There’s a whole universe of incredible cocktails sitting just beyond the reach of the usual margarita-and-martini crowd. Every bar has its heavy hitters: the classics, the craft cocktails with specialty ingredients, and whatever happens to be trending that week. But there’s a whole category of drinks that don’t spend enough time under the spotlight.
Honestly, some of the most rewarding drinks you’ll ever taste are the ones nobody orders. We asked 9 bartenders – real professionals behind real bars – to name the cocktails they wish more people would try. The answers were surprising, a little bit nerdy, and completely delicious. Let’s dive in.
1. The Classic Daiquiri – Not What You Think It Is
Stop. Before you picture a slushy pink machine drink, hear this out. A classic daiquiri shouldn’t be confused with the kind that comes from a frozen drink machine. In its original and intended form, it’s as pure as freshly fallen snow. A nice white rum, or even an Agricole, fresh citrus, and a well-balanced simple syrup make this drink the ultimate classic.
Bartenders are serious fans of the daiquiri for a reason. As one lead bartender put it: “I’m a big rum nerd, and the daiquiri really lets the spirit shine. It’s simple, but awesome things don’t need to be complicated.” That’s the whole point, really – it strips everything back and lets quality speak for itself.
When most people hear the word “daiquiri,” they think of a frozen, sweet pink drink you sip on South Beach. But what most people don’t know is that the classic daiquiri is actually just three ingredients: rum, lime, and sugar. Three ingredients. That’s it. And somehow, it still manages to be one of the most balanced, refreshing drinks ever invented. Give it a chance.
2. The Paloma – Mexico’s True National Cocktail
While margaritas are unquestionably the most popular tequila drink in the U.S., the national drink of Mexico is the Paloma. That should tell you something. Palomas are often overshadowed by margaritas. Palomas are made up of tequila, grapefruit juice, and lime. Though margaritas are often seen as a go-to drink, bartenders say the hype surrounding them causes other tequila-based drinks to be overlooked.
While the exact origins of the Paloma remain a bit of a mystery, it’s widely believed that this delightful cocktail emerged in Mexico. Some even argue that the Paloma is more popular than the Margarita. In Mexico, at least, that claim holds up. Hiding in the margarita’s icy shadow is the real treasured drink of Mexico, La Paloma. Traditionally, the Paloma is served on the rocks and prepared by mixing tequila, fresh lime juice, and grapefruit-flavored soda, like Jarritos.
Despite the popularity of the Paloma in Mexico and the fact that the U.S. outranks Mexico in grapefruit production by a half-million tons each year, the cocktail has not enjoyed the same mainstream success north of the border that the margarita has. Many believe that grapefruit pairs better than lime with tequila, making the Paloma’s underrepresentation on bar menus even more puzzling. I think that’s one of cocktail culture’s great injustices, honestly.
3. The Boulevardier – A Bourbon Negroni With Attitude
The boulevardier is almost always overlooked. But with its bitter-sweet complexity, it stands out from other cocktails. Think of it like a Negroni that decided to swap gin for bourbon – which, if you ask most bartenders, is an upgrade worth knowing about. It’s bold, warming, and dangerously easy to drink.
As one beverage director put it, “An underrated whiskey drink that deserves more attention is the Boulevardier.” The cocktail blends bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari in what amounts to a perfectly balanced bitter-and-boozy masterpiece. It has all the sophistication of a classic stirred drink without needing a history lesson every time you order one.
Here’s the thing: if you’re someone who normally gravitates toward an Old Fashioned or a Negroni, this is essentially the middle ground between them. A Spiced Old Fashioned is a spiced-up twist on a classic. By adding the rich flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, this seasonal adaptation captures the essence of comfort, infusing the classic cocktail with cozy, aromatic notes. The warm spices complement the bourbon’s deep caramel and vanilla undertones, creating a balanced, smooth drink that’s both familiar and intriguing. The Boulevardier delivers that same warmth – no spice required.
4. The Martinez – The Original Martini Nobody Talks About
Though a Martinez came before a martini, it’s often forgotten about. A head bartender at Virginia’s in New York City said he wishes the Martinez wasn’t constantly overshadowed by the martini. That’s a pretty damning statement when you think about it – the ancestor of one of the world’s most famous cocktails can’t even get a seat at the table.
Dating back to the late 1800s, a Martinez is made up of gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitters. Originating in the 1800s, the Martinez is the original cocktail that paved the way for the martini. It features sweet red vermouth and a dash of maraschino liqueur, making it something of a Manhattan-martini hybrid.
A Martinez is a classic cocktail which most consider to be the reason we have modern gin martinis. It’s great because the swapping of dry vermouth for sweet vermouth and the addition of maraschino liqueur gives a bit of sweetness that is comforting. So next time someone orders a martini, consider asking for a Martinez instead. You’ll probably confuse your bartender – in the best possible way.
5. The El Presidente – Rum’s Most Refined Moment
Lou Bernard, Bar Manager at MITA, recommends the El Presidente: a Cuban-based rum cocktail often overlooked in favor of mojitos. It’s described as “a sophisticated sipper with layers: dry, slightly fruity, and perfectly balanced.” That’s not a common way people talk about rum drinks, and that’s exactly the point.
Tom Liu, head bartender at Thunderbolt in Los Angeles, first encountered the El Presidente Рa mix of rum, vermouth, Cura̤ao, and grenadine Рwhile working at the NoMad in Los Angeles. The Cuban-born cocktail was created in Havana during Prohibition. When made with blanc vermouth, the drink reads like a rum-based, dressed-up Martini.
When made properly – with good ingredients and respect for its history – the El Presidente is a reminder that rum cocktails can be just as refined as any stirred whiskey drink. It’s the cocktail equivalent of discovering a hidden gem in a city you thought you knew. I’d argue it’s one of the most criminally underordered drinks in existence.
6. The Sazerac – The Official Cocktail of New Orleans
The Sazerac is often overlooked in favor of more mainstream whiskey cocktails, but its complexity and historical significance make it one of the most underrated drinks. You could make a compelling argument that no other cocktail in America carries more historical weight. The Sazerac cocktail, often hailed as one of the oldest known mixed drinks, stands as a true icon of New Orleans and American cocktail culture. With a history that spans over a century and a half, the Sazerac has endured as a symbol of sophistication, innovation, and tradition.
Combining rye whiskey, absinthe (or its substitute), Peychaud’s bitters, and a sugar cube, the Sazerac has a bold, distinctive flavor profile that showcases the versatility of whiskey. In 2008, the state of Louisiana passed legislation that made the Sazerac Cocktail the official cocktail of New Orleans. It’s a fitting tribute to the drink that arguably started the cocktail movement throughout the United States.
It’s around this time that the primary ingredient changed from cognac to rye whiskey, due to the phylloxera epidemic in Europe that devastated the vineyards of France. A cocktail that literally changed its recipe because of a European grape blight in the 1800s? That’s the kind of history that makes every sip feel a little more cinematic. For fans of the Old Fashioned, the Sazerac offers a twist on the standard template of spirits, bitters, and sweetener with the addition of an absinthe rinse. A few spritzes of absinthe add an extra, subtle dimension of licorice flavor and scent.
7. The Jasmine – A Gin Cocktail for People Who Think They Don’t Like Gin
If you like citrus-forward cocktails with a slightly bitter twist, try the Jasmine. It blends gin, lemon, and triple sec with a splash of Campari. “It’s basically a gin daisy with a hint of bitterness,” says Katie Renshaw, Lead Bartender at Hawksmoor Chicago. It’s the kind of drink that works as a perfect entry point into the world of bitter, herbal spirits.
The best part? “The ingredients are things you can find in almost any bar, so it’s always easy to recreate or riff on it,” Renshaw adds. That accessibility is huge. There’s nothing worse than falling in love with a cocktail only to find out it requires three obscure liqueurs you’ve never heard of. The Jasmine sidesteps that problem entirely.
Think of it like a Cosmopolitan’s more grown-up, slightly edgier cousin – still very pretty in a glass, still delightfully citrusy, but with a backbone of complexity that keeps you coming back. Cocktails are moving beyond the traditional sweet and sour spectrum, with savory and spicy drinks gaining popularity among adventurous drinkers. These cocktails offer complex, layered flavors that appeal to those looking for something unique. The Jasmine fits that direction perfectly.
8. The Whiskey Smash – A Timeless Classic That Got Lost in the Shuffle
The Whiskey Smash is an underrated classic that deserves more attention. This refreshing cocktail dates back to the 1800s and features a simple yet satisfying combination of whiskey, lemon, mint, and simple syrup. While the original recipe is delicious on its own, the Whiskey Smash is also incredibly versatile.
You can easily add your own twist by incorporating other ingredients, like apples for an Apple Smash or basil for a Basil Smash – the possibilities are endless. That’s the beauty of it. It’s a cocktail that acts as a blank canvas. You get the warmth of whiskey, the brightness of citrus, and the freshness of mint – all in one glass that somehow feels both simple and impressive.
It’s a bit like that reliable friend who somehow adapts to every social occasion. Casual backyard party? Whiskey Smash. Fancy dinner? Still a Whiskey Smash. For cooler seasons, a Bourbon Smash with apple and pear gives you the warmth from the bourbon and nutmeg and has a crisp finish with the apple, along with some citrus notes. Honestly, there’s never a wrong time to order one of these.
9. The Old Cuban – New York Innovation Hiding Behind a Misleading Name
If you like Champagne cocktails, the Old Cuban is a fun spin on a French 75 and mojito combo. Despite the name, you’d be surprised to know it’s neither old nor Cuban – it was actually invented in New York in 2001. That little twist of trivia alone is worth bringing up at the bar. Watch people’s faces change when they find out.
David Orellana, Beverage Director at Grand Brasserie, explains: “It has the same classic combination of lime, sugar, and mint, but you swap in a darker aged rum and a splash of Champagne.” It’s the kind of cocktail that feels fancy without trying too hard. That’s a rare quality in a drink – effortless elegance.
Bartenders love it because it’s a crowd-pleaser with range. Light enough for someone who wants something celebratory, complex enough for a cocktail nerd to appreciate. It also pairs beautifully with food, which brings up something the industry has been leaning into hard. Much like wine pairings, cocktail pairings are about matching food and drink in perfect harmony. This trend is popular because it elevates the dining experience, showing guests that cocktails can be just as thoughtful and sophisticated as wine.
10. The Brown Derby – Bourbon’s Secret Citrus Side
The Brown Derby has been around since the 1930s, but it has never quite achieved mainstream status. The cocktail includes just three ingredients: bourbon, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup. Three ingredients from a drink born nearly a century ago. It’s still waiting for its moment, and frankly, that moment is long overdue.
The Brown Derby catches people off guard in a good way. It’s citrusy and bright – not what you expect from a bourbon drink. That’s the element of surprise that makes it so special. Most people associate bourbon with warmth and vanilla. The grapefruit juice slices right through all of that and delivers something completely unexpected.
It’s a bit like finding out a quiet, reserved person is secretly a fantastic dancer – the Brown Derby reveals a side of bourbon that most drinkers have never encountered. This year, less is more. The minimalism trend is focused on the quality of ingredients rather than quantity – bringing three-ingredient cocktails back to the forefront of mixology. The Brown Derby has been doing minimalism since the 1930s, way before it was a trend. Sometimes the classics really do know best.
Conclusion: The Best Drink You’ve Never Ordered Is Waiting for You
Just because a drink isn’t world-famous doesn’t mean it’s not worth ordering. In fact, some of the most satisfying sips are the ones that fly under the radar. Every cocktail on this list has been quietly perfected over decades, sometimes centuries, waiting patiently while flashier drinks hogged the spotlight.
The next time you’re standing at a bar, staring at a menu – or about to default to your usual order – consider taking a small leap. Ask for a Sazerac or a Brown Derby. Try a Martinez instead of a martini. Order the Paloma and let the margarita sit out for a round. You might be surprised by what you’ve been missing.
The bartenders have spoken – and they’re tired of watching these drinks gather dust. Which one of these would you be brave enough to order first?
