5 Underrated Cocktails You Need to Try at Least Once

When it comes to cocktails, there are generally two types of drinkers: those who stick with a beloved go-to drink and those who like to experiment and try new cocktails. Both can be great ways to enjoy a night out (or a relaxing night in), but do you ever get the feeling that there are great cocktails out there that you’re missing?

There probably are! Try these amazing yet underrated cocktails that need to be on your to-try list.

Negroni

A negroni is one of those cocktails that most people have heard of but fewer people have tried it or know what it entails. It’s an Italian aperitif that features gin, sweet red vermouth, and Campari, along with a tell-tale orange peel garnish. To get the best results from your negroni recipe, treat yourself to great spirits like Barrel Rested Gin and Regal Rogue Bold Red vermouth.

Old Fashioned

The old fashioned is often overlooked because most people think of it as, well, old-fashioned. In truth, this delicious combo of whiskey, sugar, and bitters, topped by a maraschino cherry, is a great choice for whiskey lovers of all ages. Just make sure you’re not compromising on your whiskey, so use a SIP Award winner like Devil’s Share American Whiskey.

Mezcal Margarita

Everyone knows the classic margarita as a timeless combo of tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. But have you ever tried a mezcal margarita?

Mezcal is a spirit that’s similar to tequila, and in fact, it’s made from the same blue agave plant as tequila. The difference is that while the agave is oven-baked to make tequila, it’s smoked to make mezcal, so mezcal has a smokier flavor. Whether you’re serving up a mezcal margarita for the first time or the fiftieth time, go for a quality mezcal like Zignum Añejo.

Sazerac

The sazerac is another one of those old-school cocktails that’s still around but doesn’t get the attention it once did. The combination of rye, absinthe, Peychaud’s bitters, and sugar has a very whiskey-forward taste with just a delicate hint of sweetness. If you’re in the mood to give it a try, we recommend Alberta Premium Rye and La Luna Absinthe as your main players.

Bamboo

The bamboo is one of those cocktails that tend to be appreciated by mixologists but forgotten by everyone else. A bamboo cocktail is similar to a martini but with sherry as its chief spirit instead of gin or vodka. The recipe includes sherry, dry vermouth, orange bitters, and aromatic bitters. As you mix up this underrated concoction, make sure you don’t skimp on the vermouth. Try a quality option like Regal Rogue Daring Dry.

Building Your Cocktail Bucket List

Part of the fun of DIY mixology is having the freedom to experiment and tweak your favorite cocktails in any way you choose. After all, how do you know what you enjoy until you try it? Add the underappreciated but fantastic cocktails above to your to-mix list for the next time you’re in the mood for something new. In the meantime, make sure you’re stocked up with SIP Award winners.