As a bartender, I have seen my fair share of cocktails. From the classic Old Fashioned to the trendy Aperol Spritz, I have crafted them all.
However, there is one type of cocktail that stands out among the rest: the Strained Cocktail.
Strained Cocktails are a versatile category of drinks that can be enjoyed year-round. They are typically made with a base spirit, a sweetener, and a sour element, but the possibilities are endless.
From fruity and refreshing to boozy and bold, Strained Cocktails can cater to any palate.
What sets Strained Cocktails apart from other cocktails is the straining process. After the ingredients are shaken or stirred, the mixture is poured through a fine mesh strainer to remove any ice shards, pulp, or herbs.
This results in a smooth and silky texture that elevates the drinking experience.
In this blog post, I will be sharing some of the best Strained Cocktail recipes that I have come across throughout my years behind the bar.
Whether you are a seasoned cocktail connoisseur or a curious beginner, these recipes will surely impress and satisfy your taste buds. So, sit back, relax, and let's dive into the world of Strained Cocktails.
1. Lychee Martini
The Lychee Martini is a unique and refreshing cocktail that is perfect for any special occasion. Made with canned lychees in heavy syrup, vodka, vermouth, elderflower liqueur, and fresh citrus juice, this cocktail has a smooth and floral taste with hints of roses and elderflower.
The addition of elderflower liqueur is what sets this cocktail apart from others, giving it a unique and memorable flavor. It can be served icy cold and is perfect for Halloween parties with a creepy eyeball garnish. If you're looking for a new and exciting cocktail to try, the Lychee Martini is definitely worth a shot.
2. Blueberry Gin Sour Cocktail
The Blueberry Gin Sour Cocktail is a refreshing and balanced drink that is perfect for gin lovers. It offers a sweet and tart flavor that is sure to please. The cocktail is made with muddled blueberries, lemon juice, sugar, gin, and egg white, which creates a foamy texture.
The drink can be served on the rocks or chilled in a coupe glass. If you're looking for a unique and delicious cocktail, the Blueberry Gin Sour is definitely worth trying.
3. Aviation Cocktail
The Aviation Cocktail is a classic drink that has been around since the early 1900s. It was created by Hugo Ensslin, who was the head bartender at the Hotel Wallick in New York City.
The cocktail is a beautiful shade of violet and has a smooth, flowery, assertive, yet sweet taste. The key ingredient in this cocktail is Luxardo, maraschino liqueur, which adds a subtle boozy, cherry finish.
If you are looking for a unique and delicious cocktail, the Aviation is definitely worth trying. It's a crowd-pleaser that will leave you feeling uplifted and energized.
The cocktail has a rich history and is a staple in the world of craft cocktails. So, give the Aviation a shot and see if you soar or sink.
4. Basil Vodka Gimlet
The Basil Vodka Gimlet is a refreshing twist on the classic gimlet cocktail. Made with vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup, this cocktail is elevated with the addition of fresh basil, which adds a subtle herbaceous note to the drink. The cocktail is served strained and garnished with a basil leaf clipped to the rim of the glass, adding an extra touch of elegance to the presentation.
The sweetness of the cocktail is perfectly balanced, making it a great option for those who prefer their drinks on the sweeter side. The Basil Vodka Gimlet is a perfect summer drink, but can be enjoyed year-round. Give it a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself.
5. St. Germain Cocktail
The St. Germain Cocktail is a refreshing and effervescent drink made with St. Germain, gin or vodka, and lemon, topped with sparkling wine. The elderflower liqueur adds a unique and floral flavor to the drink, making it a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.
It's easy to make, perfect for hosting happy hour or dinner parties, and a great choice for brunch or bridal showers. Sip with caution, as the contents are definitely fit for a celebration!
6. Classic Negroni Cocktail
The Classic Negroni Cocktail is a timeless drink that has stood the test of time. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it is a perfect balance of sweet and bitter flavors. This cocktail is a great choice for those who enjoy a strong and bold drink. It is perfect for sipping on a warm summer evening or enjoying with friends at a party.
The Negroni Cocktail is a classic that has inspired many unique variations and twists, like a Negroni Slushie. If you're a fan of Campari, you'll love this cocktail. Overall, the Classic Negroni Cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves a good, strong drink.
7. Gin Violette Cocktail
The Gin Violette Cocktail is a colorful drink with a delicate floral note. Made with gin, Crème de Violette, red wine, egg whites, lemon juice, and simple syrup, it's exceptionally smooth and exudes sophistication and elegance.
The dry-shake method used in this recipe ensures a beautiful frothy texture, and double-straining gives you a silky smooth and particle-free cocktail. It's perfect for a spring or summer day and definitely worth trying if you're looking for a fun and easy-to-make cocktail.
8. Gumby Slumber Cocktail
The Gumby Slumber Cocktail is a tropical delight that transports you to the Florida Keys with just one sip. This cocktail was created by one of the Island's first bartenders and is served at the luxurious Little Palm Island Resort & Spa. The name of the cocktail comes from the effect it has on the body, making it feel like a "gumby" state and wanting to "slumber" in a hammock all afternoon.
The recipe has been adapted using Blue Chair Bay Coconut Spiced Rum and Blue Chair Bay White Rum, adding a unique twist to the classic recipe. If you're looking for a refreshing and relaxing cocktail, the Gumby Slumber is a must-try.
9. Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan is a classic cocktail that gained popularity thanks to the iconic television show, Sex and the City. This cocktail is a perfect blend of vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and orange liqueur. The girly pink color of the drink might be deceiving, but don't be fooled – this cocktail packs a punch.
It's essentially a party in a glass that you can enjoy with your best girlfriends. The Cosmopolitan is a must-try for anyone who loves a good martini-style cocktail. So, gather your friends, shake up a batch of Cosmos, and cheers to friendship and a good time.
10. Campari Gin Fizz
The Campari Gin Fizz is a refreshing and light cocktail perfect for summer sipping. Made with classic ingredients like gin, Campari, and lemon juice, this cocktail can be enjoyed two ways – as a Fizz or a Sour. The Fizz version is topped with Club Soda for a fizzy texture, while the Sour version is strained into a chilled coupe glass for a more straightforward citrus flavor.
The addition of homemade simple syrup and egg white creates a frothy and luxurious texture. Overall, the Campari Gin Fizz is a must-try cocktail for anyone looking for a refreshing and delicious drink this summer.
11. Elderflower, Gin and Prosecco Cocktail
The Elderflower, Gin and Prosecco Cocktail is a refreshing and bubbly drink that is perfect for any occasion. This cocktail is made with only five ingredients and takes only five minutes to make, making it an easy and quick recipe for any bartender. The combination of gin, elderflower, Prosecco, and lime juice creates a unique and delicious flavor that is sure to impress your guests.
The sugar-rimmed martini glass adds a touch of elegance to the cocktail, making it a perfect choice for any party or event. If you're looking for a cocktail that is both easy to make and delicious, the Elderflower, Gin and Prosecco Cocktail is definitely worth trying.
12. Blackberry Elderflower Cocktail
The Blackberry Elderflower Cocktail is a refreshing and fruity drink that is perfect for springtime. Made with fresh blackberries, lemon juice, agave, elderflower liqueur, and vodka, this cocktail has a sweet and tangy flavor that is sure to please. The elderflower liqueur adds a unique floral note to the drink, while the vodka gives it a nice kick.
This cocktail is easy to make and requires basic bar equipment like a cocktail shaker, muddler, fine strainer, and a lemon juicer. Overall, the Blackberry Elderflower Cocktail is a great choice for anyone looking for a delicious and easy-to-make cocktail that is perfect for any occasion.
13. Cranberry Kamikaze
Cranberry Kamikaze is a festive and refreshing cocktail that is perfect for holiday celebrations. This tangy drink is a fun twist on the classic kamikaze, featuring cranberry juice and vodka, along with triple sec and lime juice.
The combination of sweet and tart flavors makes for a delicious and balanced cocktail that is sure to impress your guests. Whether you're serving it as shots or in a martini glass, the Cranberry Kamikaze is a great addition to any party menu. So why not mix things up this holiday season with this delicious and easy-to-make cocktail?
14. Pornstar Martini
The Pornstar Martini is a seductive and sweet cocktail that has become a UK favourite. Made with vanilla vodka, Passoa, and lime juice, this fruity and zingy cocktail is served in a chilled martini glass and garnished with a piece of passion fruit. The cocktail is not a true martini, but it borrows the name and incorporates it into its own.
What makes this cocktail unique is the shot of prosecco that is served on the side, which can be poured into the cocktail or taken as a separate shot. The passion fruit flavour is intense and enticing, making it a must-try for anyone who loves fruity cocktails. Overall, the Pornstar Martini is a simple yet seductive cocktail that is guaranteed to excite anyone who tastes it.
15. Passionfruit Martini
The Passionfruit Martini is a refreshing and tangy cocktail that is perfect for those who love the tropical flavor of passion fruit. This elegant and sophisticated cocktail is made with fresh passion fruit juice, passionfruit liqueur, lemon juice, and sugar syrup.
The cocktail is shaken vigorously until frost forms on the outside of the shaker and then strained into a martini glass. The cocktail is garnished with a fine slice of passionfruit, adding a beautiful touch to an already delicious drink. If you're a fan of passion fruit, this cocktail is a must-try. It's the perfect summer drink that will leave you feeling refreshed and satisfied.
16. Purple Gin + Tonics
Looking for a spooky and delicious cocktail to serve at your Halloween party? Look no further than the Purple Gin + Tonics! This cocktail is made with tonic water, gin, lime, and acai powder, which gives it a vibrant purple color and adds a healthy boost of nutrients.
The acai powder also leaves small specks of purple throughout the cocktail, adding to the spookiness. For an extra eerie effect, you can add a chunk of dry ice to the drink, creating a smoking effect. This cocktail is not only visually stunning, but also easy to make and perfect for any Halloween occasion. Give it a try and let us know what you think!
17. Manhattan
The Manhattan cocktail is a classic drink made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. It's usually stirred and strained into a cocktail glass and garnished with a maraschino cherry.
The drink has been around since the early 1880s and is believed to have been invented in New York City. The combination of whiskey, vermouth, and bitters creates a complex and flavorful drink that is perfect for sipping on a cool evening.
18. French Gimlet
The French Gimlet is a sophisticated twist on the classic Gin Gimlet. This cocktail features the sweet and floral notes of St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, which perfectly complements the tartness of lime juice.
The French Gimlet is shaken and strained into a coupe glass, making it a perfect choice for a fancy night out. If you have a sweet tooth, you can add a touch of simple syrup to the mix. Overall, the French Gimlet is a refreshing and elegant cocktail that is sure to impress your guests.
19. Manhattan Cocktail
The Manhattan Cocktail is a classic drink that has been around since the 19th century. It's made with rye whiskey or bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Its smooth and balanced flavor is perfect for any occasion, and it's a staple in any bar or restaurant.
If you're looking for a lighter version, try the Perfect Manhattan, which is made with equal parts sweet and dry vermouth. Overall, the Manhattan Cocktail is a timeless classic that should be on everyone's list of must-try cocktails.
