As a bartender, I've seen my fair share of impressive drinks being ordered at the bar. But what makes a cocktail truly impressive?
Is it the complexity of the recipe or the presentation? Is it the way it tastes or the ingredients used?
I believe that an impressive cocktail is one that not only looks and tastes amazing but also has a story behind it.
It's a drink that leaves a lasting impression on the person who orders it and makes them feel special.
An impressive cocktail is not just a drink, it's an experience. It's a conversation starter, a work of art, and a reflection of the bartender's skill and creativity.
It's a drink that takes time and effort to make, but the end result is always worth it.
In this blog post, I'll be sharing some of the best impressive cocktail recipes that I've come across in my years as a bartender.
Each recipe has a unique twist that sets it apart from the traditional cocktail, and I hope that these drinks will inspire you to try something new the next time you're at the bar. So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover some of the most impressive cocktails out there.
1. Hibiscus Blood Orange Mezcalrita
Looking for a unique and impressive cocktail to serve at your next gathering? Look no further than the Hibiscus Blood Orange Mezcalrita. This cocktail is a modern twist on the classic margarita, featuring mezcal instead of tequila and a delicious blend of hibiscus tea concentrate, blood orange juice, and lime juice.
The result is a refreshing and vibrant drink that is perfect for any occasion. Not only does this cocktail taste great, but it is also loaded with better-for-you ingredients like antioxidants and vitamin C. Plus, the pink hibiscus salt rim adds a beautiful touch of color and flavor. Give the Hibiscus Blood Orange Mezcalrita a try and impress your guests with your mixology skills.
2. Empress Gin Fizz
The Empress Gin Fizz is a cocktail that is easy to make and impresses guests with its minimal effort. This cocktail has everything that a gin lover would want in a drink – sourness from lemon, a homemade simple syrup, and fizz from the soda water.
The ingredients required for this cocktail are usually readily available, making it a perfect go-to cocktail for any occasion. The Empress Gin Fizz is served in adorable glasses, making it a treat to the eyes as well. This cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves gin and wants to impress their guests with a delicious and visually appealing drink.
3. Winter Cranberry Gin Fizz Cocktail
If you're looking for a sophisticated and festive cocktail to impress your guests this holiday season, look no further than the Winter Cranberry Gin Fizz Cocktail. This cocktail combines the clean taste of gin with the tartness of cranberries and the fragrant aroma of rosemary. The simple syrup is infused with cranberries and rosemary, giving the cocktail a gorgeous blush color and a unique twist.
The addition of lime juice and ginger beer adds a nice fizziness and complementary taste. Whether you're a cocktail newbie or an experienced bartender, this easy-to-make cocktail is sure to impress. So, why not add a little Christmas in a cup to your holiday gatherings this year with the Winter Cranberry Gin Fizz Cocktail?
4. Classic Cosmo Cocktail
The Classic Cosmo Cocktail is a popular drink that gained fame through the TV show Sex and the City. This pink-colored cocktail is made with vodka, triple sec, lime juice, and cranberry juice, and is served in a martini glass. Although some people believe that the creator of this drink is fictional, there is evidence to suggest that Cheryl Cook from South Beach first mixed the cocktail in 1985.
The Classic Cosmo Cocktail is a refreshing and visually stunning drink that is perfect for a night out with friends. With the upcoming return of Sex and the City in a limited 10-episode series, this cocktail is sure to become popular all over again. So why not try this iconic drink and see what all the fuss is about?
5. Tasty Apple Cider Mojito
The Tasty Apple Cider Mojito is a refreshing and fruity cocktail that combines the classic mojito ingredients of rum, mint, and club soda with the rich and sweet flavor of apple cider. This spiked apple cider and rum concoction is perfect for the Fall season and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
The recipe is quick and easy, making it a great option for last-minute entertaining. The cocktail can be garnished with a variety of ingredients, including cinnamon sticks, mint, and apple slices, allowing for customization to suit individual tastes. Overall, the Tasty Apple Cider Mojito is a delicious and impressive cocktail that is perfect for any occasion.
6. Raspberry and Pomegranate Rosé Summer Cocktail
The Raspberry and Pomegranate Rosé Summer Cocktail is a refreshing and fruity drink that is perfect for a Sunday brunch or a girly get-together. Made with fresh raspberries and pomegranate seeds, the cocktail is topped off with Casal Garcia's Sparkling Rosé, which complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.
The cocktail is sweetened with honey and flavored with fresh mint leaves, giving it a unique and delicious taste. If you're looking for a fun and impressive cocktail to serve at your next gathering, the Raspberry and Pomegranate Rosé Summer Cocktail is definitely worth trying.
7. El Presidente Cocktail
Looking for a unique and impressive cocktail to add to your repertoire? Look no further than the El Presidente Cocktail. This Cuban classic is a sophisticated and boozy rum cocktail that is perfect for sipping slowly.
Made with aged rum, blanc vermouth, orange liqueur, and grenadine, the El Presidente has a complex flavor profile that is both subtly bitter and sweet with a citrus nuance. While lesser known today, the El Presidente is a truly special drink that is sure to impress your guests. So why not give it a try and see for yourself what makes this cocktail so unique?
8. Rum Sour
The Rum Sour is a delicious cocktail that lets high-quality dark rum take center stage. Made with fresh lemon juice, orgeat syrup, egg white, and a dash of bitters, it has a frothy white topping that adds a beautiful touch to the drink.
The orgeat syrup gives the cocktail a special touch and the egg white adds a velvety texture to the drink. It's perfect for serving at a classy occasion or a tiki party on the patio.
9. Five Alive Citrus Margarita
The Five Alive Citrus Margarita is a refreshing and fruity cocktail that will transport you back to the 80s. Inspired by the popular juice beverage of the same name, this margarita combines the flavors of orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, and mango juices for a delicious and unique taste.
The cocktail is served with a citrus salt rim and fresh sliced citrus fruit, adding to the presentation and overall experience. This cocktail is perfect for a summer party or a night in with friends. If you're looking for a fun and impressive cocktail to serve at your next gathering, the Five Alive Citrus Margarita is definitely worth a try.
10. Bachelor's Bait Cocktail
The Bachelor's Bait Cocktail is a classic drink from the 1930s, originally intended for single women looking to attract eligible bachelors. It's a perfect blend of gin, grenadine, and orange bitters, with the addition of egg white giving it a creamy texture and a foamy top.
The sweet and sour flavors are perfectly balanced, making it a refreshing and enjoyable drink for any occasion. Its unique flavor profile and stunning presentation are sure to impress your guests and make you the star of any party.
11. Aquafaba Gin Grapefruit Sour Cocktail
The Aquafaba Gin Grapefruit Sour Cocktail is a unique twist on the classic gin sour cocktail. Instead of using egg white, this recipe uses aquafaba, the liquid from a can of chickpeas, to create a frothy and creamy foam. This not only makes the cocktail plant-based but also reduces food waste by utilizing a normally discarded ingredient.
The addition of grapefruit juice adds a refreshing and tangy twist to the drink. The cocktail is perfect for those who want to try something new and innovative in their cocktail repertoire. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a unique and impressive cocktail recipe.
12. The Hawaiian Bonfire
"The Hawaiian Bonfire" is a spicy, smoky pineapple cocktail made with mezcal, jalapeño infused pineapple juice, prosecco, Malibu rum, and fresh lime juice. This impressive cocktail is perfect for summer pool parties and is sure to impress your guests with its complex and refreshing flavors.
The mezcal adds a smoky depth to the cocktail while the jalapeño infused pineapple juice provides a spicy kick. The addition of prosecco and Malibu rum makes it bubbly and tropical, making it a perfect addition to any summer party. Overall, "The Hawaiian Bonfire" is a must-try cocktail for anyone looking to add a little heat and excitement to their summer drinks menu.
13. Sugar Cookie Margarita
If you're looking for a unique and festive cocktail to impress your guests, look no further than the Sugar Cookie Margarita. This drink combines the classic flavors of a margarita with the sweetness of a sugar cookie, making it the perfect holiday drink. The rim of the glass is frosted with icing and Christmas cookie sprinkles, adding an extra touch of holiday cheer.
While it may be on the sweeter side, you can adjust the recipe to your liking. Sip it from the rimmed glass to get the full sugar cookie flavor experience. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you. So why not add a little something special to your holiday party with this delicious and impressive cocktail?
14. Black Velvet Cocktail
The Black Velvet Cocktail is a simple yet impressive drink that combines the richness of Guinness stout with the lightness of champagne. Originally created in London to mourn the death of Prince Albert, this cocktail has since become a popular choice for special occasions like New Year's Eve and St. Patrick's Day.
The drink is made by layering equal parts of Guinness and champagne in a tall flute glass, creating a beautiful three-layered effect. The dark, coffee-toned taste of the stout is balanced by the light, sparkling champagne, making it a perfect drink for brunch or any celebration. The Black Velvet Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a unique and delicious cocktail that is sure to impress.
15. Ombre Hibiscus Prosecco Cocktail
The Ombre Hibiscus Prosecco Cocktail is a stunning and easy-to-make cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. Made with whole hibiscus flowers and sweet and fresh Da Luca prosecco, this cocktail has a beautiful pink color and a layered ombre effect. The hibiscus flowers are edible and add a chewy, gummy texture to the drink.
This cocktail is perfect for brunch, weddings, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, or any celebration that calls for a sparkling wine cocktail. With its unique ingredients and easy preparation, the Ombre Hibiscus Prosecco Cocktail is sure to impress your guests and add a touch of elegance to any event.
16. The Sake Lychee Martini
If you're looking for a refreshing and elegant cocktail to impress your guests, look no further than "The Sake Lychee Martini". This cocktail is made with just two ingredients – a nice sake and canned lychees in juice – and is garnished with a pretty lychee. The sweetness of the lychee juice perfectly complements the sake, making for a truly delightful cocktail.
This drink is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a party or a romantic date night. Plus, the addition of cherry blossoms as a garnish adds a lovely touch of spring to the drink. If you're looking for more spring cocktail inspiration, be sure to check out the author's Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook pages.
17. Perfect Peach Mojito
The Perfect Peach Mojito is a refreshing and fruity spin on the classic Mojito cocktail. Made with fresh, ripe peaches, mint, lime, and white rum, it's a light and irresistible drink that's perfect for sipping on a warm evening.
The use of fresh, seasonal ingredients adds a natural sweetness and depth of flavor to the drink. It's a crowd-pleaser that's sure to impress at any summer gathering.
18. Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail made with sugar, bitters, and whiskey, finished with an orange peel and served in an old fashioned glass.
It's a smooth and cold drink that's perfect for whiskey lovers who want to dress up their favorite drink. This timeless cocktail is easy to make and customize to your taste. Give it a try and see why it's been a favorite for over a century!
19. Lavender French 75
The Lavender French 75 is a delightful twist on the classic French 75 cocktail. This elegant cocktail is made with gin, champagne, lemon, and a delicate lavender flavor. The addition of lavender adds a unique depth of flavor that is both soothing and refreshing. The lavender sugar and homemade lavender simple syrup make this cocktail extra special and impressive to serve at any gathering.
The Lavender French 75 is a perfect cocktail for a weekend party or a girl's night out. It's easy to make and will definitely impress your guests with its delicate and sweet flavors. If you're a fan of French 75s, you should definitely try this Lavender French 75 recipe for a new favorite cocktail.
20. Blueberry Gin Cocktail
The Blueberry Gin Cocktail is a refreshing and visually stunning drink that is perfect for summer entertaining. This layered cocktail features a beautiful red, white, and blue color scheme, making it a great choice for patriotic holidays like Memorial Day, 4th of July, or Labor Day.
The cocktail is made with blueberry syrup and gin, and is topped off with a layer of club soda for a fizzy finish. The lemon sugared rim adds a nice touch of sweetness and complements the tartness of the blueberries. Overall, this cocktail is a great choice for anyone looking to impress their guests with a delicious and visually appealing drink.
21. French 75
French 75 is a classic cocktail that has been loved by many since 1915. It is a sophisticated drink that combines the bright and citrusy taste of lemon juice with the sweet accent of simple syrup and the herbaceous, botanical taste of gin. The addition of champagne gives the drink a strong boozy kick, making it perfect for celebratory events.
The name of the cocktail is derived from the French M1897 75 millimeter field gun, which was the deadliest weapon on the market during World War I. The French 75 is a perfect drink for those who want to expand and spice up their bar selection. It is a refreshing and flavorful cocktail that can be paired with a variety of meals, making it a great addition to any party or event.
22. Royal Hawaiian Cocktail
The Royal Hawaiian Cocktail is a stunning drink that combines purple gin, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and orgeat syrup. The cocktail is garnished with a fresh pineapple wedge and leaves, making it a beautiful addition to any party or gathering.
Originally called the "Princess Kaiulani," this cocktail has a long history dating back to the late 1920s at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki Beach, Hawaii. Overall, the Royal Hawaiian Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and impressive cocktail recipe.
23. Blood Orange Cocktail With Gin and Rosemary
The Blood Orange Cocktail with Gin and Rosemary is a refreshing and flavorful drink that highlights the seasonal blood oranges. It's simple to make and doesn't require any fancy ingredients.
The combination of gin, bitters, and rosemary gives the cocktail a nice kick and a hint of herbiness that balances out the sweetness of the blood oranges. It's perfect for those who want to impress their guests without spending too much time and effort in the kitchen.
24. White Christmas Mojito
The White Christmas Mojito is a tropical twist on a classic holiday drink. This creamy and fizzy cocktail is packed with fresh mint, lime juice, white rum, coconut rum, coconut milk, and sparkling water. It's a coconut lover's dream come true and perfect for any holiday party.
The cocktail is topped with pomegranate arils for a festive garnish. While this drink may not be for everyone, those who love coconut will surely enjoy it. It's a great way to add a little tropicalness to a snowy white Christmas. Overall, the White Christmas Mojito is a fun and easy cocktail that's sure to impress your guests.
25. Flaming Spanish Coffee
If you're looking for a cocktail that's sure to impress your guests, look no further than Flaming Spanish Coffee. This fiery drink is made with rum, triple sec, coffee, and coffee liqueur, and is set ablaze to caramelize the sugar rim. The flames die down by the time the drink is ready to serve, leaving behind a deliciously rich and complex flavor.
While it may seem intimidating to set a drink on fire, the process is surprisingly simple and adds an element of excitement to any gathering. So, if you're ready to wow your guests with a show-stopping cocktail, give Flaming Spanish Coffee a try.
26. Raspberry Mango Margaritas
If you're looking for a refreshing and fruity cocktail to impress your guests, look no further than the Raspberry Mango Margarita. This frozen drink is the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, with the flavors of raspberry and mango swirling together to create a delicious and eye-catching drink.
It's the perfect addition to any summer gathering or girls' night in. So treat yourself and your guests to this impressive cocktail and enjoy the taste of summer in a glass.
27. Fresh Blackberry Margarita
The Fresh Blackberry Margarita is a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail, bursting with the flavors of summer in every sip. Made with muddled blackberries, reposado tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice, this simple yet impressive cocktail is perfect for any occasion.
The cocktail is garnished with a lime slice and coarse sea salt, adding an extra touch of elegance to its presentation. Whether you have a sweet tooth or prefer something savory, the Fresh Blackberry Margarita pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes.
28. Gold Shimmery Champagne Cocktail
The Gold Shimmery Champagne Cocktail is a mesmerizingly beautiful drink that is perfect for any celebratory occasion. The cocktail is made with St-Germain liqueur and gold luster dust, giving it a shimmery and luxurious appearance. It is then topped with your favorite bubbly, preferably a sweeter sparkling wine like extra-dry or dry champagne, prosecco or spumante.
The fruity and floral notes of the elderflower liqueur perfectly complement the sweetness of the champagne, making for a delicious and refreshing drink. Whether you're hosting a New Year's Eve party or a themed wedding, this cocktail is sure to impress your guests with its stunning appearance and delightful taste.
29. New York Sour Cocktail
The New York Sour Cocktail is a stunning drink that combines a classic whiskey sour with a splash of red wine on top.
The result is a beautiful color separation and a deliciously balanced sour flavor that is sure to impress your guests. This cocktail is easy to make and requires only a few simple ingredients, making it a great choice for any occasion.
30. Tequila Sour
If you're a tequila lover, then the Tequila Sour is a must-try cocktail. This impressive cocktail is smooth and silky, perfect for sipping on añejo tequila. The ingredient list is short and sweet, and the dry shake method used to make this cocktail ensures that it's nice and foamy.
The Tequila Sour is a sophisticated cocktail that's easy to make and takes only 5 minutes to prepare. It's a great way to enjoy añejo tequila, and the perfect cocktail to impress your guests with. So, if you're looking for a new tequila cocktail to try, give the Tequila Sour a shot!
31. The Old Cuban Cocktail
The Old Cuban Cocktail is a modern classic that has taken the cocktail world by storm. Created by Audrey Saunders in New York, this rum-based cocktail is an upgrade from the classic Mojito and offers a unique twist on the traditional Cuban cocktail.
With a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, the Old Cuban Cocktail is a refreshing drink that can be enjoyed all year round. Its unique blend of rum, mint, lime, and bitters make it a perfect choice for any occasion. So, if you're looking for a cocktail that is both impressive and delicious, the Old Cuban Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
32. Pomegranate Rosemary Gin Fizz Cocktail
The Pomegranate Rosemary Gin Fizz Cocktail is a refreshing and impressive drink that combines the tartness of pomegranate juice with the sweetness of rosemary simple syrup and the crispness of gin.
The drink is then topped off with club soda and garnished with a sprig of rosemary, making it both visually stunning and delicious. It's perfect for entertaining guests or simply enjoying on a quiet evening at home.
