Everybody has their go-to cocktails. The tried-and-true drinks that always treat us right. But sometimes it’s good to rethink your classic cocktails and change up those mainstays, whether ordering at a bar, mixing up drinks for yourself or playing host at a party. So below, we’ve got a handful of drinks for rethinking your classic cocktails. Each is a variation of a popular recipe, so they will taste familiar while still offering something new for you and your guests.
NEW OLD FASHIONED
2 oz apple brandy
1/2 tsp fine sugar
2-3 dashes Angostura Bitters
Place sugar in the bottom of an Old Fashioned glass. Add bitters and a tsp of water. Muddle until the sugar is dissolved. Add ice cubes and stir until cold. Twist a thin-cut swath of lemon or orange peel over the top.
MOSCOW MULE REDEFINED
1 1/2 oz Bruadar Whiskey Liqueur
1/2 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
4 oz Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer
Pour Bruadar Liqueur and lime juice into a copper mug. Add ice cubes, then top with ginger beer. Stir gently until ingredients combine. Garnish with lime wheels and candied ginger.
SPICY MARTINI
4 oz vodka
1/2 oz olive brine
1/2 dry vermouth
1/4 oz pickled jalapeño brine
Gourmegg Spicy Southwest Gourmet Seasoning
Rim cocktail glass with lemon and seasoning. Stir liquid ingredients in a mixing glass with ice until very cold, then strain into your chilled cocktail glass and garnish with olives.
NEW MANHATTAN
1 1/2 oz Zacapa Rum
3/4 oz dry vermouth
3/4 oz sweet vermouth
2 dashes aromatic bitters
.25 oz honey syrup (equal parts honey and water)
Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
Post author August Radbill is a Professional Mixologist and Cocktail Caterer focusing on high end events and weddings. For more, visit August’s Cocktail Catering.
