Picking awesome cocktail names can turn simple drinks and shots into the coolest part of a party. Our article will give you a list and new ideas to get creative at home with recipes!
Everyone loves a good cocktail or drink, especially when they have catchy names. These cleverly named drinks are often the stars at themed events, from Halloween spookfests to Christmas celebrations. Some get their names from their vibrant color, while others might hint at ingredients like gin or tequila. Even the glasses can add to the fun! These drink names make things extra special, whether a wedding toast or a backyard BBQ. So, next time you’re out, see which drink names catch your eye!
If you want to check out cocktail drinks with pictures, go here
Also interesting: our articles about Alcohol types & Liquor Names and our top 100 cocktails and recipes.
Popular Mocktail, Shot, and Cocktail Names
The name of a cocktail can be as awesome as how it tastes. From funny names that make you giggle to fancy ones great for weddings and even names that feel all Christmassy, these drink names add their fun twist. Check out some of the coolest and most fun cocktail names we’ve found for any event!
10 Popular cocktail names
Every drink has its own story; some are more popular than others. Some of the big-name, classic, popular cocktails that everyone talks about:
Margarita
The Margarita is a zesty tequila, lime, and triple sec blend. Often rimmed with salt, this cocktail transports you to sunny beaches and festive evenings, making it a favorite for many.
Martini
The Martini is the epitome of sophistication. Typically made with gin and dry vermouth and garnished with an olive or a lemon twist, it’s a cocktail that’s stirred conversations and inspired countless variations.
Mojito
The Mojito is a refreshing mix of rum, lime, sugar, mint, and soda water. Hailing from Cuba, this drink is a cool companion on hot days, offering freshness with every sip.
Bloody Mary
The Bloody Mary is a brunch classic. Combining vodka with tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, and various spices, it’s a savory cocktail that can be spicy or mild.
Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is timeless. It’s a simple yet deeply satisfying cocktail made with whiskey, sugar, and bitters and often garnished with an orange slice or cherry.
Check out our other Whiskey Cocktails.
Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan, often shortened to “Cosmo,” is a stylish blend of vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime. Its vibrant pink hue makes it as delightful to look at as it is to drink.
Negroni
The Negroni is a cocktail with character. A mix of gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari offers a balanced play of bitter and sweet, making it a beloved aperitif.
Here is our Gin Cocktails collection page covering the crisp and botanical drinks
Pina Colada
The Pina Colada is a tropical escape in a glass. Made with rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice, it’s a creamy and sweet concoction that evokes images of sandy beaches and swaying palm trees.
Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a harmonious whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar blend. It’s a tart and smooth cocktail, often garnished with a cherry or a slice of orange.
Manhattan
The Manhattan is a cocktail with a rich history. Made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, it’s a robust and refined drink, much like the city named after.
Entertaining and Funny Cocktail Names
Funny names can make a drink even cooler. Imagine sipping on something that not only tastes great but also gives you a good laugh! These cocktails, mocktails, and shots often have unique stories behind their quirky, weird names, and they can be entertaining choices to order at a bar or make at a party.
Suffering Bastard
The Suffering Bastard stands out with its quirky name. Originally crafted as a remedy for hangovers, this drink hails from the Shepheard’s Hotel in Cairo during World War II. Its blend of flavors offers a refreshing experience.
Mudslide
The Mudslide is a treat for those with a sweet tooth. With its creamy consistency, it’s reminiscent of an indulgent chocolate milkshake. It’s especially loved when served frozen on sun-soaked days or as a dessert delight.
Rusty Nail
The Rusty Nail is a blend of smoothness with a hint of smokiness. Gaining popularity in the 1960s, this drink was a favorite among the iconic Rat Pack.
Harvey Wallbanger
The Harvey Wallbanger is a mix of fruity fun. Its origins are shrouded in tales and myths, with some attributing its name to a surfer, while others believe it’s a clever marketing ploy. Regardless of its history, it’s undeniably a classic in the cocktail world.
No-Groni
The No-Groni offers a non-alcoholic spin on the beloved Negroni. Designed for those who prefer to skip the alcohol but still savor the taste, it strikes a harmonious balance between bitter and sweet notes.
Mockmosa
The Mockmosa is a non-alcoholic twist on the classic Mimosa. It blends orange juice with a non-alcoholic sparkling beverage, like sparkling water or ginger ale. This bubbly drink is a brunch favorite, especially when seeking an alcohol-free option.
Safe Sex on the Beach
Safe Sex on the Beach offers the tropical flavors of its alcoholic counterpart without the booze. Mixing cranberry, grapefruit, and peach nectar, it’s a fruity drink perfect for a sunny day.
Kamikaze
The Kamikaze is a bold cocktail with a balance of tart and sweet. It’s made with vodka, triple sec, and lime juice and is often enjoyed as a refreshing shot.
Gorilla Fart
The Gorilla Fart is not for the faint-hearted. This potent shot typically mixes 151-proof rum with whiskey, delivering a powerful punch with every sip.
Surfer on Acid
The Surfer on Acid takes you on a tropical journey. Combining Jägermeister, coconut rum, and pineapple juice, it’s a sweet shot with herbal undertones reminiscent of a beach getaway.
Cute and Elegant cocktail names
Some cocktails have names that just sound classy. Think about sipping on a drink that’s not only tasty but also sounds elegant.
Velvet Hammer
The Velvet Hammer is as smooth as its name suggests. This creamy cocktail combines the richness of coffee liqueur with the smoothness of cream, making it a delightful after-dinner treat.
Golden Dream
The Golden Dream lives up to its elegant name. It’s a drink that feels like a sunset in a glass, typically made with orange liqueur, cream, and a hint of orange juice.
Silent Third
The Silent Third is a cocktail that speaks volumes without saying a word. Its blend of strong spirits and a citrus touch makes it a bold and balanced drink.
Midnight Kiss
The Midnight Kiss is perfect for those special moments as the clock strikes twelve. It’s a drink that celebrates new beginnings, often sparkling with a hint of fruitiness.
Pearl Diver
The Pearl Diver is a tropical delight. It combines rum with exotic fruit juices and a hint of spice and is like a treasure found in the ocean’s depths.
Ruby Dutchess
The Ruby Dutchess is regal and radiant. Its blend of spirits with a touch of red fruit gives it a royal hue and a taste that’s fit for royalty.
Whispering Wind
The Whispering Wind is as gentle as a breeze. Its light spirits and a hint of citrus make it a refreshing and subtle drink, perfect for a quiet evening.
Elysian Fields
The Elysian Fields transports you to a paradise. Combining fine spirits with exotic ingredients, it’s a drink that feels like a vacation in a glass.
Imperial Fizz
The Imperial Fizz is bubbly and bright. Made with spirits, citrus, and a splash of soda, it’s a drink that’s both regal and refreshing.
Starlight
The Starlight is a drink that shines. Combining clear spirits with a hint of fruitiness, it’s a cocktail that’s as mesmerizing as a night sky.
Love and wedding-themed cocktail names
Some names are just perfect for romantic moments. The following drinks are all about love and weddings:
Blushing Bride
The Blushing Bride is as delightful as a wedding day glow. Typically made with sparkling wine, peach schnapps, and grenadine, it’s a drink that captures the joy and excitement of special moments with its rosy hue.
Something Blue
Something Blue brings a touch of magic to any wedding celebration. With its blue hue from blue curaçao, combined with vodka and lemonade, it’s a drink that’s as mysterious as it is refreshing.
Love on the Beach
Love on the Beach is a romantic twist on the classic “Sex on the Beach” cocktail. Combining vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, and orange juice, it’s a drink that feels like a seaside getaway with someone special.
French Kiss
The French Kiss is as elegant and passionate as its name suggests. It’s a sophisticated and tantalizing cocktail made with vodka, raspberry liqueur, and a splash of pineapple juice.
Browse all our Liqueur Cocktails.
Passionate Kiss
The ingredients for the Passionate Kiss can vary, but it’s often a fruity and vibrant drink that ignites the senses.
First Kiss
The First Kiss captures the sweetness and anticipation of that unforgettable moment. While the exact ingredients can vary, it’s often a light and fruity blend that’s as tender and memorable as the real thing.
Royal Romance
The Royal Romance is a drink fit for kings and queens. While the specific ingredients can vary, it often combines premium spirits with luxurious mixers, celebrating love in its grandest form.
Dirty-sounding cocktail names
Some names are definitely on the bold side. Let’s see which names add a touch of mischief to the mix.
Sex on the Beach Cocktail
The Sex on the Beach is a tropical delight. Made with vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, and orange juice, it’s a colorful drink that feels like a beach vacation in a glass. Its fruity flavors make it a popular choice for many.
Screaming Orgasm Cocktail
The Screaming Orgasm is all about indulgence. It’s made with vodka, amaretto, coffee liqueur, and Irish cream. It’s a creamy and rich drink for those with a sweet tooth.
Slippery Nipple Cocktail
The Slippery Nipple is a fun and layered shot. Made with sambuca at the base and topped with Irish cream, it offers a delightful contrast of flavors in every sip.
Buttery Nipple Cocktail
The Buttery Nipple is a sweet treat. With butterscotch schnapps and Irish cream, it’s a creamy shot that’s both smooth and delightful.
Between the Sheets Cocktail
Between the Sheets is a sophisticated blend of spirits. Made with brandy, rum, triple sec, and lemon juice, it’s a zesty cocktail perfect for elegant evenings.
Fuzzy Navel Cocktail
The Fuzzy Navel is a fruity favorite. Combining peach schnapps with orange juice, it’s a simple yet refreshing drink that’s great for sunny days.
Leg Spreader Cocktail
The Leg Spreader is a sweet and tropical mix. Made with coconut rum, melon liqueur, and pineapple juice, it’s a drink that feels like a tropical getaway.
Halloween cocktails
The following drinks are known for their spooky names and popular choices during the Halloween season.
Witch’s Brew
The Witch’s Brew is a magical mix of fruit juices, soda, and a splash of alcohol. It’s a sweet and tangy drink perfect for Halloween parties or any time you want enchantment.
Ghost Punch
Ghost Punch is a spooky and refreshing drink. It’s made with lemon-lime soda, sherbet, and a touch of alcohol and is a fizzy delight at any ghostly gathering.
Devil’s Margarita
The Devil’s Margarita is a twist on a classic. It starts with the usual tequila, lime, and triple sec, but then there’s a splash of red wine. It’s a mix of sweet, sour, and bold, perfect for those who like mischief.
Midnight Sangria
Midnight Sangria is a dark and fruity delight. Made with red wine, brandy, and a mix of fruits, it’s a rich drink perfect for late-night chats under the stars.
Black Magic Martini
The Black Magic Martini is an elegant and mysterious drink. Made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and a hint of black food coloring, it’s a smooth drink with a touch of the unknown. Perfect for those who like a little magic in their evening.
Zombie
The Zombie is a tropical adventure in a glass. Made with a mix of rums, fruit juices, and a hint of spice, it’s a strong drink that’ll make you feel like you’re on a beach, even if it’s named after the undead. Perfect for those who want a little escape.
Corpse Reviver #1
The Corpse Reviver #1 is a classic with a kick. Made with brandy, apple brandy, and sweet vermouth, it’s a smooth drink with a strong punch. It’s said to wake the dead or help you recover from a long night.
Corpse Reviver #2
The Corpse Reviver #2 is a lively mix of gin, lemon juice, triple sec, and a touch of absinthe. It’s a refreshing drink that will bring you back to life, whether after a night out or just a long day.
Death in the Afternoon
Death in the Afternoon is a mysterious blend of champagne and absinthe. It’s bubbly with a hint of herbal intrigue. Named after a Hemingway novel, it’s as captivating as a good story.
Bloody Mary
The Bloody Mary is a brunch favorite. Made with vodka, tomato juice, spices, and a celery stick, it’s a savory drink that can be spicy. It’s like a meal in a glass, perfect for lazy mornings.
Signature cocktails
A lot of places and events have their special drinks. Let’s explore the cocktails that are the signature drinks of countries, events, and US states:
Countries
Caipirinha
The Caipirinha is a Brazilian gem. Made with cachaça, sugar, and lime, it’s a sweet, tangy drink that dances on your taste buds. Perfect for those who want to feel the rhythm of Rio’s beaches.
Mojito
The Mojito is a refreshing Cuban classic. Combining rum, lime, sugar, mint, and soda water, it’s a drink that cools you down and lifts your spirits. Ideal for hot days and warm nights.
Margarita
The Margarita is a fiesta in a glass. Made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec, it’s a zesty mix that’s both tart and sweet. Whether you like salt-rimmed or plain, it’s always a party favorite.
Negroni
The Negroni is an Italian masterpiece. A blend of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, it’s a bold and bittersweet drink that’s as stylish as a Milan fashion show.
Caesar
The Caesar is Canada’s brunch star. Made with vodka, clamato juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire, it’s a savory delight that’s both spicy and hearty. Often garnished with a celery stick or even a strip of bacon, it’s a meal in itself.
Irish Coffee
The Irish Coffee is warmth in a mug. Combining hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar and topped with cream, it’s a drink that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for chilly evenings or cozy mornings.
French 75
The French 75 is a bubbly delight. Made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and champagne, it’s a sparkling mix that feels elegant and lively. Named after a World War I artillery gun, it packs a punch!
Sangria
Sangria is a Spanish sensation. A mix of red wine, brandy, fruit, and sometimes soda, it’s a fruity and refreshing drink perfect for sharing with friends on a sunny day.
Pisco Sour
The Pisco Sour is a taste of Peru. It’s a frothy and tangy drink as majestic as the Andes mountains, made with pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white.
US States
Sazerac
The Sazerac is a taste of New Orleans’ history. Made with rye whiskey, absinthe, sugar, and Peychaud’s bitters, it’s a smooth and aromatic drink that transports you to the jazz-filled streets of the French Quarter.
Cape Codder
The Cape Codder is a refreshing escape to the seaside. Combining vodka and cranberry juice with a lime wedge, it’s a simple yet vibrant drink that captures the essence of summer vacations on the East Coast.
Mississippi Punch
The Mississippi Punch is a river of flavors. Made with bourbon, rum, brandy, lemon juice, and sugar, it’s a strong and sweet concoction that flows smoothly, much like the mighty river it’s named after.
Alabama Slammer
The Alabama Slammer is a Southern party in a glass. Blending Southern Comfort, amaretto, sloe gin, and orange juice, it’s a fruity and lively drink that’s perfect for lively celebrations and BBQs.
Tequila Sunrise
The Tequila Sunrise is a vibrant spectacle of colors. Made with tequila, orange juice, and grenadine, its layers resemble a beautiful sunrise. It’s a sweet and citrusy drink that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Arkansas Razorback
The Arkansas Razorback is a bold and spirited mix. Combining vodka, amaretto, and a splash of coffee liqueur, it’s a drink that packs a punch. Named after the state’s wild boar mascot, it’s perfect for those who like their drinks with a bit of a wild side.
Events
Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is like a cool breeze from the South. It’s made with mint, sugar, water, and bourbon. People often drink it during the Kentucky Derby. It’s served in a special cup and tastes super refreshing.
Black-Eyed Susan
The Black-Eyed Susan is a fun and fruity drink. It mixes vodka, rum, orange juice, and pineapple juice. It’s named after a pretty flower from Maryland. It’s a bright drink that’s perfect for sunny days. It’s the signature cocktail for Preakness Stakes.
Indy 500 Cooler
The Indy 500 Cooler is all about speed and excitement. It’s a mix of different juices and alcohol. Like the famous car race Indianapolis 500, this drink is thrilling and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Pimm’s Cup
The Pimm’s Cup is a classic British drink. It’s made with Pimm’s No. 1, lemonade and various fruits. It’s like a fruit salad in a glass, perfect for picnics and garden parties. It’s the signature cocktail for Wimbledon.
Azalea
The Azalea is a sweet and tangy drink. It combines lemonade, pineapple juice, and liquor. It’s named after a beautiful flower and is as delightful as a spring day. It’s the signature cocktail for The Masters Golf Tournament.
The Red Carpet
The Red Carpet makes you feel like a star. It’s a mix of fruity flavors and sparkling bubbles. It’s the drink you’d imagine having at a fancy movie premiere. This drink is typically the star of the Academy Awards and the Oscars.
Radler
The Radler is a chill drink and it is signature Oktoberfest. It’s half beer and half lemonade. It’s light, fizzy, and perfect for a hot day when you just want to relax.
Other Drinks and Cocktail Names:
Color themed
Black Russian, White Russian, Blue Lagoon, Red Snapper, Yellow Bird, Pink Lady, Green Fairy, Golden Cadillac, Silver Fizz, … .
Spirits-Liquor themed
Whiskey Sour, Brandy Alexander, Rum Runner, Tequila Sunrise, Vodka Martini, Gin Fizz, Scotch and Soda, Bourbon Smash, Cognac Cooler, … .
Our guides about dark spirits and light liquor are also interesting to check out.
Seasonal themed
Winter Wonderland, Autumn Apple, Spring Blossom, Summer Sunset, Snowfall Spritz, Fall Harvest, Spring Awakening, Summer Breeze, Frosty Pine, Autumn Ember, … .
Check out our collection pages for each seaon: summer cocktails, winter cocktails, fall cocktails and spring cocktails
Fruit themed
Peach Passion, Raspberry Delight, Cherry Bomb, Blueberry Bliss, Pineapple Punch, Strawberry Sunrise, Mango Tango, Lemon Drop, Blackberry Bramble, Kiwi Cooler, … .
How do I generate my only cocktail name? Tips!
Creating the perfect cocktail name can be as fun as mixing the drink. The aim is to come up with a name that is not only catchy and memorable but also gives a hint (however subtle or playful) about what one might expect from the cocktail itself!
Start by drawing inspiration from the occasion, the cocktail’s color, or its dominant flavors. Highlighting one or two key ingredients can be a great naming strategy, and you can play with synonyms or related words, like using “sunrise” for an orange-based drink.
Incorporate catchy adjectives, such as “sassy” or “smooth,” and consider what the drink reminds you; perhaps it evokes memories of a sunset or a particular location. Alliterations, like “Berry Bliss,” and rhymes like “Rum Yum” can make names memorable.
If your drink is a twist on a classic, acknowledge its roots in its name, like a “Mango Tango Mojito”. You can also experiment with random word pairings, infuse the name with cultural or location-based hints, or even add a personal touch to your name (e.g., “Jenny’s Jubilee”). If all else fails, go abstract and choose a name that captures the drink’s essence, even if it’s not directly related to its ingredients.
Bonus Tip: Throw a small party or gathering, and let your friends try the cocktail. Run a fun naming contest among them to get fresh and spontaneous ideas!
