The Most Popular Cocktail in Each State in 2024, According to Google Search Data

When ordering or making a cocktail, we all have our favorites. And it turns out, many Americans have similar tastes. The team at Coffeeness recently combed Google search data to help uncover the most popular cocktails nationwide. The company best known as a resource for coffee sippers compiled a list of the 200 most popular cocktails, and analyzed the volume data for each cocktail by state.

The results showed that the top five most popular cocktails found throughout the country include the Aperol spritz, margarita, old fashioned, Moscow mule, and mimosa. Coffeeness explains these findings indicate “that Americans tend to prefer cocktails with a spritzy, zesty, sweet and/or spicy taste over cocktails with a creamy taste, like white Russians or espresso martinis.”

Aperol Spritz 

This summer, many are on the Aperol spritz kick. So many in fact, it has proven to be the overall most popular cocktail in America right now. In total, 21 states and the District of Columbia favorited this drink, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. New York was a tie between the Aperol spritz and margarita, while Ohio was tied between the Aperol spritz and old fashioned.

Light, refreshing and super easy to make with just Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water, it’s no wonder this spitz is the top contender. But if you want to switch up the classic, there’s always this “dirty” version to try.

Margarita 

The classic margarita follows close behind the Aperol spritz showing its popularity in 17 states, including Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Maryland, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia. Wisconsin also loves margaritas, but can’t choose between the delicious drink and an old fashioned or mimosa.

Old Fashioned 

Nine states prefer the taste of the old fashioned, including Alaska, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, South Dakota, and Wisconsin (along with Ohio tied with the Aperol spritz). It’s a classic drink that is smooth and complex, but also easy to make—the perfect go-to for any bourbon drinkers who love a good spirit-forward cocktail.

Moscow Mule

Some states in the Mountain region, such as Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, and Utah, are all about adding a little spice to their drinks with ginger beer. Other states like Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Alaska follow suit, and with the Moscow mule’s zesty taste, we can see why.

Mimosa

Surprisingly, the mimosa, also known as your go-to brunch cocktail, was only a top favorite in three states: Nevada, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. However, all three of these states also have other favorite drinks as well, and share the top spot with at least one other cocktail. Nevada also shares its love for the old fashioned and Aperol spritz, while Wisconsin can’t decide between a mimosa, margarita, Moscow mule, or old fashioned, and South Carolina also has a soft spot for a margarita.

Mai Tai

Hawaii’s favorite probably comes as no surprise. The mai tai gives off a serious warm-weather aesthetic like Hawaii itself. Made with rum, orange curaçao, fresh lime juice, and orgeat almond syrup, you’ll enjoy a fruity but nutty flavor. However, you can even amp up the flavor by adding pineapple to the mix.

Mojito 

There is nothing like a refreshing mojito made of just five simple ingredients—fresh mint, white rum, sugar, lime, and soda water—to get you through a hot summer. Arkansas knows all about it as this is their number one drink of choice. When making a mojito, be sure to make it the best quality possible with freshly squeezed citrus juice.

Bellini

Ah, the traditional Bellini—another classic sip for the brunch crowd, especially in Alabama where this is their absolute favorite. (We get it.) This drink originates from Italy and only requires two ingredients—Prosecco and peach purée or nectar. A Bellini can be customized to your liking with other fruit juices, too, like in this mango Bellini spritz. Or when fall rolls around, try this apple cider version.

Daiquiri

We love a good daiquiri and so does Louisiana. It’s not the most popular down there for nothing. While the original version consists of rum, lime juice, and a little sugar for a cool and refreshing citrus-forward cocktail, there are many other versions, too. For example, this frozen strawberry daiquiri is especially refreshing in the warm months, but you can blend up a pitcher any time of the year when the craving hits.

Sidecar

What do you get when you combine cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice? Oklahoma’s most desired cocktail, the sidecar. You’ll find this drink the perfect mix of a little sweet and a little acidic with some of the Cognac flavors shining through. It’s a nice sip any time of the year, but come the holidays, you may want to give it a makeover with this festive sidecar recipe.

Paloma 

New Mexico is all about its tequila-based drinks. While we already saw the state favors the margarita, New Mexico also craves a good Paloma. It’s also made with tequila along with grapefruit soda, lime, and salt for a similar sweet and sour taste to the margarita. We especially love making ours with fresh grapefruit for the ultimate light and refreshing sip.