As a bartender, I have seen and mixed countless drinks over the years. From the classic and simple to the elaborate and unique, there is never a shortage of creativity when it comes to cocktails.
However, there is something special about rare cocktails that captures my attention every time. These are the drinks that are not commonly found on menus or in recipe books, but are instead passed down through the generations or discovered through experimentation.
Rare cocktails are a true testament to the art of mixology. They require skill, knowledge, and creativity to create something truly unique and unforgettable.
These drinks often feature rare ingredients or unconventional combinations, making them a true adventure for the palate. Every sip is a journey through flavors and textures, a chance to experience something completely new and unexpected.
In this post, I will be sharing some of the best rare cocktail recipes that I have come across over the years. These are drinks that have stood the test of time, winning over even the most discerning of cocktail drinkers.
Whether you are a seasoned mixologist or simply looking to try something new, these rare cocktails are sure to impress. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the world of rare cocktails.
1. Blackberry Bourbon Mule
The Blackberry Bourbon Mule is a refreshing and unique cocktail that is perfect for those who love fruity flavors with a kick of bourbon. The combination of fresh blackberries, lime juice, and ginger beer creates a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors. The addition of bourbon adds a smooth and smoky finish to the drink.
The cocktail is garnished with a wedge of lime, fresh blackberries, and a sprig of mint, making it a visually appealing drink as well. This cocktail is perfect for any season and can be enjoyed with or without alcohol. Give the Blackberry Bourbon Mule a try and experience a rare and delicious cocktail that will leave you wanting more.
2. Earl Grey Old Fashioned
The Earl Grey Old Fashioned is a unique twist on the classic cocktail that is perfect for those who enjoy a little bit of tea in their drinks. This cocktail is lightly sweetened and has a smooth texture that is sure to please any palate. The use of Harney and Sons tea, specifically their Paris tea, adds a touch of elegance to the drink that is hard to resist.
The addition of orange and bourbon creates a perfect balance of flavors that is both refreshing and satisfying. This cocktail is a great choice for anyone who loves old fashioned's but wants to try something a little different. So, if you're looking for a rare cocktail that is sure to impress, give the Earl Grey Old Fashioned a try.
3. Blood and Sand
The Blood and Sand is a rare and intriguing scotch-based cocktail that has been around for almost 100 years. It's a perfect blend of fruit, smoke, bitter, and sweet, with a unique flavor that is reminiscent of warm summer days and cool autumn evenings by a roaring bonfire.
The use of fresh blood orange juice and black Luxardo maraschino cherry adds a touch of sophistication and luxury to this already impressive cocktail. Overall, the Blood and Sand is a must-try for anyone looking to expand their cocktail repertoire and experience a truly unique and delicious drink.
4. Blackberry Vanilla Bourbon Lemonade
The Blackberry Vanilla Bourbon Lemonade is a unique cocktail that combines the sweetness of blackberries with the smoothness of bourbon and the tanginess of lemonade. This rare cocktail recipe is perfect for those who want to try something new and exciting. The infusion of vanilla adds a subtle twist to the drink, making it a refreshing and crisp drink best sipped on the porch on a lazy summer afternoon.
Even though it's currently winter, this cocktail will transport you to a warm summer day. The recipe requires a few simple tools, including a saucepan, mesh strainer, and cocktail pitcher with glasses. If you're looking for a cocktail that's both naughty and nice, the Blackberry Vanilla Bourbon Lemonade is the perfect choice.
5. Rosemary Fig Japanese Whisky Sour
The Rosemary Fig Japanese Whisky Sour is a luxurious and creative cocktail that combines the flavors of fall with the smoky sweetness of Japanese whisky. This cocktail is creamy, sweet, sour, and envelops your taste buds in early autumn-inspired warmth. It's made with premium Japanese whisky, egg whites, fig syrup, bitters, fresh lemon juice, and a sprig of rosemary, shaken to perfection.
The cocktail is perfect for satisfying your cocktail lounge cravings at home this autumn. The recipe was born out of some grim circumstances during the height of COVID restrictions, but it has since undergone an intensive testing process to ensure it's shaken to perfection. The cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking to break out of their cocktail comfort zones with beautiful, seasonally-inspired ingredients.
6. Lucciola
Lucciola, an Italian word for firefly, is a rare cocktail that is sure to light up your taste buds. This delightful drink is made with Vecchio Amaro del Capo, a type of herbal liqueur infused with 29 herbs, spices, roots, flowers, fruits, and more. The cocktail is balanced with sweet passionfruit liqueur and the acidity of Manzanilla and lemon juice.
The aquafaba foam adds a unique texture to the drink. The flavors of orange peel and anise/licorice notes come through, reminiscent of gin. The cocktail is garnished with a fresh slapped sage leaf, adding a touch of earthiness to the drink. Lucciola is a must-try for anyone looking for a unique and flavorful cocktail experience.
7. Apple Bees Knees Cocktail
The Apple Bees Knees Cocktail is a seasonal twist on the classic gin cocktail. This cocktail is perfect for happy hour, especially after a long day at work. The recipe includes fresh homegrown apples, but bottled apple juice can be used instead.
This cocktail is a great way to bond with friends over onion rings and booze while moaning about recipe failures. The Apple Bees Knees Cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves a good gin cocktail with a twist.
8. Mistletoe Margarita
The Mistletoe Margarita is a festive and refreshing holiday cocktail that combines classic margarita ingredients with a special twist. This cocktail is made with tequila, orange liqueur, Grand Marnier, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and white cranberry juice.
It is garnished with rosemary and cranberries, making it a beautiful and colorful addition to any holiday party. The Mistletoe Margarita is a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, with a hint of orange and a subtle herbal note from the rosemary. This cocktail is sure to impress your guests and get them in the holiday spirit.
9. Wakey Wakey Breakfast Old Fashioned
The Wakey Wakey Breakfast Old Fashioned is a unique take on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, perfect for those who love a boozy breakfast or brunch. This cocktail combines the flavors of cold brew coffee syrup, maple syrup, whiskey, and orange bitters to create a complex and delicious drink.
The use of coffee and maple syrup give it a breakfast feel, while the whiskey and bitters add a kick of flavor. The garnish of maple syrup on the rim of the glass allows for a customizable level of sweetness, while the orange peel adds a lovely aroma. Overall, the Wakey Wakey Breakfast Old Fashioned is a must-try for anyone looking to mix up their brunch cocktail game.
10. Peppermint White Russian Cocktail
The Peppermint White Russian Cocktail is a perfect drink for the holiday season. It's a fun twist on the classic White Russian recipe, with a creamy and refreshing peppermint flavor. The recipe is simple and easy to make, with just four ingredients – coffee liqueur, vodka, peppermint schnapps, and half and half.
This delicious cocktail is perfect for a cozy night by the fire or as an after-dinner drink. The peppermint flavor adds a festive touch to the classic cocktail, making it a great way to celebrate the holiday season. If you're looking for a fun and easy cocktail recipe to try this holiday season, the Peppermint White Russian Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
11. Antique Rose
"Antique Rose" is a Rare Cocktail recipe that is perfect for Valentine's Day or any special occasion. The cocktail features Empress Gin, a purplish-blue gin with notes of citrus, juniper, rose, and light spice, and is paired with Fever Tree Sparkling Grapefruit and sparkling Rosé. The natural color of the gin comes from the Butterfly Pea flower, which is known for producing a popular blue tea.
The cocktail is garnished with real rose petals for a floral finish. This cocktail is a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors, with a stunning color that is sure to impress your guests. If you're looking for a unique and beautiful cocktail to serve at your next event, "Antique Rose" is definitely worth trying.
12. Gin and Tonic
Gin and Tonic is a classic cocktail that has been around for centuries. It is a simple yet refreshing drink that can be enjoyed year-round. The combination of gin and tonic water creates a perfect balance of flavors that is enhanced by the addition of aromatic garnishes. The signature note of juniper berry in gin is complemented by a variety of other botanicals used by different distillers.
The quality of the tonic water and choice of garnish can elevate the drink to a whole new level. The use of the right glass is also crucial in enhancing the fragrance of the botanicals. If you're looking for a classic cocktail that is easy to make and delicious to drink, Gin and Tonic is definitely worth a try.
13. Raspberry Strawberry Margaritas
Looking for a fruity and refreshing cocktail to add to your list of Rare Cocktail recipes? Look no further than the Raspberry Strawberry Margarita. This delicious cocktail combines the classic margarita recipe with the sweet and tangy flavors of strawberries and raspberries. Perfect for entertaining, this cocktail can be easily made in advance and served over ice.
The garnish of assorted berries, mint, lime wedges, and kosher salt adds an extra touch of elegance to this already beautiful drink. Whether you're celebrating Cinco de Mayo or just looking for a delicious summer cocktail, the Raspberry Strawberry Margarita is sure to impress.
14. Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is a classic cocktail that has been given a fresh twist with this recipe. Made with a mint-infused simple syrup, bourbon, and lots of fresh mint, this julep is perfect for those who love a bright and springy drink. The infusion of mint in the simple syrup adds an extra layer of minty freshness to the cocktail, making it stand out from other julep recipes.
The cocktail is served over crushed ice and garnished with plenty of fresh mint, making it a refreshing and visually appealing drink. Whether you're a fan of the Kentucky Derby or not, this Mint Julep recipe is sure to impress and is perfect for any occasion.
15. Sparkling Peach Sangria
The Sparkling Peach Sangria is a refreshing and fruity cocktail that's perfect for spring and summer. Made with frozen peaches and raspberries, this sangria is a great way to enjoy the flavors of the season even when fresh produce isn't readily available.
The addition of champagne gives it a light and bubbly finish that's perfect for brunch or lazy weekend mornings. It's also a great party drink that can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for entertaining. Overall, the Sparkling Peach Sangria is a must-try cocktail that's sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
16. Peach White Wine Slushies
If you're looking for a refreshing summer cocktail that's easy to make and bursting with fruity flavors, look no further than the Peach White Wine Slushie. Made with frozen peaches, simple syrup, and a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, this cocktail is the perfect way to cool down on a hot day.
The frozen fruit gives it a thick, creamy consistency, while the wine adds a subtle hint of nectarine and a refreshing crispness. Garnished with fresh sliced peaches, this cocktail is as beautiful as it is delicious. So if you're looking for a new go-to summer drink, give the Peach White Wine Slushie a try – your taste buds will thank you.
17. Peach Sangria
Peach Sangria is a refreshing and fruity cocktail that is perfect for summertime gatherings. Made with white wine, fresh or frozen peaches, and a mint simple syrup, this cocktail is easy to make and can be prepared in advance for convenience.
The longer it sits, the better it tastes as the fruit and juices absorb the flavors of the wine. The addition of garnishes such as mint leaves and edible flowers make it a visually appealing drink as well. Whether you're hosting a party or just want to enjoy a delicious cocktail on a hot day, Peach Sangria is a must-try.
18. Strawberry Gimlet
The Strawberry Gimlet is a refreshing and fruity cocktail that is perfect for spring and summer. Made with homemade strawberry simple syrup, this cocktail has a pure and authentic flavor. The gin-based cocktail is easy to make and can be whipped up in just a few minutes.
If you're a fan of flavored gimlet cocktails, this one is sure to impress. The Strawberry Gimlet is a great addition to any cocktail party or gathering, and is perfect for those who enjoy fruity and refreshing drinks. With its vibrant pink color and delicious taste, this cocktail is definitely worth trying.
