Contemporary Cocktails
Explore 12 expert-curated contemporary cocktails
Top Rated Contemporary Cocktails
Our highest-rated contemporary drinks
Contemporary Cocktails by Spirit
Tequila/Mezcal
Oaxaca Old Fashioned
The Oaxaca Old Fashioned is a modern classic that revolutionized mezcal cocktails and introduced agave spirits into classic cocktail templates. Created in 2007 by Phil Ward at Death & Co in New York City during the early craft cocktail renaissance, this drink combines reposado tequila, mezcal, agave nectar, and Angostura bitters, following the Old Fashioned template with Mexican spirits. The genius lies in the split base—tequila provides structure and familiarity while mezcal adds smoky complexity that transforms the drink into something entirely new. The agave nectar replaces traditional simple syrup or sugar cube, adding agave terroir that connects all ingredients thematically. The Oaxaca Old Fashioned represents the craft cocktail movement's approach to innovation: respecting classic templates while incorporating new ingredients and flavors. Phil Ward's creation demonstrated that mezcal could work in stirred, spirit-forward cocktails beyond margarita variations. The drink helped launch mezcal's popularity in the United States and inspired countless variations and agave-spirit Old Fashioned riffs. The cocktail's name references Oaxaca, Mexico's mezcal capital, connecting the drink to authentic agave spirit production and Mexican terroir. The Oaxaca Old Fashioned showcases mezcal's versatility—the smoke complements rather than overwhelms, creating depth similar to Islay Scotch in a Rob Roy. The drink has become a modern classic staple on craft cocktail menus worldwide, often serving as drinkers' introduction to mezcal in stirred cocktails. It embodies Death & Co's innovative approach, mezcal's renaissance, and the successful fusion of Mexican spirits with American cocktail classics. The Oaxaca Old Fashioned proves that great cocktails honor tradition while pushing boundaries.
Siesta
The Siesta is a modern classic that brilliantly combines tequila with Italian aperitivo culture, creating a unique Mexican-Italian fusion cocktail. Created in 2006 by Katie Stipe at Flatiron Lounge in New York City, the Siesta was inspired by the classic Hemingway Daiquiri but substitutes tequila for rum and adds Campari for bitter complexity. The cocktail combines blanco tequila, Campari, fresh lime juice, fresh grapefruit juice, and simple syrup, shaken and served up in a coupe glass. The result is a beautifully balanced drink that showcases tequila's agave character, Campari's herbal bitterness, and the bright acidity of dual citrus. The name "Siesta" perfectly captures the drink's essence—it's refreshing and revitalizing like an afternoon rest, with the bitter-sweet-tart balance that awakens the palate. The Siesta represents the mid-2000s craft cocktail movement's creativity and willingness to combine ingredients from different cocktail traditions. The drink demonstrates that Campari works beautifully beyond Italian classics like Negronis and Americanos. The grapefruit-Campari combination creates synergy—grapefruit's natural bitterness complements Campari while its sweetness balances the bitter notes. The Siesta has become a modern classic staple, appearing on cocktail menus globally and inspiring variations. The drink appeals to Margarita lovers seeking something more complex and Negroni enthusiasts wanting citrus-forward refreshment. The Siesta embodies contemporary cocktail culture's fusion approach, tequila's versatility in craft cocktails, and the successful marriage of Mexican agave spirits with Italian bitter liqueurs. It showcases how modern bartenders create new classics by thoughtfully combining established ingredients in innovative ways while maintaining proper balance and drinkability.
Vodka
Porn Star Martini
The Porn Star Martini is a controversial, polarizing, and wildly popular modern cocktail that has become Britain's bestselling drink. Created in 2002 by Douglas Ankrah at the Townhouse bar in London, the cocktail was designed to be "something a bit naughty, something to impress." Originally called the "Maverick Martini," Ankrah renamed it after observing that the drink's presentation and exotic flavor profile evoked luxury and indulgence. This passion fruit-based cocktail combines vanilla vodka, passion fruit liqueur (Passoã), fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and fresh passion fruit, served in a coupe glass with a shot of Champagne or prosecco on the side. The presentation is deliberately theatrical: the drink arrives with half a passion fruit floating on top and effervescent Champagne accompaniment. Despite its provocative name (which has led some establishments to rename it "Passion Star" or "Passion Fruit Martini"), the cocktail represents serious mixology craft—balancing tropical sweetness with citrus acidity and vanilla depth. The addition of sparkling wine adds celebratory effervescence and cuts through the drink's richness. The Porn Star Martini divides the cocktail world: traditionalists criticize its sweetness and theatrical nature, while fans embrace its bold flavors and fun presentation. Regardless of opinion, the drink's commercial success is undeniable—it consistently ranks as the UK's most-ordered cocktail and has spread globally. The cocktail embodies modern drinking culture: Instagram-friendly, flavor-forward, unabashedly fun, and unapologetic about prioritizing enjoyment over tradition.
Sex on the Beach
Sex on the Beach is a playful and fruity cocktail that emerged from the Florida bar scene in the 1980s during spring break culture, quickly becoming a beloved party drink worldwide. This vibrant highball blends smooth vodka with sweet peach schnapps, tangy cranberry juice, and fresh orange juice, creating a tropical, easy-drinking flavor with a beautiful sunset-inspired gradient. Perfect for beach vacations, summer parties, and fun nights out, Sex on the Beach delivers carefree, vacation-ready vibes in every refreshing sip.
French Martini
The French Martini is a glamorous cocktail that emerged from the New York City bar scene in the 1980s, becoming a stylish staple of the era's cocktail renaissance. This elegant drink combines smooth vodka with rich raspberry liqueur and tropical pineapple juice, creating a beautifully balanced sweet-tart flavor with a signature frothy top. Served in a sleek cocktail glass, the French Martini is perfect for date nights, upscale gatherings, and anyone seeking a fruity yet sophisticated sip with undeniable chic appeal.
Lemon Drop Martini
The Lemon Drop Martini is a bright, citrus-forward vodka cocktail that became an icon of 1990s bar culture. While the original Lemon Drop shot dates to the 1970s (created at Henry Africa's bar in San Francisco), the martini-style version emerged in the 1990s when martini culture was experiencing a renaissance. This elevated interpretation transforms the shootable lemon-sugar combination into a sophisticated sipping cocktail. The drink combines premium vodka, fresh lemon juice, triple sec (or Cointreau), and simple syrup, shaken vigorously and served up in a sugar-rimmed martini glass. The sugar rim is essential—it provides the classic sweet-tart balance that defines the Lemon Drop experience, mimicking the lemon drop candy that inspired the original. This cocktail represents the evolution of American bar culture from traditional classics to playful, approachable drinks that dominated late 20th-century nightlife. The Lemon Drop Martini bridges serious cocktail craft and fun accessibility. While purists might dismiss it as a "dessert martini," properly executed versions showcase quality ingredients and balanced citrus-forward flavors. The drink's popularity helped democratize cocktail culture, bringing new drinkers into craft bars. Today it remains a staple on cocktail menus worldwide, beloved for its refreshing tartness, approachable sweetness, and Instagram-worthy presentation. Whether served at upscale lounges or casual bars, the Lemon Drop Martini embodies cocktail fun and citrus sophistication.
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a dazzling cocktail created in 1960 by Andy MacElhone at Harry's New York Bar in Paris, famous for its stunning electric blue color that turns heads at any gathering. This refreshing highball blends smooth vodka with sweet blue curaçao and tangy lemonade, accented by a cherry for a perfectly balanced citrus-sweet flavor. Ideal for summer parties, poolside sipping, or any celebration that deserves a vibrant and visually stunning cocktail, the Blue Lagoon delivers tropical fun in every sip.
Harvey Wallbanger
The Harvey Wallbanger is a classic 1970s cocktail that became one of the most iconic drinks of the disco era. Named after a possibly fictional California surfer who allegedly banged his head against a wall after drinking too many of these, the cocktail is essentially a Screwdriver (vodka and orange juice) elevated with a float of Galliano, an Italian herbal liqueur. The drink was heavily promoted by Galliano's importers in the 1970s and became so popular it achieved cultural phenomenon status, appearing on everything from t-shirts to bumper stickers. While its popularity waned in the 1980s and 1990s, the Harvey Wallbanger has experienced a revival among cocktail enthusiasts rediscovering classic drinks. The key to a great Harvey Wallbanger is the layering technique—the golden Galliano should float on top, creating a beautiful sunset effect and allowing the herbal notes to hit first with each sip. Its sweet, citrusy profile with hints of vanilla and anise from the Galliano makes it an approachable yet distinctive cocktail.
