The Most Popular Cocktails in Montana? Grab Your Shaker

Many Montanans are switching to Fall flavors this time of year, but there's not enough candy corn in the world to make me want to start guzzling pumpkin spice cocktails. The flavor just isn't my thing.

I'm generally more of a classic cocktail person when I choose something other than beer, and judging from the Montana cocktail recipe search trends this year, you are too.

According to Google Keyword Analytics shared by the folks at The Ice Maker Hub, Montana mirrors the majority of the US for our top two favorites this year, but we mix it up a little with our #3 most-searched drink recipe.

Read More: There's a Cocktail Called a "Montana" and it's Not Great

1. The Classic Old Fashioned

Cowboys in Montana have always loved their bourbon, so it's no surprise this classic drink is popular in Big Sky Country. They're essentially straight booze, so this one is definitely a slow sipper.

Here's how to make an Old Fashioned: Add one teaspoon of sugar and three dashes of Angostura bitters into a mixing glass, then add one teaspoon of water, and stir until the sugar is dissolved.

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Fill the mixing glass with ice, add two ounces of bourbon, and stir until well-chilled before straining into a rocks glass over one large ice cube. Most bars will garnish this drink with a maraschino cherry and an orange peel twist.

2. The Classic Margarita

Margaritas are great because you can make them a million different ways. Love strawberries? No problem! Add puree to the mix. Want a watermelon margarita? Easy peasy! Squeezed some juice in your shaker. But first, start with a quality tequila and the classic margarita recipe.

Here's how to make a classic margarita: Add two ounces of blanco tequila, half an ounce of orange liqueur, one ounce of lime juice, and half an ounce of agave syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake until well-chilled. Then, strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice and garnish with a lime wedge and salt rim.

3. The Classic Mojito

I really enjoy mojitos. They're so light and refreshing, not overly sweet, and pack a powerful rum punch. Having a mint plant in your herb garden makes this drink even easier.

By the way, Montana bucks the national trend here, where Espresso Martini's take the #3 most-searched spot. We're choosing the lovely mojito instead.

Here's how to make a classic mojito: Lightly muddle three mint leaves with half an ounce of simple syrup in a shaker. Then, add two ounces of white rum, three-quarters of an ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice, and give it a brief shake before straining into a highball glass over ice. Top with club soda and garnish with a mint sprig and lime wheel.

Remember, always drink responsibly.