Basic cocktails stick round for a purpose; they’re easy, balanced, and mainly unattainable to beat.
However among the finest components in regards to the drinks world proper now’s seeing how bartenders take these acquainted formulation and switch them into one thing completely contemporary.
From savory warmth to nostalgic infusions, these riffs maintain the spirit of the unique whereas bringing new power (and flavors) to the glass. Listed below are a couple of of our favourite twists on timeless cocktails!
MARGARITA — Oaxacan Margarita
A smoky switch-up due to mezcal! The combo of lime, lemon, and agave retains the Margarita vibe basic, however the mezcal provides this earthy richness that makes it really feel a bit of extra grown-up and layered.

Oaxacan Margarita
Substances
- 1 ½ oz. Gracias a Dios Espadín Mezcal
- ½ oz. Bauchant Orange Liqueur
- ¾ oz. Contemporary Lime Juice
- ¼ oz. Contemporary Lemon Juice
- ½ oz. Agave Syrup
Preparation
- Rim a glass with Tajín (optionally available).
- Add all components to a shaker crammed with ice & shake vigorously.
- Pressure right into a rocks glass over contemporary ice.
- Garnish with a lime edge.
NEGRONI — Strawberry Negroni Spritz
A lighter, fruitier take that also retains the Negroni’s spine. Contemporary strawberries and a splash of soda convey a refined sweetness and elevate, turning the basic into one thing mild, glowing, and tremendous refreshing.

Strawberry Negroni Spritz
Substances
- 1 oz. NOLET’S Silver Gin
- 1 oz. Candy Vermouth
- 1 oz. Campari
- 3 Contemporary Strawberries
- 1 tsp Sugar
- Membership Soda or Seltzer, to high
- Garnish: Half Strawberry, Contemporary Pepper
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 till well-chilled (when the shaker begins to sweat).
- Pressure into an ice-filled Spritz glass, high with soda water and garnish with the reserved strawberry sprinkled with a grind of contemporary black pepper.
BLOODY MARY — Pickled Bloody Caesar
For those who love something briny, this one’s a win. Pickle brine and cucumber add a contemporary snap, whereas the tomato-clam base retains it savory. Loaded garnishes make it really feel like a full brunch second in a glass.

Pickled Bloody Caesar
Substances
- 1 ½ oz. Premium Silver Tequila
- ½ oz. Pickle Brine
- 1 pump Monin Cucumber Concentrated Taste
- 1 pump Monin Oak Barrel Concentrated Taste
- 5 oz. Tomato Clam Cocktail
- Garnish: Pickled Veggies, Lime wheel, Celery, Cucumber slice
Preparation
- Fill serving glass filled with ice.
- Pour components into serving glass so as listed.
- Pour combination into mixing tin and again into serving glass to combine.
- Add garnish and serve.
MARTINI — Kimchitini
This one goes daring. The kimchi-infused soju provides warmth, funk, and a savory depth you’d by no means anticipate in a Martini, however it works. It’s clear, crisp, and a enjoyable approach to lean into fermented flavors.

Photograph by Greyson Tarantino
Kimchitini
Substances
- 2 oz. Kimchi-infused Hiya Soju Flagship Spirit
- ½ oz. Dry Vermouth
- Garnish: Contemporary Kimchee, sliced lengthy, on a skewer
Preparation
- Shake vigorously and pressure right into a Nick & Nora glass.
OLD FASHIONED — Cracker Jack Outdated Customary
Candy, salty, nostalgic and one way or the other nonetheless balanced! The Cracker Jack–infused bourbon brings caramel-corn notes with out overwhelming the drink, and the pinch of sea salt ties all of it collectively. It’s playful, however nonetheless very a lot an Outdated Customary.

Cracker Jack Outdated Customary
by Scott Augsburger, New Riff Distilling Aquifer Supervisor – Newport, KY
Substances
- 2 oz. Cracker Jack infused New Riff Bottled in Bond Bourbon*
- 1 bar spoon Wealthy Demerara**
- 3 dashes Angostura Bitters
Preparation
- Add all components right into a mixing glass, add ice, and stir.
- Pressure right into a rocks glass over a big dice.
- Garnish with a pinch of sea salt.
*Cracker Jack infused New Riff BIB Bourbon
Substances
- 1 ½ cups Cracker Jacks
- 750 ml (1 bottle) New Riff Bottled in Bond Bourbon
Preparation
- Utilizing a measuring cup, measure 1-1/2 cups of cracker jacks, then mix them in a blender till they’ve become a positive powder.
- Subsequent, infuse the cracker jack powder in 750 ml (1 bottle) of New Riff Bottled in Bond Bourbon for 15-20 minutes, stirring often.
- After infusing, pressure the cracker jack bourbon by a cheesecloth or a espresso filter for a clearer infusion, and bottle. The combination lasts for months.
**Wealthy Demerara
Preparation
- Take a pot and add 2 components Demerara sugar and 1 half water.
- Warmth on the range over medium warmth till the sugar is dissolved.
- Stir often to assist dissolve the sugar quick.
- When the sugar is dissolved, let cool.
- Then, bottle for later use. Syrup lasts about 1 month.

