The 17 Most Popular Drink Recipes of 2023
In 2023 we drank very well at Epicurious. There were rounds of fluffy Pink Squirrels dug up from ’70s bartending books. There were low-ABV refreshers like the lemon, lime, and bitters. And there were a whole lot of classics to top it all off. Here we’re sharing our readers’ favorites from the year. Whether you’re trying to work that peaty scotch into your happy hour or trying to use up the dregs of a bottle of Aperol, these recipes have you covered.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne1/17Cowboy Killer
In January, cocktail columnist Al Sotack made the case that scotch absolutely belongs in cocktails. One sip of this drink will convince you—especially if you’re a lover of Manhattans.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Michelle Gatton2/17Old-Fashioned
This made-in-the-class drink is about as classic as classic cocktails get. But you can switch up your base spirit and your bitters.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich5/17Paper Plane
This shaken equal-parts cocktail is one of our favorite ways to drink bourbon, no matter the season.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Judy Haubert6/17Lemon, Lime, and Bitters
Floating the Angostura on top of this refreshing low-ABV drink gives it a lovely ombré look.
Photo by Travis Rainey, Food Styling by Tiffany Schleigh7/17White Lady
This four-ingredient cocktail balances gin and fresh lemon with simple syrup and citrusy Contreau.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Prop styling by Anne Eastman, Food styling by Judy Haubert8/17Prizefighter No. 1
This smash is a favorite among bartenders in the know. The twist? The base is a mix of sweet vermouth and bracingly bitter Fernet Branca.
Photo by Zachary James Johnston9/17Foxhunt
The folks at the Violet Hour in Chicago deconstructed a classic Pimm’s cup, then put it back together in this more potent and deeply flavored variation.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich10/17Gin Rickey
This easy gin drink might be even more refreshing than your go-to G&T.
Photo by Paul H. Christian, Food Styling by Michele Figliuolo12/17Gold Rush
What happens when you make a whiskey sour with honey instead of sugar? This delicious—and deliciously simple—combo.
