In the vast universe of mixology, some cocktails have crossed eras and trends, establishing themselves as authentic symbols of culture and style. These drinks not only delight the palate, but also tell fascinating stories and embody global evolutions in alcohol consumption. As a Tuscan artisan distillery, Opificio 77 combines tradition and innovation in the production of high-quality Italian ready-to-drink cocktails, liqueurs, spirits and bitters. 

Our experience in the industry allows us to offer a unique perspective on these iconic drinks.

We invite you to discover with us the 10 most famous cocktails in the world, exploring their origins, traditional recipes and our artisanal interpretations. The information we will share is the result of in-depth research, supported by authoritative sources that you will find at the end of the article, and of our passion for the art of mixology.

1. Negroni

The Negroni is a classic Italian cocktail that dates back to 1919 in Florence. It is said that Count Camillo Negroni, wanting a more robust drink than the traditional Americano, asked bartender Fosco Scarselli of Caffè Casoni to replace the soda with gin. This change gave birth to the Negroni, a balanced cocktail with a strong flavor.

Traditional Ingredients:

30ml of gin
30 ml of Campari bitters
30 ml of sweet red vermouth
Ice
Orange slice for garnish

Traditional Preparation:

• Fill an old fashioned glass with ice
• Pour the gin, Campari bitters and red vermouth into the glass.
• Stir gently with a bar spoon until the ingredients are well combined and the cocktail is very cold.
• Garnish with a slice of orange.

Variant of Opificio 77:

Opificio 77, a Tuscan artisan distillery, in addition to the classic version of the Negroni , offers an innovative variant: the Negroni Piccante . This version combines gin, bitters and sweet vermouth, enriched with infusions of chili pepper and rosemary, giving the cocktail a strong but balanced character, surprisingly fragrant and with a pleasant spicy note.

Preparation of the Opificio 77 Variant:

• Pour 90 ml of Negroni Piccante into an old fashioned glass filled with ice.
• Mix gently for a few seconds.
• Garnish with a slice of orange to enhance the aromatic notes.

The Negroni has maintained its popularity over the decades, becoming a symbol of the Italian aperitif. Its simplicity and the perfect balance between the bitter notes of Campari, the sweetness of vermouth and the robustness of gin make it a timeless classic. The versatility of the Negroni has led to the creation of numerous variations, including the Negroni Piccante by Opificio 77, which adds an innovative touch while respecting tradition.

2. Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is one of the oldest and most iconic cocktails, dating back to the early 19th century. The first documented definition of the term "cocktail" appears in 1806, describing a mixture of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters. As mixology evolved, new variations and ingredients were introduced to cocktails. However, by the late 19th century, some patrons began to request an "old fashioned" version of cocktails, giving rise to the Old Fashioned as we know it today.

Traditional Ingredients:

60ml bourbon or rye whiskey
1 sugar cube
2-3 drops of Angostura Bitters
A teaspoon of water
Ice
Orange zest for garnish

Traditional Preparation:

• Place the sugar cube in an old fashioned glass (or low tumbler).
• Add the Angostura Bitters drops and water to the cube.
• Using a muddler, pound the sugar cube until it dissolves completely.
• Fill the glass with ice.
• Pour the whiskey into the glass.
• Mix gently with a long spoon to combine the ingredients.
• Squeeze an orange peel over the cocktail to release the essential oils, then place it in the glass as a garnish.

Variant of Opificio 77:

Opificio 77, a Tuscan artisan distillery, offers a refined interpretation of the Old Fashioned, enriched with galangal, acacia flowers and Massese lemon . This variant offers a balance between the spicy notes of galangal, the delicacy of acacia flowers and the freshness of lemon, creating a unique tasting experience. The cocktail is available in a 100 ml single-serve format and in a 700 ml bottle, ideal for sharing.

Preparation of the Opificio 77 Variant:

• Pour the contents of the bottle into an old fashioned glass filled with ice.
• Mix gently for a few seconds.
• Garnish with a lemon twist to enhance the citrus notes.

The Old Fashioned has maintained its popularity over the decades, remaining a symbol of elegance and simplicity in the world of cocktails. Its versatility has allowed the creation of numerous variations, such as the one proposed by Opificio 77, which adds an innovative touch while respecting tradition.

3. Margarita

The origins of the Margarita are shrouded in mystery, with different stories attributing its creation to different people and places. One popular theory suggests that the cocktail was created in 1938 by Carlos "Danny" Herrera at his restaurant in Mexico for a customer, Marjorie King, who was allergic to most alcohol except tequila. Another version attributes the invention to Margarita Sames, a Texas socialite, who mixed the drink for her guests in the 1940s. However, some cocktail historians believe that the Margarita evolved from the "Daisy" (Spanish for "Margarita") cocktail, popular in the 1930s, by replacing the brandy with tequila.

Traditional Ingredients:

50 ml tequila (preferably 100% agave)
25ml triple sec (like Cointreau)
25 ml fresh lime juice
Salt for the rim of the glass
Lime wedge for garnish

Traditional Preparation:

• Moisten the rim of a cocktail glass with a lime wedge and dip it in salt to create a thin salty crust.
• Fill a shaker with ice.
• Add tequila, triple sec and fresh lime juice to shaker.
• Shake vigorously until the mix is ​​very cold.
• Strain contents into prepared cocktail glass.
• Garnish with a slice of lime.

Variant of Opificio 77:

Opificio 77, a Tuscan artisan distillery, offers a refined interpretation of Tommy's Margarita . Prepared with lime tequila, agave syrup and a balanced acidic base, this cocktail offers a unique balance between sweetness and citrus freshness. Macerated and refined in stainless steel, it is available in a single-serve 100 ml format, ready to enjoy by simply adding ice.

Preparation of the Opificio 77 Variant:

• Pour the contents of the bottle into a glass with ice.
• Mix gently for a few seconds.
• Enjoy immediately.

The Margarita is one of the world's most beloved cocktails, appreciated for its balance of sweetness, acidity and a light saltiness. Its versatility has led to the creation of numerous variations, including the Tommy's Margarita, which replaces the triple sec with agave syrup to enhance the flavor of the tequila. Opificio 77 offers a handcrafted version of this variation, ready to enjoy in the comfort of your own home.

4. Espresso Martini

The Espresso Martini is a relatively modern cocktail, created in the 1980s in London by celebrity bartender Dick Bradsell. According to legend, a young woman asked Bradsell for a drink that would "wake her up and then get her high." In response, Bradsell combined vodka, freshly brewed espresso, and coffee liqueur, creating what he initially called the "Vodka Espresso." Later, as cocktails served in Martini glasses became more popular, the drink became known as the "Espresso Martini."

Ingredients:

50 ml of vodka
30 ml coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa or Tia Maria)
25 ml of freshly brewed espresso coffee
Ice
3 coffee beans for garnish

Preparation:

• Prepare a dose of espresso and let it cool slightly.
• Fill a shaker with ice.
• Pour the vodka, coffee liqueur and espresso into the shaker.
• Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds, making sure the mix cools properly and creates a light foam.
• Strain the contents into a previously chilled cocktail glass.
• Garnish with three coffee beans placed on the surface of the cocktail.

The Espresso Martini has become a contemporary classic, prized for its combination of intense flavors and the energizing effect of coffee. In recent years, it has seen a resurgence in popularity, appearing frequently on cocktail menus around the world. Its versatility has led to the creation of numerous variations, while maintaining the essence of the original drink.

5. Daiquiri

The Daiquiri is a cocktail of Cuban origin, whose creation is attributed to Jennings Cox, an American mining engineer who worked near Santiago de Cuba in the late 19th century. Cox is said to have created this drink by mixing white rum, fresh lime juice and sugar, creating a refreshing concoction to combat the tropical heat. The name "Daiquiri" comes from a beach and an iron mine located near Santiago de Cuba. 

Ingredients:

60 ml of white rum
30 ml fresh lime juice
15 ml sugar syrup (made with equal parts sugar and water)
Ice
Lime wedge for garnish (optional)

Preparation:

• Fill a shaker with ice.
• Pour the white rum, fresh lime juice and sugar syrup into the shaker.
• Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, until the contents are very cold.
• Strain the cocktail into a previously chilled cocktail glass.
• Garnish with a lime wedge, if desired.

The Daiquiri is recognized as one of the most popular classic cocktails in the world, thanks to its simplicity and the perfect balance between sweetness and acidity. Its fame was further consolidated by the legendary writer Ernest Hemingway, a well-known admirer of this drink, so much so that it inspired a variant dedicated to him, the Hemingway Daiquiri.

6. Dry Martini

The origins of the Dry Martini are shrouded in mystery, with several theories attributing its creation to different places and people. One of the most accredited versions suggests that the cocktail was born in the early 20th century in the United States, evolving from the previous "Martinez", a mix of gin, sweet vermouth and orange bitters. Over time, the recipe was simplified, adopting dry vermouth in place of the sweet one and omitting the bitters, giving birth to the Dry Martini as we know it today.

Traditional Ingredients:

60ml gin (preferably London Dry Gin)
10 ml of dry vermouth
Ice
Green olive or lemon zest for garnish

Traditional Preparation:

• Fill a mixing glass with ice to chill.
• Pour the gin and dry vermouth into the mixing glass.
• Mix gently with a bar spoon for about 30 seconds, making sure the mix cools adequately without diluting too much.
• Strain the contents into a previously chilled cocktail glass.
• Garnish with a green olive threaded on a toothpick or a lemon twist, depending on your preference.

Variant of Opificio 77:

Opificio 77, a Tuscan artisan distillery, offers a refined interpretation of the Martini Dry . This version combines gin, dry vermouth, olives and lemon, offering a unique aromatic profile with a citrus and savoury touch. Macerated and refined in stainless steel, this cocktail is ready to enjoy anywhere, ensuring an elegant and sophisticated experience.

Preparation of the Opificio 77 Variant:

• Pour the contents of the bottle into a glass with ice.
• Mix gently for a few seconds.
• Enjoy immediately.

The Dry Martini is considered one of the most iconic and sophisticated cocktails in the world, a symbol of elegance and refinement. Its simplicity in ingredients, combined with the complexity of flavors, makes it a favorite choice for many connoisseurs. Over the years, the Dry Martini has been celebrated in numerous literary and cinematic works, solidifying its status as a timeless classic.

7. Aperol Spritz

Spritz is an Italian cocktail whose origins date back to the 19th century, during the Austrian domination of the Kingdom of Lombardy-Veneto. Austrian soldiers and officials, finding the local wines too alcoholic for their taste, used to dilute them with a splash of sparkling water, a practice that in German was called "spritzen". This gesture gave rise to the name "Spritz". Over time, the recipe has evolved, especially since the 1920s, with the introduction of liqueurs such as Aperol, created in Padua in 1919, and Select, born in Venice in 1920. These ingredients have given the cocktail its characteristic orange color and a slightly bitter taste.

Ingredients:

60ml Prosecco
40 ml of Aperol (or other bitter such as Campari or Select)
A splash of soda or sparkling water
Ice
Orange slice for garnish

Preparation:

• Fill a wine glass with ice cubes.
• Pour the Prosecco into the glass.
• Add the Aperol, allowing the ingredients to mix naturally.
• Top with a splash of soda or sparkling water.
• Mix gently with a long spoon to combine the ingredients.
• Garnish with a slice of orange.

Spritz has become one of the most iconic cocktails in Italy, a symbol of aperitif and conviviality. Its popularity has grown exponentially in recent decades, thanks also to targeted advertising campaigns and its presence in numerous clubs and bars. The versatility of the recipe has led to the creation of different variations, adapting to local and international tastes.

8. Paloma

The Paloma is a Mexican cocktail whose precise origins remain uncertain. Some sources suggest that the name comes from the Mexican folk song "La Paloma", composed in the 1860s. However, the first written documentation of the cocktail appears only in more recent times, and there is no definitive confirmation of its creator. Despite this, the Paloma has become one of the most beloved drinks in Mexico, often preferred to the more famous Margarita.

Ingredients:

60 ml of 100% agave tequila
15 ml fresh lime juice
A pinch of salt (optional)
120 ml pink grapefruit soda
Ice
Lime wedge for garnish

Preparation:

• Fill a highball glass with ice.
• Pour the tequila and fresh lime juice into the glass.
• Add a pinch of salt, if desired.
• Top with pink grapefruit soda.
• Mix gently to combine the ingredients.
• Garnish with a slice of lime.

The Paloma is considered the most popular cocktail in Mexico, appreciated for its simplicity and freshness. The combination of tequila and grapefruit soda offers a perfect balance between sweetness and acidity, making it an ideal choice to cool down on hot summer days.

9. Mojito

The Mojito is a famous cocktail of Cuban origin, whose roots date back to the 16th century. It is said that an early version of the Mojito, known as "El Draque", was prepared with aguardiente (a precursor to rum), lime, sugar and a local variety of mint called hierbabuena. This drink was prized for its supposed medicinal properties. Over time, with the evolution of distillation and the availability of rum, the recipe transformed into the Mojito we know today.

Ingredients:

60 ml of white rum
30 ml fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons white sugar
6-8 fresh mint leaves (preferably hierbabuena)
Soda water (sparkling water)
Crushed ice
Mint sprig and lime wedge for garnish

Preparation:

• In a highball glass, add the sugar and fresh lime juice.
• Add the mint leaves and, using a muddler, gently muddle to release the mint’s essential oils, being careful not to break them up too much to avoid bitter notes.
• Fill the glass three-quarters full with crushed ice.
• Pour the white rum into the glass.
• Mix gently with a long spoon to combine the ingredients.
• Fill the glass with soda water to taste.
• Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a slice of lime.

The Mojito is recognized as one of the most popular cocktails in the world, appreciated for its freshness and balance between sweetness, acidity and herbal notes. Its combination of rum, lime, sugar, mint and soda makes it an ideal choice for summer days and convivial evenings.

10. Manhattan

The origins of the Manhattan are shrouded in mystery, with several theories attributing its creation. One of the most widely accepted stories is that the cocktail was created in 1874 at the Manhattan Club in New York by a bartender who prepared it for a banquet in honor of newly elected Governor Samuel J. Tilden. However, some sources indicate that the recipe first appeared in William Schmidt's 1891 book "The Flowing Bowl," while others attribute its creation to Colonel Joe Walker of New Orleans during a visit to New York.

Ingredients:

50 ml of rye whiskey
20 ml of sweet red vermouth
A few drops of Angostura Bitters
Maraschino cherry or orange peel for garnish

Preparation:

• Fill a mixing glass with ice.
• Pour the rye whiskey, the red vermouth and the drops of Angostura Bitters.
• Mix gently with a bar spoon until well combined and cooled.
• Strain the contents into a previously chilled cocktail glass.
• Garnish with a maraschino cherry or orange peel.

The Manhattan is considered one of the most famous cocktails in the world, a symbol of elegance and refinement. Its popularity has remained constant over time, making it a classic choice in bars around the world.

In conclusion, our journey through the 10 most iconic cocktails in the world has highlighted how each drink is a combination of history, culture and mastery in mixology. These cocktails not only delight the palate, but evoke atmospheres and traditions of different times and places. Whether you are a mixology enthusiast or simply curious, we hope that this exploration has inspired you to experiment and appreciate the richness of the world of cocktails, perhaps by rediscovering old classics or by being tempted by new interpretations.

Sources:

All Cocktails, International Bartenders Association, https://iba-world.com/cocktails/all-cocktails/

The Most Famous Cocktails in the World: History, Recipes and Curiosities , Foodmakers, https ://www .foodmakers .it /i -cocktail -piu -famosi -al -mondo -storia -ricette -e -curiosita/

The 10 most popular classic cocktails in the world: History and Recipes , Cocktail Fanatico, https://cocktailfanatico.it / cocktail -classici /

The 10 most famous and drunk cocktails in the world , Insidewine, https ://www .insidewine .it /cocktail -piu -bevuti/

The recipes of the most famous (alcoholic) cocktails in the world: the definitive list! , Primo Chef,https ://primochef .it /cocktail -ricette /ricette/

The 10 cocktails that made history , Misya Magazine, https://magazine.misya.info / bere / 10 -cocktails -la -storia /

Classic Cocktail Recipes , Simply Recipes, https ://www .simplyrecipes .com /classic -cocktail -recipes -5091322

Veteran Bartender Dale DeGroff Reveals How New York City's Rainbow Room Sparked a Cocktail Revolution , Food & Wine, https ://www .foodandwine .com /rainbow -room -iconic -cocktails -dale -degroff -8745520

Commit These 7 Equal-Parts Cocktails to Memory and Impress Your Friends , Food & Wine, https ://www .foodandwine .com /equal -parts -cocktails -8728414

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