Buzz
Image: Alina Humeniuk/Getty ImagesWhen it comes to ordering or crafting a cocktail, everyone has their go-to drink. It turns out, many Americans share similar favorites. The team at Coffeeness, a popular site known for its coffee content, analyzed Google search data to identify the nation's most popular cocktails. They examined the search volume for the 200 most popular cocktails across all states.
The findings revealed that the top five cocktails nationwide are the Aperol spritz, margarita, old fashioned, Moscow mule, and mimosa. According to Coffeeness, this suggests that Americans favor drinks with a zesty, sweet, spicy, or bubbly profile, as opposed to creamy cocktails like white Russians or espresso martinis.
CoffeenessAperol Spritz
This summer, the Aperol spritz has become a favorite for many. In fact, it has emerged as the most popular cocktail in the U.S. at the moment. A total of 21 states and Washington, D.C. prefer this drink, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. In New York, it was a tie between the Aperol spritz and margarita, while Ohio saw a tie between the Aperol spritz and old fashioned.
Light, refreshing, and incredibly simple to make with just Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water, it's easy to see why the Aperol spritz reigns as the top choice. But for a twist on the classic, there's always the option to try a 'dirty' version.
Margarita
The classic margarita follows closely behind the Aperol spritz in popularity, being favored in 17 states, including Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Maryland, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia. In Wisconsin, the margarita competes with the old fashioned and mimosa for top choice.
Old Fashioned
Nine states opt for the old fashioned, including Alaska, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, South Dakota, and Wisconsin (where it ties with the Aperol spritz). This timeless cocktail is smooth, complex, and easy to make, making it a go-to for bourbon lovers who appreciate a spirit-forward drink.
Moscow Mule
Some states in the Mountain region, including Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, and Utah, love to spice up their drinks with ginger beer. Other states like Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Alaska also enjoy the Moscow mule's zesty kick, and it's easy to see why.
Mimosa
Surprisingly, the mimosa, often considered the perfect brunch cocktail, was only a top choice in three states: Nevada, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. However, each of these states has other cocktail favorites, often sharing the top spot with another drink. Nevada also enjoys the old fashioned and Aperol spritz, while Wisconsin can’t choose between a mimosa, margarita, Moscow mule, or old fashioned, and South Carolina shares a fondness for the margarita.
Mai Tai
Hawaii's favorite cocktail, the mai tai, captures the essence of the island's tropical vibe. Made with rum, orange curaçao, fresh lime juice, and orgeat almond syrup, it offers a delightful fruity and nutty taste. For an extra burst of flavor, try adding pineapple to the mix.
Mojito
There's nothing like a refreshing mojito, made with just five simple ingredients—fresh mint, white rum, sugar, lime, and soda water—to cool you off on a hot summer day. Arkansas certainly knows how to enjoy it, as this cocktail is their top choice. When making a mojito, be sure to use freshly squeezed citrus juice for the best flavor.
Bellini
The traditional Bellini—a classic choice for brunch, especially in Alabama, where it’s a favorite—is made with just two ingredients: Prosecco and peach purée or nectar. You can also customize this drink with other fruit juices, such as a mango Bellini spritz or an apple cider version for the fall.
Daiquiri
Louisiana has a special place for the daiquiri, and it’s easy to see why it’s so beloved there. The classic version, made with rum, lime juice, and a touch of sugar, offers a cool and citrusy refreshment. But there are plenty of variations, like the frozen strawberry daiquiri, which is perfect for hot weather. You can always make a pitcher of it, no matter the season, when the craving strikes.
Sidecar
Combine cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice, and you get Oklahoma’s favorite cocktail, the sidecar. This drink strikes the right balance between sweet and tart, with the distinct flavors of Cognac standing out. It’s an ideal drink all year round, but during the holidays, you might want to try this festive twist on the classic.
Paloma
Tequila reigns supreme in New Mexico, and while the margarita is a state favorite, the Paloma also has its place. Made with tequila, grapefruit soda, lime, and a pinch of salt, it offers a sweet-and-sour flavor similar to the margarita. For the freshest, most refreshing version, we love adding fresh grapefruit to the mix.
