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.
Pig’s Blood Piña Colada (USA)
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.
Toast to the season with these holiday bourbon cocktails
Celebrate the holidays with these tasty bourbon cocktails
Winter is the season for sitting by the fire, for cozy sweaters and wool mittens, for the festive holiday time -- and also for bourbon. This sweet, spicy, fruity take on whiskey is the ideal winter spirit, with its robust and warming flavors that are the ideal match for seasonal tastes like apple cider, sweet cherry, maple syrup, and cranberry.
That makes winter the perfect time to try out classic bourbon cocktails like the Old Fashioned, the Paper Plane, the Boulevardier, and more. And, of course, plenty of people like to enjoy their bourbon neat or simply over ice. But if you're looking to expand your cocktail-making skills and try something new, then you might want to consider some holiday bourbon cocktails as well.
How to make eggnog and mix into 6 cocktail recipes
A guide on how to mix and enjoy this holiday classic
With the holiday season upon us, now is the time for cozy festive drinks like eggnog. While most of my experiences with this drink have been slightly underwhelming, using pre-made eggnog from the store, the experience of occasionally enjoying fresh homemade nog has changed my mind about this completely. In my experience it's well worth it make your own at home, and once you have it ready you can mix eggnog into cocktails for yourself and your guests. If you haven't made it before, don't worry -- it's easy to do at home and requires common ingredients you'll find in any store.
According to Tyson Buhler of the renowned bar Death & Co, you can make your eggnog even more memorable by aging it: "If you have the patience and refrigerator space, let this nog age for a few months, and the flavor and texture will change drastically over time."
These cocktails from Tequila Cazadores look as good as they taste
This striking drinks add a touch of glamor to your holiday celebrations
Part of the fun of the holiday is putting together elaborate spreads, including drinks which aren't only tasty, but look good too. These cocktails from Tequila Cazadores are here to fit that bill. They have tasty holiday flavors like chai, blood orange, blueberry, and nutmeg, but they don't just taste good -- they look gorgeous as well. These Instagram-worthy drinks are ready to wow your guests with their flavors and their fancy looks.
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