People love cocktails. And for a good reason. They are not only a great way to level up a stellar night with friends, but they also taste splendid and look great. But with so many options, how do we choose? 

A drink should match our taste preference and perhaps even our mood. With so many variables, we can find ourselves staring at the menu for endless amounts of time, unable to make a decision.  

There are a few popular and classic cocktails that everyone should know. Having a few known favorites up your sleeve can make ordering a drink quick and simple. And there are some you'll find on almost any summer cocktail menu around the globe. 

There's a reason why some things are considered classic and timeless. Classic cocktails usually mean that they've been around since the 1900s or, in some cases, even the 1800s. They stand the test of time. 

Summer cocktails you should know

Enjoying a fancy cocktail and the classic taste of a Margarita, Manhattan, or Martini is like sipping the cocktail equivalent of comfort food. These classics will never let us down. 

Whether we are shaking up a cocktail at home or searching for a satisfying drink to order at the bar this summer, here are the five cocktails you must know. 

1. Pina Colada

For decades, vacationers have savored the Pina Colada, a refreshing tropical rum cocktail. The Pina Colada is the ideal cocktail for a novice drinker due to its sweet and creamy texture. 

This classic cocktail is made with a combination of white rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream. It's a blend that can whisk you away to the Bahamas in just one sip. 

Sometimes the drink can be served without rum and as a basic refresher in cafes. It can be presented as a smoothie or milkshake after being shaken with crushed ice.

You may even consider trying this simple cocktail recipe at home. Just don't forget the fun garnish, which really makes this cocktail so visually delightful. 

2. Manhattan

Despite the emergence of numerous new unique drinks, no popular bar can ever be complete without a Manhattan. 

Created way back in the 1800s, the Manhattan is a satiny and one-of-a-kind herbal cocktail made with Rye or Canadian whiskey, sweet red vermouth, and a dash of angostura bitters. 

Deep crimson and universally garnished with a cherry, you'll feel sophisticated slowly sipping. Its herbal undertones give this drink a distinct taste, making it a favorite amongst cocktail aficionados. 

3. Mimosa

The Mimosa is an easy-peasy but delicious beverage that has become a favorite among brunch-goers worldwide. Even brunch establishments offer a boozy bottomless brunch, meaning unlimited mimosas. 

This popular cocktail is a mix of just two ingredients, champagne, and chilled orange juice, and is served in a champagne flute.

It is well-known for its zesty freshness. Mimosa makers often add a piece of orange to a champagne glass for a touch of class. Plus low in calories and low in alcohol, mimosas are high in vitamin C too - bonus! 

4. Basil Gimlet

It doesn't get any easier and fancier than a Gimlet with gin and lime juice, the main ingredients in the classic gimlet. 

This drink is a fun take on a classic that incorporates one of our favorite spring herbs. Although the basic recipe hasn't changed much over the years, it's become fashionable to add basil. This cocktail is a gentle springtime sipper with a zesty, somewhat sweet flavor that is so refreshing to drink.

5. Margarita

It's no surprise that the Margarita is one of the most popular cocktails all around the world. It's a recipe with no secrets, and the key to a perfect margarita is to keep it simple. 

The original Margarita hits all the right notes, combining the tanginess of lime and the freshness of orange liqueur with the intensity or strength of tequila. 

The Margarita has found a permanent residence on cocktail menus everywhere, satisfying a customer longing for nostalgia while providing a reprieve from the scorching heat.

Wrapping up

So there you have it. Five delicious classic cocktails, all with different flavors and textures, to give you plenty of choices regardless of your preference or mood. From a cocktail connoisseur exploring the luxurious New York City scene to a novice in your neighborhood bar, there's sure to be something perfect on that list. 

While some classic cocktails are light and refreshing, others are fruity, soothing, or aromatic. So try them all for different taste sensations and alcoholic blends. When you have a few favorites you already know, ordering a cocktail at the bar is much more satisfying.