We all have our tried and true favorite craft cocktail recipe go-to’s. They are the drinks we turn to when we’ve had a long week and are on autopilot. While having a favorite is good, it’s also good to venture out and try new craft spirit flavors. A little break from the norm can be just the change you need.  So, the next time you are ready for a craft cocktail, consider trying something new. Perhaps you use a favorite liquor in a new way. Or you could try a completely new spirit. This is the ultimate guide to little-known cocktails that are worth trying. And you just might expand your favorite’s list after each of these delicious sips! 

1. Monkey Gland 

The Monkey Gland cocktail is another creation from Harry MacElhone. This is the same man who created the French 75 and Bloody Mary. This strangely named cocktail, however, didn’t get the same level of notoriety. This could be partly due to the use of absinthe, which is illegal in the United States. Give this craft cocktail recipe a try and delight over the combination of fruity flavors with the licorice bite of anise.

• 1.5 ounces gin
• 1.5 ounces of fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon grenadine
• 1 teaspoon absinthe

2. Penicillin

This beautifully balanced cocktail pairs the sweetness of honey with the spice bite of ginger. The float of Islay malt scotch on the top adds subtle smokey notes that round out the flavor profile. The Penicillin craft cocktail recipe is aptly named, too. Honey and ginger both have several health benefits. 

• 2 ounces blended scotch
• .75 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• .75 ounce honey-ginger syrup
• .25 ounce Islay single malt scotch
• Garnish: candied ginger

3. Americano

This Americano craft cocktail recipe is considered the predecessor to the popular Negroni cocktail. It dates back to the 1860s in Italy. With only three ingredients, its simplicity showcases the quality of each. The flavor is light and slightly bittersweet, making it the perfect daytime cocktail. 

• 1.5 ounces Campari
• 1.5 ounces sweet vermouth
• Soda water, chilled, to top
• Garnish: orange twist

4. Sazerac

The Sazerac is generally similar to an old fashioned. However, the Sazerac cocktail recipe uses rye whiskey instead of bourbon. Originating in New Orleans, the original Sazerac cocktails were believed to use French brandy. The whiskey takes center stage in this cocktail, with slightly sweet and bitter notes. 

• Absinthe to rinse
• 1 sugar cube
• .5 teaspoon cold water
• 4 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
• 2.5 ounces rye whiskey
• Garnish: lemon peel

5. Suffering Bastard

The strange name of this unique cocktail comes from its origins as a hangover cure. This means it’s the perfect cocktail to try when you are taking a Bourbon tour in Kentucky. Modern versions of the Suffering Bastard are like a cousin of the Mai Tai with rum. This cocktail recipe stays true to the original. In addition to liquor, it comes with the healing powers of lime and ginger. 

• 1 ounce bourbon
• 1 ounce London dry gin
• .5 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• Ginger beer, to top
• Garnish: mint sprig

6. The Godfather 

You can’t get much simpler than the two ingredients in The Godfather cocktail recipe. The sweet almond flavor of the amaretto softens and smooths the intense flavors of the scotch or bourbon. Many people find this cocktail to taste similar to Dr. Pepper. To make the drink sweeter, add more amaretto. Some people also use whiskey instead of scotch or bourbon. This makes the drink easily adaptable to your liquor preferences.  

• 2 ounces blended scotch or bourbon
• .25 ounce amaretto

7. Hemingway Daiquiri

If the traditional daiquiri is too sugary and sweet for your tastes, then the Hemingway version may be right up your alley. This tart and slightly sweet cocktail recipe packs a serious liquor punch. This should be no surprise; it is named after its rumored creator, notorious alcoholic writer Ernest Hemingway. 

• 2 ounces white rum
• .5 ounce maraschino liqueur
• .75 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
• .5 ounce grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed
• Garnish: lime wheel

8. Sidecar 

While the true origin location of the Sidecar cocktail recipe is debated, we can all agree on one thing. The sidecar is a delicious cocktail. It got its origins during World War I. The bright orange color strikes a strong visual impact. This intensity continues as you sip, with an explosion of tart citrus on the tongue. While the sugared rim is optional, you should seriously consider adding it. The sugar crystals add a nice touch of sweetness to balance out the tartness. 

• 1.5 ounces cognac
• .75 ounce orange liqueur 
• .75 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• Garnish: orange twist
• Garnish: sugar rim (optional)

9. Bijou

The word bijou is French for jewel. Rumor has it that this cocktail was named Bijou because of the jewel tones of the ingredients. The original version of the Bijou cocktail recipe had equal parts gin, vermouth, and Chartreuse. However, this made for a very sweet drink. Modern recipes balance this out with less Chartreuse and more gin. However, you can adjust the unique proportions to suit your taste.

• 1.5 ounces gin
• 1 ounce sweet vermouth
• .75 ounce green Chartreuse
• 2 dashes of orange bitters
• Garnish: 1 maraschino cherry

FAQs About Craft Cocktail Recipe Ideas 

1. What is the most asked for cocktail?

The most often ordered cocktail in America is the margarita. This easily adaptable cocktail has broad appeal. Order a margarita frozen or on the rocks. Then, with salt or no salt. You can also find many establishments that make fruity or spicy versions. 

2. What is trending right now in craft cocktail recipe ideas?

Trending cocktails include those with spice, fancy ice cubes, or aren’t afraid of experimentation. The Negroni also has a moment with traditional and creative recipes, seeing a spike in orders. Spiked slushies are also seeing an increase in consumption. 

3. What not to order at a bar?

Frozen drinks are fun but are mostly sugary juices and mixers. The mojito is delicious, but only when the bar has fresh ingredients. Otherwise, it will disappoint. A Bloody Mary only makes sense at brunch. Any other time, it will be a pre-made mix that won’t live up to expectations. 

Check out Distillery Nearby to discover the best places to order one of these lesser-known cocktails.