oldest known American cocktail.”
- A cocktail connoisseur might share, “The Sazerac is a must-try for anyone who appreciates the art of mixology.”
15. Sidecar
A classic cocktail made with Cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice. The Sidecar is known for its smooth and sophisticated taste and is often served in a chilled cocktail glass with a sugared rim.
- For example, at a fancy cocktail party, someone might say, “I’ll have a Sidecar, please.”
- A bartender might recommend, “If you enjoy Cognac, you’ll love our perfectly balanced Sidecar.”
- A person sharing their favorite cocktail recipe might post, “Here’s how to make a delicious Sidecar with a modern twist.”
16. Caipirinha
A Caipirinha is a traditional Brazilian cocktail made with cachaça, sugar, and lime. It is a refreshing and citrusy drink that is often enjoyed during hot summer days in Brazil.
- For example, “I ordered a Caipirinha at the bar and it instantly transported me to the beaches of Rio.”
- A bartender might recommend, “If you’re looking for a tropical cocktail, you can’t go wrong with a Caipirinha.”
- A traveler might say, “Trying a Caipirinha is a must when visiting Brazil.”
17. French 75
The French 75 is a classic champagne cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and champagne. It is a celebratory drink that is known for its bubbly and refreshing taste.
- For instance, “I ordered a French 75 to toast to a special occasion.”
- A bartender might suggest, “If you’re in the mood for a sophisticated cocktail, try a French 75.”
- A partygoer might exclaim, “The French 75 is my go-to drink for New Year’s Eve!”
18. Aperol Spritz
An Aperol Spritz is an Italian cocktail made with Aperol, prosecco, and soda water. It is a popular aperitif in Italy, known for its vibrant orange color and bittersweet taste.
- For example, “I enjoyed an Aperol Spritz while watching the sunset in Venice.”
- A bartender might recommend, “If you’re looking for a light and refreshing cocktail, try an Aperol Spritz.”
- A traveler might say, “The Aperol Spritz is the perfect drink to start off a meal in Italy.”
19. Dark ‘n Stormy
A Dark ‘n Stormy is a classic cocktail from Bermuda made with dark rum and ginger beer. It has a rich and spicy flavor profile, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy bold and flavorful drinks.
- For instance, “I sipped on a Dark ‘n Stormy while watching the waves crash on the beach in Bermuda.”
- A bartender might suggest, “If you’re a fan of ginger and rum, you’ll love the Dark ‘n Stormy.”
- A beachgoer might say, “The Dark ‘n Stormy is the ultimate beach cocktail.”
20. Espresso Martini
An Espresso Martini is a cocktail made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and a shot of espresso. It is a caffeinated and indulgent drink that combines the flavors of coffee and alcohol.
- For example, “I ordered an Espresso Martini to keep the party going.”
- A bartender might recommend, “If you’re in need of a pick-me-up, try an Espresso Martini.”
- A coffee enthusiast might exclaim, “The Espresso Martini is the perfect after-dinner drink for coffee lovers.”
21. Palmetto
The Palmetto is a classic cocktail made with equal parts vermouth and rum, typically served with a twist of lemon. It is known for its tropical flavors and smooth finish.
- For example, “I ordered a Palmetto at the bar and instantly felt like I was on vacation.”
- A mixologist might say, “The Palmetto is a great drink to enjoy by the pool on a hot summer day.”
- A bartender might recommend, “If you like rum-based cocktails, you should try the Palmetto, it’s a crowd-pleaser.”
22. Bee’s Knees
The Bee’s Knees is a Prohibition-era cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup. It is known for its sweet and citrusy flavor profile, making it a refreshing choice for cocktail enthusiasts.
- For instance, “I had the Bee’s Knees at a speakeasy and instantly fell in love with its unique taste.”
- A mixologist might say, “The Bee’s Knees is a classic cocktail that showcases the versatility of gin.”
- A bartender might suggest, “If you’re looking for a cocktail that balances sweetness and tartness, the Bee’s Knees is a perfect choice.”
23. Aviation
The Aviation is a classic cocktail made with gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and lemon juice. It is known for its floral and slightly sweet taste, reminiscent of a springtime breeze.
- For example, “I tried the Aviation for the first time and was amazed by its delicate flavors.”
- A mixologist might say, “The Aviation is a sophisticated cocktail that showcases the beauty of floral liqueurs.”
- A bartender might recommend, “If you’re a fan of gin and want to try something different, the Aviation is a must-try.”
24. Manhattan
The Manhattan is a timeless classic cocktail made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. It is known for its rich and robust flavor, often garnished with a cherry.
- For instance, “I ordered a Manhattan at the bar and was blown away by its smoothness.”
- A mixologist might say, “The Manhattan is a cocktail that never goes out of style, perfect for whiskey lovers.”
- A bartender might suggest, “If you’re looking for a sophisticated and bold drink, the Manhattan is a perfect choice.”
25. Singapore Sling
The Singapore Sling is a tropical cocktail made with gin, cherry liqueur, pineapple juice, lime juice, and grenadine. It is known for its fruity and refreshing taste, often garnished with a pineapple slice or cherry.
- For example, “I sipped on a Singapore Sling by the beach and felt like I was in paradise.”
- A mixologist might say, “The Singapore Sling is a cocktail that transports you to a tropical getaway.”
- A bartender might recommend, “If you’re in the mood for a fruity and exotic drink, the Singapore Sling is a perfect choice.”
26. Moscow Mule
A Moscow Mule is a cocktail made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. It is typically served in a copper mug and garnished with a slice of lime.
- For example, “I’ll have a Moscow Mule, please.”
- A bartender might ask, “Do you want your Moscow Mule with a spicy ginger beer or a milder one?”
- A person might say, “I love the refreshing taste of a Moscow Mule on a hot summer day.”
27. Dark ‘n’ Stormy
A Dark ‘n’ Stormy is a cocktail made with Gosling’s Black Seal rum and ginger beer. It is a popular drink in Bermuda and has a sweet and spicy flavor.
- For instance, “I’ll have a Dark ‘n’ Stormy, please.”
- A bartender might recommend, “If you like a stronger ginger flavor, try using a ginger beer with more bite in your Dark ‘n’ Stormy.”
- A person might say, “I love the combination of rum and ginger in a Dark ‘n’ Stormy.”
28. Sex on the Beach
Sex on the Beach is a fruity cocktail made with vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice. It is known for its vibrant color and tropical taste.
- For example, “I’ll have a Sex on the Beach, please.”
- A bartender might ask, “Would you like your Sex on the Beach with a splash of pineapple juice?”
- A person might say, “I enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors of a Sex on the Beach.”
29. Long Island Iced Tea
A Long Island Iced Tea is a strong cocktail made with vodka, rum, tequila, gin, triple sec, lemon juice, and cola. Despite its name, it does not contain any tea but has a similar color.
- For instance, “I’ll have a Long Island Iced Tea, please.”
- A bartender might say, “The Long Island Iced Tea is a popular choice for those looking for a potent drink.”
- A person might comment, “I love how the different spirits blend together in a Long Island Iced Tea.”
30. Blue Lagoon
A Blue Lagoon is a vibrant blue cocktail made with vodka, blue curacao, and lemonade. It has a tropical and refreshing taste.
- For example, “I’ll have a Blue Lagoon, please.”
- A bartender might suggest, “If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add a splash of pineapple juice to your Blue Lagoon.”
- A person might say, “The Blue Lagoon is the perfect drink for a beach vacation.”