51 Best Cocktails for Men in 2023
You've been there: Standing at the bar, menu in hand, searching for that perfect drink for the special man in your life. Maybe it's your partner who's exploring his palate, your father who relishes a good old fashioned, or your husband who enjoys trying out trendy new mixes.
The choice can feel overwhelming with so many options, each sounding more tantalizing than the last. Well, no more second-guessing or sticking to the usual.
We've curated a comprehensive list of the 51 best cocktails for men in 2023, taking the guesswork out of the equation.
What makes a "Man's cocktail"?
The label "man's cocktail" can be misleading. After all, taste preferences are as diverse as people themselves and are not confined by gender.
But it's no secret that certain drinks have traditionally been associated with masculinity, often based on their robustness, complexity, or the boldness of their primary spirits.
Our guide recognizes this tradition while also acknowledging the evolving landscape of cocktail preferences among men.
Categories of Cocktails Men Often Prefer
From the smoky allure of a whisk(e)y blend to the crisp botanicals in gin, the molasses sweetness of rum to the agave punch of tequila, and the clear versatility of vodka, every spirit carries its own unique character.
Add to this the varied profiles of beer cocktails, and we have a thrilling array of mixes to choose from. So, let's dive in!
Whiskey-based Cocktails
1. Old Fashioned
This timeless classic, made with sugar, bitters, and bourbon or rye whiskey, is a hit with its simplicity and elegance.
2. Manhattan
This timeless classic, made with sugar, bitters, and bourbon or rye whiskey, is a hit with its simplicity and elegance.
3. Whiskey Sour
Whiskey, lemon juice, and a sweetener combine to create this sour and sweet delight. Add a dash of egg white for a silky smooth cocktail with a frothy top.
4. Mint Julep
Popularly associated with the Kentucky Derby, this refreshing cocktail uses bourbon, mint, and sugar. Perfect for sipping on a warm day.
5. Sazerac
This New Orleans classic combines rye whiskey, absinthe, a sugar cube, and Peychaud's Bitters for a complex and aromatic cocktail.
6. Irish Coffee
Perfect for cold days, this cocktail combines Irish whiskey, coffee, sugar, and a top layer of cream. It's a heartwarming blend of bitterness, sweetness, and creaminess.
7. Boulevardier
For those who enjoy a Negroni but prefer whiskey, the Boulevardier swaps out the gin for bourbon, paired with sweet vermouth and Campari.
8. Scotch and Soda
The simplicity of this cocktail allows the flavours of the Scotch whisky to shine through. It's simply Scotch whisky topped with soda water.
9. Rob Roy
Similar to a Manhattan but made with Scotch whisky, the Rob Roy combines the whisky with sweet vermouth and Angostura bitters.
10. Hot Toddy
Often used as a remedy for colds, the Hot Toddy is a warm cocktail combining whiskey, hot water or tea, honey, and lemon. It's comfortable in a cup.
Gin-based Cocktails
Gin, with its botanical character, delivers a refreshing punch in cocktails, balancing its herbaceous core with a variety of flavours:
11. Negroni
A masterful mix of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, the Negroni beautifully balances bitterness, sweetness, and strength.
12. Tom Collins
Perfect for a summer day, the Tom Collins combines gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water into a refreshing sipper.
13. Martini
Perhaps the most iconic gin cocktail, the Martini is an elegant blend of gin and dry vermouth. Enjoy it "dirty" with a splash of olive brine or "perfect" with equal parts sweet and dry vermouth.
14. Gin Fizz
This frothy delight, made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water, comes alive with the addition of egg white for a creamy texture.
15. Gimlet
A perfect balance of sweet and tart, the Gimlet combines gin with sweetened lime juice. It's simple, refreshing, and universally loved.
16. Bramble
A modern classic created in the 1980s, the Bramble offers a tantalizing blend of gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and crème de mûre (a blackberry liqueur).
17. Aviation
A pre-Prohibition cocktail that fell into obscurity, the Aviation has seen a revival in recent years. It's a floral mix of gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and lemon juice.
18. French 75
Named after a World War I artillery piece, the French 75 packs a punch with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a topping of Champagne.
19. Singapore Sling
This long-standing classic from Raffles Hotel in Singapore is a complex mix of gin, cherry brandy, Cointreau, Bénédictine, grenadine, pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, and a dash of bitters.
20. Bees Knees
A Prohibition-era cocktail that mixes gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup. Its name is 1920s slang for "the best."
Rum-based Cocktails
21. Mojito
This Cuban classic mixes white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water, and mint for a refreshing, easy-drinking cocktail.
22. Dark and Stormy
Combining dark rum and ginger beer, this cocktail is a flavourful and spicy drink that leaves a lasting impression.
23. Daquiri
A classic that highlights the rum's flavour, the Daiquiri is a blend of white rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. It’s bright, tangy, and versatile.
24. Piña Colada
This tropical cocktail is a delightful combination of rum, coconut milk or coconut cream, and pineapple juice. It's like a beach vacation in a glass!
25. Rum Punch
This fruity cocktail is a party favorite, often made with a combination of light and dark rum, fruit juices, grenadine, and bitters.
26. Cuba Libre
Simple yet satisfying, the Cuba Libre pairs rum with cola and a generous squeeze of lime for an elevated take on the classic rum and coke.
27. Mai Tai
An exotic cocktail that combines light and dark rum, orange curaçao, orgeat syrup, and lime juice. It’s a potent but well-balanced drink that’s tropical and refreshing.
28. Zombie
This potent cocktail is not for the faint-hearted. It's a mix of light and dark rums, apricot brandy, lime juice, pineapple juice, grenadine, and a dash of 151-proof rum on top.
Tequila-based Cocktails
29. Margarita
The most famous tequila cocktail, the Margarita beautifully balances the sweetness of triple sec with the tartness of lime and the kick of tequila.
30. Tequila Sunrise
This visually striking cocktail features tequila, orange juice, and grenadine, resembling a sunrise in a glass with its vibrant layers of color.
31. Paloma
Often considered the true national cocktail of Mexico, the Paloma is a refreshing blend of tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda. Perfect for those warm summer evenings.
32. El Diablo
This devilish cocktail combines tequila, crème de cassis, lime juice, and ginger beer to create a perfectly balanced sweet, sour, and spicy concoction.
33. Matador
A matador might traditionally face off against a bull, but in this case, it's the powerful combination of tequila, pineapple juice, and lime juice that creates a cocktail worth facing any day.
34. Chamucos Hot Chocolate
Who says cocktails have to be cold? The Chamucos Hot Chocolate is a deliciously warming blend of tequila, hot chocolate, and a dash of chili powder for a bit of a kick. Ideal for those cooler evenings.
35. Juan Collins
A tequila twist on the classic Tom Collins. The Juan Collins mixes tequila, lemon juice, agave nectar, and club soda for a light, refreshing cocktail that's perfect for any occasion.
Vodka-based Cocktails
Here are some vodka-based cocktails that men might enjoy:
36. Moscow Mule
A combination of vodka, spicy ginger beer, and a squeeze of lime, this cocktail is traditionally served in a copper mug which keeps the drink extra cool. It's refreshing, tangy, and has a delightful kick.
37. White Russian
A creamy, dessert-like cocktail that combines vodka, coffee liqueur, and a splash of cream. It's rich, velvety, and perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
38. Bloody Mary
This classic cocktail mixes vodka with tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and a range of spices, typically garnished with celery and lime. Perfect for brunch, it's a drink with a delightful savory twist.
39. Vodka Martini
A James Bond favorite, this cocktail consists of vodka and dry vermouth, garnished typically with a lemon twist or olives. Shaken or stirred, it's a simple but sophisticated drink.
40. Black Russian
A strong, sipping cocktail that combines vodka with coffee liqueur. It's similar to a White Russian but without the cream.
41. Screwdriver
A classic, easy-drinking cocktail with a simple mix of vodka and orange juice. It's bright, refreshing, and perfect for a hot summer day.
42. Vodka Gimlet
Traditionally made with gin, the vodka version is a mix of vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup. This cocktail is a tart and tangy delight
43. Vesper Martini
Another Bond classic, the Vesper Martini features gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc. It's a strong and complex cocktail, perfect for those looking to explore unique flavours.
Beer Cocktails
Beer cocktails have become increasingly popular, offering a new take on a beloved beverage:
44. Michelada
Known as a Mexican Bloody Mary, the Michelada combines light beer with lime juice, and an assortment of sauces, spices, and peppers for a refreshing and spicy treat.
45. Black Velvet
An elegant cocktail that mixes equal parts stout and champagne, a wonderful surprise for beer and bubbly lovers alike.
46. Shandy
A classic beer cocktail that's half beer, half lemonade. It's the perfect refreshing summer drink.
47. Radler
Similar to a Shandy, the Radler is a German-style beer cocktail that combines beer with sparkling lemon or grapefruit juice.
48. Boilermaker
This hearty drink typically involves a shot of whiskey served with a glass of beer as a chaser. In some variations, the whiskey is dropped into the beer before drinking.
49. Snakebite
Half beer, half cider, and a dash of blackcurrant liqueur - this cocktail is not for the faint of heart.
50. Irish Car Bomb
A controversially named cocktail that involves Irish whiskey, Irish cream, and Guinness Stout. The whiskey and cream are combined in a shot glass, dropped into the stout, and must be drunk quickly.
51. Beer Margarita
This cocktail combines the refreshing tequila-based margarita with a light beer for a fizzy, citrusy, and enjoyable drink.
Conclusion
Whether the man in your life is a seasoned spirit enthusiast or a cocktail novice, this diverse list of 51 cocktails caters to every taste and occasions.
So, next time you find yourself searching for that perfect drink, remember that the best cocktail is not necessarily the strongest, oldest, or most complex. It’s one he enjoys the most.
Here's to broadening our horizons, challenging stereotypes, and enjoying the exciting world of mixology. Cheers to the best cocktails of 2023!
