We recently spoke to bartenders about their favorite drinks to make—those they wish more customers would try. While having a go-to drink is comforting, exploring new cocktails can lead to delightful surprises.

Discover Unique Cocktails
Champagne Cocktails
Champagne isn’t just for mimosas. Alex Cabrera, head mixologist at Puente Romano resort, loves crafting Champagne cocktails. One of his top picks combines Champagne, passionfruit juice, and strawberry juice. It’s refreshing, and the natural flavors shine through.
Did you know that Champagne cocktails often come with a lower alcohol content? This makes them great for those looking to enjoy a light drink.
Creative Twists on the French 75
Monica Wells, a Florida-based mixologist, enjoys giving the classic French 75 a unique twist. Traditionally, it’s made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Champagne. Monica often swaps lemon for local citrus or tropical fruits, enhancing flavor while maintaining the drink’s refreshing nature.
The popularity of customizable cocktails reflects a broader trend where consumers seek personal touches in their dining experiences. According to a recent survey by the National Restaurant Association, nearly 60% of patrons show interest in unique cocktail options when dining out.
The Smoked Old Fashioned
Wells also loves making smoked Old Fashioneds. This drink typically features bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters. The smoking process adds depth, elevating a simple cocktail into something truly special. Bartenders can play with different wood chips and bourbon ages to create distinct flavors.
Explore Sotol Cocktails
For a change from tequila, consider ordering a sotol cocktail. Sotol is a lesser-known Mexican spirit with an earthy, smoky flavor. Eder Leon from Bonny Moon beach club enjoys crafting drinks with sotol. For instance, the Durango cocktail combines sotol, mezcal, grapefruit soda, and jasmine syrup, balancing bold flavors with floral notes.
Enjoying a Dark and Stormy
Leon also recommends the Dark and Stormy, featuring dark rum and ginger beer. It’s a simple yet vibrant cocktail that’s easy for bartenders to personalize. A splash of bitters or a different ginger beer can transform this classic drink into something extraordinary.
Final Thoughts
Next time you’re at a bar, consider breaking away from your usual drink. Trying something new can introduce you to a refreshing favorite you never expected. Explorative drink choices mirror a growing desire for diverse culinary experiences, making your outing more enjoyable.
For more on unique cocktails, check out the original article on Business Insider.
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Source linkBusiness Insider, Champagne, bartenders, drinks, cocktails