cocktail Archives

Exploring the Cocktail Scene: Top Drinks to Try in 2024

January 10, 2024January 10, 2024Deliver Liquor Editor

In 2024, the cocktail landscape is witnessing a remarkable transformation, with mixology experts crafting extraordinary and delightful concoctions. For those eager to delve into this evolving realm, whether you’re an aficionado or simply enjoy a casual sip, this guide highlights the standout drinks of the year that promise a unique tasting experience.

The Revitalized Classic: Neo Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned, a perennial favorite, receives a contemporary twist. This version retains the foundational elements – bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar, and bitters – but introduces novel ingredients like infused syrups or exotic bitters, offering a fresh take on a timeless classic.
Botanical Bliss: Herbal Gin Fusion
2024 sees the rise of herb-infused gin cocktails. These drinks blend gin’s inherent botanical notes with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary, creating a harmonious and refreshing drink that’s perfect for a summer evening.
The Smoky Sensation: Mezcal Marvel
Mezcal, with its distinct smoky flavor, becomes a key player in adventurous cocktail creations. Combined with ingredients like agave nectar and fresh lime, this spirit is the base for complex drinks that balance smokiness with sweetness and acidity.
Tropical Twist: Modern Tiki Revival
The Tiki culture is back with a modern spin. These new Tiki concoctions move beyond the classic rum base, incorporating a diverse range of spirits and exotic, fresh fruit juices. They’re not just about flavor; presentation is key, with vibrant garnishes and unique glassware.
The Elegant Fusion: Wine-Infused Cocktails
Wine, often seen as a standalone drink, finds its way into creative cocktails. From sparkling Prosecco to robust reds, wines are being mixed with spirits and liqueurs to create elegant, sophisticated drinks that are both nuanced and approachable.
Low-ABV Trend: The Rise of Spritzers
As people increasingly seek lighter drink options, spritzers gain popularity. These low-alcohol cocktails, made with a base of sparkling wine or carbonated water, offer a refreshing and guilt-free way to indulge, perfect for daytime gatherings or as an aperitif.
Bold Experimentation: Umami Cocktails
2024 is the year of umami in cocktails. Ingredients like soy sauce, seaweed, and fermented flavors are being experimented with, creating drinks that challenge the palate and offer a completely new sensory experience.

Conclusion: A Year of Mixological Wonders
2024 is set to be an exciting year for cocktail enthusiasts. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unique flavor combinations, there’s never been a better time to explore the world of cocktails. Whether you’re in the mood for a revamped classic or an adventurous new creation, the mixology scene this year has something to tantalize every taste bud. Cheers to a year of delightful discoveries!

Piña Colada Recipe

December 12, 2023December 12, 2023Deliver Liquor Editor

The Piña Colada is a sweet, tropical cocktail that’s synonymous with relaxation and tropical beaches. This delightful drink combines the smooth, rich taste of rum with the creamy texture of coconut milk and the sweet, tangy flavor of pineapple juice. Traditionally, it’s served either blended with ice for a frosty, slush-like consistency or shaken with ice for a more liquid texture. The Piña Colada is often garnished with a pineapple slice or a maraschino cherry, adding a touch of elegance to its presentation. Its origins trace back to Puerto Rico, and it has since become a beloved beverage around the world, often associated with vacations and leisurely days by the sea. The Piña Colada’s unique blend of flavors makes it not just a cocktail but an experience of tropical escapism.

Ingredients:

2 ounces of white rum
3 ounces of pineapple juice
1 ounce of coconut cream
Ice cubes
Optional garnishes: a slice of pineapple and a maraschino cherry

Instructions:

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use crushed ice.
Mix the Cocktail: In a blender, combine the white rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream. Add a generous amount of ice.
Blend the Mixture: Blend the ingredients until smooth. If you’re not using a blender, shake the ingredients vigorously with ice in a cocktail shaker.
Serve: Pour the mixture into a chilled glass. If the consistency is too thick, you can adjust it by adding a bit more pineapple juice.
Garnish: For an authentic tropical feel, garnish your Piña Colada with a slice of pineapple on the rim of the glass and a maraschino cherry on top.
Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, tropical flavors of your homemade Piña Colada.

This recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and creamy flavors, transporting you to a tropical paradise with each sip. Enjoy responsibly!

Gingerbread Delight Cocktail

November 21, 2023November 21, 2023Deliver Liquor Editor

Indulge in the festive spirit with the Gingerbread Delight Cocktail, a perfect blend of holiday flavors. This enticing drink combines the warmth of dark rum with the sweet and spicy notes of homemade ginger syrup, creating a taste reminiscent of classic gingerbread. A dash of lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy counterpoint, balancing the rich flavors. The cocktail is then topped with a splash of soda water for a refreshing fizz. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a slice of candied ginger, making it not only a delight to sip but also a feast for the eyes. This Gingerbread Delight Cocktail is the embodiment of holiday cheer in a glass, ideal for cozy winter evenings or festive gatherings.

Ingredients:

2 oz dark rum
1 oz homemade ginger syrup (recipe below)
1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
Soda water
Ice cubes
Garnish: Cinnamon stick and candied ginger slice

For the Homemade Ginger Syrup:

1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced

Instructions:

Prepare the Ginger Syrup:
- In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and sliced ginger.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the ginger to infuse.
- Remove from heat and let it cool. Strain out the ginger pieces and store the syrup in a clean bottle or jar.
Assemble the Cocktail:
- In a shaker, add the dark rum, ginger syrup, and lemon juice.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
Serving:
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
- Top off with a splash of soda water for some fizz.
Garnish:
- Add a cinnamon stick and a slice of candied ginger on the rim of the glass for garnish.
Enjoy:
- Serve immediately and enjoy the festive, spicy-sweet flavors of your Gingerbread Delight Cocktail.

This homemade cocktail brings a cozy, festive twist to your holiday gatherings, encapsulating the essence of gingerbread in a delightful drink.

Screwdriver

November 7, 2023November 7, 2023Deliver Liquor Editor

The Screwdriver is a timeless cocktail that embodies the art of simplicity in mixology. This drink is lauded for its straightforward, unfussy blend of ingredients that produce a refreshing and robust taste. At its core, the Screwdriver marries the smooth, clear punch of vodka with the citrus zest of orange juice, resulting in a beverage that’s both invigorating and easy to sip.

The cocktail’s history is a bit hazy, but it’s often linked to the resourceful American oil workers of the mid-20th century who purportedly mixed vodka into their orange juice while on the job, stirring it with their screwdrivers, hence the name. This anecdote paints a picture of the Screwdriver not just as a drink, but as a nod to ingenuity.

In its essence, the Screwdriver is a study in balance. The neutrality of vodka serves as the perfect canvas for the bright and slightly tangy flavor of orange juice. When served in a chilled highball glass, brimming with ice, it’s a beverage that doesn’t demand complexity to be complete. Its appearance is cheerful and inviting, often garnished with a slice of orange perched on the rim or a spiral of zest within, showcasing the fruit’s vibrant hue.

Beyond its simplicity, the Screwdriver is versatile. It can be enjoyed as a brunch staple, an evening refresher, or a casual social lubricant. It’s a democratic cocktail, unpretentious and accessible, requiring no rare ingredients or elaborate techniques. Whether it’s enjoyed at a beachfront bar, at a cozy home gathering, or anywhere in between, the Screwdriver remains a steadfast favorite, a testament to the enduring appeal of straightforward, honest flavors.

Ingredients:

Vodka: 2 ounces (60 ml)
Orange Juice: 4 to 6 ounces (120 to 180 ml), freshly squeezed is preferable
Ice Cubes
Garnish: Orange slice or twist (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare Your Glass: Choose a highball glass for the ideal presentation.
Add Ice: Fill the glass with ice cubes to the brim.
Pour the Vodka: Measure 2 ounces of vodka and pour it over the ice.
Top with Orange Juice: Pour 4 to 6 ounces of orange juice into the glass. The amount of juice depends on how strong or weak you prefer your cocktail.
Stir the Mixture: Use a stirrer or a spoon to mix the vodka and orange juice together until well combined.
Garnish: If you like, add a slice or twist of orange on the rim of the glass for a decorative touch.
Serve: Serve the drink immediately to enjoy the crisp, cool flavors.

Tips:

For the best flavor, use fresh-squeezed orange juice.
Adjust the ratio of vodka to orange juice according to your personal taste preference. Some like a stronger vodka presence, while others prefer a fruitier drink.
If you want to add a modern twist, a splash of soda water can lighten the drink and add some effervescence.

Cheers to a classic that’s as easy to make as it is enjoyable to sip!

Tom Collins

November 6, 2023November 6, 2023Deliver Liquor Editor

The Tom Collins cocktail stands as a refreshing emblem of summer, a buoyant mix of zesty lemon, effervescent soda, and the herbal embrace of gin. This classic drink starts with a generous measure of gin, its botanical nuances forming the soul of the concoction. A splash of bright lemon juice follows, lending a citrusy sharpness that awakens the palate. Sweetness whispers in with the addition of simple syrup, countering the tartness and bringing harmony to the mix.

To create this invigorating libation, the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup are shaken together with ice, then strained into a tall Collins glass over a mountain of fresh ice, ensuring a cold touch with every sip. The mixture is then crowned with a cascade of chilled club soda, which dances up through the drink in a stream of tiny, jubilant bubbles. The effervescence of the soda water draws out the aromatic qualities of the gin while delivering a satisfying fizz.

In its final flourish, the Tom Collins is garnished with a slice of lemon or lime, sometimes a cherry or an orange slice, adding a touch of visual flair. This cocktail doesn’t just quench thirst; it offers a momentary escape, a sip of serenity, and a toast to the simple pleasures of life. Whether enjoyed in a lush garden, a cozy porch, or within the clinking confines of a festive gathering, the Tom Collins cocktail remains a beloved tradition, its recipe a testament to the timeless appeal of well-balanced flavors.

Ingredients:

2 ounces of gin
1 ounce of fresh lemon juice
1/2 ounce of simple syrup
Club soda to top up
Ice cubes
A lemon wheel or wedge, for garnish
A maraschino cherry, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Chill the Glass: Begin by placing a Collins glass in the freezer to chill. A cold glass will keep your cocktail delightfully frosty from the first sip to the last.
Mix the Base: In a shaker filled with ice cubes, combine the gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. The key to a great Tom Collins is using fresh lemon juice—its zesty flavor is incomparable to the bottled variety.
Shake It Up: Seal your shaker and shake the mixture vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This not only chills the liquid but also ensures that the sweet and sour elements are beautifully intertwined.
Prepare to Serve: Remove the Collins glass from the freezer and fill it with fresh ice cubes. Strain the shaken mixture into the glass over the ice, leaving enough room at the top for the soda water.
Add Fizz: Gently pour the club soda into the glass until it’s nearly full. The club soda should be cold to maintain the chilled temperature and preserve the carbonation.
Garnish: Slide a lemon wheel onto the rim of the glass or drop it into the drink. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, add a maraschino cherry for a pop of color and a hint of sweetness.
Serve: Insert a straw and serve immediately. The Tom Collins is best enjoyed fresh, as the vibrant flavors and effervescence are at their peak.

Enjoy your homemade Tom Collins, a cocktail that stands the test of time with its refreshing and spirited character—a true celebration of simplicity and flavor.

Holiday Spirits: Cocktail Recipes That Gather Cheer and Company

November 5, 2023November 5, 2023Deliver Liquor Editor

As the holiday season approaches, a symphony of flavors comes to life, echoing the joy and camaraderie that define this festive time of year. Cocktails, both vibrant and subtle, have a magical way of bringing people together, forging connections and creating warm memories. They’re not just drinks; they’re experiences in a glass, each sip a shared celebration, a toast to togetherness.

The Role of Cocktails in Holiday Gatherings

Cocktails during the holidays are more than just libations—they are the liquid embodiment of the season’s spirit. They act as icebreakers, conversation starters, and the glue that bonds old friends and new acquaintances alike. The act of crafting cocktails for guests is a gesture of hospitality and care, offering a personalized touch to the festivities.

Festive Cocktails to Brighten Your Holiday Table

Let’s explore some cocktail recipes that are sure to become holiday favorites, radiating the warmth and joy of the season through their inviting flavors and aromas.

1. The Cinnamon Spice Old Fashioned

For a twist on a classic, this cocktail melds the traditional Old Fashioned with the comforting aromas of cinnamon and star anise.

2 oz Bourbon or Rye Whiskey
1/2 oz Cinnamon Simple Syrup
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
Cinnamon stick and star anise for garnish

Muddle the bitters and syrup in a rocks glass, add whiskey, fill with ice, and stir until well-chilled. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and star anise.

2. The Cranberry Mule

A yuletide variation on the Moscow Mule, this drink adds a splash of cranberry juice to the mix, offering a festive hue and a tart edge.

2 oz Vodka
4 oz Ginger Beer
2 oz Cranberry Juice
Lime wedge and fresh cranberries for garnish

Combine vodka and cranberry juice in a mule mug filled with ice, top with ginger beer, and stir. Garnish with a lime wedge and fresh cranberries.

3. Peppermint White Russian

This creamy delight carries the refreshing essence of peppermint, capturing the whimsical side of winter.

2 oz Vodka
1 oz Peppermint Schnapps
1 oz Coffee Liqueur
1 oz Heavy Cream
Crushed candy cane for rim and peppermint candy for garnish

Rim a glass with crushed candy cane, then pour vodka, peppermint schnapps, and coffee liqueur over ice. Top with cream, stir gently, and garnish with peppermint candy.

4. Pomegranate Sparkler

Light and effervescent, this bubbly beverage shines bright with the jeweled tones of pomegranate.

1 oz Pomegranate Juice
1/2 oz Cointreau or Triple Sec
Sparkling Wine
Pomegranate seeds for garnish

Pour pomegranate juice and Cointreau into a champagne flute, top with sparkling wine, and garnish with pomegranate seeds.

5. Hot Buttered Rum

A warming concoction perfect for chilly evenings, this buttery brew is like a hug in a mug.

2 oz Dark Rum
1 tbsp Buttered Rum Mix (butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla)
Boiling water
Cinnamon stick for garnish

Place the buttered rum mix in the bottom of a mug, pour in rum, and top with boiling water. Stir until the mix is dissolved. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Uniting Over Shared Sips

Each holiday cocktail has a story, an essence that is eager to be part of your gathering. Whether it’s the refreshing zing of a Cranberry Mule or the sweet comfort of a Hot Buttered Rum, these drinks do more than satiate thirst—they weave people into the fabric of the holiday season.

As you raise your glasses, clink them in a merry chorus, and savor the collective contentment, remember that these cocktails are more than their ingredients. They are shared moments, each raise of the glass an affirmation of companionship, each toast a shared understanding that, for all our differences, we come together in celebration and unity during the most wonderful time of the year.

Paloma

November 1, 2023November 1, 2023Deliver Liquor Editor

The Paloma is a refreshing Mexican drink that pairs the bright zing of tequila with the tangy sweetness of grapefruit. It’s a bubbly concoction typically made by mixing tequila with a splash of fresh lime juice and a top-off of grapefruit soda. Often served in a glass with a salted rim, this effervescent beverage offers a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, making it a beloved choice for warm weather sipping. The Paloma, with its lively citrus notes, provides a delightful alternative to the classic margarita.

Ingredients:

2 ounces blanco tequila
1 ounce fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon agave nectar (optional for added sweetness)
Grapefruit soda (such as Q Mixers or Fever-Tree) to top off
A pinch of salt
Ice cubes
Grapefruit or lime wheel, for garnish
Coarse salt, for rimming (optional)

Instructions:

Begin by preparing your glass. If you prefer a salted rim, dampen the edge of the glass with a lime wedge and dip it into a plate of coarse salt. Set aside.
In a mixing glass or cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave nectar (if using).
Fill the shaker halfway with ice cubes and give it a vigorous shake for about 15 seconds, ensuring all the ingredients are well-mixed.
Strain the mixture into your prepared glass filled with ice.
Top off the drink with your chosen grapefruit soda, leaving some space at the top.
Add a pinch of salt to the drink — this elevates the citrus flavors.
Gently stir to combine the ingredients in the glass.
Garnish with a wheel of grapefruit or lime, as preferred.
Serve immediately and enjoy the harmonious blend of zesty citrus and tequila in your Zesty Paloma Delight!

Note: Adjust the sweetness and tartness according to your preference. The agave nectar is optional but can add a pleasant, natural sweetness if desired.

The Manhattan

October 25, 2023October 25, 2023Deliver Liquor Editor

The Manhattan is a timeless cocktail that has cemented its place in the annals of mixology. At its core, this elegant concoction blends whiskey, sweet vermouth, and a dash of bitters. While rye whiskey is often the go-to spirit, bourbon has found its way into many a Manhattan glass. The drink’s finishing touch is a maraschino cherry, lending a touch of sweetness and a splash of color.

Ingredients:

2 oz rye whiskey or bourbon
1 oz sweet vermouth
2-3 dashes of aromatic bitters
Ice cubes
Maraschino cherry for garnish
Optional: a twist of orange or lemon peel for an added layer of aroma.

Instructions:

Prep Your Glass: Begin by chilling your cocktail glass. You can do this by filling it with ice and setting it aside for a moment.
Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing glass, combine the rye whiskey (or bourbon), sweet vermouth, and bitters. Fill the glass with ice.
Stir: Using a bar spoon, stir the mixture gently for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients. The goal is to meld the flavors together while ensuring the drink is cold.
Serve: Discard the ice from your chilled cocktail glass. Strain the mixture from the mixing glass into the cocktail glass.
Garnish: Drop a maraschino cherry into the drink. If you’re using a twist of citrus peel, run the twist around the rim of the glass to release its oils, then drop it into the drink or drape it on the side.
Enjoy Responsibly: Sip and savor the layered flavors of your freshly made Manhattan!

Note: Adjust the ratios according to personal preference. Some enjoy a more pronounced vermouth presence, while others might want a touch more bitterness.