We Asked 9 Bartenders About The Most Underrated Cocktails—These Are The Top Picks

• Bartenders highlight 10 underrated cocktails worth trying, from the Brown Derby to the Old Cuban.
• Many drinks use familiar ingredients but add a unique twist, offering new flavor profiles for classic spirits.
• These expert-backed picks prove great cocktails don't need hype to be memorable.

Every bar has its heavy hitters: the classics, the craft cocktails with specialty ingredients, and whatever happens to be trending that week (like our 2025 drink of the summer). But there’s a whole category of drinks that don't spend enough time under the spotlight.

Just because a drink isn’t world-famous doesn’t mean it’s not worth ordering. In fact, some of the most satisfying sips are the ones that fly under the radar.

We asked bartenders to share their favorite underrated cocktails they think deserve more love. From forgotten recipes to local favorites, these 10 drinks cover a wide variety of spirits and flavor profiles, but all share one thing in common: they’re all delicious.

Boulevardier

gettyimages-1356663702

If you’re used to ordering Negronis at the bar, branch out with a Boulevardier. Kristen Love, Director of F&B Outlets at InterContinental New York Barclay, describes it as “essentially the Negroni’s richer, moodier cousin.”

It follows the same recipe for a Negroni, except with bourbon instead of gin. “It’s also incredibly versatile: great in cold weather, yet refreshing enough for a summer night,” Love says. “Despite its timeless profile, it still surprises guests who’ve never tried it.”

Eastside

A classic gimlet is always a solid choice, but why not level it up with an Eastside? This version starts with gin, lime juice, and simple syrup, before adding fresh cucumber and mint for a clean, herbal twist.

“It’s the kind of cocktail that feels fancy without trying too hard," says Sady Mojaddidi, Beverage Director for Xperience Restaurant Group. "And bartenders love it because it’s a crowd-pleaser with range.”

Martinez

It features sweet red vermouth and a dash of Maraschino liqueur, making it something of a Manhattan-martini hybrid. “For anyone who enjoys either of those, the Martinez is a must-try,” Engidawork “Engi” Alebachew, Head Bartender at Bourbon Steak at The Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC

Brown Derby

gettyimages-1255266276

The Brown Derby has been around since the 1930s, but it has never quite achieved mainstream status. The cocktail includes just three ingredients: bourbon, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup. “The Brown Derby catches people off guard in a good way,” says Mojaddidi. “It’s citrusy and bright, not what you expect from a bourbon drink.”

Alex Dominguez, Head Bartender at Bar Calico, adds that it's surprisingly versatile. “This fantastic cocktail can be modified in so many ways that it's a surprise it's not as prevalent on menus as a Paloma or whiskey sour."

Daiquiri

No, we’re not talking frozen strawberry stuff from an all-inclusive resort. The original version dates back to the late 19th century and deserves a whole lot more love.

“I’m a big rum nerd, and the daiquiri really lets the spirit shine," says Alyssa Glueck, Lead Bartender at Wild Common. "It’s simple, but awesome things don’t need to be complicated."

El Presidente

“It’s a sophisticated sipper with layers: dry, slightly fruity, and perfectly balanced," he says. “When made properly—with good ingredients and respect for its history—the El Presidente is a reminder that rum cocktails can be just as refined as any stirred whiskey drink.”

Old Cuban

gettyimages-1287668410

If you like Champagne cocktails, the Old Cuban is a fun spin on a French 75 and mojito combo. Despite the name, you'd be surprised to know it’s neither old nor Cuban—it was actually invented in New York in 2001.

David Orellana, Beverage Director at Grand Brasserie, explains: “It has the same classic combination of lime, sugar, and mint, but you swap in a darker aged rum and a splash of Champagne.”

Monte & Soda

Low-ABV drinks often get overlooked, but the Monte & Soda should be on your radar.

Tad Carducci, Director of Outreach and Engagement for Gruppo Montenegro, describes it as “dead simple, low-proof, effortlessly complex and infinitely refreshing.”

Amaro Montenegro is one of the more approachable bitter liqueurs you can find behind the bar, thanks to its sweet notes of vanilla and orange. And when it’s served with a splash of club soda, you get a complex, yet light cocktail that is extremely easy to drink.

Jasmine

If you like citrus-forward cocktails with a slightly bitter twist, try the Jasmine. It blends gin, lemon, and triple sec with a splash of Campari. “It's basically a gin daisy with a hint of bitterness,” says Katie Renshaw, Lead Bartender at Hawksmoor Chicago.

The best part? “The ingredients are things you can find in almost any bar, so it's always easy to recreate or riff on it,” she adds.

Orange Crush

gettyimages-2211119331

Every region has its go-to drinks, and in Maryland and Delaware, that's the Organe Crush. "On a national level, the Orange Crush is SUPER underrated,” says Molly Horn, Chief Mixologist & Spirits Educator at Total Wine & More.

The classic version includes vodka, fresh orange juice, Triple Sec, and lemon-lime soda. It’s simple, accessible, and super versatile if you want upgrade it with some high end ingredients for a fancier twist.