As a bartender, one of the most important aspects of my job is creating the perfect drink for each of my customers.
Whether it's a classic cocktail or a new twist on an old favorite, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of seeing a customer take that first sip and smile with delight.
But what about when it comes to creating a signature drink that represents the essence of the bar itself?
House Cocktails are often the star of the show, designed to showcase the personality and style of the establishment. They tell a story about the bar, its history, and the people who make it what it is.
A House Cocktail is more than just a drink – it's a statement. It's a way for a bar to stand out from the crowd and make a lasting impression on its patrons.
But with so many different ingredients and flavors to choose from, creating the perfect House Cocktail can be a challenge. That's why I've taken it upon myself to scour the world of mixology and find the very best House Cocktail recipes out there.
In this blog post, I'll be sharing some of my favorite House Cocktail recipes, along with tips and tricks for creating your own signature drink.
From classic concoctions to modern twists, these cocktails are sure to impress even the most discerning of drinkers. So sit back, grab a shaker, and let's get mixing!
1. Boulevardier
The Boulevardier Cocktail is a twist on the classic Negroni, replacing gin with whiskey. It is smooth, balanced, and less bitter than its predecessor.
The recipe calls for 1.5 ounces of whiskey, 1 ounce of Campari, and 1 ounce of sweet vermouth, served over ice. If you are looking for a new cocktail to try, the Boulevardier is a must-try for whiskey lovers.
2. Jungle Bird Cocktail
The Jungle Bird Cocktail is a delightful tropical rum cocktail that is perfect for those who love complex yet easy-to-drink cocktails. It is a classic tiki cocktail that is made with dark rum, pineapple juice, Campari liqueur, and lime juice.
The unique addition of Campari adds a distinct bitter note to the cocktail that offsets the sweeter ingredients, making it more complex and balanced than many tiki style drinks, yet still refreshing and easy to drink. This cocktail is perfect for those who love tropical vibes and want to try something new. If you're looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail that is perfect for happy hour, the Jungle Bird Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
3. Sazerac
The Sazerac is a classic cocktail that has been the official drink of New Orleans for over a century. This simple yet elegant cocktail is made with Sazerac Rye, Peychaud’s Bitters, Herbsaint, a sugar cube, and a lemon peel.
The Sazerac is a perfect balance of sweet and bitter flavors, with a hint of anise from the Herbsaint rinse. The history of the cocktail is just as intriguing as the drink itself, with its roots tracing back to the Cognac region of France. The Sazerac is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the flavors of New Orleans.
4. Elderflower, Gin and Prosecco Cocktail
The Elderflower, Gin and Prosecco Cocktail is a must-try for any cocktail lover. This signature cocktail is perfect for any party and will definitely impress your guests. With just five ingredients, this cocktail is easy to make and takes only five minutes to prepare.
The combination of gin, elderflower, Prosecco, and lime juice creates a refreshing and delicious flavor that will leave you wanting more. The sugar-rimmed martini glass adds a touch of elegance to this already impressive cocktail. If you're looking for a unique and tasty cocktail to serve at your next party, the Elderflower, Gin and Prosecco Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
5. Cranberry and Mint Rum Punch
The Cranberry and Mint Rum Punch is a refreshing and festive cocktail that is perfect for the holiday season. Made with fresh cranberries, lime juice, and high-quality rum, this cocktail is a step above the typical rum punch you might find in the Caribbean. The addition of fresh mint leaves not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful contrast of color to the drink.
Served over ice and garnished with cranberries and mint leaves, this cocktail is sure to impress your guests at any holiday gathering. If you're looking for a unique and delicious cocktail to serve this holiday season, the Cranberry and Mint Rum Punch is definitely worth a try.
6. Cherry Manhattan
The Cherry Manhattan is a perfect winter cocktail for those who love bourbon-based drinks. This cocktail is a twist on the classic Manhattan, with Red Stag bourbon infused with black cherry and a hint of cinnamon. The sweetness of the bourbon is balanced out by the addition of bitters and a lighter amount of sweet vermouth.
The cocktail can be served up or on the rocks and is garnished with a cocktail cherry or two. The Cherry Manhattan is a cozy, rich, and sweet cocktail that is perfect for sipping on a chilly winter evening. If you're a fan of bourbon cocktails, this is definitely one to try.
7. Pineapple Rosé Sangria
The Pineapple Rosé Sangria is a refreshing and delicious cocktail that is perfect for entertaining guests. Made with pineapple juice and fresh fruit, this cocktail is refined sugar-free and a healthier option for those who want to indulge in a big batch cocktail. The addition of pineapple juice not only adds a fruity flavor but also has numerous health benefits, including aiding digestion and being high in Vitamin C and B6.
The rosé wine used in this cocktail adds a touch of elegance and sophistication, making it a perfect choice for special occasions or a relaxing evening at home. So, if you're looking for a tasty and healthy cocktail option, the Pineapple Rosé Sangria is definitely worth a try.
8. Rum Manhattan
The Rum Manhattan is a classic cocktail that has been given a new twist with the addition of 1888 Rum. This premium double aged rum adds a smooth and rich flavor to the cocktail that is perfect for sipping. The cocktail is made with only three ingredients, allowing the flavor of the rum to shine through.
The combination of the sweet vermouth and bitters creates a perfect balance with the rum, making it a great choice for any occasion. The Rum Manhattan is easy to make and is sure to impress your guests with its unique flavor profile. If you're looking for a new take on a classic cocktail, the Rum Manhattan is definitely worth a try.
9. Port Elderflower
The Port Elderflower is a unique and delicious cocktail that combines port, St-Germain Elderflower liqueur, and light rum. It's smooth, moderately sweet, and has fruity and floral notes.
The rum makes it light enough to enjoy over ice at a summer barbecue. It's perfect as a nightcap or after-dinner drink, and pairs well with seasoned meats like prosciutto or salmon.
10. Scarlett O'Hara
The Scarlett O'Hara is a classic cocktail that is perfect for a warm summer afternoon or as an after-dinner drink. This tart and fruity cocktail is made with Southern Comfort, cranberry juice, and lime, and is a refreshing and delicious option for those who love a good berry flavor.
The cranberry juice provides a sweet and tart flavor that is balanced out by the lime, which adds a citrusy note to the drink. If you're looking for a cocktail that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion, the Scarlett O'Hara is definitely worth trying.
11. Winter Sea Breeze
Looking for a refreshing cocktail to warm up your winter days? Look no further than the Winter Sea Breeze! This cocktail is a modern twist on the classic Sea Breeze, with a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. Made with white cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, and vodka, this drink is perfect for those who love fruity and easy-to-make cocktails.
The addition of Grapefruit Mint bitters and a garnish of pink grapefruit and mint gives this drink a fresh and tropical flair. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing cocktail for a holiday party or a cozy night in, the Winter Sea Breeze is sure to impress.
12. Tropical Baileys Colada
The Tropical Baileys Colada is a unique twist on the classic Piña Colada. This cocktail combines the traditional flavors of rum, coconut, and pineapple with the unexpected addition of Baileys Irish Cream and banana. The result is a creamy, tropical drink that will transport you to a hammock on a palm beach.
With only five ingredients, this cocktail is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Don't let the idea of Baileys in a colada scare you away, give it a try and you won't be disappointed. This cocktail is sure to be a hit at any party or gathering.
13. Cucumber Cosmo
The Cucumber Cosmo is a refreshing twist on the classic pink cosmopolitan cocktail. The recipe swaps out the traditional citrus vodka for cucumber vodka, giving the drink a clean and fresh taste with a hint of herbal essence.
This cocktail is perfect for those who want to try something new and exciting, but still enjoy the classic flavors of a cosmopolitan. The Cucumber Cosmo is easy to make and can be multiplied to serve a crowd. If you're looking for a unique and delicious cocktail to impress your guests, give the Cucumber Cosmo a try.
14. Azalea Cocktail
The Azalea Cocktail is a refreshing and light drink that is perfect for spring and summer parties or for watching the Masters golf tournament. Its name is inspired by the 13th hole at Augusta National Golf Club, which is surrounded by beautiful azalea flowers. This signature cocktail is made with a blend of lemon juice, pineapple juice, vodka, and grenadine, resulting in a delicious and fruity taste.
Whether you prefer to make a single cocktail or a pitcher for a party, the Azalea Cocktail is a fantastic choice that is sure to impress your guests. So, if you're looking for a unique and delicious cocktail to serve at your next gathering, give the Azalea Cocktail a try!
15. Army & Navy Classic Gin Cocktail
The Army & Navy Classic Gin Cocktail is a must-try for gin lovers. This classic cocktail combines gin, lemon, orgeat, and bitters to create a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
The cocktail has a slight tiki vibe due to the almond-flavored orgeat syrup and the use of classic aromatic bitters. Overall, the Army & Navy Classic Gin Cocktail is a refreshing and flavorful drink that is perfect for any occasion.
16. The Sneak
"The Sneak" is a refreshing bourbon slushie infused with lavender lemon flavors. The cocktail is perfect for summer parties and is easy to make by adjusting the overall proof of the slushie cocktail to around 10-12 percent.
The lavender syrup and Scrappy’s Lavender Bitters add a floral and aromatic touch to the cocktail, while the limoncello ensures that the essence of lemon shines through even though it will be frozen. Overall, "The Sneak" is a must-try cocktail that is perfect for those who love bourbon and want to try something new and refreshing this summer.
17. Sage Ginger Limoncello Cocktail
The Sage Ginger Limoncello Cocktail is a refreshing and flavorful drink that is perfect for winter. It is made with homemade limoncello liqueur and a homemade simple syrup that is infused with sage and ginger. The cocktail has a perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy flavor without being too overwhelming.
It is a great way to use up extra lemons and impress your guests with a unique and delicious drink. If you are looking for a new cocktail to try this winter, the Sage Ginger Limoncello Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
18. Passion Fruit Mojito
The Passion Fruit Mojito is a refreshing and tropical cocktail that is perfect for summer parties and barbecues. It is made with fresh passion fruit, rum, mint leaves, lime juice, and club soda. The passion fruit adds a sweet and tart flavor to the cocktail, while the mint leaves give it a refreshing taste.
The combination of flavors makes this cocktail a new summer favorite. The recipe is easy to follow and can be made with ingredients that are readily available at most stores. If you are looking for a fun and unique cocktail to serve at your next party, the Passion Fruit Mojito is definitely worth trying.
