45. East 8 Hold-up
Kevin Armstrong created the East 8 Hold-Up while working at London’s Milk & Honey in the early 2010s. Named after the East 8 postcode in Hackney and a nearby robbery, the drink comprises vodka, passion fruit, lime, sugar and Aperol.
Since its creation, the East 8 Hold-Up has gained widespread recognition across the global bar scene. Its popularity is driven by its vibrant flavour, simplicity and strong visual identity, securing its place as a staple of contemporary cocktail menus.
44. Piña Colada
Ramón ‘Monchito’ Marrero is most often credited with having created Puerto Rica’s national drink at Caribe Hilton Hotel in San Juan in the early 1950s. The tropical classic features rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice and quickly became synonymous with Caribbean leisure and resort culture.
Defined by its rich, creamy texture and sweet, fruit-forward profile, the Piña Colada highlights the indulgent style of tropical cocktails that gained global popularity in the post-war era. Its widespread appeal was further supported by its adaptability in both blended and shaken formats. The Piña Colada remains a globally recognised staple.
43. Cuba Libre
A simple yet influential cocktail that emerged in the early 20th century, the Cuba Libre is closely tied to the Cuban independence movement. Its name, meaning ‘free Cuba’, is thought to reflect the patriotic sentiment of the time, particularly after Cuba gained independence from Spain in 1898. The drink combines rum, cola and lime juice, creating a refreshing and easy-to-make highball.
While the exact origin is debated, it is widely believed that American soldiers or expatriates in Cuba popularised the combination of rum and cola, with lime juice added to enhance the drink’s freshness. Its simple ingredients made it quickly accessible, and the cocktail became synonymous with Cuban leisure and tropical hospitality.
42. Champagne Cocktail
This timeless classic dates back to the 19th century and is often associated with celebratory occasions and high society. Traditionally made with champagne, a sugar cube soaked in Angostura bitters and a twist of lemon or orange peel, the Champagne Cocktail is known for its simplicity and effervescent elegance.
Its origins are somewhat unclear, but it gained widespread popularity in the US and Europe during the mid-1800s, where it was frequently served at upscale events. As one of the oldest-known cocktails, an early recorded recipe appeared in 1862 in Jerry Thomas’s The Bartender's Guide: How to Mix All Kinds of Plain and Fancy Drinks.
41. Garibaldi
The Garibaldi is an Italian aperitivo cocktail that gained prominence in the mid-20th century, often attributed to the popularity of Campari-based drinks in Italy. Named after the Italian revolutionary leader Giuseppe Garibaldi, the drink combines Campari with freshly squeezed orange juice.
The Garibaldi exemplifies the Italian preference for light, bittersweet aperitivi. The drink’s striking orange hue, derived from the combination of Campari and fluffy, fresh juice, is also central to its visual appeal.
In recent years, the Garibaldi has experienced a resurgence, largely driven by its modern revival in 2015 by bartender Naren Young at Dante in New York.
40. Bramble
The Bramble is a modern classic cocktail created in the 1980s by Dick Bradsell at Fred’s Club in London. Inspired by seasonal British flavours, it combines gin, lemon juice and sugar with a float of crème de mûre, creating a layered profile of citrus and dark berry.
