20th Century
20th Century pairs Gin with Lillet Blanc, Creme de cacao blanc, and lemon juice for a bright, sharply balanced cocktail with a clean finish.
Ingredients: Gin, Lillet Blanc, Creme de cacao blanc, and lemon juice.
Cocktail collection
21 Unusual Cocktails That Are Actually Incredible cocktails.
21 Unusual Cocktails That Are Actually Incredible is for the drinks that do not always sound like the obvious choice, but end up being the ones people remember. Sometimes it is an ingredient that seems a bit odd, sometimes it is a combination that should not really work on paper, and sometimes it is just a cocktail with a slightly strange reputation. Then you try it properly and realise there is a reason it has lasted. That is what this collection leans into: drinks that surprise people, change minds, and make ordering the usual feel a bit boring.
What makes these cocktails so enjoyable is that they are not unusual for the sake of it. The best ones still have balance, character, and a reason for every ingredient being there. Some bring bitterness, herbs, spice, or savoury notes in a way that catches people off guard at first. Others sound over the top, slightly old-fashioned, or a bit too much, right up until the first sip pulls everything together. That mix of curiosity and payoff is what makes a collection like this work. These are the kinds of drinks that get people talking, whether it is because of what is in them, how they taste, or how different they are from the safer choices most people stick to.
If you like the idea of trying cocktails with a bit more personality, this is a very good place to start. These are drinks for people who want something more interesting than the usual favourites, or for anyone who has ever looked at a menu and thought the strangest option might actually be the best one. Some will be bold, some more refined, and some will completely win over people who were doubtful from the start. That is half the fun.
What makes these cocktails so enjoyable is that they are not unusual for the sake of it. The best ones still have balance, character, and a reason for every ingredient being there. Some bring bitterness, herbs, spice, or savoury notes in a way that catches people off guard at first. Others sound over the top, slightly old-fashioned, or a bit too much, right up until the first sip pulls everything together. That mix of curiosity and payoff is what makes a collection like this work. These are the kinds of drinks that get people talking, whether it is because of what is in them, how they taste, or how different they are from the safer choices most people stick to.
If you like the idea of trying cocktails with a bit more personality, this is a very good place to start. These are drinks for people who want something more interesting than the usual favourites, or for anyone who has ever looked at a menu and thought the strangest option might actually be the best one. Some will be bold, some more refined, and some will completely win over people who were doubtful from the start. That is half the fun.
Recipes in this collection
21 Unusual Cocktails That Are Actually Incredible recipes
Browse every active cocktail currently linked to this collection.
Alaska
A crisp gin-based cocktail with a touch of herbal Yellow Chartreuse.
Ingredients: Gin, Yellow Chartreuse, Orange Bitters.
Angel Face
Angel Face brings together Gin and Apricot brandy and Apple Brandy in a focused cocktail that is easy to understand but far from one-note.
Ingredients: Gin, Apricot brandy, and Apple Brandy.
Bijou
A jewel-toned mix of gin, vermouth, and Green Chartreuse.
Ingredients: Gin, Sweet Vermouth, Green Chartreuse, Orange Bitters.
Black Sesame Sour
Black Sesame Sour brings together Vodka and Black sesame syrup, lemon, and Honey syrup in a focused cocktail that is easy to understand but far from one-note.
Ingredients: Vodka, Black sesame syrup, lemon, Honey syrup. Serve well chilled.
Blueberry Basil Bramble
Blueberry Basil Bramble brings together Gin and Blueberry syrup, lime, and Basil syrup in a focused cocktail that is easy to understand but far from one-note.
Ingredients: Gin, Blueberry syrup, lime, and Basil syrup.
Bobby Burns
Bobby Burns is aperitif-style, vivid and properly balanced, with Scotch Whisky, Sweet Vermouth and Benedictine giving the drink a clearer flavour story and a more useful reason to make it.
Ingredients: Scotch Whisky, Sweet Vermouth, Benedictine.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is dry-edged, herbal and quietly complex, with Rye Whiskey, Dry Vermouth, Maraschino Liqueur and Amer Picon giving the drink a clearer flavour story and a more useful reason to make it.
Ingredients: Rye Whiskey, Dry Vermouth, Maraschino Liqueur, Amer Picon.
Brown Butter Old Fashioned
A rich but disciplined Old Fashioned with bourbon, brown-butter cordial, bitters and orange oil.
Ingredients: Bourbon, Brown butter cordial, Angostura bitters, Orange bitters.
Calamansi Cooler
Calamansi Cooler combines Gin with Calamansi syrup, lemon juice, and Mint Cordial, finishing with a lively, refreshing lift.
Ingredients: Gin, Calamansi syrup, lemon juice, Mint Cordial, and Soda Water.
Casino
Casino is aperitif-style, vivid and properly balanced, with Gin, Maraschino Liqueur, Lemon Juice and Orange Bitters giving the drink a clearer flavour story and a more useful reason to make it.
Ingredients: Gin, Maraschino Liqueur, Lemon Juice, Orange Bitters.
Chilli Watermelon Ranch
A lean tequila highball with fresh watermelon, lime, chilli and a long soda-water finish.
Ingredients: Blanco tequila, Fresh watermelon juice, Fresh lime juice, Jalapeño syrup, Soda water.
Clementine Cardamom Sour
Clementine Cardamom Sour brings together Vodka and Clementine syrup, lemon, and Cardamom syrup in a focused cocktail that is easy to understand but far from one-note.
Ingredients: Vodka, Clementine syrup, lemon, Cardamom syrup. Serve well chilled.
Coconut Ember Negroni
A smoky, coconut-scented Negroni with gin, mezcal, Campari and sweet vermouth.
Ingredients: Gin, Mezcal, Campari, Sweet vermouth, Toasted coconut syrup.
Coconut Pandan Fizz
Coconut Pandan Fizz combines Gin with Coconut syrup, lemon juice, and Pandan cordial, finishing with a lively, refreshing lift.
Ingredients: Gin, Coconut syrup, lemon juice, Pandan cordial, and Soda Water.
Corpse Reviver No. 2
A sharp classic aperitif with gin, Cointreau, Lillet, lemon and a whisper of absinthe. Elegant, bracing and beautifully balanced.
Ingredients: Gin, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, Lemon Juice, Absinthe.
Dragon Fruit Mojito
A vivid Mojito with white rum, dragon fruit, fresh lime, mint and soda.
Ingredients: White rum, Dragon fruit juice, Fresh lime juice, Simple syrup, Mint Leaves, Soda water.
El Presidente
El Presidente is aperitif-style, vivid and properly balanced, with Aged Rum, Dry Vermouth, Orange Curacao and Grenadine giving the drink a clearer flavour story and a more useful reason to make it.
Ingredients: Aged Rum, Dry Vermouth, Orange Curacao, Grenadine.
Hanky Panky
A sophisticated gin-based cocktail with sweet vermouth and Fernet-Branca, served in a chilled coupe glass.
Ingredients: Gin, Sweet Vermouth and Fernet-Branca
Japanese Cocktail
Japanese Cocktail is aperitif-style, vivid and properly balanced, with Brandy, Orgeat Syrup and Angostura Bitters giving the drink a clearer flavour story and a more useful reason to make it.
Ingredients: Brandy, Orgeat Syrup, Angostura Bitters.
Jungle Bird
Jungle Bird is aperitif-style, vivid and properly balanced, with Dark Rum, Campari, Pineapple Juice and Lime Juice giving the drink a clearer flavour story and a more useful reason to make it.
Ingredients: Dark Rum, Campari, Pineapple Juice, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup.
Last Word
Last Word is zesty, focused and built around a satisfying snap, with Gin, Green Chartreuse, Maraschino Liqueur and Lime Juice giving the drink a clearer flavour story and a more useful reason to make it.
Ingredients: Gin, Green Chartreuse, Maraschino Liqueur, Lime Juice.
Lions Tail
Lions Tail is grown-up, bittersweet and beautifully structured, with Bourbon, Allspice Dram, Lime Juice and Simple Syrup giving the drink a clearer flavour story and a more useful reason to make it.
Ingredients: Bourbon, Allspice Dram, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Angostura Bitters.
Lucien Gaudin
Lucien Gaudin layers Gin with Campari, Dry Vermouth, and Triple Sec for a deeper, aromatic cocktail built for slower sipping.
Ingredients: Gin, Campari, Dry Vermouth, and Triple Sec.
Mango Chilli Margarita
Mango Chilli Margarita brings together Tequila and Mango Syrup, lemon, and Chilli Syrup in a focused cocktail that is easy to understand but far from one-note.
Ingredients: Tequila, Mango syrup, lemon, Chilli syrup. Serve well chilled.
Martinez
A rich and aromatic gin-based cocktail with sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitters, served in a coupe glass.
Ingredients: Old Tom gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur and bitters.
Matcha Cloud Sour
Matcha Cloud Sour brings together Vodka and Matcha syrup, lemon, and Vanilla syrup in a focused cocktail that is easy to understand but far from one-note.
Ingredients: Vodka, Matcha syrup, lemon, Vanilla syrup. Serve well chilled.
Matcha Mango Colada
A vivid tropical colada with white rum, mango, pineapple, coconut and an earthy ribbon of matcha.
Ingredients: White rum, Pineapple juice, Mango purée, Coconut cream, Fresh lime juice, Matcha syrup.
Mexican Firing Squad
Mexican Firing Squad is bright, tart and clean without feeling thin, with Tequila, Lime Juice, Grenadine and Angostura Bitters giving the drink a clearer flavour story and a more useful reason to make it.
Ingredients: Tequila, Lime Juice, Grenadine, Angostura Bitters.
Miso Caramel Old Fashioned
Miso Caramel Old Fashioned layers Bourbon with Miso caramel syrup, Bitters, and Bitters tincture for a deeper, aromatic cocktail built for slower sipping.
Ingredients: Bourbon, Miso caramel syrup, bitters, Bitters tincture, Expressed citrus peel. Serve well chilled.
Monkey Gland
Monkey Gland pairs Gin with Orange juice, Grenadine, and Absinthe for a bright, sharply balanced cocktail with a clean finish.
Ingredients: Gin, Orange juice, Grenadine, and Absinthe.
Naked and Famous
Naked and Famous is sharp, lively and properly structured, with Mezcal, Aperol, Yellow Chartreuse and Lime Juice giving the drink a clearer flavour story and a more useful reason to make it.
Ingredients: Mezcal, Aperol, Yellow Chartreuse, Lime Juice.
Olive Leaf Martini
Olive Leaf Martini layers Gin with Olive leaf liqueur and Vermouth modifier for a deeper, aromatic cocktail built for slower sipping.
Ingredients: Gin, Olive leaf liqueur, Vermouth modifier. Serve well chilled.
Pandan Colada
Pandan Colada pairs Rum with Pandan juice, Coconut syrup, and lime juice for a bright, sharply balanced cocktail with a clean finish.
Ingredients: Rum, Pandan juice, Coconut syrup, and lime juice.
Pandan Piña Spritz
A light tropical spritz with white rum, pandan, pineapple, lime, prosecco and soda.
Ingredients: White rum, Pandan syrup, Pineapple juice, Fresh lime juice, Prosecco, Soda water.
Paper Plane
Paper Plane is bright, tart and clean without feeling thin, with Bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino and Lemon Juice giving the drink a clearer flavour story and a more useful reason to make it.
Ingredients: Bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, Lemon Juice.
Passionfruit Pepper Spritz
Passionfruit Pepper Spritz combines Tequila with Passion Fruit Liqueur, Pink pepper cordial, and Sparkling Wine, finishing with a lively, refreshing lift.
Ingredients: Tequila, Passion Fruit Liqueur, Pink pepper cordial, and Sparkling Wine.
Pink Pepper Paloma
Pink Pepper Paloma combines Tequila with Pink pepper syrup, lime juice, and Grapefruit Cordial, finishing with a lively, refreshing lift.
Ingredients: Tequila, Pink pepper syrup, lime juice, Grapefruit Cordial, and Grapefruit Soda.
Pisco Sour
Pisco Sour is sharp, lively and properly structured, with Pisco, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup and Egg White giving the drink a clearer flavour story and a more useful reason to make it.
Ingredients: Pisco, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Egg White, Bitters.
Remember the Maine
Remember the Maine is aperitif-style, vivid and properly balanced, with Rye Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth, Cherry Heering and Absinthe giving the drink a clearer flavour story and a more useful reason to make it.
Ingredients: Rye Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth, Cherry Heering, Absinthe.
Roasted Pineapple Old Fashioned
Roasted Pineapple Old Fashioned layers Dark rum with Roasted pineapple syrup, Bitters, and Bitters tincture for a deeper, aromatic cocktail built for slower sipping.
Ingredients: Dark rum, Roasted pineapple syrup, bitters, Bitters tincture, Expressed citrus peel. Serve well chilled.
Roasted Sesame Whisky Sour
A silky Japanese-whisky sour with toasted sesame, fresh lemon and a restrained nutty sweetness.
Ingredients: Japanese whisky, Fresh lemon juice, Toasted sesame syrup, Egg white, Angostura bitters.
Saffron Citrus Sour
Saffron Citrus Sour brings together Gin and Saffron syrup, lemon, and Mandarin syrup in a focused cocktail that is easy to understand but far from one-note.
Ingredients: Gin, Saffron syrup, lemon, Mandarin syrup. Serve well chilled.
Salted Honey Spritz
A bright gin spritz with lemon, salted honey, prosecco and soda.
Ingredients: Gin, Fresh lemon juice, Salted honey syrup, Prosecco, Soda water.
Saturn
Saturn is juicy, generous and full of holiday energy, with Gin, Passionfruit Syrup, Lemon Juice and Orgeat giving the drink a clearer flavour story and a more useful reason to make it.
Ingredients: Gin, Passionfruit Syrup, Lemon Juice, Orgeat, Falernum.
Strawberries and Cream Negroni
A plush Negroni variation with gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, strawberry and a subtle white-chocolate cream note.
Ingredients: Gin, Campari, Sweet vermouth, Strawberry liqueur, White chocolate liqueur.
Tamarind Sunset
Tamarind Sunset combines Tequila with Tamarind syrup, lime juice, and Orange cordial, finishing with a lively, refreshing lift.
Ingredients: Tequila, Tamarind syrup, lime juice, Orange cordial, and Soda Water.
Tipperary
Tipperary layers Irish whiskey with Sweet Vermouth, Green Chartreuse, and Angostura Bitters for a deeper, aromatic cocktail built for slower sipping.
Ingredients: Irish whiskey, Sweet vermouth, Green Chartreuse, Angostura bitters. Serve well chilled.
Toasted Coconut Negroni
Toasted Coconut Negroni layers Gin with Toasted coconut syrup, Bitters, and Bitter aperitif tincture for a deeper, aromatic cocktail built for slower sipping.
Ingredients: Gin, Toasted coconut syrup, bitters, Bitter aperitif tincture, Expressed citrus peel. Serve well chilled.
Ube Espresso Martini
A deep-purple Espresso Martini with vodka, coffee liqueur, fresh espresso and nutty vanilla-like ube.
Ingredients: Vodka, Coffee liqueur, Fresh espresso, Ube syrup.
Ube Velvet Flip
Ube Velvet Flip brings Rum and Ube syrup, Condensed milk liqueur, and Whole Egg together in a smooth, dessert-leaning cocktail with real structure.
Ingredients: Rum, Ube syrup, Condensed milk liqueur, and Whole Egg.
Vieux Carre
Vieux Carre is grown-up, bittersweet and beautifully structured, with Rye Whiskey, Cognac, Sweet Vermouth and Bénédictine giving the drink a clearer flavour story and a more useful reason to make it.
Ingredients: Rye Whiskey, Cognac, Sweet Vermouth, Bénédictine, Bitters.
Violet Lemon Drop
A floral Lemon Drop with vodka, fresh lemon, orange liqueur and a precise touch of crème de violette.
Ingredients: Vodka, Triple sec, Crème de violette, Fresh lemon juice, Simple syrup.
White Lady
A crisp and elegant gin sour cocktail with citrus and a velvety texture, served in a coupe glass.
Ingredients: Gin, Cointreau, and lemon juice add egg white for a silky foam.
Yuzu Garden Martini
Yuzu Garden Martini brings together Gin and yuzu liqueur and Shiso modifier in a focused cocktail that is easy to understand but far from one-note.
Ingredients: Gin, Yuzu liqueur, Shiso modifier. Serve well chilled.
Yuzu Paloma Pop
A high-definition Paloma with blanco tequila, grapefruit, yuzu and bright pink-grapefruit fizz.
Ingredients: Blanco tequila, Yuzu juice, Fresh grapefruit juice, Agave syrup, Pink grapefruit soda.