5 Timeless Cocktails with Trendy Twists
Classic cocktails stick around for a reason; they’re simple, balanced, and basically impossible to beat.
But one of the best parts about the drinks world right now is seeing how bartenders take those familiar formulas and turn them into something totally fresh.
From savory heat to nostalgic infusions, these riffs keep the spirit of the original while bringing new energy (and flavors) to the glass. Here are a few of our favorite twists on timeless cocktails!
MARGARITA — Oaxacan Margarita
A smoky switch-up thanks to mezcal! The combo of lime, lemon, and agave keeps the Margarita vibe classic, but the mezcal adds this earthy richness that makes it feel a little more grown-up and layered.
Preparation
Rim a glass with Tajín (optional).
Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice & shake vigorously.
Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
Garnish with a lime edge.
NEGRONI — Strawberry Negroni Spritz
A lighter, fruitier take that still keeps the Negroni’s backbone. Fresh strawberries and a splash of soda bring a subtle sweetness and lift, turning the classic into something light, sparkling, and super refreshing.
Preparation
Muddle 2 and a half strawberries with sugar in a cocktail shaker (reserving the prettiest 1/2 strawberry for garnish).
Add the NOLET’S Gin, vermouth and Campari to the shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled (when the shaker begins to sweat).
Strain into an ice-filled Spritz glass, top with soda water and garnish with the reserved strawberry sprinkled with a grind of fresh black pepper.
BLOODY MARY — Pickled Bloody Caesar
If you love anything briny, this one’s a win. Pickle brine and cucumber add a fresh snap, while the tomato-clam base keeps it savory. Loaded garnishes make it feel like a full brunch moment in a glass.
Pickled Bloody Caesar
Ingredients
1 ½ oz. Premium Silver Tequila
½ oz. Pickle Brine
1 pump Monin Cucumber Concentrated Flavor
1 pump Monin Oak Barrel Concentrated Flavor
5 oz. Tomato Clam Cocktail
Garnish: Pickled Veggies, Lime wheel, Celery, Cucumber slice
Preparation
Fill serving glass full of ice.
Pour ingredients into serving glass in order listed.
Pour mixture into mixing tin and back into serving glass to mix.
Add garnish and serve.
MARTINI — Kimchitini
This one goes bold. The kimchi-infused soju adds heat, funk, and a savory depth you’d never expect in a Martini, but it works. It’s clean, crisp, and a fun way to lean into fermented flavors.
Photo by Greyson Tarantino
Preparation
Shake vigorously and strain into a Nick & Nora glass.
OLD FASHIONED — Cracker Jack Old Fashioned
Sweet, salty, nostalgic and somehow still balanced! The Cracker Jack–infused bourbon brings caramel-corn notes without overwhelming the drink, and the pinch of sea salt ties it all together. It’s playful, but still very much an Old Fashioned.
Cracker Jack Old Fashioned
by Scott Augsburger, New Riff Distilling Aquifer Supervisor – Newport, KY
Ingredients
2 oz. Cracker Jack infused New Riff Bottled in Bond Bourbon*
1 bar spoon Rich Demerara**
3 dashes Angostura Bitters
Preparation
Add all ingredients into a mixing glass, add ice, and stir.
Strain into a rocks glass over a large cube.
Garnish with a pinch of sea salt.
*Cracker Jack infused New Riff BIB Bourbon
Ingredients
1 ½ cups Cracker Jacks
750 ml (1 bottle) New Riff Bottled in Bond Bourbon
Preparation
Using a measuring cup, measure 1-1/2 cups of cracker jacks, then blend them in a blender until they have turned into a fine powder.
Next, infuse the cracker jack powder in 750 ml (1 bottle) of New Riff Bottled in Bond Bourbon for 15-20 mins, stirring occasionally.
After infusing, strain the cracker jack bourbon through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter for a clearer infusion, and bottle. The mixture lasts for months.
**Rich Demerara
Ingredients
Demerara Sugar
Water
Preparation
Take a pot and add 2 parts Demerara sugar and 1 part water.
Heat on the stove over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
Stir frequently to help dissolve the sugar fast.
When the sugar is dissolved, let cool.
Then, bottle for later use. Syrup lasts about 1 month.
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