When it comes to cocktails everybody loves the classics. That’s one of the reasons they became classics in the first place: they’re dependably delicious and satisfying. Plus, serving the classics makes things easy on the host during parties since everybody knows how to make a high ball or bloody mary. But while classic cocktails have earned their place in the cultural zeitgeist it’s important to expand one’s boundaries from time to time in order to prevent the dreaded ennui from setting in. To help get things started the team here at the CBD Beverage Blog have brought together this list of 10 lesser-known cocktails that deserve a spot at your table.
The CBD Beverage Blog Presents: Ten Obscure Cocktails To Try ASAP
1: The Paloma
This cocktail has both grit and sophistication going for it. That’s a powerful combination you won’t find every day. The Paloma has a robust taste that’s also refreshing. The sophisticated part is that it’s best enjoyed if you take your time with it.
Ingredients
- Your favorite tequila
- Lime juice
- Pinch of salt
- Grapefruit juice
- Sparkling CBD Citrus Water
2: The Bijou
Bijou is French for jewel and this little number is destined to be one of the crown jewels of your social life. Exactly why it’s called the Bijou is open for debate but the naming history is less important than the end result, which is a refreshing cocktail perfect for summer evenings.
Ingredients
- Your favorite gin
- Sweet vermouth
- Green Chartreuse (might have to look a bit for this)
- Orange bitters
3: The Americano
The Americano has actually been around since before the Civil War. Way back then it was called the Milano-Torino, denoting some serious Italian origins. During prohibition from 1920 - 1933 the drink became a speakeasy staple and was re-christened the Americano. History aside, it’s delicious.
Ingredients
- Campari
- Sweet vermouth
- Sparkling CBD Citrus Water
- Orange peel garnish
4: Corpse Reviver
The Corpse Reviver also goes back to the mid-1800s when it was recommended by bartenders to customers suffering from the effects of a tough night out. We wouldn’t recommend it to cure a hangover but if you’re looking for a tasty cocktail with a mean left hook the Corpse Reviver will fit the bill.
Ingredients
- Your favorite gin
- Your choice of orange liqueur
- Lillet Blanc
- Lemon juice
- Absinthe (yup)
5: The Martinez
The consensus among historians is that the Martinez first appeared in the 1860s as a variant of the Manhattan. No one, however, seems to know who Martinez was. In time the Martinez was overshadowed by the Martini. But it’s seen renewed interest lately, mostly because it’s a great cocktail.
Ingredients
- Your favorite gin
- Sweet vermouth
- Maraschino
- Angostura bitters
- Lemon twist for garnish
6: The Sazerac
This is another cocktail that can trace its origins to the 19th century where it was the house drink of the Sazerac Coffee House in The Big Easy (still there in restored form). It was originally made with cognac but somewhere along the way, bartenders began swapping out cognac for whisky. If you like your cocktails to hit back you'll love the Sazerac.
Ingredients
- Your favorite rye whiskey
- Peychaud & Angostura bitters
- Absinthe
- Sugar cube
- Lemon twist for garnish
7: The Vieux Carre
Keeping things in New Orleans for a moment, the Vieux Carre originated there in the 1930s. Maybe the fact that people needed to forget what was (and wasn’t) going on during the Great Depression led them to create such a complex but ultimately satisfying concoction. When mixed right it's a party in your mouth.
Ingredients
- Your favorite rye whiskey
- Your favorite cognac
- Sweet vermouth
- Benedictine liqueur
- Peychaud's & Angostura bitters
8: The Seelbach
It seems that back in the day people were into seeing how many different ingredients they could mix and still wind up with a distinct cocktail, rather than an indistinct mess. The Vieux Carre is a good example of that, and the Seelbach is another. This cocktail was essentially lost to mixology for the better part of the 20th century until it was rediscovered in 1995.
Ingredients
- Your favorite bourbon
- Orange liqueur
- Angostura & Peychauds bitters
- Quality champagne
9: The Suffering Bastard
They sure knew how to name cocktails back then. The Suffering Bastard can trace its origins to the Middle East during World War II where an unheralded bartender invented it as an antidote for officers suffering from serious hangovers. Of course, all it did was make them drunk again, but it’s the thought that counts.
Ingredients
- Your favorite bourbon
- Your favorite gin
- Lime juice
- Angostura bitters
- Ginger liqueur
- Ginger beer
10: The Aviation
The Aviation owes its name to the time period in which it was created. It was the early 20th century and the Wright brothers had just stunned the world with their short but groundbreaking flight at Kitty Hawk. Aviation became a hot topic and the Aviation cocktail was created as a sort of homage to the new science of aerodynamics. The most delicious purple drink you’ll ever have.
Ingredients
- Your favorite dry gin
- Maraschino liqueur
- Lemon juice
- Creme de Violette
Conclusion
Those of us at Colorado's Best Drinks hope you found this list of obscure but delicious cocktails enjoyable. Just remember, to ensure your cocktails leave your holiday, birthday or dinner guests with a smile be certain to use Sparkling CBD Soda.