As a bartender, I have seen it all – the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. I have seen patrons order the same drink every time they come in, and I have seen them try something new every night.
But what sets apart a good bartender from a great one is their ability to whip up a specialty cocktail that not only tastes amazing but also leaves a lasting impression.
Creating a specialty cocktail is an art form that requires a keen sense of taste and creativity. It's more than just mixing a few ingredients together; it's about experimenting with flavors, textures, and colors to create a unique drink that stands out from the rest.
It's about knowing what ingredients complement each other and how to balance the flavors to create a harmonious blend.
A great specialty cocktail not only tastes great but also tells a story. It's about the inspiration behind the drink, the history of the ingredients used, and the passion that went into creating it.
It's about the experience of sipping a drink that was crafted just for you, with flavors that tickle your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
In this blog post, I will be sharing some of the best specialty cocktail recipes that I have come across in my years as a bartender.
From classic cocktails with a twist to unique creations that push the boundaries of mixology, these drinks are sure to impress even the most discerning palate. So sit back, relax, and let me take you on a journey through the world of specialty cocktails.
1. Sex on the Beach
"Sex on the Beach" is a refreshing and fruity cocktail that is perfect for hot summer days or a fun night out with friends. Made with vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, and fresh orange juice, this cocktail is a crowd pleaser and easy to make in large batches.
The vibrant colors and sweet taste make it a popular choice for summer weddings and beach parties. The garnish of orange slices or cherries adds a finishing touch to this delicious drink. Whether you're a seasoned bartender or just looking to impress your guests, "Sex on the Beach" is a must-try cocktail that will have everyone coming back for more.
2. Bourbon Old Fashioned
The Bourbon Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail made with bourbon, sugar, bitters, orange, and a cherry. The type of sugar used impacts the taste, with turbinado sugar being the best choice. Small batch bourbons are a great option, and the cherry used can make a huge difference.
Adding an orange peel gives the cocktail the right amount of citrus zest. The ice used can elevate the drink to bar-style quality, with the True Cubes ice mold being the best option for making clear ice at home. Overall, the Bourbon Old Fashioned is a must-try cocktail for anyone looking for a refined and complex drink.
3. Classic Champagne Cocktail
The Classic Champagne Cocktail is a timeless and elegant drink that has been a favorite for celebrations and special occasions for many years. This bubbly mix of champagne, Angostura bitters, and sugar is garnished with a lemon twist, dash of bourbon, or a maraschino cherry, making it a versatile and customizable drink.
The dry champagne mixed with the tart sweetness of sugar and bitters creates a unique and refreshing taste that will take your taste buds on a journey. This cocktail is perfect for those who love dry champagne but want to add a twist to their favorite drink. Whether you're hosting a party or enjoying a night in, the Classic Champagne Cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves a good specialty cocktail.
4. Lime Blackberry Martini
If you're looking for a specialty cocktail that's both sweet and tangy, the Lime Blackberry Martini is a must-try. This crisp and cool vodka martini is perfect for any special gathering, and its deep, dark purple color adds an aura of mystery to your drink.
The combination of blackberry and lime purée gives this cocktail the perfect balance of flavors, making it a refreshing and delicious drink to enjoy. Whether you're a fan of James Bond or just looking for something new, the Lime Blackberry Martini is sure to impress. So, why not give it a try at your next cocktail hour and see for yourself?
5. Red Moon Over Manhattan Cocktail
The Red Moon Over Manhattan Cocktail is a unique twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail. This specialty cocktail recipe incorporates red wine and bourbon to create a sophisticated and smooth drink. The garnish of orange peel and maraschino cherry adds the perfect finishing touch. The stunning color of the cocktail is sure to stand out at any gathering or party.
With less than 150 calories per drink, it's a guilt-free indulgence. Sip on this cocktail during happy hour or serve it at a variety of occasions such as Halloween movie night, fall harvest party, or wine and cheese party. If you're a fan of bourbon, this cocktail is a must-try. And if you love wine cocktails, the Red Moon Over Manhattan is a perfect choice.
6. Pornstar Martini
The Pornstar Martini is a sweet and sophisticated cocktail that has taken the world by storm. This cocktail is made with gin, passion fruit liqueur, vanilla sugar syrup, passion fruit puree, and passion fruit juice. It is served in a wide-rimmed cocktail glass with half a passion fruit as a garnish.
The frothy top of the drink adds to its glamourous appeal. The cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy fruity and sweet drinks. The Pornstar Martini is a must-try for anyone who loves to indulge in a delicious and unique cocktail.
7. Gin and Rosemary Sparkling Lemonade
If you're looking for a refreshing and sophisticated cocktail to serve at your next summer gathering, the Gin and Rosemary Sparkling Lemonade is a must-try. This cocktail combines the smooth and fruity Brockman's Gin with the herbaceous scent of rosemary in a simple syrup, fresh lemon, and club soda.
The addition of blueberries, blackberries, coriander, and other botanicals in the gin make for a unique and delightful flavor profile. The cocktail is garnished with a sprig of rosemary and a squeeze of lemon for added freshness. This cocktail is perfect for those who want to enjoy a less "girly" drink without sacrificing flavor and complexity. Give it a try and impress your guests with this delicious and refreshing libation.
8. Strawberry Basil Cocktail With Gin
The Strawberry Basil Cocktail with Gin is a refreshing and unique drink that is perfect for those who enjoy a little bit of sweetness in their cocktails. The combination of fresh strawberries and basil, along with the herbal notes of gin and the floral sweetness of elderflower liqueur, creates a complex and delicious flavor profile.
Topped off with tonic water, this cocktail is perfect for a warm summer evening or a cozy night in. Whether you're a gin lover or just looking for a new cocktail to try, the Strawberry Basil Cocktail with Gin is definitely worth a taste.
9. Bramble Cocktail
The Bramble Cocktail is a modern classic that has gained popularity in recent years. It is a gin-based cocktail that features the sweet and tart flavors of blackberries. The drink is refreshing and visually appealing, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. The cocktail was invented by a British bartender named Dick Bradsell in 1984, and it has since become a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.
The Bramble Cocktail is easy to make and does not require a cocktail shaker, making it a convenient choice for home bartenders. The drink is typically garnished with fresh blackberries and a slice of lemon, which adds to its vibrant appearance. If you're looking for a unique and delicious cocktail to impress your guests, the Bramble Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
10. Coconut & Strawberry Raspberry Daiquiri
The Coconut & Strawberry Raspberry Daiquiri is a refreshing and delicious summer cocktail that combines the flavors of tart lime, sweet rum, and cool ice. This frozen daiquiri is layered with a strawberry raspberry mixture and a coconut mixture, making it a perfect balance of sweet and sour.
The addition of fresh lime juice and homemade simple syrup adds a perfect touch of sweetness to this cocktail. The garnish of raspberries and lime wheel adds a beautiful pop of color to this already stunning drink. If you're looking for a fun and fruity cocktail to enjoy on a hot summer day, the Coconut & Strawberry Raspberry Daiquiri is definitely worth trying.
11. The Third Eye
"The Third Eye" is a visually stunning purple cocktail that is perfect for Halloween, Fall, or any gathering that calls for a unique and delicious adult beverage. The star of the show is the Creme de Violette liqueur, which adds a flowery and light flavor that blends perfectly with gin, grapefruit juice, and a splash of club soda.
This cocktail is a great choice for those who love the color purple and the taste of violet petals. The history of Creme de Violette liqueur is fascinating, and it's great to see it making a comeback in mixed cocktails. If you're looking for a fun and tasty cocktail to impress your guests, "The Third Eye" is definitely worth trying.
12. The Grimace Cocktail
If you're looking for a colorful and delicious cocktail that packs a punch, The Grimace Cocktail might just be the one for you. This purple-colored drink is made with vodka, blue curacao, grenadine, and grape-flavored Powerade, giving it a unique and refreshing taste.
The name is a nod to the McDonald's character of the same color, and the drink lives up to its playful namesake. Whether you're a fan of grape-flavored drinks or just looking for something different to try, The Grimace Cocktail is definitely worth a taste. So why not give it a try and see if it lives up to the hype?
13. Cranberry Old Fashioned
The Cranberry Old Fashioned is a delightful and festive cocktail that is perfect for the holiday season. This specialty cocktail features a cranberry simple syrup that gives it a unique twist on the classic Old Fashioned. The addition of bitters and quality bourbon creates a well-balanced and flavorful drink that is sure to impress your guests.
The beautiful red color of the cocktail makes it a stunning addition to any holiday gathering. If you're looking for a signature cocktail to serve at your next holiday party, the Cranberry Old Fashioned is definitely worth considering.
14. Paloma
The Paloma is a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail that is perfect for summer. This grapefruit-flavored drink is made with tequila and a grapefruit soda, such as Topo-Chico, Squirt, Fresca, or Jarritos. While the recipe recommends using Kirkland brand Silver Tequila from Costco, you can use your favorite silver tequila or even try a smoky mezcal for a different flavor profile.
What sets the Paloma apart from other cocktails is its lower calorie count, thanks to the use of a grapefruit soda instead of a traditional soda. If you're looking for a refreshing and flavorful drink to cool down with this summer, the Paloma is definitely worth a try.
