Other Cocktails

How is Other Cocktails made?

Other cocktails encompass a diverse collection of mixed drinks that don't fit neatly into classic categories like sours, old fashioneds, or martinis. These drinks are typically made by combining various spirits, liqueurs, mixers, and garnishes according to specific recipes that highlight unique flavor combinations or presentation styles. The preparation methods vary widely—some require shaking with ice, others are built directly in the glass, stirred, or even layered to create visually striking effects.

How do you drink Other Cocktails?

Other cocktails encompass such a wide range of drinks that there's no single "right" way to enjoy them - some are sipped neat like a fine whiskey, others shine on the rocks, and many are crafted specifically as mixed drinks with multiple ingredients. You'll find everything from refreshing summer spritzers and tiki drinks perfect for poolside gatherings to rich, warming cocktails that pair beautifully with cozy winter evenings by the fireplace. The beauty lies in matching the drink to the moment: light, citrusy cocktails for afternoon celebrations, complex stirred drinks for contemplative evening sipping, and festive punches for holiday parties.

How do I choose a good Other Cocktails?

Start by considering the occasion and your mood – are you looking for something light and refreshing for a summer afternoon, or a rich, complex sipper for a cozy evening? Pay attention to your preferred flavor profiles: if you love citrusy drinks, lean toward cocktails with fresh juices and bright spirits, while those who enjoy deeper flavors might gravitate toward barrel-aged or spirit-forward options. Don't be afraid to ask your bartender about the ingredients and preparation method, as a well-made cocktail should showcase quality spirits and fresh components that work together seamlessly.

Nutritional Information

Typical Calorie Range per Ounce: 25-45 calories

Typical Carbohydrate Range per Ounce: 2-8 grams

Typical Sugar Range per Ounce: 1-7 grams

Typically Gluten Free: Varies by cocktail and ingredients used

The nutritional profile of cocktails varies dramatically depending on ingredients and preparation methods. Simple spirit-forward drinks like martinis or whiskey sours tend toward the lower end of these ranges, while cream-based cocktails, frozen drinks, or those made with liqueurs can push toward the higher numbers. Sugar content depends heavily on mixers, syrups, and fruit juices used.

Gluten-free status depends entirely on the specific spirits and mixers chosen. While most distilled spirits are naturally gluten-free due to the distillation process, some flavored spirits, liqueurs, and mixers may contain gluten. Beer-based cocktails obviously contain gluten, and certain whiskeys made from wheat or other gluten-containing grains may pose concerns for those with celiac disease.

Important Note: Always check detailed product information and ingredient labels to confirm gluten-free status, especially if you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity. When in doubt, consult with your bartender about specific ingredients used in your cocktail.

Scrolled this far? Your reward? Other Cocktails Trivia!

1. The Aviation cocktail was created by bartender Hugo Ensslin in 1916, but it disappeared from bars for nearly 80 years because one of its key ingredients—crème de violette—went completely out of production. When the purple liqueur finally returned to shelves in the early 2000s, bartenders had to relearn how to make this classic gin cocktail that tastes like drinking a cloud with floral notes.
2. The Corpse Reviver #2 comes with a warning label of sorts—its creator specifically noted that "four of these taken in swift succession will un-revive the corpse again." This gin-based morning-after cure from the 1930s contains absinthe as a rinse, which explains both its potency and its reputation for bringing the dead back to life (or sending them back to the grave).
3. The Paper Plane cocktail, created in 2008, is actually a riff on the classic Last Word but uses bourbon instead of gin. What makes it fascinating is that it was invented by bartender Sam Ross while he was listening to the M.I.A. song "Paper Planes"—and the drink's balance of sweet, sour, and bitter mirrors the song's layered complexity. It became so popular that it's now considered a modern classic.
4. The Blood and Sand cocktail is the only classic cocktail that uses Scotch whisky as its base spirit combined with sweet vermouth, cherry brandy, and orange juice. Named after the 1922 Rudolph Valentino bullfighting film, this unusual combination shouldn't work on paper, but the result is a surprisingly balanced drink that tastes like liquid sunset with a smoky finish.
5. The Final Ward cocktail was created in 2007 as a tribute to the Prohibition-era Ward 8, but with a twist—it uses green Chartreuse instead of grenadine. The drink's creator, bartender Phil Ward, wanted to honor his last name while creating something entirely new. The result is a rye whiskey cocktail so perfectly balanced that many bartenders consider it the best "new classic" of the 21st century.