5 Most-Ordered Cocktails in Atlanta | Bartender Picks
With such a vast array of cocktails worldwide, staying ahead of the most popular cocktails in different cities can help you ensure that you curate the best menu for your events. As anybody in the event industry knows: It is important to stay ahead of the game and be up-to-date with all the latest trends, especially when it comes to cocktails. To assist you with narrowing it down, we have created a list of the 5 most popular cocktails in Atlanta in 2024:
The Old Fashioned
This timeless classic has been captivating drinkers all over the world for generations, and Atlanta is no exception.
What is in an Old Fashioned?
1 sugar cube
6 dashes of bitters
3 oz bourbon
1 luxardo cherry
1 orange peel
How to Make an Old Fashioned:
Grab a rocks glass
Put the sugar in the bottom, add the bitters, muddle.
Add an ice cube
Pour the bourbon
Stir
Add a cherry and orange peel into the glass
Served in a rocks glass
The Old Fashioned's enduring appeal lies in its simplicity, allowing the spirit's character to shine through while offering a perfect balance of flavors.
Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule's popularity in Atlanta can be attributed to its versatility and refreshing nature.
What is in a Moscow Mule?
2 oz vodka
1 oz lime juice
4 oz ginger beer
garnish with lime wedge and mint
How to Make a Moscow Mule:
Grab a copper mug and fill with ice
Add Vodka, Lime Juice, and top with Ginger Beer.
Stir for 5 seconds.
Garnish with lime wedge and mint.
Served in a copper mug or a rocks glass.
Known for its distinctive copper mug presentation, this drink offers a perfect blend of zesty and spicy flavors. The Moscow Mule's crisp taste and eye-catching presentation have made it a favorite.
Margarita
The perfect balance of sweet, sour, and salty notes make this cocktail a huge hit in Atlanta.
What is in a Margarita?
2 oz tequila blanco
1 oz triple sec
1 oz lime juice
.5 oz agave syrup
lime wedge for garnish
salt
How to Make a Margarita:
Pour tequila, triple sec, lime juice and agave in a cocktail shaker with ice.
Shake well for 12-15 seconds.
Dip the rim of your glass in lime juice, and finish the glass with salt.
Add ice to the glass.
Strain contents into your glass.
Add a lime wedge.
Served in a Margarita Glass or Rocks Glass.
The Margarita's versatility allows for countless variations, making it a go-to choice for those seeking a refreshing and customizable cocktail experience.
Peach Bellini
Although this elegant and effervescent cocktail originated in Italy, it has quickly become extremely popular throughout Atlanta.
What is in a Peach Bellini?
2 oz peach puree (or 1 ripe peach, peeled and pureed)
4 oz chilled Prosecco or sparkling wine
peach slice for garnish (optional)
How to Make a Peach Bellini:
Pour the peach puree into a champagne flute.
Slowly add the chilled Prosecco, stirring gently.
Garnish with a peach slice if desired.
The Peach Bellini's light and fruity profile make it a popular choice for brunches and summer gatherings.
Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is a quintessential Southern cocktail deeply rooted in American history and tradition. Famously associated with the Kentucky Derby, this refreshing drink has been cooling down Southerners for generations.
What is in a Mint Julep?
2.5 oz bourbon
.5 oz simple syrup
8-10 fresh mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish
crushed ice
How to Make a Mint Julep:
In a julep cup or highball glass, muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup.
Fill the glass halfway with crushed ice.
Add the bourbon and stir.
Fill the rest of the glass with crushed ice.
Garnish with a mint sprig, lightly slapped to release the oils.
The Mint Julep's aromatic and cooling properties make it the perfect drink for hot summer days in Atlanta.
Atlanta's cocktail scene weaves together tradition and innovation, local flavors and global influences. The five cocktails we've explored in this article: the Old Fashioned, Moscow Mule, Margarita, Peach Bellini, and Mint Julep; each tell a unique story about the city's tastes and culture.
From the timeless sophistication of the Old Fashioned to the local pride embodied in the Peach Bellini, these drinks reflect different facets of Atlanta's personality. They showcase the city's respect for classic cocktail craftsmanship, its openness to global influences, its celebration of local produce, and its deep connection to Southern traditions.
As Atlanta continues to grow and evolve, so too will its cocktail landscape. But these five drinks provide a snapshot of which drinks are the most popular in Atlanta right now. Whether you're a local or a visitor, exploring Atlanta through these cocktails offers a unique and flavorful perspective on the city's culture and character. So the next time you find yourself in the capital of the Peach State, be sure to order one of these five delicious cocktails.
