Bacardi’s latest Cocktail Trends Report shows classic serves dominating global bar calls for 2026, as consumers increasingly choose cocktails over Champagne for celebrations.
Cocktails are tightening their grip on celebratory occasions, with the Margarita named the world’s top cocktail for 2026, according to the latest findings from Bacardi Limited.
The Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report 2026 ranks the top five global cocktails as Margarita, Mojito, Piña Colada, Rum and Coke, and Whisky and Coke – a list dominated by familiar, widely accessible classics rather than niche or experimental serves.
Margaritas take centre stage
The Margarita sits firmly at number one, underlining its continued global appeal and adaptability. Bacardi’s research highlights its role as a highly customisable drink, lending itself to sweet, spicy or salty twists while remaining instantly recognisable.
That popularity extends beyond the bar. The report found that Americans want Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen to sip Margaritas during their New Year’s Eve broadcast, with 30% selecting the cocktail for the annual celebration.
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Cocktails replace Champagne for celebrations
The report also points to a broader shift in how consumers mark big moments. More than half of US consumers (53%) now prefer cocktails over Champagne when celebrating, signalling changing expectations around personalisation and experience.
Rather than defaulting to a single premium serve, drinkers are opting for cocktails that feel more expressive, social and shareable. The continued dominance of long-standing classics such as the Mojito and Piña Colada suggests that familiarity still matters, even as consumers seek moments of fun and individuality.
Rum-based serves feature strongly across the rankings, with both the Mojito and Piña Colada making the top three, alongside the enduring Rum and Coke. Simple highballs also hold their ground, with Whisky and Coke completing the top five.
Together, the results point to a cocktail culture in 2026 that values approachability, versatility and ritual. While experimentation continues elsewhere on menus, when it comes to global favourites and celebratory occasions, consumers are sticking with the classics – just poured into a rocks or highball glass rather than a flute.
