The Ultimate Cocktails for National Cocktail Day

The Ultimate Cocktails for National Cocktail Day

National Cocktail Day is a week away, and we’ve compiled the ultimate cocktails for you to whip up! Say goodbye to the classic cocktails we know and love — here are some unusual drinks to try at your next party. From bold flavors to unexpected ingredients, these creative concoctions will impress your guests. Everyone is sure to love these new finds!

1. Charcoal Whiskey Sour

A dark and dramatic twist on a classic – this cocktail will truly be the star of the night in every party you serve it in.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Bourbon
• ¾ oz Fresh lemon juice
• ½ oz Honey syrup (1:1 honey and warm water)
• ¼ tsp Activated charcoal powder
• 1 Egg white (optional, for a frothy texture)
• Ice
• Lemon wheel or black salt for garnish

Instructions:

• Add bourbon, lemon juice, honey syrup, activated charcoal, and egg white (if using) to a cocktail shaker or a pitcher.
• Dry shake (without ice) for 10-15 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
• Add ice and shake again until well chilled.
• Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
• Garnish with a lemon wheel or a black salt rim.

2. Coconut Matcha Colada

Combine your favorite morning pick-me-up with your nightly cocktail for a tropical-meets-earthy delight.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz White rum
• 1 oz Coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess)
• ½ oz Fresh lime juice
• ½ oz Honey syrup
• ½ tsp Matcha powder
• 1 oz Pineapple juice (optional, for extra sweetness)
• Ice
• Shredded coconut or lime wheel for garnish

Instructions:

• In a shaker, whisk the matcha with a splash of warm water to dissolve.
• Add rum, coconut milk, lime juice, honey syrup, and ice.
• Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
• Strain into a chilled glass over ice.
• Garnish with shredded coconut or a lime wheel.

3. Butter Washed Rum Punch

Summer is right around the corner, and you need a rich, smooth, and decadent drink with tropical spice to complete your day!

Ingredients:

• Butter-Washed Rum:
• 4 oz Dark rum
• 1 tbsp Melted unsalted butter
• For the cocktail:
• 2 oz Butter-washed rum
• 2 oz Pineapple juice
• ½ oz Lime juice
• ¼ oz Cinnamon syrup (1:1 sugar, water, and cinnamon stick)
• Ice
• Grated nutmeg for garnish

Instructions:

• Butter-Washing the Rum:
• Melt butter and let it cool slightly.
• Stir into the rum and let sit at room temp for 1 hour.
• Freeze for 2-3 hours, then strain out the solidified butter with a fine strainer or cheesecloth.
• Making the Cocktail:
• Add butter-washed rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, and cinnamon syrup to a shaker.
• Shake with ice and strain into a glass over fresh ice.
• Garnish with grated nutmeg.

4. Carrot Cake Flip

Need something sweet for a change? Here’s a dessert cocktail with a velvety texture to satisfy your sweet tooth’s cravings.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Spiced rum
• 2 oz Fresh carrot juice
• ½ oz Vanilla syrup (or vanilla extract + simple syrup)
• ¼ tsp Ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp Ground nutmeg
• 1 Whole egg (for a creamy texture)
• Ice
• Grated nutmeg or a cinnamon stick for garnish

Instructions:

• Add all ingredients to a shaker without ice and shake vigorously (dry shake) for 15 seconds.
• Add ice and shake again until well chilled.
• Strain into a coupe or rocks glass.
• Garnish with grated nutmeg or a cinnamon stick.

5. Wasabi Bloody Mary

Here’s a spicy umami-packed twist on the classic Bloody Mary! Whip up this interesting drink and get ready to be mind blown by its flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Vodka
• 4 oz Tomato juice
• ½ tsp Wasabi paste
• ½ oz Fresh lime juice
• ¼ oz Soy sauce
• ½ tsp Horseradish (optional, for extra kick)
• 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
• 2 dashes Hot sauce (Tabasco or similar)
• Black pepper and celery salt to taste
• Ice
• Celery stalk, lime wedge, or pickled vegetables for garnish

Instructions:

• In a shaker, mix the wasabi paste with lime juice and soy sauce until smooth.
• Add vodka, tomato juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and seasonings.
• Shake with ice until chilled.
• Strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
• Garnish with a celery stalk, lime wedge, or pickled vegetables.