Waiting for the COVID-19 to pass has proven to be tough. Don’t let a virus get you down. Instead, use some of that extra time between work and daddy-daycare to become an in-house mixologist or bartender. These five unique cocktails in 2020 will inspire you to learn new recipes, host a party post COVID-19, and drink responsibly. From Kombucha to an array of ciders, there’s eclectic list of cocktails to incorporate accordingly. Whether you want a healthy alternative or a little something to take the edge off, below are some unique cocktails in 2020.
Before we sip into the five unique cocktails in 2020, let’s talk shop – history. The exact origin of the name “cocktail” is not entirely known. Though, the theories out there are enough to add a significant amount of laughter and curiosity. One theory suggests it originated by a certain “frisky” process horse owners used to give their horse some “pep” in its step. Another theory suggests it was thought up of by a gentleman by the name of, Peychaud who long ago – 1800’s to be exact, mixed up a brandy in an eggcup known as coquetier. Later, Peychaud shortened the name to cocktay and from there, like most things that reach the public, changed again to Cocktail. And, from there, the world was never the same.
Nevertheless, when it comes to thinking of a drink, the options are evolving. Classics are still ranking on the list, but are slowly becoming less popular. When it comes to creating the perfect cocktail, it’s more than the 2:1:1 ratio. Additionally, it’s more than math, it’s artistry and alchemy. Think about it, a lot goes into creating a unique cocktail. The importance is balance. Let’s see some unique cocktails people are raving about in 2020.
Spirit, sweet, sour, and garnish.
Sparkling Watermelon Berry Kombucha Sangria
Hello healthy happy hour. Surprisingly refreshing and gut-healthy. What’s not to love about Kombucha? A healthy alternative to the calorie gut-busting adult beverages, there’s now a new movement. Serve this unique blend in a pitcher so there’s plenty to go around. Surely a fruity cocktail to flood your taste-buds with, “yes, may I have another?”
Ingredients:
- 4 cups watermelon cubes, cold
- 750 ml bottle of your favorite vegan, fruity red wine, chilled (white wine would be fun, too!)
- 3 cups seltzer water, chilled
- 2 cups kombucha
- 1 cup fresh or frozen berries (I used a mix of blueberries, raspberries and blackberries)
- 1 lime, thinly sliced
- sweetener to taste (optional)
The above blend will have your lips tasting like sangria. Perfect for that summer BBQ while listening to some tunes. To add more flavor, you can substitute a cup of seltzer water with one of your favorite flavored seltzers.
Raspberry Cider Whiskey Cocktail
Said to taste like a raspberry candy apple. One word: YUM. Originally designed to enjoy in the Fall, this is one to enjoy all-year-round. Raspberries are full of antioxidants, great for a low calorie-high fiber additive. Sweet and good for you? Bring it on. Moreover, if you’re a whiskey fan, this cocktail is one you want to tip and sip.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 ounces Crown Royal Apple
- 1/2 ounce Raspberry Dekuyper
- 6 ounces Hard Cider
Just mix the above three ingredients together, add some ice-cubes and garnish with a few raspberries. Keep it simple. A quick cocktail mix to be enjoyed by all whiskey fans alike. Don’t forget to add the ice. It’s no wonder this cocktail made the five unique cocktails in 2020 lineup.
“A cock-tail, then, is a stimulating liquor composed of spirits of any kind—sugar, water, and bitters—it is vulgarly called a bittered sling and is supposed to be an excellent electioneering potion, inasmuch as it renders the heart stout and bold, at the same time that it fuddles the head.”
Nutella Chocolate Martini
For all you chocolate lovers out there, this one is for you. Most desirable after dinner, this is a delectable treat. Besides, who doesn’t like chocolate? Serve this chocolaty delight after dinner or to up your date-night game.
Ingredients:
- 400ml whole milk (or almond milk if you prefer)
- 2 heaped scoops of Nutella
- 1 heaped spoonful of cocoa powder
- 3 shots of vodka
- 2 shots of Frangelico or Amaretto (optional)
- IceT
Want to learn how to whip up this sweet cocktail. Learn how, here.
The Paper Plane Cocktail
This easy-to-make cocktail is aesthetically pleasing and tasty. Simple yet satisfying. Here is an easy recipe you want to fold up and pass on to all of your friends. Created a little over a decade ago, this cocktail is also named after an M.I.A song. If you’re a mixologist or bartender, I recommend flying further. You’ll find this classic cocktail in good-reads like:
- Regarding Cocktails by Sasha Petraske
- A Proper Drink by Robert Simonson
- Amaro by Brad Thomas Parson
- 3/4 ounces bourbon
- three/quarter ounces aperol
- 3/4 ounces amaro (pref. nonino)*
- 3/4 ounces lemon juice.
Learn about this unique cocktail to share with your friends at your next girls-night.
Black and Bourbon Cocktail
Coincidentally, sharing some of my favorites , coffee, maple syrup and cream. The bourbon tops off this final unique cocktail in 2020. Enjoyed mainly during the holidays, it’s so simple, you can mix together this caffeine blend (or decaf) at a moments notice. Everyone enjoys a good cup of joe, why not spice it up with something sweet but not too sweet. Learn how to make this coffee craving for your next dessert.
Ingredients:
- One and a-half ounces Black Ice Brew cold brew coffee (make your own cold brew to make it even better)
- 1 ounce bourbon – don’t go cheap on the bourbon
- 1 ounce heavy cream
- 1/2 ounce maple syrup – The real maple syrup
- Ice
- Ground nutmeg
Lastly, we all enjoy variety. Some of us spend our whole lives looking for that something special, different and unique – something naturally captivating. Given the list above, I would start by creating a mixture that suits you. The perfect drink is out there. You just need to test out a few recipes before stumbling upon your signature. I don’t see any harm in that. Drink responsibly. For all cocktail lovers out there, there’s more where that came from. Cheers.
