5 New Cocktails You Should Try—Whether at Home or in a Bar

5 New Cocktails You Should Try—Whether at Home or in a Bar

There’s something about a well-made cocktail that elevates a night out—or a quiet evening at home. It’s more than just the mix of flavors; it’s the experience, the craft, and the discovery of something new. Whether you’re an aspiring home bartender or simply looking to expand your go-to order at your favorite bar, the world of cocktails is ripe for exploration.

Here are five fresh cocktails that strike the perfect balance between adventurous and approachable. Trust me, these are worth a try.

1. The Honey & Thyme Gin Sour

Refreshing, herbal, and just a touch sweet

Gin lovers, this one’s for you. The Honey & Thyme Gin Sour introduces an unexpected, herbaceous twist to the classic sour. Honey adds a gentle sweetness that complements the piney bite of gin, while fresh thyme brings a subtle earthiness that balances it all out.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz gin
  • ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
  • ½ oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
  • Fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions: Shake the gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup with ice. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a sprig of thyme. If you’re at home, give the thyme a light slap to release its oils before garnishing—it’s a trick that brings out its best.

2. The Coconut Matcha Margarita

Bright, creamy, and tropical

Margaritas are a classic, but this version is for those who love a tropical escape in a glass. Coconut milk gives it a silky texture, while matcha adds a delicate, grassy bitterness that pairs surprisingly well with tequila. It’s refreshing yet indulgent—a perfect summer cocktail.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz blanco tequila
  • 1 oz coconut milk
  • ¾ oz fresh lime juice
  • ½ oz agave syrup
  • 1 tsp matcha powder

Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass with fresh ice. For an extra flair, rim the glass with toasted coconut or matcha salt. It’s a vacation in a glass.

3. The Smoked Blackberry Old Fashioned

Bold, fruity, and a little smoky

If you’re someone who enjoys the deep, rich flavors of an Old Fashioned, this new take will surprise you. The Smoked Blackberry Old Fashioned brings a burst of juicy blackberry, layered with a hint of smoke that adds complexity without overwhelming the classic whiskey notes.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
  • ½ oz simple syrup
  • 3 fresh blackberries
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • A few drops of liquid smoke or a smoked glass (optional)

Instructions: Muddle the blackberries in the simple syrup, then add bitters and whiskey. Stir with ice until well-chilled. For the smoky touch, either spritz a bit of liquid smoke or serve it in a glass that’s been pre-smoked with wood chips. Garnish with a blackberry skewer for added drama.

4. The Yuzu Spritz

Citrusy, effervescent, and slightly exotic

For fans of light, bubbly cocktails, the Yuzu Spritz is your new go-to. Yuzu, a citrus fruit from Japan, has a flavor that’s a blend of lemon, lime, and grapefruit all in one. It pairs beautifully with sparkling wine and a hint of elderflower liqueur, creating a drink that’s both elegant and refreshing.

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz yuzu juice (or yuzu concentrate diluted with water)
  • 1 oz elderflower liqueur (such as St-Germain)
  • 3 oz sparkling wine or Champagne
  • Soda water to top

Instructions: Pour the yuzu juice and elderflower liqueur into a wine glass filled with ice. Add sparkling wine and top with soda water. Give it a gentle stir and garnish with a lemon twist. It’s a delightful alternative to the classic Aperol Spritz.

5. The Spicy Maple Paloma

Sweet, spicy, and citrusy

A twist on the traditional Paloma, the Spicy Maple Paloma brings a warming kick to the mix. It’s a harmonious balance of tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, and a maple syrup-based spicy syrup that gives it a sweet heat. It’s a cocktail that feels both cozy and zesty at the same time.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz tequila
  • ½ oz maple syrup
  • 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
  • ½ oz lime juice
  • 1 dash of hot sauce or muddled jalapeño (for heat)
  • Soda water to top

Instructions: Shake the tequila, maple syrup, grapefruit, and lime juice with ice, along with your heat source of choice. Strain into a glass filled with ice, and top with soda water. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge or a slice of jalapeño for a little extra bite.

A Few Final Tips

If you’re mixing these at home, don’t be afraid to play with the recipes—cocktails are meant to be fun, after all. If you’re trying them at a bar, take a moment to chat with the bartender. You’ll often learn some cool tips or discover other cocktails that share a similar flavor profile.

Whether you're sipping on a Coconut Matcha Margarita at the beach or enjoying a Smoked Blackberry Old Fashioned by a fireplace, these drinks are sure to expand your cocktail horizons in delightful, unexpected ways. Cheers to trying something new!

Back to blog