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.
Recommended Videos
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.
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.
Hot Chai Spice
Make the dark time merry with these tasty winter vodka cocktails
Who says vodka is just a summer spirit?
Vodka is an easy spirit to mix cocktails with, thanks to its largely neutral flavor, which can match well with just about any other alcohol, juice, or fresh ingredient that you might want to put with it. There are plenty of classic vodka cocktails that are universally popular, from the Moscow Mule to the Bloody Mary, and drinks like the Vodka Martini and the Vodka Gimlet have their own passionate fans.
But for many people, vodka remains something that's mostly drunk during the warmer seasons. With its light flavors and clear appearance, it doesn't necessarily scream winter in the way that whiskey or bourbon does. However, if you're a vodka fan then there's no reason you shouldn't enjoy vodka cocktails all year round, and take advantage of vodka's neutral qualities to mix it into tasty and festive drinks for the holiday season.
Taste the world: 3 must-try cocktails from ‘The Cocktail Atlas’
Mixed drinks inspired by other nations
The best way to travel is to live like a local, sponging up the cuisine, drinks, and scenery. The Cocktail Atlas celebrates as much, which is a new book fit with mixed drinks inspired by nations all over the globe. Author Chris Vola takes inspiration from every corner of the map, from the beautiful Swiss Alps to the lazy beaches of Fiji.
We got our hands on a copy of the beautiful book and selected a few choice recipes to get you in the mood for some international armchair travel, drink in hand. And while it was hard to select just three, they'll offer a great taste of what the book has to offer and maybe even inspire some more eclectic cocktail making at home.
