The 90s! A decade of grunge music, dial-up internet, baggy jeans, and some seriously iconic cocktails. The 90s were a time when nightlife was thriving, bars were packed, and cocktails became a symbol of both indulgence and style. If you were out at a bar, club, or even a casual night with friends, what you had in your glass said something about you.
At Drinksworld, we love a bit of nostalgia, especially when it comes with a dash of alcohol. So, let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore the 10 best & most popular 90s cocktails that defined the decade. These drinks didn’t just quench our thirst—they shaped our social lives, became pop culture icons, and have left a lasting legacy in the cocktail world.
Why the 90s Cocktail Scene Was So Iconic
The 90s cocktail scene was a mix of playful experimentation and indulgence. It was a time when bartenders were stepping away from the heavy, classic drinks of previous decades, opting instead for bright colors, bold flavors, and cocktails that were just fun. Vodka was also very often the star of the show, particularly for its neutrality and ability to blend perfectly with any other ingredient. Fruity, sweet, and easy to drink—these cocktails were designed for a good time, no pretension, just pleasure. The cocktails of the 90s brought everyone together, in high-end bars and house parties.
1. Cosmopolitan
No list of 90s cocktails would be complete without the Cosmopolitan. This drink became a cultural phenomenon, thanks largely to the hit show Sex and the City. It was the drink of choice for Carrie Bradshaw, and suddenly, ordering a Cosmo became shorthand for sophistication. A beautiful pink hue, a delicate balance of vodka (originally citron vodka), cranberry, lime, and triple sec, and a sleek martini glass—it was everything a cocktail should be in the 90s: stylish, simple, and sassy.
More: Cranberry Cocktails
2. Appletini
The 1990’s were also the decade of the Martini, and especially of fruity Martinis which were then right under the spotlight. Bright green and unapologetically sweet, the Appletini was the ultimate “fun” drink of the 90s. Made of vodka, green sour apple liqueur, and lime cordial (or sour mix), it was fruity, colorful, and a little over the top—just like the fashion trends of the time. The Appletini showed us that cocktails didn’t have to be serious. Sure, the purists may have scoffed, but we embraced it. It was sweet, tangy, and, most importantly, an instant conversation starter.
The Appletini became synonymous with the rise of trendy bars, where presentation was just as important as the flavor. It wasn’t just about the drink; it was about seeing and being seen with that neon green glass in hand.
3. Lemon Drop Martini
Speaking of fruity Martinis and of sweet and tart, the Lemon Drop Martini was a bright star in the 90s cocktail scene. This drink was a crowd-pleaser—simple, refreshing, and just the right balance of sweet and sour. It was perfect for those who wanted more than a vodka soda but still craved simplicity.
The sugar-rimmed glass added a touch of fun and elegance, while the tangy lemon gave it that refreshing bite. If you were sipping a Lemon Drop in the 90s, you were looking for something light and crisp but still packed with flavor.
Another standout from the same era, the Breakfast Martini, created in 1996 by Salvatore Calabrese, was a clever and unexpected twist with marmalade on the classic martini, bringing a bit of morning zest to the cocktail hour.
More: Martini Types
4. Sex on the Beach
Just saying the name brings a smile, doesn’t it? The Sex on the Beach was everything we loved about the 90s rolled into one cocktail. Fruity, tropical, and just a bit cheeky, this drink embodied the carefree party vibes of the era. It was the go-to drink at beach parties, clubs, and pretty much anywhere the sun was shining and the music was pumping.
With its blend of vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, and orange juice, this drink was sweet, juicy, and oh-so-easy to drink. If you ordered a Sex on the Beach in the 90s, you were there for a good time—and you probably had a few more of them by the end of the night!
5. Long Island Iced Tea
When it came to cocktails that packed a punch, the Long Island Iced Tea was the undisputed heavyweight champion of the 90s. This drink was strong. It was made with a mix of light rum, tequila, vodka, gin, and triple sec (yes, all of them). But despite the hefty alcohol content, the cocktail was deceptively smooth, thanks to the addition of cola and a splash of sour mix.
The Long Island Iced Tea became notorious in bars, loved for its ability to get the party started with just one drink.
6. Midori Sour
If the 90s had a color, it might just be the electric green of a Midori Sour. Made with Midori Melon liqueur, sour mix and an egg white (for a frothy texture), this cocktail was pure fun—vibrant, sweet, and utterly unmistakable. Midori, a bright green melon liqueur, was the star of this drink, giving it both its color and its signature sweet flavor.
The Midori Sour was a hit with those who wanted something fruity and easy to drink. It was the perfect introduction to cocktails for many who weren’t quite ready for the stronger stuff. Plus, it looked fantastic under the neon lights of a 90s nightclub.
7. Woo Woo
The Woo Woo cocktail is like a party in a glass—vibrant, fun, and guaranteed to get people talking. If you were hanging out at a 90s bar or club, you probably heard someone shout, “Woo Woo!” as they ordered this cheeky, fruity favorite.
It’s a simple but irresistible mix of vodka, peach schnapps, and cranberry juice, combining sweetness with a tart edge. This easy yet delicious variation on a classic vodka cranberry was also served as a shot, or “Baby Woo Woo”.
8. Frozen Margarita
While the classic Margarita has been around for decades, the Frozen Margarita hit its stride in the 90s. The rise of frozen drink machines made this slushy, refreshing cocktail a must-have at bars, restaurants, and resorts across the globe.
Whether you were enjoying a classic lime Frozen Margarita or one of its many fruity variations, this drink was synonymous with summer fun. Served in oversized glasses with a salted rim, it was the perfect way to cool down on a hot day—and the perfect companion for long, lazy afternoons by the pool.
More: 10 best types of margaritas
9. White Russian
The White Russian had been around for a while (since the mid 1960’s it seems), but it saw a massive resurgence in the 90s, thanks to the movie The Big Lebowski released in 1998. The drink, a creamy combination of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream, became iconic thanks to Jeff Bridges’ character, The Dude, who made it his go-to beverage.
The White Russian was the perfect cocktail for those who wanted something rich, indulgent, and dessert-like. It was simple to make but had a decadence that appealed to the more laid-back, chilled-out crowd of the 90s.
10. Bramble
A quintessential drink of the 90s, the Bramble Cocktail was a sophisticated yet approachable mix that brought a touch of British charm to the cocktail scene. Created by London bartender Dick Bradsell in 1984, it truly hit its stride in the following decade. Its striking appearance—with layers of deep blackberry liqueur swirled through gin, lemon juice, and crushed ice—was as enticing as its flavor. The Bramble was the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and of course fruity. If you were sipping a Bramble in the 90s, you were after a cocktail that was both classic and contemporary, a drink that was equal parts stylish and refreshingly delicious.
Although it is not as popular as it used to be, the Bramble is a classic cocktail that survived the test of time and is served in most cocktail bars around the world. You should definitely give it a try if you don’t know it already!
Modern Takes on 90s Drinks
Fast forward to today, and many of these cocktails are making a comeback, thanks to a wave of nostalgia. Bartenders are reviving these 90s classics, often with a modern twist. Think craft versions of the Cosmopolitan, using fresh, premium ingredients, or frozen Margaritas with innovative flavors like passionfruit or jalapeño.
The 90s may be long gone, but these drinks continue to influence modern cocktail culture. They remind us that sometimes, the best drinks are the ones that don’t take themselves too seriously—just like the 90s.
More Drinks Through the Decades: 50s cocktails – 60s cocktails – 70s cocktails – 80s cocktails
