10 Most Common Drinks Ordered at a Bar

When developing your bar’s drink menu, it makes good business sense to balance profitability and popularity by including at least a few classics. These favorites not only please customers but also sell well, helping boost your revenue. If you need help planning your menu, this list of the 10 most common drinks ordered at a bar will guide you toward best-sellers that are sure to be a hit.

Draft Beer

Although it depends on the venue and its clientele, draft beer is usually one of the most common drinks ordered at a bar. Research from hospitality analytics consultancy CGA Strategy indicates that draft beer sales account for just over 52% of all out-of-home beer purchases, with options such as domestic ales, Irish stouts and Mexican lagers proving to be extremely popular. If you’re building a pub or tavern drink menu, be sure to have at least a few keg selections on tap.

Packaged Beer

Packaged beers are popular bar drinks as well. From craft IPAs in longneck bottles to light lagers in crushable cans, there’s strong demand for options ranging from premium to mainstream. Be sure to stock a mix of domestic and imported selections, and always serve them cold—even small pubs and local dives can be among the most profitable bars if they have a modest yet curated list of bottled or canned beers that drives strong, consistent sales.

Margarita

With bright colors and bold flavors, the margarita is the most popular cocktail in the United States. Research suggests that Millennials and Gen Z are driving much of the demand, so remember to offer fun flavors like strawberry and mango alongside the classic lime version. What’s more, margaritas usually command higher prices, so use quality tequila, fresh herbs, flavorful juices and beautiful glasses to match the price point and elevate the experience.

Mixed Drinks

Simple cocktails made with a base spirit and single mixer—like rum and coke, gin and tonic, screwdrivers and palomas—are classics that remain among the most commonly ordered drinks at a bar. These familiar options are among the most profitable mixed drinks because they have few ingredients and require minimal labor, so be sure to remind guests that they’re always on the menu.

Old Fashioned

Made by mixing whiskey, simple syrup, bitters and orange peel before serving over a large ice cube, the Old Fashioned is anything but outdated—in fact, it’s still one of the most popular drinks at bars and restaurants. Its straightforward flavors and timeless look give it a lot of old-school vibes, so make sure to put it on your menu if you run a vintage-style bar where customers love classic cocktails.

Martini

Whether shaken or stirred, martinis are the second most popular cocktail in the United States. With their simple elegance, they offer a refined drinking experience that appeals to both traditionalists and trendsetters. In addition to the classic version of gin and dry vermouth, offering other takes like lemon drop and extra dirty, as well as spinoffs like the Cosmopolitan and Gibson, can help turn one-time guests into repeat customers.

Shots

While sometimes overlooked, shots are some of the most commonly ordered drinks at a bar. Whether customers are looking for a quick buzz or participating in a social ritual, straight pours of hard liquor like tequila, vodka, whiskey or rum are a go-to choice for many. Even though shots of spirits are the most popular, Liquor.com notes the rise of shooter cocktails, like the Kamikaze and Green Tea shot, that make hard alcohol more palatable with additions like lime juice and sour mix. If your establishment caters to a trendy crowd, you should definitely put some of these on your menu.

Wine

Due to widespread appeal and perceived sophistication, wine remains a top choice at bars and restaurants. From red and white to sweet and dry, there’s a wine for every palate as well as price point. Recent alcoholic beverage trends indicate that wine is especially popular with those who are 55 and over, so make sure to stock a mix of Malbec, Merlot, Chardonnay and Champagne if your establishment is geared toward a mature, sophisticated crowd.

Mojito

A refreshing combination of rum, mint, lime and sugar, mojitos are a crowd-pleasing cocktail that deserves a spot on your menu. With roots in the Caribbean, they’re especially fitting for beach bars or Tiki-themed spots. While the classic recipe is always a hit, there are many creative mojito variations—like coconut or soursop—that can help keep your offerings fresh. Even if you don’t make these versions permanent menu items, offering them on a rotating basis can spark customer interest and keep people coming back for more.

Bloody Mary

For customers looking to take a break from sweet or bitter drinks, the Bloody Mary’s salty, spicy flavor profile is a popular choice. Often viewed as a morning cocktail or hangover remedy, this tomato-based drink is a natural fit for a weekend brunch drink menu. To really make your Bloody Marys stand out, go beyond the traditional celery stalk with creative garnishes like olive halves, lemon wedges or bacon strips.