Classic Cocktails You Should Try Around the World

From the Irish coffee to the Moscow Mule, cocktails and countries have an intertwined history. Many of these drinks went from being local favourites to well-known recipes across the globe, thanks to their flavour, build, and style. While the new-age cocktails may focus on infusions and innovations, these classic cocktails know that nothing beats a good, well-balanced mix. 

On World Cocktail Day 2026, take a look at six classic cocktails to try from across the globe. On summer evenings, try the sundowner classic, Gin and Tonic, from India. Or sip on an expertly crafted Espresso Martini cocktail from the United Kingdom. These cocktails are designed to balance flavour with style, and can be recreated at home with just a few simple steps and ingredients. 

Brand references in the recipes are indicative and can be adapted based on preference.

Location – United Kingdom 

• 30ml Smirnoff Vodka (or any other vodka of your choice)

• 30ml  Fresh Espresso  

• 15ml  Irish Cream  

• 10ml  Sugar Syrup 

• 3 Coffee beans for garnish

1. Fill a martini cocktail glass with ice to chill.

2. In a shaker, add all the ingredients (except garnish).

3. Double shake to form a thick foam and strain into the martini cocktail glass. 

4. Garnish 3 coffee beans. 

Location – India

• 50ml Tanqueray London Dry Gin (or any other gin of your choice) 

• 120-150ml Tonic 

• 2 lime wedges 

• Ice

• Fill a frozen Copa glass with ice. 

• Add gin, squeeze in a lime wedge, and top with tonic. 

• Add the second lime wedge, stir briefly, and serve chilled.

Location – United Kingdom

• 50ml Tanqueray London Dry Gin (or any other gin of your choice)

• 20ml Sugar syrup 

• 25ml Lemon juice 

• Splash of soda water 

• Ice 

• Lemon wedge for garnish

• Fill a Collins glass with ice. 

• Add gin, lemon juice, and sugar syrup.

• Top up with a splash of soda water.

Location – United Kingdom

• 50ml Don Julio Blanco tequila (or any other Blanco tequila of your choice)

• 25ml Triple sec 

• 20ml Lime juice 

• Lime wedges 

• Salt for rim 

• Ice

• Rim a coupe glass with salt. 

• Shake tequila, triple sec, and lime juice with ice, then strain into the glass. 

• Garnish with a lime wedge.

Location – Cuba

• 50ml Captain Morgan Rum (or any other white rum of your choice)

• 25ml Lime juice 

• 15ml Simple syrup 

• 1 Lime Twist

• Ice

• Shake all the ingredients with ice. 

• Fine strain into a chilled coupette glass. 

• Garnish with a lime twist.

Location – Italy

• 15ml  Tanqueray No Ten Gin (or any other gin of your choice)

• 15ml  Sweet Vermouth  

• 15ml  Bitters 

• Orange peel for garnish

• Ice

• Stir all the ingredients with ice. 

• Strain over a big cube in a rocks glass. 

• Garnish with an orange peel. 

*Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.