Cocktails are a timeless part of the drinking culture, loved for their unique flavour combinations and refreshing qualities. Whether you're sipping on a classic cocktail at a bar or crafting one at home, there are endless cocktail variations to explore. From sweet and fruity concoctions to strong and zesty drinks, this guide will introduce you to some of the most popular cocktail types and variations, perfect for any occasion.
Top Cocktails List
The easiest approach to figure out what suits your palate is to experiment with numerous cocktail varieties. While certain cocktails are timeless, others put a modern spin on the traditional ones. Here are some of the best drinks you may sample:
Classic Cocktails and Their Variations
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Tom Collins
The Tom Collins is a traditional cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and crushed ice. It's a great option for summer evenings because of its mild, zesty flavor and you can simply switch things up by using vodka as a base instead of gin.
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Whiskey Sour
A whiskey sour is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, made with whiskey, lemon juice and sugar, and sometimes egg white for a frothy texture. For a twist, you could try it with rum lime juice instead of the traditional lemon.
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French 75
A sparkling classic, the French 75 combines gin, dry vermouth, lemon juice, and sparkling wine. For a refreshing twist, experiment by adding a splash of pineapple juice or fruit juice to create a fruitier version.
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Gin Fizz
The gin fizz is a timeless favourite, mixing gin or vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water. A more complex version could include a dash of triple sec for added depth or some ginger ale for a bubbly kick.
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Irish Coffee
For something a little different, try an Irish coffee. It’s a warm drink made with hot coffee, whiskey, and topped with a thick layer of cream. This is perfect for cold evenings or when you’re looking for something comforting.
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Pina Colada
A tropical favourite, the Pina Colada features a blend of rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, and crushed ice. To make it more indulgent, try adding a splash of triple sec for an extra citrus flavour.
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Margarita
A favourite amongst tequila lovers, the Margarita combines tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. It’s often served with a salted rim for that perfect salty-sweet balance. Try swapping the lime juice with lemon juice and sugar for a twist on the classic.
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Mai Tai
The Mai Tai is a rum-based cocktail that typically combines rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and orange liqueur like triple sec. For a tropical touch, add a bit of pineapple juice to give it a fruity flair.
Based Cocktails and Their Variations
Based cocktails refer to drinks that start with a strong base spirit such as whiskey, gin, or vodka. These cocktails have a lot of room for variation depending on your preferences:
Rum Lime Juice-Based Drinks: You can easily create a range of cocktails using rum lime juice, whether it’s a Mojito, Daiquiri, or Piña Colada. These drinks can be modified by switching up the fruit juices or adding a sweet syrup.
Gin or Vodka-Based Cocktails: Cocktails like the Tom Collins or Gin Fizz are based on gin, but you can swap gin for vodka for a smoother taste. Don’t forget to top these with refreshing mixers like ginger ale or sparkling wine for a fizzy punch.
Add Zerup Zero Sugar Syrups to Your Cocktails
For those looking to make their cocktail variations even more delightful without the extra sugar, Zerup Zero Sugar Syrups are the perfect choice. Available in a wide range of flavours, these sugar-free syrups can enhance any mixed drink while keeping it guilt-free. Try them with your favourite rum, gin, or vodka-based cocktails for a deliciously sweet touch without the sugar content.
To begin your flavor adventure, try the cocktail bundle, which includes three unique and delicious syrup flavors to experiment with.
