Discover 7 Must-Try Cocktails Featuring Liquor Freight's Premium Spirits

In the world of mixology, the use of premium spirits can truly transform a cocktail, elevating tastes and unlocking a spectrum of flavors as diverse as the spirits themselves. Whether you're a home bartender seeking to impress your guests with uniquely crafted libations or a cocktail enthusiast looking to explore new ways of enjoying your favorite beverages, the possibilities are endless when your drink is crafted with exceptional ingredients.

To inspire your cocktail creations and expand your mixology horizons, we've curated a list of seven must-try cocktails that showcase Liquor Freight's premium spirits. Selected for their exquisite taste and impressive presentation, these cocktails are perfect for any occasion, from celebratory gatherings to intimate evenings at home. As you explore these tantalizing concoctions, you'll not only uncover enticing new flavors but also add a touch of sophistication and finesse to your bartending skills. 

 

1. The Old Fashioned: A Timeless Classic

The Old Fashioned is a quintessential American cocktail known for its timeless appeal and simplicity. A medley of whiskey, sugar, and bitters creates a beautifully balanced drink enhanced by a twist of citrus.

Ingredients:

- 2 oz. Bulleit Bourbon

- 1 sugar cube or 0.5 oz. simple syrup

- 2 dashes Angostura bitters

- Orange peel, for garnish

Mixing Instructions:

1. In a sturdy mixing glass, muddle the sugar cube with bitters (or combine simple syrup and bitters).
2. Add the bourbon and fill the mixing glass with ice. Stir until well chilled.
3. Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
4. Express the orange peel over the drink, then twist and place it in the glass to garnish.

 

2. The Negroni: A Bold and Bitter Beauty

The Negroni is a classic Italian cocktail that showcases gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth in a harmonious balance of flavors. The bitterness of Campari is delicately offset by the sweetness of vermouth and the botanicals of the gin.

Ingredients:

- 1 oz. Hendrick's Gin

- 1 oz. Campari

- 1 oz. sweet vermouth

- Orange peel, for garnish

Mixing Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass filled with ice, pour the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Stir until well chilled.
2. Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with a large ice cube.
3. Garnish with a twist of orange peel, expressed over the drink, before placing it in the glass.

 

3. Eastside: A Refreshing Gin Concoction

The Eastside is a modern gin-based drink, resembling a mashup of a classic mojito and gin gimlet in taste and appearance. Cucumber and mint bring refreshing coolness to the mix, while the lime juice adds brightness, making it a perfect companion for warm summer days.

Ingredients:

- 2 oz. [The Botanist Islay Dry Gin](http://liquorfreight.com/the-botanist-gin)

- 0.75 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice

- 0.75 oz. simple syrup

- 6-8 mint leaves

- 4 cucumber slices

- Mint sprig and cucumber for garnish

Mixing Instructions:

1. In a shaker, muddle the cucumber slices and mint leaves.
2. Add the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously.
3. Double-strain the cocktail into an ice-filled Collins glass.
4. Garnish with a mint sprig and a cucumber slice.

 

4. The Last Word: A Vivacious Libation

The Last Word is a prohibition-era cocktail that boasts a vibrant blend of gin, maraschino liqueur, chartreuse, and lime. This lively libation delivers a complex and herbaceous flavor with a touch of sweetness.

Ingredients:

- 0.75 oz. Sipsmith London Dry Gin

- 0.75 oz. maraschino liqueur

- 0.75 oz. green chartreuse

- 0.75 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice

- Lime twist for garnish

Mixing Instructions:

1. In a shaker filled with ice, pour the gin, maraschino liqueur, chartreuse, and lime juice.
2. Shake until well chilled.
3. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
4. Garnish with a lime twist.

 

5. Spicy Margarita: Turning Up the Heat

Add a fiery twist to the traditional margarita with the addition of fresh jalapeño slices. This Spicy Margarita pairs wonderfully with the flavors of agave-forward tequila and the tartness of fresh lime juice, creating a delicious and daring combination.

Ingredients:

- 2 oz. Espolòn Reposado Tequila

- 1 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice

- 0.5 oz. agave nectar

- 1-2 jalapeño slices (adjust to heat preference)

- Salt for rimming the glass

- Lime wheel and jalapeño slice for garnish

Mixing Instructions:

1. Rim a rocks glass with salt and fill it with ice.
2. In a shaker, muddle the jalapeño slices.
3. Add the tequila, lime juice, and agave nectar to the shaker. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until well chilled.
4. Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and a jalapeño slice, if desired.

6. The Paper Plane: Soaring with Flavor

The Paper Plane is a contemporary bourbon cocktail that features a delightful balance of flavors from Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice. With its citrusy brightness, bitter complexity, and sweet warmth, the Paper Plane is sure to become a fan favorite.

Ingredients:

- 1.5 oz. Woodford Reserve Bourbon

- 0.75 oz. Aperol

- 0.75 oz. Amaro Nonino

- 0.75 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice

- Lemon twist for garnish

Mixing Instructions:

1. In a shaker filled with ice, pour the bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice.
2. Shake until well chilled.
3. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist.

7. The Espresso Martini: A Caffeinated Delight

The Espresso Martini is a popular choice for lovers of caffeine and cocktails alike. Combining vodka, coffee liqueur, and a shot of espresso, this classic drink offers a delightful balance of potent coffee flavors and a smooth, rich texture.

Ingredients:

- 1.5 oz. Grey Goose Vodka

- 1 oz. coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)

- 1 oz. freshly brewed and cooled espresso

- 3 coffee beans for garnish

Mixing Instructions:

1. In a shaker filled with ice, pour the vodka, coffee liqueur, and cooled espresso.
2. Shake vigorously until well chilled and frothy.
3. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
4. Garnish with three coffee beans placed in the center of the froth.

Crafting Masterpieces with Liquor Freight's Premium Spirits

With these seven must-try cocktails in your repertoire, you're well-equipped to dazzle your guests and elevate your mixology skills to new heights. By showcasing Liquor Freight's handpicked selection of premium spirits, not only will you be creating delightful libations that taste extraordinary, but you'll also add an exceptional touch of class and sophistication to your gatherings.

As you blend unique flavors and textures, you'll create remarkable sensory journeys to captivate and enthrall with every sip. Whether you're bringing the heat with a Spicy Margarita or chilling down with a refreshing Eastside, your newfound skills will allow you to forge unforgettable experiences for yourself and your guests - all courtesy of Liquor Freight's star-studded selection.

Ready to embark on your own mixology adventure with Liquor Freight's premium spirits? Shop our extensive alcohol collection now and curate your own spectacular range of exceptional-quality beverages. These spirits, found in the heart of each refreshing cocktail, form the foundation of your mixology journey, enabling you to craft indulgent drinks that are nothing short of masterpieces.