In 2025, Food & Wine fans embraced nostalgia and escapism with their cocktail choices. They gravitated towards classic drinks, such as the Rusty Nail and the Stinger, and tropical concoctions like the Limoncello Spritz and Daiquirí Clásico. This trend reflects a desire for comfort during a time of rapid technological changes, leading many to revisit beloved beverages from the past.
The Gin Blossom, Tommy’s Margarita, and Naked & Famous also enjoyed popularity, reaffirming the trend of reintroducing cocktails from the Rat Pack era and mid-century tropical bars. Here are the 25 most cherished cocktail recipes from Food & Wine published in 2025:
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Rusty Nail: A blend of Scotch whisky and Drambuie, this two-ingredient drink was a favorite of Frank Sinatra, marking its revival.
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Gin Blossom: Created by bartender Julie Reiner, this Martini variation mixes equal parts blanc vermouth and apricot eau-de-vie.
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Tommy’s Margarita: A take on the classic Margarita, swapping triple sec for agave nectar, highlighting the tequila’s flavor.
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Limoncello Spritz: This refreshing mix of limoncello and sparkling wine is light and fragrant.
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Pegu Club: Combining gin, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and bitters, this classic sour cocktail has a storied history.
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Ranch Water: A simple yet refreshing drink made with blanco tequila, lime juice, and sparkling water.
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Stinger: A cocktail made of cognac and white crème de menthe, popular in early 20th-century high society.
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Rum Negroni (Kingston Negroni): A rum twist on the classic Negroni, blending the spirit with sweet vermouth and Campari.
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Saturn: This frozen, tropical drink blends gin, lemon juice, and passion fruit syrup.
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Tinto de Verano: A favorite Spanish cocktail mixing dry red wine with lemon-lime soda.
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Naked & Famous: A modern classic with equal parts mezcal, Aperol, Yellow Chartreuse, and lime juice.
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Whiskey Smash: A refreshing mix that dates back to the 1840s, made with bourbon, sugar, lemon, and mint.
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Singapore Sling: A tropical classic combining gin, liqueurs, and juices, embodying the essence of a punch.
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Churchill: This drink combines blended scotch, sweet vermouth, orange liqueur, and lime juice.
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Daiquirí Clásico: A simple yet iconic cocktail of rum, lime juice, and sugar.
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Zombie: A potent mix of rums and fruit juices, this cocktail has an adventurous history linked to Donn Beach.
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Transfusion: A refreshing mix often associated with golf, combining vodka, grape juice, and ginger ale.
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Como Spritz: A low-ABV cocktail made with Cynar amaro, passion fruit syrup, and sparkling wine.
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Jet Pilot: A tropical classic with a rum base and exotic citrus flavors.
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Revolver: A mix of bourbon and coffee liqueur, gaining fame for its aromatic orange peel garnish.
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Carajillo: A coffee cocktail combining Licor 43 and espresso, popular in Mexico City.
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Jungle Bird: A bittersweet cocktail created in Malaysia, blending rum, Campari, and tropical juices.
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Hotel Nacional Special: A Daiquiri variation, harking back to the 1930s with its fruity profile.
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Gin Gin Mule: A refreshing cocktail that fuses a Mojito and a Moscow Mule.
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Clover Club: Named after the social club, this cocktail features raspberry syrup in a Gin Sour base.
This retrospective on cocktail preferences showcases a deep appreciation for tradition and the comforts of familiar flavors.