Best Cocktails of 2024, Revealed

#1 Aperol Spritz 

Crowned in the top spot as the most popular cocktail among Brits for 2024 is the Aperol Spritz, with an average monthly search volume of a staggering 126,028—which equates to over 4,000 searches in the UK every day. To whip up this Italian classic at home, simply mix three parts prosecco, two parts Aperol, and one part soda water, over ice in a large wine glass. If you want to add an extra garnish, an orange slice amplifies the flavour of the beverage even more. 

#2 Espresso Martini 

Second, is the Espresso Martini, which originated in London in the ’80s but is often regarded as a staple on any cocktail menu. The analysis revealed that searches for the drink average 114,577 searches monthly. To make it at home, add 50ml vodka, 25ml coffee liqueur such as Kahlúa (which can add a pleasant hint of vanilla) and 25ml of espresso over ice and shake. Strain the mix into a martini glass—and add three coffee beans for garnish, meant to represent health, wealth, and happiness.  

#3 Margarita 

The classic Margarita ranks as the third most popular cocktail in the UK this year. Over the last year, searches for the staple drink averaged a huge 86,675 searches every month, highlighting its reigning popularity among Brits. Create it yourself by combining 50ml of tequila, 25ml of lime juice and 20ml of triple sec. Shake these over ice and serve in a glass with a salted rim—made by running a lime wedge around the rim before dipping in salt—to perfect this zesty drink. 

#4 Pornstar Martini 

Relatively new compared to other cocktails on the list, the Pornstar Martini, first created in London in 2002, has become a firm favourite in the UK, ranking fourth among the top choices for 2024. For this cocktail, add 50ml vanilla vodka, 25ml passionfruit liqueur (such as Passoã) and a splash of lime juice into a shaker, along with the pulp of half a passionfruit or some passionfruit purée. Once shaken, serve in a martini glass with an added shot of prosecco on the side.  

#5 Mulled Wine 

Perfectly fitting for the season, Mulled Wine ranks fifth on the list, with an average of 56,726 monthly searches. While typically served warm in the winter months, it can also be served cold and prepared ahead of gatherings with family and friends.  

While recipes differ based on personal taste, the first step in creating this warming beverage is to heat a bottle of red wine of your choice (merlot or cabernet works well). Add a small glass of orange juice, around 50g of sugar, spices—a cinnamon stick, star anise, and a few cloves—along with some orange slices. Add brandy for an extra warmth if you wish. Then allow this to gently simmer until slightly reduced and flavours have infused, serve warm in heatproof glasses or mugs, or allow it to cool and serve chilled. 

#6 Mojito 

From warm and wintery to fresh and perfect for summer, the Cuban classic, the Mojito, ranks Brits’ sixth favourite cocktail of the year. With an average monthly search volume of 50,742, this iconic drink can be made by adding a small handful of fresh mint leaves to the glass and ‘muddling it’ (crushing it) using a cocktail muddler or the end of a rolling pin to bring out their flavour. Add around 25ml of fresh lime juice, two spoons of sugar, and 50ml white rum, mix and top up with crushed ice and soda water. 

#7 Bloody Mary 

The savoury and slightly spicy Bloody Mary places seventh for 2024, with an average monthly search volume of 49,288 on Google this year. Simple to create at home, pour 50ml vodka, 150ml tomato juice and a squeeze of lemon juice over ice. For flavour, add a few shakes of Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco to taste, along with a sprinkle of celery salt and a pinch of black pepper. For an added garnish, serve with a celery stick, which can also add a pleasant contrast to this rich drink. 

#8 Piña Colada 

Originating in Puerto Rico, the Piña Colada has been revealed as the UK’s eighth top cocktail for the year, according to Google. The analysis revealed that this tropical favourite has 46,040 Google searches every month on average. To create this classic, add 50ml of coconut cream, around 100ml of pineapple juice and 50ml of light rum—Malibu is often favoured for an added coconut taste and sweetness—to a blender with ice and blend until smooth. This drink will provide that holiday feeling, even here at home. 

#9 Cosmopolitan 

Ninth on the list is the Cosmopolitan, which has had an average of 46,028 monthly searches on Google over the last year. This classic cocktail is a simple blend of 50ml vodka, 25ml triple sec, cranberry juice and a squeeze of lime juice shaken over ice. To serve, strain the shaken mix into a chilled martini glass, and for added style, garnish with a twist of lime zest. 

#10 Sex on the Beach 

Topping off the UK’s ten most popular cocktails for 2024 is Sex on the Beach. Over the last year, this Floridian cocktail has garnered an average of 44,665 searches every month. In a tall glass, mix 50ml vodka and 25ml peach schnapps over ice and top with equal parts orange juice and cranberry juice to create this bright and fruity beverage. 

Senior Marketing Manager at New Years Eve Events, Lisa Lewis, commented on the study: 

“Cocktails are a perfect celebratory drink, and there’s no better time to enjoy these than party season. However, with hundreds of possibilities, hosts may find it tricky to choose the best to serve at gatherings. 

“However, the results of the study highlight the very best and most likely to be crowd-pleasers this year. With options on the list ranging from rich and luxurious to bright and fresh, there are plenty of options to explore for those seeking inspiration during the festivities.”