The Top Ten Cocktails of All Time

Hooray! Let the debate begin! I was talking with one my friends lately about one of my other loves, baseball, and we were trying to rank and compare Roger Clemens with the game’s other great pitchers. Immediately, we ran into some problems, especially since I was upset about the Yankees stealing Clemens from my Astros! One of the problems was that it was difficult to compare pitchers from different eras (higher mounds, the steroid era, more and less competitive periods, etc.). When I got home to write for the blog, I realized that trying to put together a top ten list for cocktails shared similar problems.

How can one possibly compare pre-Prohibition cocktails to those after Prohibition? Additionally, how can one accurately consider the full scope of this issue when the history of older cocktails remains lost in the intoxicated past? I openly subscribe to the classic cocktail method, but is it correct to deem one approach correct and the sugary approach the act of a cocktail Lucifer? Yes…no…ok yes, but what makes the classic cocktail greater than others and are there some modern cocktails that qualify. These issues are difficult and debatable, but that’s what makes this subject interesting and perfect material for a blog. Feel free to argue and debate; here’s my list…

Wait, wait, criteria for the list? I am not sure. I tried to be less elitist and consider widespread appeal as well as drink quality. Also, the history of the cocktail was influential in my decision, particularly the influence on the evolution of the cocktail and their utilized spirits. I made some different choices and refused the temptation to make a case for some of my classic, but lesser known, favorites. Ok, now we’re ready!

1. The Martini

I decided to throw Dave Letterman aside and start at the top. Why? Because it is unusual in any top ten list to find such a unanimous decision for the “greatest”. The martini is undisputedly the greatest cocktail of all time. It has become an iconic representation of the bar! Its name carries so much weight that, for many a misguided soul, any cocktail served in a cocktail glass has become a “martini”. Can you imagine an army of sweet “apple cosmopolitans” swarming the local bar’s menu? Hands down the martini is number one! Even though it has been misconstrued and victimized by vodka’s onslaught, the martini remains the greatest cocktail of all time with the greatest ingredients, gin, vermouth, and bitters!

2. The Sazerac

While no longer as popular, it is difficult to ignore the impact of this cocktail. Born in New Orleans, the Sazerac’s history is so closely intertwined, both in proximity and disputed history, with Peychaud’s bitters. Some argue that Peychaud is the father of the cocktail, which would have never been invented without bitters. This is a debate that is beyond the scope of this top ten list, but any applicable discussion shows why the Sazerac is one of the greatest. The Sazerac’s recipe is also disputable, but how can you not rank a drink so closely related to origins of the cocktail this high?

3. The Margarita

As a classic cocktail fan, it is hard to overstep some of my favorites, but this is where I have to try and come up with a credible, objective list. No other cocktail has ever done more for its principle spirit than the margarita has. The popularity of tequila would have never happened if it wasn’t for a worldwide desire for the margarita in all of its horrible and wonderful forms. If you think this cocktail’s stock is rated too highly, watch tequila grow over the next few decades! When the emergence of the world’s next great spirit becomes clear, let me know and thank the margarita.

4. The Manhattan

The Manhattan is one of the first drinks bartenders learn to make and is widely recognized around the world. While the transition from its rye whisky origins during Prohibition may have limited its thoroughbred appeal, what classic wasn’t affected in this way? The Manhattan incorporates bitters, so it gets bonus points (go away bias). But seriously, the Manhattan is widely recognized among aficionados and non-experts alike, and it perfectly exhibits one of the most important ingredients in cocktail history, sweet vermouth. Number four seems about right.

5. The Mai Tai

The Mai Tai gets its name on the list because of its dominance of the Tiki period of cocktails. While this era may not be the most nostalgic time in cocktail history, it is far too important to ignore. Additionally, the Tiki period helped a whole new group of people learn to love the cocktail. The Mai Tai is the most important drink to come out of this period, and when it is made correctly (if you’re thinking grenadine, try again), is an amazing drink!

6. The Sidecar

Number six – really? Absolutely, and not just because it is one of my favorites. Sometimes dismissed as a “period piece” (William Grimes words from Straight Up or On the Rocks), the sidecar is a wonderful exhibit of one of the greatest spirits ever – brandy! Cocktails that use brandy have lost popularity recently, but the spirit’s place in history is important. Consequently, the cocktail’s that use brandy have to be given credit. The Sidecar also uses Cointreau, another important cocktail ingredient that continues to dominate the cocktail scene today. Despite the slide of brandy cocktails, the Sidecar also seems to be one of the only making a comeback in both the mainstream and enthusiast communities. Specifically, cocktail enthusiasts are constantly tinkering with this cocktail with new ingredients such as lavender. If nothing else, you have to appreciate a cocktail that advocates the correct position of the driver through the simple use of its name!

7. The Gin and Tonic

Ok, I know, I know. But think about it. The gin and tonic is the result of British colonial efforts to fight malaria. Quinine, an ingredient in tonic water, was found to be beneficial in curing the disease, so the gin and tonic was born to make tonic water friendlier. Additionally, gin’s medicinal origins make this cocktail an important part of not only cocktail history, but medical history as well. With such important historical roles, gin and tonic together forms a dynamic cocktail contestant in the contest for greatest cocktail ever despite their elementary mixture. Sorry Ghandi, but seven is where the G&T belongs!

8. The Old Fashioned

Uhm…it has a glass named after it. Ok, bad reason, but it does deserve respect for a couple of reasons. First, the Old Fashioned is the truest test for a bartender, and consequently, it is one of the most ruined drinks in bartending. Nevertheless, the cocktail consists of only one type of spirit – whisky. It incorporates bitters and sugar (muddling of fruit debate/preference aside), and it is one of the most recognized cocktails of all time. Simple and to the point, just what the phrase old-fashioned means!

9. The Cosmopolitan

The cosmopolitan may have more American appeal, as cranberry juice can be difficult to find in some countries. But, this cocktail really is the only modern classic. Great name, distinct recognizable look, and, when made correctly, balances its ingredients well without overemphasizing juice or sugary content. It stands out from the crowd in modern cocktails times and has enormous recognition and appeal. It has to make the list.

10. The Bloody Mary

Everyone likes it their way. This cocktail is important because it really embraces each individual’s personal touch, and unlike other cocktails, the variety of the Bloody Mary has become a point of interest, not debate. This is the nature of the drink. Somehow, despite all of the controversy surrounding consumption, cocktail recipes, and appropriate drinking settings and times, everyone accepts the Bloody Mary. It may not have the most influential history, but it is an important drink and hits the spot in a way no other cocktail can.

There it is the top ten cocktail list. I am not the first to think of this idea, so be sure to check out some others; here are a few:

-DC Drinks – Apparently a dead blog now, which is a shame, but here is there “drink these or don’t come back” list.
-Martini Republic – Another blog that appears to have passed over the past few days. What a loss; I really enjoyed this blog, be sure to check the site to see where everyone is writing now! Either way, I found Joseph Mailander’s top ten of 2006 list here.
-Jimmy Patrick from Jimmy’s Cocktail Hour and Darcy O’Neil from the Art of Drink also have top ten lists, but Jimmy’s list and Darcy’s list each rank the most common drinks that these bartenders make.

Be sure to check at all these lists (there may be more out there I didn’t name as well); let them soak in and respond with what you think! I’d really like to get more comments on my blog. I think that the benefits of the online cocktail community come from discussion, so I thought that this might make a good icebreaker.