Most of us have our go-to drink orders when we hit the bar. Beer, wine, whiskey, gin, and the like are the traditional beverages we like to indulge in.
However, there are some genuine experts among bartenders, mixologists, and cocktail shakers that have mixed and matched unusual ingredients to create drinks that defy convention.
In this article, we will explore some taboo drinks that have shaken the foundations of traditional cocktail-making with their unconventional and unique combinations.
1. The Sourtoe Cocktail
Yes, you read that right – “Sourtoe Cocktail.” This drink is on our list because of its somewhat stomach-turning inclusion of a human toe! In Dawson City, Canada, the drink is famous and a listed attraction for tourists and thrill-seekers. The drink itself consists of a shot of whiskey, and the human toe is allowed to sit in it. Over the years, many human toes have rocked up on this list, but authorities require at least one to be present in the drink.
2. The Bull Penis/Scorpion Vodka
When you think about vodka, scorpions or bull’s penises are probably not the first things that come to mind. However, it feels that some courageous vodka enthusiasts think otherwise.
Both of these come under ‘exotic vodkas’ and are made by infusing the vodka with either a bull’s penis or a scorpion. Sounds gross, I know!.
3. Rose Petal and Coffee Cocktail
Normally, coffee and rose petals are an aromatic delight when it comes to perfumes, but this mixologist has taken it one step further and combined the two in a delicious cocktail.
This cocktail is composed of rose petal-infused gin, a shot of espresso, ginger syrup, and a lemon twist. The taste is something else entirely, with the rose petal flavor introducing some unusual, almost feminine, notes to the mix.
4. Hot and Sweet Cocktail
This cocktail features the spice of the pepper and honey’s sweetness, which will undoubtedly confuse your taste buds. The mixologists suggest combining muddled raspberries, honey syrup, limejuice, and crème de mure with some vodka.
The entire concoction is then garnished with a colorful pepper blend.
5. Bacon-Infused Whiskey
Bacon and whiskey lovers can’t help but fall in love with this daring cocktail. The concoction requires one to infuse crispy bacon into a bottle of whiskey, leaving it for a week to ensure that the bacon flavor is fully imbibed in the whiskey.
Those brave enough to try this drink have marveled at how the sweet and salty flavor plays well with the whiskey’s bold notes, resulting in a surprisingly complex drink that’s worth the weirdness.
6. Bloody Beer
This drink is a popular choice for those enthusiastic about beer and bold flavors. It’s a bit of a twist on a Bloody Mary but swaps the hard liquor for the hop-based beverage in a 50-50 ratio.
The mix includes spices like cumin and paprika, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, and tomato juice. The final touch is the garnish of bacon and a slice of jalapeno pepper.
7. The Oyster Shooter
Oysters are one of those foods that aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. And not everyone would prefer to drink them. But things tend to get interesting when they encounter the right mix of ingredients.
Combine an oyster with Absolut Peppar, cocktail sauce, and a slice of lemon, and you’ve got an Oyster Shooter. It’s a salacious drink that one may avoid at first, but an acquired palate may develop an appreciation in time.
8. Chardonnay Sangria
People are fond of their Sangria, but traditional Sangria comes with a red wine base. However, this daring mixologist has broken the mold by using Chardonnay instead and, surprisingly, it works.
The drink consists of Chardonnay, vanilla vodka, peach slices, and orange juice, all of which are mixed together for a unique sweet-tasting drink that is great for sharing with friends.
9. Smokey Martini
The traditional martini has undergone a dramatic update with this instance of adding smokey flavors. Instead of the usual gin, vodka, and olive, the mixologist recommends adding mezcal in place of the typical gin or vodka.
The rest of the drink’s composition follows the martini’s traditional recipe, with a smoky taste that adds a unique twist to the classic.
10. Sweet Potato Pie Cocktail
Who doesn’t love sweet potato pie? Who would have thought that it could be transmuted into a cocktail? The drink is made of vanilla vodka, sweet potato puree, condensed milk, and garnished with caramel syrup and a dash of nutmeg.
The end result is a vegetarian-friendly and irresistible drink perfectly balanced between creaminess and sweetness.
Conclusion
While these drinks might not be everyone’s taste, they’re an excellent way for people to experiment with new and unusual flavors. With these taboo drinks, one can surely entertain, surprise, and tantalize their taste buds.