The Paper Plane is a modern classic cocktail that proves great drinks don’t need a long history to earn a permanent place on the menu. Created in 2008 by renowned bartender Sam Ross at the famed New York bar Milk & Honey, the Paper Plane quickly took off thanks to its perfect balance and approachable flavor profile. Inspired by the equal-parts structure of classics like the Last Word, this cocktail is both easy to make and impressively complex in taste.

The Zombie cocktail is one of the most legendary drinks to emerge from the golden age of tiki culture—a potent, mysterious concoction that perfectly captures the escapist spirit of tropical mixology. Created in the 1930s by Donn Beach, founder of Don the Beachcomber, the Zombie quickly gained a reputation not just for its complex flavor, but for its staggering strength.

Few cocktails are as universally loved — or as instantly recognizable — as the Margarita. Bright, citrusy, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, the Margarita has earned its place as a staple on cocktail menus and home bars alike. Whether enjoyed poolside in summer or paired with tacos on a weeknight, this iconic drink continues to evolve while staying true to its refreshing roots.

IThe Martinez is one of those cocktails that feels like a secret handshake among cocktail lovers. Elegant, aromatic, and quietly complex, it sits at the crossroads of history and flavor—often described as the missing link between the Manhattan and the Martini. If you enjoy spirit-forward cocktails with depth and nuance, the Martinez deserves a permanent spot in your repertoire.

In the world of classic cocktails, certain drinks grab the spotlight. Think the Manhattan, Martini, or Old Fashioned, while others quietly wait in the wings, cherished by bartenders but still unfamiliar to many home mixologists. The Brooklyn cocktail is one of those hidden gems. Elegant, aromatic, and beautifully balanced, it offers a refreshing alternative to its more famous Manhattan sibling while capturing the same old-school charm and sophistication.

Few cocktails capture the spirit of celebration quite like the French 75. Effervescent, elegant, and effortlessly balanced, this classic drink is where gin meets Champagne in a marriage of citrus, sparkle, and style