Stepping into a bar with confidence means knowing what to order. Upscale drinks offer more than just alcohol—they provide an experience with complex flavors, quality ingredients, and artistic presentation.
Understanding the world of craft cocktails can transform your night out from ordinary to memorable while impressing those around you.
Whether you’re a fresh 21-year-old or just looking to expand your drink repertoire, exploring premium cocktails is worth your time.
From classics like the Old Fashioned and Sazerac to modern favorites like the Espresso Martini, these sophisticated beverages showcase the bartender’s skill and creativity.
The right upscale drink can complement your evening, whether you’re at a cocktail bar in Los Angeles or a mountain retreat in Big Bear.
1. Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that’s perfect for anyone wanting to try something sophisticated. It’s made with whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus.
You can order this at almost any bar, but upscale establishments often make the best versions. The drink has a rich, smooth flavor that highlights the whiskey without being too strong.
Many bars offer variations like the New York Sour or add special touches with different bitters or types of whiskey. In Dayton, Ohio, places like Tender Mercy, Salar, and Century Bar are known for excellent Old Fashioneds.
This timeless drink is perfect when you want something classic that shows good taste.
2. Martini
The martini is a classic cocktail that blends gin or vodka with vermouth. You can enjoy it shaken or stirred, with an olive or lemon twist garnish.
Many upscale bars offer creative variations on this timeless drink. Popular twists include the espresso martini, elderflower martini, and gingerbread martini.
Places like Dorothy’s Cocktail & Oyster Bar in St. Simons Island are known for their excellent martinis. If making one at home seems daunting, pre-mixed options like XXI Martinis offer convenience without sacrificing quality.
When ordering at a bar, a martini signals sophistication. Specify your preferred spirit, vermouth ratio, and garnish for a personalized experience.
3. Margarita
The margarita remains one of the most versatile and beloved upscale drinks. This classic cocktail combines tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur for a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors.
For the best margarita, choose quality ingredients. Brands like Espolon ($21) offer great value, while Don Julio ($44) delivers premium taste. Add a salt rim with Tajín for an elevated touch.
Variations can transform this drink for any occasion. Try fruit-infused versions with blackberry or grapefruit. For something unexpected, look for specialty margaritas made with aloe juice or Chareau liqueur.
You can enjoy this versatile cocktail frozen or on the rocks depending on your preference.
4. Manhattan
Manhattan offers some of the most upscale drinking experiences in New York City. You’ll find elegant options like King Cole Bar and Bemelmans Bar that exude luxury and class.
For craft cocktails, consider visiting Death & Co or Attaboy, both known for their expert mixologists and innovative drinks. The NoMad Bar also provides an upscale experience with sophisticated ambiance.
Thyme Bar and The Ivory Peacock have emerged as popular upscale destinations in 2025. These spots feature creative drink menus in refined settings.
When visiting Manhattan’s high-end bars, expect to pay premium prices, but the quality, atmosphere, and experience typically justify the cost.
5. Negroni
The Negroni is a classic Italian cocktail that’s both sophisticated and simple. It’s made with equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, stirred and served over ice with an orange peel garnish.
You can find excellent Negronis at upscale bars across Los Angeles, where some establishments like Capri Club and Bacari W 3rd are known for their well-crafted versions.
For the best flavor, choose a quality gin and sweet vermouth. Some bartenders recommend Carpano Antica Formula vermouth paired with a bold gin to stand up to Campari’s bitterness.
Many bars also offer creative variations like the White Negroni or Kingston Negroni with rum instead of gin.
6. French 75
The French 75 is an elegant cocktail that blends gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and champagne. It’s a perfect choice for special occasions when you want something refreshing yet sophisticated.
This classic drink has a bright, citrusy flavor with the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. The champagne adds a delightful fizz that makes every sip feel celebratory.
You can easily customize your French 75 by adjusting the sweetness to your taste. Some variations use aged rum instead of gin for a different flavor profile.
The cocktail packs a surprising punch despite its light appearance, making it a smart choice when you want something both refined and effective.
7. Sidecar
The Sidecar is a classic cocktail that combines cognac, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice. This drink balances sweet and sour flavors perfectly.
You can find several variations of the Sidecar, from the original 1910 version to more modern interpretations. The most common recipe uses Cognac, Cointreau, and fresh lemon juice.
For an upscale experience, try using a quality VSOP cognac like Rémy Martin and Cointreau as your orange liqueur. The typical ratio is 2 parts cognac, 1 part Cointreau, and 0.75 parts lemon juice.
Unlike many other cocktails, the Sidecar maintains its quality and character even when made with premium ingredients, making it worth the upgrade.
8. Mojito
The Mojito is a refreshing Cuban cocktail that combines white rum, mint, lime, sugar, and soda water. This classic drink offers the perfect balance of sweetness, citrus, and herbal notes.
When making a Mojito, always use white rum rather than aged varieties. Aged rums can muddy the drink’s color and add unwanted caramel flavors to the cocktail.
Fresh ingredients are key to an exceptional Mojito. Muddle fresh mint leaves gently to release their oils without creating a bitter taste.
You can find creative variations like Kiwi Blueberry Mojitos or Creamy Coconut Blackberry Mojitos for an interesting twist on this summertime favorite.
9. Vesper
The Vesper is a famous cocktail known for its strong character and literary origins. It was created by author Ian Fleming for his fictional spy, James Bond.
This drink combines gin, vodka, and an aromatized wine like Lillet Blanc or Kina. The result is a powerful, dry cocktail that’s served cold in a martini glass.
You’ll find the Vesper at upscale bars like The Vesper Bar in Las Vegas. It’s typically made with 2 ounces of London Dry Gin, 3/4 ounce of vodka, and 3/4 ounce of Kina or Lillet.
When ordering a Vesper, expect a bold flavor profile that’s both sophisticated and assertive—perfect for those who appreciate classic cocktails with a story.
10. Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan is a sophisticated cocktail that gained popularity in the 1990s. It combines citrus vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice for a perfectly balanced flavor.
To order this elegant drink at an upscale bar, simply ask for a “Cosmo.” A well-made Cosmopolitan will have a beautiful pink hue and come served in a martini glass with a lime twist or zest.
The taste is refreshing—not too sweet and not too tart. It’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to enjoy something both fruity and refined.
11. Gimlet
A Gimlet is a classic cocktail made with gin, lime juice, and sugar. It’s simple yet sophisticated, perfect for those looking to order an upscale drink.
Many bars in Boston, like 1928 Beacon Hill and Barcelona Wine Bar South End, serve excellent Gimlets. You can find them on most cocktail menus.
Try variations like the Rosemary Gimlet for a fragrant twist on the classic. Some places offer vodka-based Gimlets if you prefer that over gin.
When ordering a Gimlet, you’ll appear knowledgeable about cocktails without being pretentious. It’s refreshing, balanced, and shows good taste in traditional mixology.
12. Boulevardier
The Boulevardier is often called the whiskey lover’s Negroni. This classic cocktail combines bourbon or rye whiskey with Campari and sweet vermouth.
You can make a traditional Boulevardier using equal parts of each ingredient (1:1:1). However, many prefer using a bit more whiskey (1.25 to 1.5 ounces) while keeping the other components at 1 ounce each.
For variations, try using different whiskeys to change the flavor profile. Some bartenders substitute Cynar or Averna for Campari to create interesting alternatives.
Garnish your Boulevardier with a lemon twist and serve it in a rocks glass over ice or straight up in a coupe glass for an elegant presentation.
13. Aviation
The Aviation is a classic gin cocktail known for its beautiful light blue color. It combines gin, lemon juice, and maraschino liqueur with a touch of crème de violette.
This elegant drink is perfect for upscale occasions when you want something both refreshing and sophisticated. The floral notes from the crème de violette make this cocktail truly unique and memorable.
You can typically make this with any gin, though many bartenders prefer Bombay Sapphire. For the best Aviation, balance is key – the sweetness from the maraschino should complement the tartness of the lemon without overpowering the delicate violet flavor.
14. Sazerac
The Sazerac is often called one of the oldest American cocktails, originating in New Orleans. This sophisticated drink combines rye whiskey, sugar, Peychaud’s bitters, and a hint of absinthe.
Sazerac Company now owns over 450 brands of spirits worldwide, making it a major player in the luxury drinks market. You can find excellent Sazeracs in upscale bars like The Laundry Room and Herbs & Rye in Las Vegas.
Many cocktail enthusiasts consider the Sazerac one of the most flavorful drinks ever created. The 18-year Sazerac Rye Whiskey is particularly notable, drinking like a high-end cocktail itself with its complex flavor profile.
15. Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour stands as a timeless classic that balances the robust character of whiskey with bright citrus notes. The traditional recipe calls for 2 ounces of whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
For extra texture, many bartenders incorporate egg white, creating a silky foam on top. This technique transforms an ordinary sour into what’s known as a Boston Sour.
You can explore several variations to elevate this drink. Try adding a float of red wine for a New York Sour or experiment with flavors like passion fruit, maple syrup, or lychee.
Bourbon is the most common whiskey choice, but you can substitute with your preferred whiskey style.
16. Corpse Reviver No. 2
The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is a classic cocktail known for its refreshing and balanced flavor profile. It’s made with equal parts gin, lemon juice, Cointreau (orange liqueur), and Lillet Blanc, with a dash of absinthe to finish.
This cocktail is essentially a fancy version of a gin sour, with bright citrus notes from the lemon juice and Cointreau. The Lillet Blanc adds a subtle wine-like quality, while the dash of absinthe provides a hint of herbal complexity.
You can use London dry gin for the best results. The equal-parts recipe makes it easy to remember and prepare at home or order at an upscale bar.
17. Hemingway Daiquiri
The Hemingway Daiquiri is a refreshing cocktail with a literary legacy. Named after the famous author Ernest Hemingway, this drink stands out from regular daiquiris.
This upscale cocktail combines light rum, fresh lime juice, grapefruit juice, and a touch of maraschino liqueur. Unlike traditional daiquiris, it contains no added sugar.
The original version, called Papa Doble, was much stronger with three ounces of rum. This made it twice the size of regular cocktails.
You can serve this sophisticated drink in a chilled coupe or martini glass. It’s perfect for impressing guests with both its taste and interesting backstory.
18. Bee’s Knees
The Bee’s Knees is a classic Prohibition-era cocktail that combines gin, honey, and lemon juice. This simple yet elegant drink has stood the test of time since its creation in the 1920s.
To make this refreshing cocktail, you’ll need 2 ounces of gin, 3/4 ounce of lemon juice, and 3/4 ounce of honey syrup. The honey syrup is typically made with a 3:1 ratio of honey to water.
The drink’s bright citrus notes balance perfectly with the sweetness of honey, while the gin provides a solid base. Some modern versions add lavender for an aromatic twist.
You can enjoy this upscale drink at home or find it at craft cocktail bars where bartenders often put their own spin on this timeless classic.
19. Pisco Sour
The Pisco Sour stands out as one of South America’s most celebrated cocktails. This elegant drink features pisco, a grape-based spirit, combined with fresh lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and a few drops of Angostura bitters on top.
You don’t need to spend a fortune on pisco – any decent brand will work well in this cocktail. Some bartenders prefer Peruvian pisco, while others opt for Chilean varieties.
For an upscale twist, consider a Mosto Verde pisco, which uses partially fermented grape juice for a smoother profile. You can also try the “Cheeky Sour” variation that adds aged rum and chicha morada, a Peruvian purple corn drink.
20. Tom Collins
The Tom Collins is a classic cocktail made with gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, sugar, and club soda. It’s refreshing and perfect for warm weather.
This drink is served in a tall glass over ice, making it both elegant and cooling. The combination creates a slightly fizzy, tangy, and subtly sweet flavor profile.
When ordering a Tom Collins at an upscale bar, you can expect premium gin and fresh ingredients. Some bartenders add their own twist to this cocktail, but the traditional recipe remains popular.
The Tom Collins has an interesting history, once associated with a practical joke in the 1800s. Today, it’s considered one of the essential classic cocktails that every good bartender knows how to make.
21. Last Word
The Last Word is a perfectly balanced cocktail that dates back to the Prohibition era. It combines equal parts gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and freshly squeezed lime juice.
This cocktail offers a unique flavor profile that is both herbal and tart. The herbaceous notes from the Chartreuse blend beautifully with the sweet cherry of the maraschino and the bright citrus of the lime.
To make this drink at home, you’ll need to shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Some bartenders garnish with a cherry or lime wheel for an elegant touch.
The Last Word has inspired many variations, including the Final Ward which substitutes rye whiskey for gin.
History of Upscale Drinks
Sophisticated cocktails have evolved significantly over time, transitioning from simple mixed beverages to complex creations that showcase both artistry and flavor. The journey of upscale drinks reflects changing societal tastes and cultural influences.
Evolution of Cocktail Culture
Cocktail culture began taking shape in the late 1800s, becoming more refined during the Classic Age (1885-1920). During this period, imported European liqueurs greatly influenced drink development, creating a foundation for what we now consider upscale beverages.
The 1920s Prohibition era, despite legal restrictions, sparked creativity in underground speakeasies. There, bartenders crafted innovative drinks to mask poor-quality alcohol, leading to the creation of complex cocktails that would later become classics.
Post-Prohibition saw the rise of sophisticated drinks like martinis and manhattans. By the 1950s and 1960s, cocktails became symbols of sophistication in American culture.
The craft cocktail renaissance began in the early 2000s. Bartenders rediscovered historical recipes and techniques, elevating mixology to an art form with premium ingredients and precision.
Influence of Global Trends
World travel and international trade significantly shaped upscale drink culture. Ingredients like exotic fruits, spices, and international spirits created fusion cocktails that blended cultural influences.
The Singapore Sling, popular in the 1920s, represents this global exchange by combining gin with cherry liqueur and tropical flavors. Similarly, the Moscow Mule introduced American drinkers to vodka in the 1940s.
Japanese bartending techniques, focusing on precision and presentation, have greatly influenced modern upscale cocktail preparation. Their meticulous approach to ice, dilution, and garnishes has been adopted worldwide.
Farm-to-glass movements have pushed drinks toward locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients. You’ll now find cocktail menus changing with seasons, featuring fresh herbs, fruits, and house-made ingredients.
Ingredients and Techniques
Creating upscale cocktails requires both special ingredients and refined techniques. Quality components and proper methods are what transform ordinary drinks into extraordinary experiences.
Exotic and Rare Ingredients
Upscale cocktails often feature unique spirits and ingredients that aren’t found in everyday drinks. Small-batch spirits like artisanal gin, single-barrel bourbon, and mezcal add distinctive character to premium cocktails.
Specialty liqueurs such as St-Germain (elderflower), Chartreuse (herbal), and Luxardo (maraschino) create complex flavor profiles that elevate your drinks. These bottles might cost more, but a little goes a long way.
Fresh, seasonal produce is essential. Think beyond basic lemons and limes to blood oranges, yuzu, kumquats, and fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme.
House-made components make a significant difference. Try creating your own:
- Infused syrups (vanilla bean, cinnamon, herb)
- Flavored bitters
- Fruit shrubs (vinegar-based syrups)
Advanced Mixology Techniques
Proper technique is what separates amateur mixing from professional-quality cocktails.
Mastering the basic shake and stir is just the beginning.
Proper dilution is crucial. Each cocktail needs the right amount of water from ice—too little leaves drinks harsh, too much makes them watery.
You’ll learn to feel the right temperature through the shaker or mixing glass.
Temperature control affects flavors dramatically. Some drinks need rapid chilling (shaking), while others benefit from gradual cooling (stirring).
Try these advanced techniques for impressive results:
- Fat-washing (infusing spirits with flavored fats)
- Smoke infusion
- Clarification (removing solids for crystal-clear drinks)
- Barrel aging (aging mixed cocktails in small barrels)
Presentation matters too.
Invest in proper glassware and learn garnishing techniques like expressed citrus oils, dehydrated fruit, and edible flowers.
