Navigating a crowded bar during the holiday season doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. ‘Tis the season to be jolly! But what better way to spread holiday cheer than with a festive drink in hand? If you find yourself at the local hangout after a company holiday party or catching up with hometown friends on the night before Thanksgiving, try one of these best cocktails to order at a bar to keep your spirits bright.
The 10 Best Cocktails to Order at a Bar
Classic Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a respected classic with straightforward preparation. Simple ingredients make it a smart choice for a bustling bar.
- 2 oz Coppercraft Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 1 sugar cube
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel, garnish
Muddle the sugar cube with a splash of water in a glass. Add ice, pour bourbon over the sugar, and add bitters. Stir well and garnish with an orange peel.
Mule Variations (e.g., Moscow Mule, Kentucky Mule)
Mule variations are refreshing, but also easy to make. The combination of spirits, ginger beer, and a hint of citrus is both delicious and simple for the bartender to prepare.
- 2 oz Coppercraft Vodka (or Coppercraft Straight Bourbon Whiskey)
- 4 oz ginger beer
- Fresh lime juice
- Ice cubes
In a copper mug or Highball glass, combine vodka or bourbon with ginger beer over ice. Squeeze in fresh lime juice to taste.
Seven and Seven
The Seven and Seven is a straightforward Highball that’s perfect for those who enjoy a simple yet satisfying combination of whiskey and citrusy soda.
- 2 oz Coppercraft Rye Whiskey
- 4 oz 7UP or Sprite
- Lemon wedge, garnish
Fill a Highball glass with ice, pour whiskey, and top with 7UP or Sprite. Garnish with a lemon wedge.
Cranberry Vodka Splash
This drink is visually appealing, but also a breeze to make. The vibrant colors and sweet-tart flavor profile make it a hit for those who prefer something easy-going and delicious.
- 2 oz Coppercraft Vodka
- 4 oz cranberry juice
- Splash of soda
- Lime wedge, garnish
Fill a Highball glass with ice, add vodka and cranberry juice, and top with soda. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Gin and Tonic (with a Twist)
The Gin and Tonic is a classic with a refreshing kick. Its uncomplicated preparation and clean, crisp taste make it a popular choice when you want something super sippable.
- 2 oz Coppercraft Gin
- 4 oz tonic water
- Squeeze of lime
- Ice cubes
Pour gin and tonic water over ice in a Highball glass. Squeeze in lime wedge with juice to taste. Stir gently.
Rum Punch
Rum Punch offers a tropical escape in a glass. Its fruity medley and vibrant colors make it a festive and sweet choice for a lively bar atmosphere.
- 2 oz Coppercraft Rum
- 4 oz fruit punch
- 1 oz orange juice
- 1 oz grenadine
- Orange slice, garnish
- Cherry, garnish
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass with ice. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.
Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour’s simple preparation and bold flavors make it an easy pick for those looking for a timeless and satisfying cocktail.
- 2 oz Coppercraft Bourbon
- .75 oz lemon juice
- .5 oz simple syrup
- Ice cubes
Shake all ingredients well in a shaker with ice. Strain into a rocks glass over ice.
Classic Margarita
The Classic Margarita is a crowd-pleaser with a zesty kick. Its straightforward preparation and lively flavors make it an easy choice for a festive gathering.
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz triple sec
- .75 oz lime juice
- Salt for rimming (optional)
Rim the glass with salt (optional). In a shaker with ice, combine tequila, triple sec, and lime juice. Shake well and strain into the glass.
Beer Cocktails (e.g. Shandy)
Beer cocktails like the Shandy and Michelada are quick to make and offer a refreshing twist on traditional beer. Perfect for those who want something light and bubbly.
- 6 oz beer
- 6 oz lemonade
Pour beer in a glass, pour lemonade over beer and mix.
Whiskey Highball
The Highball is a no-nonsense choice and probably the simplest cocktail you can order. With its simple two ingredient combination of spirit and soda, it’s a quick order for any bar patron.
- 2 oz whiskey (or spirit of choice)
- 4 oz soda water
- Lemon or lime wedge, garnish
Fill a Highball glass with ice, pour whiskey, and top with soda water. Garnish with a lemon or lime wedge.
Making your own easy-to-order cocktails at home? Find Coppercraft’s Vodka, Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and other spirits online, at our tasting rooms, or in a retailer near you. Visit Coppercraft Distillery to get a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting. Join our mailing list to stay up to date with the latest from Coppercraft Distillery. Share your favorite of these cocktails to order at a bar by tagging us on social media. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date.