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The Top 10 Trending Cocktail Recipes On Google From 2014 And How To Update Them For The New Year

When Google released its list of top trending topics and searches for 2014, I read it immediately because I’m a nerd and I like that kind of stuff. I love finding out what type of things people were searching for, like recipes they wanted to learn how to make. Google also showed us exactly what everyone wanted to drink this year with its list of most frequently searched for cocktails. None of them are very surprising — they’re all classic drinks that most people love. But most people should also know how to make these, because why spend $14 on a margarita if you could make one for yourself at home?

These are all great staple recipes to know when you throw a party or want to bring something to a get-together. Or, you know, when you just want to drink by yourself. Check out these popular cocktail recipes, along with more fun, updated versions that you’ll definitely fall in love with in 2015.

Photo: Fotolia

Margarita

Sometimes, there’s nothing better than a regular old margarita. There really isn’t that much to it, making them easy to whip up. This is a basic recipe that every self-respecting person should know. I mean, if you like margaritas.

Photo and Recipe: AFarmGirlsDabbles.com

Spicy Cucumber Margarita

Does this not sound like the most refreshing summer drink ever? The combination of spicy jalapenos with salt and that classically sweet margarita flavor will be amazing, and adding cucumbers makes this a refreshing drink for any kind of weather.

Photo and Recipe: ACozyKitchen.com

Blackberry Fizz Martini

Martinis without any added flavors can be a little boring and too strong for a lot of people. There’s nothing wrong with adding some sweetness! This cocktail recipe stands out because of the salt and pepper rim. It sounds odd, but the sweet flavor of blackberries with the spiciness of pepper is a dream combo.

Photo and Recipe: CimbingGrierMountain.com

Chocolate Ginger Martini With Cayenne Spiked Rim

This cocktail sounds perfect for a cold winter night when you’re trying to stay warm inside, but you still want to have fun. Chocolate! Ginger! Spiciness! Vodka! Basically, it sounds amazing.

Photo and Recipe: FoodAndStyle.com

Sangria

Classic red sangria is a drink that basically everyone loves. It’s perfect for any season, and it’s not very hard to make. It’s just a total crowd-pleaser, and everyone should know how to make it. This guide on how to make basic sangria is easy to follow and definitely something everyone needs to check out.

Photo and Recipe: ACozyKitchen.com

White Peach Sangria

Red sangria is a timeless classic, but sometimes you just need white sangria. This one is made with peach and cherries, and it’s light, fruity, and wonderful for any time of the year.

Photo and Recipe: FoodieCrush.com

Mojito

A traditional mojito is very simple to put together. The only real effort required is mashing up fresh mint leaves — don’t try to use dry mint or anything like that, because it won’t taste the same. You can make it with either white rum or vodka. I personally like it with rum, but it’s really up to you.

Photo and Recipe: ClosetCooking.com

Raspberry Basil Mojito

A mojito is a summer drink, so it only makes sense to add summer flavors. The mix of sweet raspberry with fragrant basil is delicious, and once you add some lime juice, rum, and mint leaves, it’s even better. You’ll want to drink this every day.

Photo and Recipe: ASpicyPerspective.com

Kumquat Ginger Mimosa

Mimosas are the perfect breakfast/brunch drink, but the standard mimosa can get a little boring. Spice things up with this kumquat and ginger recipe. It will offer a delicious and different flavor everyone will love.

Photo and Recipe: ACozyKitchen.com

Bleeding Mimosa

The name might not sound very appetizing, but this is actually a pretty cool concept. A traditional mimosa is made of simply champagne and orange juice. Switch it up a bit with these ice cubes. Mix champagne and the juice of two blood oranges, then freeze them in ice cube trays. When you’re ready to drink, pop them in a glass of champagne. Voila! Amazing cocktail with very little prep time.

Photo and Recipe: DomesticFits.com

Mint Julep

This is such a simple drink that you can probably make it at home whenever you want. A lot of people like to add other flavors, but sometimes all you need is a little mint and bourbon in your life.

Photo and Recipe: ASpicyPerspective.com

Grilled Watermelon Mint Julep

This drink combines so many amazing flavor combinations. Watermelon and mint are one of the best things to eat together, so combine that with alcohol and you’ve got a great drink. Grilled watermelon is, if possible, even better than regular watermelon. This drink will be refreshing and wonderful.

Photo and Recipe: ACozyKitchen.com

Moscow Mule

Make this classic summer cocktail whenever you’re craving something refreshing and light. It’s easy to mix up and is sure to be something everyone will love.

Photo and Recipe: EndlessSimmer.com

Pomegranate Moscow Mule

A traditional moscow mule is made with ginger beer, vodka, and lime juice. But who says you can’t make it sweeter? This pomegranate version includes a ginger-lime sugar rim that makes all the difference in the world.

Photo and Recipe: BloggingOverThyme.com

Eggnog White Russians

It’s perfectly acceptable to drink eggnog all winter long, so why not mix it into a White Russian? If you hate eggnog, just leave it out and replace it with milk instead.

Photo and Recipe: OffbeatAndInspired.com

White Russian Milkshake

White Russians are one of my personal favorite drinks, and the only way I could ever imagine making them better is by making them into a milkshake. Mixing a white Russian with ice cream might be the best decision you ever make.

Photo and Recipe: BrownEyedBaker.com

Long Island Iced Tea

I’m not sure why you would want to make this drink because it is evil, but if you want to, go for it I guess. It basically requires all of the liquor you own, along with some sweet and sour mix and a little Coke. And like I said, it’s evil.

Recipe: AllRecipes.com

Photo: Fotolia

Fotolia

Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea

There aren’t many variations on Long Island Iced Tea because they’re pretty crazy enough as it is, but if you really want to add something, make it something fruity, like strawberry.

Recipe: ATasteOfMeghansKitchen.com

Photo: Fotolia

Fotolia

Tequila Sunrise

A tequila sunrise is really easy to concoct, but the way to make sure it looks pretty is to not stir it. This means it tastes sweet at first and then gradually just seems like you’re only drinking alcohol. But hey, at least it looks like a sunrise!

Photo: Fotolia

Fotolia

Spicy Tequila Sunrise

You really don’t need to add much to a tequila sunrise, but if you want to give it an update, add some heat to it. A jalapeno will do the trick. And I love how this recipe is made with fresh pineapple!

Recipe: SpicySouthernKitchen.com

Photo: Fotolia

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