Visiting a bar, nightclub or lounge to sip on a hand-crafted cocktail can be a fun and relaxing experience. Whether you are drinking liquor from a small distillery Tonasket WA or a larger manufacturer, here are four of the most popular cocktails ordered in the United States.

1. Margarita

Consisting of tequila, triple sec and lime with a salt or sugar rim, margaritas are served either frozen or on the rocks. Although the origins of this refreshing drink are disputed, it is widely accepted that the first known printed margarita recipe appeared in Esquire magazine in 1953. When shopping for tequila, keep in mind that silver tequila is better for margaritas than the gold variety.

2. Old Fashioned

The old fashioned is created with whiskey or brandy, Angostura bitters and sugar, topped off with a garnish of orange zest and cocktail cherry. The city of Louisville, Kentucky is believed by many to be the birthplace of the old fashioned cocktail and named this drink their official cocktail in 2015. Try an old fashioned with both slightly sweet bourbon whiskey as well as the more pungent rye whiskey.

3. Mojito

A common mojito recipe consists of white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water and mint. This refreshing drink was created in Havana, Cuba and popularized by author Ernest Hemingway. Various fruits such as strawberries and blackberries can be added to mojitos.

4. Martini

Martinis are typically made with gin and vermouth and garnished with a green olive or lemon zest. However, there are many varieties of this cocktail including the dirty martini, which adds a splash of olive juice. Another consideration to make when ordering a martini is whether you would like it shaken or stirred, with shaken leading to a slightly more diluted drink due to agitating the ice.

Consider ordering one of these drinks the next time you are out at your favorite bar or restaurant.