Agave: The Undisputed Star of Modern Mixology

Every year, during the first quarter, the Cocktail Report is released by the British magazine Drinks International, a publication with more than five decades dedicated to the global spirits, wine, and beer markets. Known for its independence, integrity, and original content, Drinks International is one of the most respected editorial references in the world of mixology and hospitality.

The Cocktail Report is based on a survey of the world’s best bars. Rather than focusing on specific brands, it explores the spirits categories and classic cocktails that truly move guests around the globe.

To uncover which cocktails and spirits are leading the scene, Drinks International asks bars about their top-selling classics and their preferred spirits for cocktail creation.

This community includes 100 bars from around the world, selected from prestigious rankings such as The World’s 50 Best Bars, the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards, Top 500 Bars, and regional lists like North America’s 50 Best Bars and Asia’s 50 Best Bars. It also features winners from national competitions like the Class Bar Awards, Australian Bartender Awards, and Time Out Awards.

Each year, the magazine refreshes the lineup to stay in tune with the global bar scene and ensure every region is represented. Editors also include a few “editor’s picks” from outstanding bars in underrepresented areas. This year’s 100 selected bars came from over 30 countries.

As expected, Europe, home to long-standing bar traditions, was well represented with 43% of the sample. Countries like the UK, France, Greece, and Italy contributed top-tier venues, including Scarfes Bar, Line, Danico, and Moebius Milano.

Asia followed with 23%, featuring ten countries. Japan stood out with legendary venues like Bar BenFiddich, The SG Club, and Virtù, while South Korea impressed with Charles H, Bar Cham, and Zest.

North America represented 19% of the survey, led by Canada’s Atwater Cocktail Club, along with venues from the United States and Mexico. South America and Australasia each contributed 8%, with highlights such as Brazil’s Sub Astor and Australia’s Double Deuce Lounge.

Africa and the Middle East were less represented, with just 1%, though Dubai continued to shine through LPM.

For the survey, each bar is asked to list its top 10 best-selling classic cocktails, which are then weighted to reveal the strongest global trends. Defining a “classic” can be tricky, so Drinks International bases the list on what appears most often in menus, online rankings, and reference books.

Every year, the list is updated, sometimes bringing old favorites back into the spotlight, and other times welcoming “new” drinks into what are now called neo-classics. Bartenders can also nominate their own picks, and if enough agree, those drinks join the canon. They’re also asked which spirits sell the most and which five they prefer for mixing.

Of course, as agave geeks, we focus on the tequila and mezcal cocktails making waves this year, and the ones set to become tomorrow’s hits.

No. 1 – Negroni

You might wonder why we’re mentioning the Negroni when our focus is on agave cocktails. The answer is simple: its cousin, the Tequila Negroni, is a worldwide trend!

Negroni, the original Italian aperitif, remains essential in global mixology, holding the top spot for the fourth year in a row. Known for its bold, deep bitterness and timeless charm, the Negroni was created in 1919 by an Italian count who wanted to strengthen his Americano.

Over the years, it has inspired countless versions like the White Negroni and the Negroni Sbagliato (made with prosecco instead of gin). Still, our favorite twist is the Tequila Negroni, a social-media favorite that adds Mexican soul to an Italian classic.

No. 3 – Margarita

For bartenders and mixologists, the Margarita is a perfect creative canvas. It’s a simple classic with endless variations. The secret is about balancing acidity, sweetness, and strength perfectly.

Shaking it vigorously in a Boston shaker and straining well ensures freshness and the ideal texture.

Experimenting with ingredients like mezcal, tropical fruits, or unusual juices gives each version a signature flair. Keep an eye on the Mezcal Margarita, it’s becoming a global favorite. And of course, we have to mention Tommy’s Margarita by Julio Bermejo, our all-time favorite!

No. 9 – Paloma

Here comes Mexico’s local hero: the Paloma. Once again, it’s proven that it’s here to stay as a global staple.

At its core, it’s a simple, refreshing mix that many modern versions enhance with lime juice and a pinch of salt. That simplicity leaves room for creativity: spicy takes, mezcal variations, or versions made with fresh grapefruit juice instead of soda.

Every time we drink one, we feel proud and full of love, especially the Crafted Paloma with Altos Tequila, created to celebrate this true icon.

No. 27 – Naked & Famous

The Naked & Famous is the perfect fusion of two classics: The Last Word and The Paper Plane. Created by Joaquín Simó in 2011 at New York’s legendary Death & Co., he described it as “the love child of an illicit Oaxacan affair.” And he was right, the soul of mezcal makes all the difference.

It offers a bold yet balanced flavor profile of smokiness, herbal sweetness, and citrus bitterness. If you want to impress with something elegant yet easy to make, this one’s a winner.

Fun fact: London’s Naked & Famous bar adds blanco tequila alongside mezcal, taking the recipe to another level. 

This cocktail is modern, bright, and worth having on your menu to surprise discerning palates.

No. 28 – Mezcal Margarita

The mezcal twist on the classic Margarita is a simple but powerful way for bartenders to add a smoky, distinctive character.

Replacing tequila with mezcal creates a bolder drink where the smoke truly shines. That’s why the Mezcal Margarita is rapidly gaining fans worldwide.

It can be made in its classic form with triple sec or in Tommy’s style with just lime juice and agave syrup, allowing the mezcal to take center stage.

This variation is perfect for surprising guests with an authentic and sophisticated Mexican flavor.

No. 34 – Oaxaca Old Fashioned

The Oaxaca Old Fashioned is a bold Mexican twist on a timeless cocktail that every bar should have. Created in 2007 by Phil Ward at New York’s Death & Co., it reimagines the Whiskey Old Fashioned by replacing the whiskey with a blend of tequila reposado and young mezcal, sweetened with agave syrup instead of sugar.

A few drops of Angostura bitters complete the formula, enhancing each sip. Served over ice and garnished with a flamed orange peel, it perfectly balances tradition and innovation, offering smoky-sweet notes that delight every palate.

Today, agave cocktails are dominating the global scene, setting unstoppable trends among bartenders and cocktail lovers alike.

The Mexican spirit is transforming the world’s bars.

Without a doubt, agave is your best ally this season.