We all love a good cocktail, but it’s easy to tire of the classics. There’s nothing wrong with a perfectly frosty, salted-rimmed margarita, or a warm-to-your-bones, cherry-topped old-fashioned, but sometimes, you just want something new. Something that makes you think. Something that, perhaps, gives you a chuckle. These are those cocktails.
Back in 2014, bartender Jason Brown of Chicago’s Kinmont restaurant and bar, concocted this cocktail after listening to a Werewolves of London lyric about a werewolf drinking a pina colada. His creativity sparked, and the “Werewolves of London” cocktail was born.
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Though Kinmont has since closed, this recipe lives on through the magic of the internet, being passed on and enjoyed by the most daring of drinkers out there.
Werewolves of London is a mixture of Bombay Dry gin, Pimms No. 1, pineapple juice, coconut syrup, and, of course, pig’s blood.
Camel Milk Cocktail (Abu-Dhabi)
Soy. Almond. Coconut. Cow’s. Goat’s. Why not camel’s?
About ten years ago, the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi hired Mohammad Daoud, who would become the world’s first “Camel Milk Mixologist.” Daoud’s inspiration and creativity came from Ramadan – the holy month of fasting for all Muslims. “Because camel milk has a high level of protein and additional nutrients, it’s an excellent beverage to consume during Sohour, the meal taken prior to sunrise for Muslims fasting during Ramadan,” Daoud said at the time.
Since then, camel milk cocktails have spread online, fans appreciating the milk’s richness and many health benefits. We say, if you can use it to make a chocolate milkshake — why the hell not?
Karsk (Norway)
You know how in old-timey movies, there’s usually a loveable, flannel-clad, bearded old-timer who pours something from a “secret stash” into his coffee to “warm his bones?” – Well, that drink has a name. It’s Karsk. And in this case, that loveable character is probably from Sweden.
Traditionally, karsk is simply two parts vodka and one part hot coffee. Yikes. We’re not sure Karsk qualifies as an actual cocktail or not, but either way, it’ll put some hair on your chest.
Sauerkraut martini (Germany)
To be honest, we think this one sounds absolutely delicious. While it’s obviously a less-than-traditional way to enjoy one’s pickled cabbage, a “Krautini” does seem like it would satisfy that certain craving one gets for heavily brined foods and strong booze. If you’re one of those people who can’t get enough of that vinegary pucker, combined with the signature spicy sweet warmth of gin, this cocktail is probably for you. Just use sauerkraut juice instead of olive brine.
The Sourtoe Cocktail (Canada)
Apparently, in Canada it’s perfectly legal to serve human body parts on the menu. No questions asked. And in Dawson City, Yukon, you can order yourself a sourtoe cocktail at The Sourdough Saloon. The cocktail is a rite of passage of sorts and comes with one rule: “You can drink it fast. You can drink it slow. But your lips must touch that gnarly toe.”
The sourtoe “cocktail” is simply a shot of whiskey – usually Yukon Jack – garnished with one mummified human toe, generously supplied by the good people of a local amputation clinic.
How to drink whiskey: A beginner’s guide (with tips from a pro)
It's time to finally learn how to drink whiskey
I've written about alcohol for almost 20 years, and in that time, I've learned a few things. One of the biggest things I've learned is that there's something special about whisk(e)y. Whether you enjoy a nuanced single malt Scotch whisky, a complex bourbon whiskey, a spicy rye whiskey, or any random whisk(e)y (only the U.S., Ireland, and Mexico use the 'e' in whiskey) from a far-flung locale, this barrel-aged spirit is for everyone.
There are countless styles and expressions to choose from, and there are a number of ways to imbibe them. This includes cracking a bottle open, pouring it into a glass, and drinking it neat. You can also sip it on the rocks with a splash of water to open up the aromas and flavor, or enjoy it mixed into your favorite whiskey-based cocktail. We aren't here to tell you how to drink whiskey. But we would love to help guide you on your boozy journey.
7 classic tequila cocktail recipes that prove it’s more than just a party shot
Mixing a drink with tequila as the star? Here are the recipes you ought to make
To me, tequila always -- first and foremost -- calls to mind slammers. When I think about this spirit. I can almost taste the tequila, salt, lime, and regret. However, tequila needn't be only a party shot. In fact, it's a wonderful tool for any home bartender, as it can be mixed into a range of fruity, sour, or even savory drinks. My personal favorite is the Michelada, a savory tomato and beer-based cocktail that was a revelation the first time I tried it. It's like a funky, sharp, spicy version of a Bloody Mary, and it's an absolute pleasure to enjoy with tacos or other Mexican food.
But that's just the tip of the tequila cocktail iceberg. There are tons of beloved tequila drinks, from a classic margarita to a refreshing Paloma. Tequila goes well with sharp citrus fruits like lemon and lime and can be lengthened with fruit juices or sodas to be more sippable and less heavily boozy than in its shot form. It can also go well with more bitter flavors, if you're looking for something darker and moodier, such as a Negroni variation.
Get inspired for Dry January by these mocktails from around the world
See how bars around the world are celebrating alcohol-free options
Tis the season for Dry January, and that means it's time to embrace mocktails. The world of non-alcoholic cocktails has come a long way over the last few years, with new non-alcoholic spirits coming onto the market and trendy bars offering booze-free options as well as standard cocktail fare.
If you're hoping to get inspired for some creative non-alcoholic cocktails that go beyond just sodas, then we have a selection of mocktails being offered at bars around the globe which range from a classic spritz to fresh and fruity to dark and complex.
Milano Spritz
