list of popular drinks

Most Requested Cocktails at NYC Events

When it comes to bar service at events, there are clear favorites that show up time and time again.  list of popular drinks are been served From rooftop weddings in Manhattan to corporate galas in Midtown, guests tend to gravitate toward a familiar lineup of well-balanced cocktails. These drinks aren’t just popular—they’re functional. They keep the line moving, satisfy a range of palates, and add flair to your bar setup.

At Gotham Catering, our bar team tracks drink trends across hundreds of events per year. Whether it's a high-end bourbon bar or a fresh summer mojito station, our menus are designed around real guest preferences.

Explore our bar catering services to see how we match popular drinks with seamless execution and staffing.

Classic Cocktails Everyone Knows

The classics are called classics for a reason—they never go out of style. These are the foundation of most event bars and are requested across every demographic:

• Old Fashioned: Bourbon, sugar, bitters, orange zest.
• Martini: Gin or vodka with dry vermouth, served up.
• Manhattan: Whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
• Negroni: Equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
• Whiskey Sour: Bourbon, lemon juice, sugar, and optional egg white.

These drinks are not only widely known—they’re built for speed, requiring few ingredients and minimal equipment.

See our bar package options that include custom classic menus for weddings, galas, and corporate affairs.

Vodka-Based Crowd-Pleasers

Vodka is the most requested base spirit in NYC events—versatile, neutral, and crowd-friendly. It works in simple highballs or more complex shaken drinks. Popular picks include:

• Espresso Martini: Vodka, coffee liqueur, fresh espresso.
• Cosmopolitan: Vodka, Cointreau, cranberry, lime.
• Moscow Mule: Vodka, lime juice, ginger beer.
• Vodka Soda: Light, clean, and often requested with lemon or lime.

These drinks are go-to choices for receptions, networking mixers, and after-work events. Their simplicity keeps the bar moving without sacrificing taste.

Explore more vodka-forward options inside our spirits guide built for bar design and planning.

Rum Favorites for Summer and Brunch Events

Rum-based drinks shine at daytime and outdoor events. They’re light, tropical, and often associated with celebratory energy. These are the warm-weather winners:

• Mojito: White rum, mint, lime, sugar, soda water.
• Piña Colada: Rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice (blended or shaken).
• Mai Tai: Dark and light rum with lime, orange liqueur, and almond syrup.
• Daiquiri: White rum, lime juice, and sugar—shaken and served up.

Our brunch and summer packages often feature rum as the signature base due to its easy-drinking profile and vibrant presentation.

See how our brunch bar menus incorporate rum-based classics in fresh, elevated formats.

Tequila-Based Top Picks

Tequila drinks are rising fast in popularity—especially among younger guests and summer crowds. With bold flavor and visual flair, these drinks stand out at modern receptions and themed events:

• Margarita: Tequila, lime, orange liqueur—served shaken or frozen.
• Paloma: Tequila and grapefruit soda with lime.
• Tequila Sunrise: Tequila, orange juice, grenadine.
• Ranch Water: Tequila, lime juice, and sparkling mineral water.

Tequila drinks pair beautifully with Mexican and Latin-inspired cuisine. They also tend to photograph well, adding visual energy to your bar setup.

Explore our Mexican theme catering menus to pair tequila cocktails with bold, flavorful bites.

Whiskey and Bourbon Go-To’s

For evening receptions and corporate gatherings, whiskey and bourbon are top choices. These spirits appeal to guests looking for bold, warming, and complex flavors. Our most requested pours include:

• Old Fashioned: Bourbon, sugar, bitters, orange twist.
• Boulevardier: Whiskey, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
• Mint Julep: Bourbon, mint, sugar, crushed ice—ideal for summer events.
• Whiskey Smash: A riff on the julep, with lemon and mint muddled together.

These drinks are perfect for sipping slowly and signal a more refined, classic atmosphere at the bar.

Discover how our bar stock essentials feature premium whiskey and bourbon options built for high-end events.

Popular Mocktails and Virgin Options

Inclusive bar service means making sure everyone has something exciting to sip. Our mocktail menu is designed with the same level of care and flavor as our cocktail list. Some crowd favorites include:

• Virgin Mojito: Fresh mint, lime juice, sugar, soda water.
• Cucumber Lime Fizz: Cucumber, lime, agave, soda water.
• Ginger Mule: Ginger beer, lime, mint, no alcohol needed.
• Nojito: A mojito-inspired drink with added herbs and zero-proof bitters.

These options keep the bar inclusive, and their visual appeal adds to the overall experience—without the alcohol.

Browse our beverage offerings to see our full mocktail and zero-proof selections.

Best Drinks for Beer-Lovers

While cocktails often steal the spotlight, beer-based drinks have carved out a niche at casual receptions and summer parties. Our top beer-friendly choices include:

• Shandy: Beer mixed with lemonade or citrus soda.
• Michelada: Beer with lime juice, hot sauce, spices, and tomato juice.
• Snakebite: Half beer, half cider—crisp and dry.
• Spiked Seltzers: Light, flavored, and low-ABV—perfect for warm weather.

These options are refreshing, easy to serve, and ideal for beer-first crowds or outdoor events with a laid-back vibe.

See what’s trending in our beer service guide for catered bars in NYC.

Wine-Based Cocktails and Sangrias

Wine cocktails and sangrias are popular for events where guests want something lighter than hard liquor. These drinks blend beautifully with brunches, garden parties, and summer fundraisers. Top picks include:

• Red Sangria: Red wine with orange liqueur, citrus, and berries.
• White Sangria: White wine, stone fruits, mint, and soda water.
• Spritz: Sparkling wine, Aperol or elderflower, soda.
• Rosé Lemonade: Rosé, lemon juice, and a splash of soda.

These drinks offer low-proof sophistication and easy batching for large groups.

Explore our wine and sangria selections ideal for seasonal and upscale occasions.

How Drink Choices Affect Service + Setup

Not all drinks are created equal—especially when it comes to how they impact event logistics. Here’s what to consider:

• Shaken vs. built drinks: Shaken cocktails take more time per order—plan staffing accordingly.
• Glassware needs: More drink types = more types of glasses (rocks, coupes, flutes, etc.).
• Ingredient prep: Fresh juices, garnishes, syrups require cold storage and staging.
• Bar layout: Signature drink stations can reduce lines and enhance visual appeal.

We help clients build smart drink lists that balance guest satisfaction with service flow and presentation.

Check out our glassware and setup essentials to see how drink selection influences bar design.