IBA Drinks: The Complete Guide
Introduction to IBA Drinks
The International Bartenders Association (IBA) maintains an official list of 102 cocktails as a global standard for bartenders. This list is divided into 3 categories: The Unforgettables, Contemporary Classics, and New Era Drinks. The IBA list undergoes periodic revisions, with recent changes including removals like Adonis, Affinity, Alaska (24 drinks removed in one update), Bacardi, Derby, Screwdriver (2020), Golden Dream, Barracuda, Yellow Bird (2024); and additions/moves like Pisco Sour and Vesper to Contemporary Classics, Spritz Veneziano renamed to Spritz, Lemon Drop Martini moved to Contemporary Classics, South Side added in 2024 update.
Key Takeaways:
- IBA maintains an official list of 102 cocktails as a global standard for bartenders.
- The list is divided into 3 categories: The Unforgettables, Contemporary Classics, and New Era Drinks.
- The list undergoes periodic revisions, with recent changes including removals and additions/moves between categories.
- Fashion trends have caused a resurgence of notable IBA cocktails.
- The 2026 list totals 102 cocktails across the 3 categories.
History and Evolution of IBA Cocktails
The IBA cocktail list originated with periodic revisions; the 2020 update removed 11 drinks (3 from Unforgettables, 4 from Contemporary Classics, 4 from New Era), and the 2024 update removed 3 more (Golden Dream, Barracuda, Yellow Bird). Other notable shifts include moving Pisco Sour and Vesper to the Contemporary Classics category, renaming Spritz Veneziano to Spritz, and adding South Side in the 2024 update after it was previously removed. As fashion trends have evolved, several notable IBA cocktails have experienced a resurgence in popularity.
IBA Cocktail Categories and Examples
In 2026, the 3 IBA cocktail categories are: The Unforgettables (timeless classics like Old Fashioned), Contemporary Classics (e.g., Pisco Sour, Vesper, Lemon Drop Martini, South Side), and New Era Drinks (modern like Spritz). The full 2026 list totals 102 cocktails across these 3 categories.
2026 Trends Impacting IBA Drinks
Several key trends are impacting the IBA cocktail landscape in 2026. There is a growing demand for lighter, more intentional drinking, with the Garibaldi cocktail expected to unseat the Aperol Spritz in popularity. Fizzy Spanish wines like Kalimotxo, Tinto Verano, and Rebujito are also gaining traction, along with a rise in Asia-Pacific wine consumption.
The non-alcoholic market is projected to grow from £298.4 billion in 2024 to £457 billion by 2030, a 7.4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). Similarly, the functional beverages market is forecasted to reach £793.6 billion by 2032, growing at 10.33% CAGR.
Ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails are also experiencing significant growth, projected to increase from £35.14 billion in 2025 to £76.06 billion by 2035, a 116.45% increase. Of this, 79.8% are expected to be spirits-based.
While premiumization in the spirits and wine categories is slowing (revenue down 4.3% and 6.3%, respectively), there is a focus on classics and simpler serves. Additionally, Gen Z is driving a boost in gin consumption, and artificial intelligence (AI) is being leveraged for cocktail ideation.
Conclusion
The IBA’s official list of cocktails serves as a global standard for bartenders and the drinks industry. With periodic revisions, the list has evolved to reflect changing trends and consumer preferences. As the industry continues to adapt to new market dynamics, the IBA cocktails remain a cornerstone of the bartending and cocktail landscape.
Sources:
OTC Markets: Corona Cero Brings Golden Moments to the Mountains of Milano-Cortina 2026
Life is Suite: Culinary + Cocktail Trends 2026
Ansira: 2026 Alcohol Trends
WARC: AB InBev looks to ‘balanced choices’ to expand category
SevenFifty Daily: 6 Spirits Industry and Cocktail Trends to Watch in 2026
AdWeek: AB InBev’s Global CMO on Building Megabrands
Imbibe Magazine: Drink Trends for 2026
