Ordering drinks at a bar can get tricky fast. There are so many of these to choose from, each with its own flavor profile. You’ll probably love some of them and hate others. The alcohol content varies too, as some cocktails are on the weak side, while others pack a punch. That’s why today, we’re looking at the strongest mixed drinks to order at a bar.
By this, we mean the ones with the most alcohol in them.
Even if you don’t order cocktails often, knowing the strongest ones just makes sense. Then, you know what to order if you want to get drunk fast and what to avoid if you’re trying to be more mellow.
While we’re focusing on drinks that you can order at a bar – you could make most of these at home too. Many aren’t even that complicated. The basic theme is that they rely on high proof alcohol ingredients and limited amounts of mixer.
Don’t worry though; these cocktails aren’t all difficult to drink. Some of them go down with surprising ease.
Strongest Mixed Drinks (With Pictures)
Zombie
The zombie cocktail doesn’t look like its name at all. It is vibrant and pretty instead. And, just like the appearance suggests, this is a fruity cocktail.
A classic version of the cocktail relies on three types of rum, white grapefruit juice, lime juice, cinnamon syrup, falernum, Pernod, Angostura bitters, and grenadine. One of the rums is traditionally high proof, which increases the alcohol content still further.
Other versions are more accessible, using two types of rum, lime juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine. Such recipes tend to contain less alcohol, but they’re still not lightweights.
With so many versions to choose from, it’s worth asking the bartender how they make the cocktail (when the bar is quiet, of course). This is the best way to know whether the drink will be what you’re looking for.
If you’re making zombies at home, then you can easily tweak the ratio of ingredients to make the cocktail more alcoholic.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Light Rum
- 1.5 oz Dark Rum
- 1 oz Apricot Brandy
- 1 oz Lime Juice
- 2 oz Pineapple Juice
- 1 oz Papaya Juice
- 0.5 oz 151-proof Rum (for float)
- 1 dash Grenadine
- 1 tsp Powdered Sugar
- Mint Sprigs + Fruit Slices to taste/aesthetic
Instructions
- Mix the Rums and Juices: In a blender, combine the light rum, dark rum, apricot brandy, lime juice, pineapple juice, papaya juice (if using), grenadine, and powdered sugar.
- Blend with Ice: Add a generous amount of crushed ice and blend until the mixture is smooth.
- Prepare the Glass: Pour the blended mixture into a tall glass (preferably a tiki mug or a hurricane glass).
- Add the 151-Proof Rum: Carefully float the 151-proof rum on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
- Garnish: Garnish with mint sprigs and fruit slices.
- Serve with a Straw: Add a straw, and it's ready to serve.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Light Rum
- 1.5 oz Dark Rum
- 1 oz Apricot Brandy
- 1 oz Lime Juice
- 2 oz Pineapple Juice
- 1 oz Papaya Juice
- 0.5 oz 151-proof Rum (for float)
- 1 dash Grenadine
- 1 tsp Powdered Sugar
- Mint Sprigs + Fruit Slices to taste/aesthetic
Instructions
- Mix the Rums and Juices: In a blender, combine the light rum, dark rum, apricot brandy, lime juice, pineapple juice, papaya juice (if using), grenadine, and powdered sugar.
- Blend with Ice: Add a generous amount of crushed ice and blend until the mixture is smooth.
- Prepare the Glass: Pour the blended mixture into a tall glass (preferably a tiki mug or a hurricane glass).
- Add the 151-Proof Rum: Carefully float the 151-proof rum on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
- Garnish: Garnish with mint sprigs and fruit slices.
- Serve with a Straw: Add a straw, and it's ready to serve.
Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island iced tea is one of the most deceptive cocktails out there. It uses five types of alcohol, which are all 40% ABV. You’ll normally see gin, vodka, tequila, rum, and triple sec included in the mix – often in equal measures. The concoction is then topped up with a little cola.
You end up with a large amount of booze and not all that much mixer at all. Honestly, the amount of cola is shockingly small.
Even more impressively, the cocktail just looks like a tall glass of iced tea, so no one will even know what you’re drinking.
Perhaps the most surprising feature is the flavor of the cocktail. With five types of spirits and some soda, you’d expect this cocktail to taste horrible. But that’s not the case at all. The spirits balance out each other well, giving you a delicious and surprisingly complex drink.
Ingredients
- 0.5 oz Vodka
- 0.5 oz Gin
- 0.5 oz White Rum
- 0.5 oz Triple Sec (or any orange flavored liqueur)
- 1 oz Lemon Juice (fresh squeezed)
- 1-2 tsp Simple Syrup (to taste)
- Cola (to top up)
- Ice Cubes
Instructions
- Mix the Spirits: In a shaker, combine vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake with Ice: Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Prepare the Glass: Fill a highball or Collins glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the Mixture: Strain the contents of the shaker into the glass over the ice.
- Add Cola: Top up with cola to give the drink its characteristic iced tea color.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a lemon slice and a sprig of mint. Serve with a straw.
Notes
Aunt Roberta
Like the Long Island iced tea, this cocktail combines multiple types of spirit in a single drink. But, this time, there aren’t any mixers present at all. Instead, the five ingredients are gin, vodka, brandy, blackberry liquor, and absinthe.
Not only are all the ingredients in this cocktail alcoholic, but they are all at least 40% ABV. There are no low alcohol players at all. Absinthe can often be even higher, at around 45% ABV.
The blackberry liquor and absinthe both make this cocktail stand out from the crowd.
The ratios of ingredients will vary depending on the recipe that you use. For example, some versions call for equal measures of all the ingredients. In contrast, others have higher amounts of absinthe and vodka.
Such differences in quantities will change how the cocktail tastes, along with its strength.
Ingredients
- 1 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Gin
- 1 oz Blackberry Brandy
- 1 oz Absinthe
- 1 oz Brandy
Instructions
- Prepare the Glass: Use a small glass or a tumbler for this drink.
- Combine the Ingredients: In the glass, combine the vodka, gin, blackberry brandy, absinthe, and brandy.
- Stir Gently: Stir the mixture gently. No ice is used in this drink; it's served neat.
Notes
Martini
A martini relies on two ingredients – either gin or vodka, and then vermouth. These are all alcoholic ingredients, so you’re getting a decent APV regardless.
However, vermouth isn’t a spirit; it’s a relatively low APV fortified wine. If you want a strong martini, then you need to tweak the ratio of gin/vodka to vermouth.
For example, an extra-dry martini tends to rely on dry vermouth and also contains more gin (or vodka) than vermouth. Ratios like 3:1 are common, but you can see many more extreme versions too, like a 15:1 martini.
Another variation involves rinsing the glass with vermouth, without including in the cocktail at all. Or, you might include a very small amount of vermouth. Such cocktails will sometimes be called a bone dry martini.
If you’re ordering at a bar, it’s best to specify the ratio of spirit to vermouth that you’re looking for – or ask what the bar’s version of an extra-dry martini is. This way you know what to expect before you spend any money.
Oh, and be a little careful if you’re ordering a bone dry martini. This request generally means you’re getting a tiny amount of vermouth in your martini, but some people simply serve a glass of gin that is garnished like a martini.
Ingredients
- 2.5 oz Gin
- 0.5 oz Dry Vermouth
- Ice Cubes
- Olive or Lemon Twist (for garnish
Instructions
- Chill the Glass: Place a Martini glass in the freezer to chill it or fill it with ice water to chill while you prepare the drink.
- Mix the Drink: In a mixing glass, combine the gin and dry vermouth.
- Stir: Add ice cubes and stir the mixture for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute the drink slightly. Stirring is traditionally preferred over shaking, as it gently mixes the drink without making it cloudy.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into the chilled Martini glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with either an olive or a lemon twist.
- Serve: Serve immediately.
Notes
- Dirty Martini: Add a splash of olive brine to the mix for a Dirty Martini.
- Dry Martini: Use less vermouth for a drier Martini.
- Vodka Martini: Substitute gin with vodka if preferred.
Negroni
The negroni is a classic cocktail, so it’s a very easy one to order at the bar. It’s also deceptive, as the cocktail looks pretty and tastes amazing, so it’s easy to forget just how strong it is.
There are three ingredients, plus an orange twist as the garnish. Gin is the star and, at 40% ABV, is the main source of alcohol too. The cocktail also includes Campari (at around 25% ABV) and vermouth (15% ABV).
Ingredients
- 1 oz Gin
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
- Ice Cubes
- Orange Peel (for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine the Ingredients: In a mixing glass, combine the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
- Stir with Ice: Add ice cubes to the mixing glass and stir the mixture for about 30 seconds. The stirring here is not just to chill the drink but also to properly dilute it.
- Prepare the Glass: Place some ice cubes in an old-fashioned glass.
- Strain the Mixture: Strain the stirred mixture into the glass over the ice.
- Garnish: Garnish with a twist of orange peel. To do this, twist the peel over the drink to release the oils, and then drop it into the drink or place it on the rim of the glass.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
Sazerac
This is another cocktail that can be made in a few different ways. A classic version involves rye whiskey, cognac, Angostura bitters (or Peychaud’s bitters), and a sugar cube. The cognac isn’t essential, as some versions of the cocktail only use rye whiskey as the spirit of choice.
Before making the drink, be sure to rinse the glass with absinthe. Even though absinthe isn’t in the cocktail itself, rinsing the glass with it strongly influences the cocktail’s flavor. The cocktail just won’t taste the same if this step is skipped. So, if you’re ordering at a bar, watch to see whether the bartender uses absinthe. If the bartender doesn’t, then it’s time to find a new local.
The strength of the drink comes from the rye whiskey, along with the fact that you’re not using many other ingredients. After all, a sugar cube and some bitters don’t add all that much to the finished drink.
Other recipes add extra ingredients, like a little water or some simple syrup. These versions might not be quite as strong, but they’re still impressive.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Rye Whiskey or Cognac
- 1 Sugar Cube
- 2-3 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
- 1 splash Absinthe
- Lemon Peel (for garnish)
- Ice Cubes
Instructions
- Chill the Glass: Start by chilling an old-fashioned glass by placing it in the freezer or filling it with ice water.
- Prepare the Sugar and Bitters: In a separate mixing glass, muddle the sugar cube with the Peychaud's Bitters until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add Whiskey and Ice: Add the rye whiskey (or cognac) to the sugar and bitters mixture. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir well.
- Coat the Glass with Absinthe: Discard the ice (or water) from the chilled glass. Add a splash of absinthe to the glass, swirling it around to coat the inside, then discard the excess absinthe.
- Strain the Drink: Strain the whiskey, sugar, and bitters mixture into the absinthe-coated glass.
- Garnish: Twist a piece of lemon peel over the drink to release its oils, then drop it into the drink or rub it around the rim of the glass.
- Serve: Serve the Sazerac neat, without ice.
Notes
Liquid Cocaine
While this cocktail is often served as a shot rather than a full drink, you can enjoy it either way. The ingredients are simple – equal measures of Bacardi, Jägermeister, and tequila.
With such a simple ingredients list, it doesn’t matter whether your bartender knows how to make this drink or not. You can easily explain it. Plus, the ingredients are all extremely common, so you shouldn’t have any issues at all.
Ingredients
- 1 part Jagermeister
- 1 part Goldschlager (or any cinnamon schnapps)
- 1 part Rumple Minze (or any peppermint schnapps)
Instructions
- Chill the Spirits: For the best taste, make sure all the ingredients are well chilled before use.
- Combine Ingredients: In a shaker, combine equal parts of Jägermeister, Goldschläger, and Rumple Minze.
- Shake with Ice: Add ice to the shaker and shake well to chill the mixture.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into a shot glass.
- Serve Immediately: The shot is ready to be served.
Notes
- Potency: This is a very strong drink, both in terms of alcohol content and flavor. It should be consumed responsibly.
- Variations: There are many variations of the Liquid Cocaine shot, with some recipes including additional ingredients like Bacardi 151, vodka, or energy drinks.
Jungle Juice
While jungle juice sounds like something you might give your kids, it is actually a potent drink. Fresh fruit is the key ingredient here. The fruit is steeped in grain alcohol overnight and then served.
It’s easy to get caught off guard by this cocktail, as it is incredibly strong and looks just like your typical fruit punch. Jungle juice isn’t as difficult to drink as you might expect. When it’s well-made, the flavors of the fruit dominate the drink and the alcohol is barely noticeable.
If jungle juice sounds like too much, you can always dilute it with a little mixer, like lemonade or soda water. Even just a little would make the drink easier to enjoy. Doing so is somewhat frowned upon, but in the end, you decide what you’re going to drink – no one else.
Ingredients
- Fruit Punch or Fruit Juices (like orange, pineapple, and cranberry juice)
- Fresh Fruits (like oranges, lemons, limes, pineapples, and berries)
- Clear Liquors (like vodka, rum, and tequila)
- Sweet Liqueurs (like triple sec or peach schnapps)
- Soda (like lemon-lime soda or ginger ale for fizz)
- Sugar or Simple Syrup Optional (for added sweetness)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit: Cut the fresh fruits into slices or chunks. Citrus fruits and berries are popular choices.
- Combine the Liquors and Juices: In a large container or punch bowl, mix together your chosen fruit juices and liquors. The proportions can vary, but a common ratio is one part liquor to three parts fruit juice.
- Add the Fresh Fruit: Add the prepared fruits to the mixture. They will infuse the drink with additional flavors and also look attractive in the serving container.
- Sweeten if Desired: Taste the mixture and add sugar or simple syrup if you'd like it sweeter.
- Chill: Let the Jungle Juice chill in the refrigerator for several hours, ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the fruit to infuse the drink.
- Add Soda Before Serving: If you're using soda for fizz, add it just before serving to maintain its carbonation.
- Serve: Serve the Jungle Juice over ice. Ensure there's a ladle or large spoon for guests to serve themselves.
Notes
- Alcohol Content: Be mindful of the alcohol content. Jungle Juice can be deceptively strong, especially if it tastes fruity and sweet.
- Customization: Feel free to experiment with different fruit and juice combinations based on what you and your guests enjoy.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: You can also make a non-alcoholic version of Jungle Juice by omitting the liquor and focusing on a mix of juices and soda.
Death in the Afternoon
This cocktail gets its fame from Ernest Hemingway. It’s an easy one to order, as there are just two ingredients. So, even if your bartender doesn’t know how to make the cocktail, you could easily give them instructions.
The cocktail is made by pouring one jigger of absinthe into a champagne glass and then topping it up with chilled champagne. This tends to create a milky cocktail that’s a cut above simply drinking champagne.
Absinthe tends to be around 45% ABV, while champagne is often around 12%. This makes the cocktail a little less potent than options like Long Island white tea or Aunt Roberta, but it is still a powerful choice.
Hemingway suggested drinking three to five of these cocktails in a single sitting, which probably isn’t a good plan. Seriously, just one or two is likely to make you tipsy. Who knows where you would be after five?
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Absinthe
- 4.5 oz Champagne (or enough to top up the glass)
Instructions
- Pour Absinthe: Pour the absinthe into a champagne flute.
- Add Champagne: Carefully add the champagne to the flute. The champagne will cause the absinthe to louche, turning the liquid a milky opalescent color.
- Stir Gently: Stir gently if needed to mix the absinthe and champagne.
- Serve Immediately: The cocktail is ready to be served. It's typically enjoyed without any garnish.
Notes
- Strength: “Death in the Afternoon” is a potent cocktail, largely due to the high alcohol content of absinthe. It should be sipped slowly and enjoyed responsibly.
- Champagne Choice: The choice of champagne can affect the taste of the drink. A dryer champagne is usually recommended to balance the sweetness of the absinthe.
- Historical Context: Hemingway suggested adding champagne until it attained “the proper opalescent milkiness,” and advised drinking three to five of these slowly.
Caribou Lou
Caribou Lou isn’t the most well-known cocktail out there, despite getting its name from a famous song. You might get lucky and find a bartender that knows how to make the cocktail. If not, then most bartenders are willing to make you a cocktail if they have the ingredients at hand – and this is a pretty easy cocktail to make.
The main ingredients are pineapple juice, coconut rum, and Bacardi 151, a high-proof rum. You could use another high proof rum instead of the Bacardi, as Bacardi 151 was discontinued back in 2016.
The use of two rums is what gives this cocktail its potency. Most bars will have the rums that you’re looking for, so the real question is whether they have the pineapple juice. Many will, so why not ask and see where you end up?
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz 151 Proof Rum (like Bacardi 151)
- 1 oz Coconut Rum (like Malibu)
- 5 oz Pineapple Juice
Instructions
- Fill a Glass with Ice: Start by filling a highball glass or a similar type of glass with ice.
- Add the Rums: Pour the 151 proof rum and the coconut rum over the ice.
- Top with Pineapple Juice: Fill the rest of the glass with pineapple juice.
- Stir Gently: Stir the mixture gently to combine.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with a slice of pineapple or a maraschino cherry, if desired.
- Serve: The drink is ready to be served.
Notes
- Strength: This cocktail is particularly strong due to the high alcohol content of the 151 proof rum, so it’s advisable to enjoy it responsibly.
- Taste: The combination of the coconut rum and pineapple juice provides a sweet, tropical flavor that balances the strength of the 151 rum.
- Variations: You can adjust the proportions of the ingredients to suit your taste. Some people prefer more pineapple juice for a sweeter, less potent drink.
Corpse Reviver
Strong cocktails don’t always have morbid names, but some of them do. This cocktail is a classic one that dates back to the 1930s. It’s often promoted as a hangover cure (hence the name), but you don’t need to be hungover to enjoy the cocktail.
This time, the cocktail features four alcoholic ingredients – gin, Cointreau, absinthe, and Lillet Blanc (you can swap this for Cocchi Americano if you would prefer). A little lemon juice is added, along with an orange peel garnish and that’s it.
Lillet Blanc is a type of fortified wine, with an ABV of around 17%. So, it isn’t as potent as a spirit. Still, the other ingredients in the cocktail are all powerful. You certainly won’t feel like you’re missing out with this cocktail.
There are other variations on the corpse reviver cocktail too. They use different combinations of ingredients, but most remain potent.
Ingredients
- 1 oz Gin
- 1 oz Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 oz Cointreau (or triple sec)
- 1 oz Lillet Blanc
- 1 dash Absinth or Pastis
Instructions
- Chill the Glass: Start by chilling a cocktail glass in the freezer or by filling it with ice water.
- Combine Ingredients: In a shaker, combine the gin, lemon juice, Cointreau, and Lillet Blanc.
- Add Absinthe: Add a dash of absinthe to the shaker. Alternatively, you can rinse the chilled glass with absinthe by swirling a small amount in it and then discarding the excess.
- Shake with Ice: Add ice to the shaker and shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the cocktail into the chilled glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with a cherry or an orange twist if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately.
Notes
- Balance of Flavors: The key to a good Corpse Reviver #2 is the balance of its ingredients, so it’s important to measure them carefully.
- Lillet Blanc: Lillet Blanc is a French aromatized wine that adds a subtle floral note to the drink. It’s a key ingredient in this cocktail.
- Strength: While it is a refreshing and citrusy cocktail, it’s also quite strong, so it’s typically enjoyed in moderation.
Four Horsemen No. 3
Here’s another cocktail with a frightening name. This particular version relies on Jägermeister, peppermint liqueur, cinnamon schnapps, and overproof rum. You use equal measures of each, which gives you a very potent drink, at roughly 51% ABV.
The alcohol content isn’t the only potent aspect of the drink either. The flavors are intense too – as you’re getting peppermint and cinnamon flavors, not to mention the unique flavor of Jägermeister.
Ordering this particular cocktail at a bar could be difficult, as the ingredients are unusual and the recipe itself isn’t that well-known.
Thankfully, there are many four horsemen cocktails and some bars will have their own variations. The four horsemen cocktails all use equal measures of four different alcoholic ingredients – often spirits.
For example, one version of the four horsemen no. 2 uses equal measures of Jim Bean, Jack Daniels, Johnnie Walker, and Jose Cuervo. It’s easy to see how potent that combination would be – and most bars will have all of the spirits on hand.
Ingredients
- 0.5 oz Jim Beam (bourbon)
- 0.5 oz Jack Daniel's (Tennessee whiskey)
- 0.5 oz Johnnie Walker (Scotch)
- 0.5 oz Jose Cuervo (tequila)
Instructions
- Prepare the Glass: Use a standard shot glass for this drink.
- Combine the Ingredients: In the shot glass, carefully pour equal parts of Jim Beam, Jack Daniel's, Johnnie Walker, and Jose Cuervo.
- Stir Gently: Stir the mixture gently in the glass.
- Serve: The Four Horsemen No. 3 is ready to be served.
Notes
- Potency: This drink is very strong, as it’s a combination of four different types of hard liquor with no mixers to dilute it.
- Consumption: It’s typically consumed quickly, in a single shot.
- Variations: There are several variations of the Four Horsemen drink, with different combinations of “four” branded liquors.
Black Russian
The black Russian is such a classic cocktail that it’s easy to forget just how potent it is. The drink relies on vodka and coffee liqueur. Both ingredients are alcoholic and there are no mixers involved at all.
You can even kick this up a notch by relying on a 100-proof vodka like Absolut 100, rather than an 80-proof version. Using a higher proof alcohol doesn’t just make this cocktail stronger, the approach also makes it taste better. Don’t believe us? Try the drink for yourself.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Coffee Liqueur (like Kahlúa)
Instructions
- Fill a Glass with Ice: Start by filling an old-fashioned glass or a short tumbler with ice cubes.
- Add the Vodka: Pour the vodka over the ice.
- Add the Coffee Liqueur: Add the coffee liqueur to the glass.
- Stir Gently: Stir the mixture gently to combine.
- Serve: The Black Russian is ready to be served.
Notes
- Proportions: The traditional ratio for a Black Russian is two parts vodka to one part coffee liqueur, but you can adjust the proportions to taste.
- Variations:
- White Russian: By adding a splash of cream or milk on top, you turn a Black Russian into a White Russian.
- Colorado Bulldog: Adding a splash of cola on top of a White Russian creates a Colorado Bulldog.
- Serving Options: While typically served over ice, it can also be mixed and strained into a cocktail glass for a more elegant presentation.
Hand Grenade
This cocktail is a little different. You can order it in a bar, but only if you’re in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Still, if you’re in the area, this specialty cocktail is worth trying. Many people say that it is delicious, although there are those that don’t like the drink at all. Then again, it’s rare to find a cocktail that makes everyone who.
Vodka, rum, gin, and melon liqueur are the main ingredients. Once again, these all contain alcohol, so you’re getting a stiff drink. Substitutions are sometimes made, like using a different type of fruit liqueur or adding another spirit into the mix as well.
Sometimes you’ll find the cocktail on the rocks, while other times it might be frozen instead. Either approach tastes fantastic. The cocktail is often served in a specialty plastic yard glass. This glass is another reason that the cocktail is so potent – you’re getting a decent amount at one time.
Ingredients
- 1 part Vodka
- 1 part Rum
- 1 part Gin
- 1 part Melon Liqueur (like Midori)
- Pineapple Juice
- 1 splash Lemon-Lime Soda
Instructions
- Fill a Shaker with Ice: Start by filling a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Combine the Spirits: Add equal parts of vodka, rum, gin, and melon liqueur to the shaker.
- Add Pineapple Juice: Fill the rest of the shaker with pineapple juice.
- Shake: Shake the mixture well until it's thoroughly chilled.
- Prepare the Glass: Fill a tall glass or a specialty Hand Grenade glass with ice.
- Strain the Mixture: Strain the shaken mixture into the glass.
- Add Lemon-Lime Soda: Top the drink with a splash of lemon-lime soda.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with a slice of lime or a cherry.
Notes
- Strength: The Hand Grenade is a potent drink, largely due to the combination of multiple spirits. Enjoy it responsibly.
- Flavor: The melon liqueur gives this drink its distinctive tropical and fruity flavor.
- Variations: There are many variations of this drink, and the exact proportions can be adjusted to taste.
Tokyo Iced Tea
We’ve talked about the Long Island iced tea already, which is a staple at many bars and features five different types of alcohol. But, the Long Island isn’t the only cocktail to follow this approach. There are countless variations that change a few ingredients.
One of these is the Tokyo iced tea. The cocktail still has the five classic spirits from a Long Island, but swaps the cola for lemon lime soda instead. There’s also a serving of melon liqueur in the mix, which gives the tea its neon green color.
Most versions also use a sweet sour mix. This all the flavors together well and creates a vibrant cocktail.
Ingredients
- 0.5 oz Vodka
- 0.5 oz Rum
- 0.5 oz Gin
- 0.5 oz Tequila (preferably silver or blanco)
- 0.5 oz Triple Sec (or any orange-flavored liqueur)
- 0.5 oz Melon Liqueur (like Midori)
- 1 oz Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- Lemon Lime Soday (to top up)
- Ice Cubes
- Lemon Slice or Cherry (for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a Glass with Ice: Begin by filling a highball or Collins glass with ice cubes.
- Combine the Spirits: Pour in the vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, and melon liqueur over the ice.
- Add Lemon Juice: Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice to the mix.
- Top with Lemon-Lime Soda: Fill the rest of the glass with lemon-lime soda.
- Stir Gently: Stir the mixture gently to combine.
- Garnish: Garnish with a lemon slice or a cherry.
Notes
- Strength: Like the Long Island Iced Tea, the Tokyo Iced Tea is a potent drink due to the combination of multiple spirits.
- Taste: The melon liqueur adds a sweet, fruity flavor and gives the drink its distinctive green color.
- Variations: You can adjust the proportions of the ingredients to suit your taste. Some people prefer more lemon-lime soda for a sweeter, less potent drink.
Adios Motherfucker
Then there’s the Adios Motherfucker (often just called the AMF). Like the Tokyo iced tea, this uses Sprite as a mixer and includes sweet and sour mix.
However, while the Tokyo iced tea features melon liqueur, the AMF relies on blue curacao. The blue curacao is what gives the cocktail its vibrant color and makes it such a stunning drink.
Ingredients
- 0.5 oz Vodka
- 0.5 oz Rum (preferably white rum)
- 0.5 oz Tequila (preferably silver or blanco)
- 0.5 oz Gin
- 0.5 oz Blue Curaçao
- 2 oz Sweet and Sour Mix
- Lemon Lime Soda (to top up)
- Ice Cubes
- Lemon Slice or Cherry (for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a Glass with Ice: Start by filling a highball glass or a tall tumbler with ice cubes.
- Combine the Spirits: Add the vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and blue curaçao to the glass.
- Add Sweet and Sour Mix: Pour in the sweet and sour mix.
- Top with Lemon-Lime Soda: Fill the rest of the glass with lemon-lime soda.
- Stir Gently: Stir the mixture gently to combine the flavors.
- Garnish: Garnish with a lemon slice or a cherry.
Notes
- Strength: The AMF is a very strong cocktail due to the combination of multiple types of spirits.
- Taste: The drink has a sweet and fruity flavor, with a slight tang from the sweet and sour mix, and a refreshing fizz from the soda.
- Appearance: The blue curaçao gives the cocktail its signature vibrant blue color.
Hurricane
The hurricane is a fruity and tropical drink, often served with plenty of ice. Yet, it’s also relatively strong and surprisingly manly, as it contains two different types of rum. Sometimes it’s even made using overproof rum, which raises the alcohol content even higher.
The sweet flavor of the hurricane is fantastic as well. This means that the hurricane is easy to drink. You could probably knock back a few without much effort at all.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Light Rum
- 2 oz Dark Rum
- 1 oz Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 oz Passion Fruit Juice
- 0.5 oz Simple Syrup
- 0.5 oz Grenadine
- Ice
- Orange Slice and Cherry (for Garnish)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients in a Shaker: In a cocktail shaker, combine the light rum, dark rum, lime juice, orange juice, passion fruit juice, simple syrup, and grenadine.
- Shake with Ice: Add ice to the shaker and shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
- Fill Hurricane Glass with Ice: Fill a hurricane glass with ice.
- Strain the Mixture: Strain the shaken mixture into the glass over the ice.
- Garnish: Garnish with a slice of orange and a cherry.
Notes
- Rum: The combination of light and dark rum provides a depth of flavor.
- Passion Fruit Juice: This is a key ingredient that gives the Hurricane its signature tropical taste. If you can’t find passion fruit juice, you can substitute it with another tropical juice, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- Sweetness: Adjust the amount of simple syrup and grenadine to your taste. Some prefer it sweeter, while others like it more tart.
- Presentation: The Hurricane is known for its vibrant color and presentation. Serving it in a hurricane glass enhances its visual appeal.
Bullfrog
The bullfrog cocktail might look bright, fruity, and innocent, but it is a surprisingly strong cocktail. You’ve got vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and blue curacao in the mix.
That’s not all. There’s also Red Bull as an ingredient. Combining Red Bull with this much alcohol is seriously impressive. However, it’s best not to have more than one of these drinks per night, as the combination of caffeine and alcohol isn’t great for your health.
Ingredients
- 1 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Gin
- 1 oz Rum (preferably white rum)
- 1 oz Tequila (silver or blanco)
- 1 oz Blue Curaçao
- Energy Drink (preferably clear as it can change the color of the drink)
- Ice Cubes
- Lemon Slice (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Fill a Glass with Ice: Start by filling a highball glass or a large tumbler with ice cubes.
- Combine the Spirits: Pour the vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and blue curaçao over the ice.
- Top with Energy Drink: Fill the rest of the glass with the energy drink.
- Stir Gently: Stir the mixture gently to combine.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish with a slice of lemon.
Notes
- Strength: The Bullfrog is a strong cocktail due to the combination of multiple spirits.
- Taste: The blue curaçao gives the drink a sweet citrus flavor, while the energy drink adds a unique taste and effervescence.
- Energy Drink Caution: Be cautious when mixing alcohol with energy drinks. The caffeine and other stimulants in the energy drink can mask the effects of alcohol, leading to overconsumption.
151 Ways to Die
This recipe comes from Tipsy Bartender, so it’s not a shot you’ll often see in bars. It’s also an incredibly strong shot, as it features equal measures of whiskey, tequila, Everclear, and overproof rum.
The only way to create a stronger shot than this would be to just focus on a single overproof ingredient, but such a shot wouldn’t taste nearly as good.
Ingredients
- 0.5 oz Vodka
- 0.5 oz Rum (white rum)
- 0.5 oz Gin
- 0.5 oz Tequila
- 0.5 oz Triple Sec (or any orange flavored liqueur)
- 0.5 oz Bacardi 151 Rum
- 1 oz Sour Mix
- Cola (to top up)
- Lemon Slice
Instructions
- Fill a Glass with Ice: Begin by filling a Collins glass or a similar tall glass with ice.
- Combine the Spirits: Add the vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, and Bacardi 151 to the glass.
- Add Sour Mix: Pour the sour mix over the spirits.
- Top with Cola: Top up the glass with cola, which will give the drink its characteristic iced tea color.
- Stir Gently: Stir the mixture gently to combine.
- Garnish: Garnish with a slice of lemon.
Notes
- Potency: This cocktail is very strong due to the high alcohol content of Bacardi 151. It’s important to drink it responsibly.
- Variations: The proportions of the ingredients can be adjusted according to taste.
- Sour Mix: You can use a store-bought sour mix or make your own by combining equal parts lemon juice and simple syrup.
An Evening In Mexico
An evening in Mexico is another modern creation and certainly lives up to its name. Not only does the cocktail include tequila, but there’s also mezcal and agave as ingredients.
These are complemented by a few dashes of orange bitters and grapefruit bitters. So, there are hardly any mixers in this cocktail, which keeps it nice and alcoholic.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Tequila
- 1 oz Lime Juice
- 0.5 oz Agave Necatar
- 0.5 oz Orange Liqueur
- 1 Slice of Jalapeno
- 1 pinch Salt
- Lime Wheel (garnish)
- Sprig of Cilantro (garnish)
Instructions
- Muddle the Jalapeño: (If using) In a shaker, gently muddle the jalapeño slice to release its flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the tequila, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, orange liqueur, and a pinch of salt to the shaker.
- Shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
- Prepare the Glass: Rim a rocks glass with salt (optional), and fill it with ice.
- Strain the Cocktail: Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of cilantro.
Notes
Churchill Martini
The Churchill martini is a tongue-in-cheek recipe, as Churchill was famous for not including any vermouth in his martini at all. So, we’re simply talking about a glass of gin that’s garnished with an olive or three, just like a traditional martini.
This style ends up being the strongest martini possible (unless you find a version that relies on Everclear instead of gin or vodka).
Ingredients
- 2.5-3 oz Gin
- Ice
- 1-3 Olives (garnish)
Instructions
- Chill the Glass: Place a Martini glass in the freezer to chill it.
- Stir the Gin: In a mixing glass filled with ice, stir the gin. The key here is to chill the gin thoroughly.
- Strain: Strain the chilled gin into the Martini glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with a twist of lemon peel or an olive, according to your preference.
Notes
- Gin: The quality of gin is important in a Churchill Martini since it’s the primary ingredient.
- Vermouth: The humorous aspect of this recipe is how little vermouth is involved, emphasizing Churchill’s preference for a very dry Martini. If you choose to include vermouth, you can rinse the chilled Martini glass with a small amount of vermouth and then discard it
Manhattan
We can’t mention the martini without bringing up the Manhattan. It’s a very similar cocktail, except that the Manhattan relies on bourbon as the spirit of choice. Sweet vermouth still features, although there are a few dashes of bitters as well.
Because there are a few mixers in the cocktail, it’s certainly a strong choice. It’s also refined and is a great drink to sip slowly. Like many classic cocktails, this is traditionally stirred rather than shaken.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Rye or Bourbon Whiskey
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 2-3 dashes Angostura Bitters
- Ice Cubes
- 1 Marashino Cherry (for garnish)
- 1 Orange Peel Twist (for garnish)
Instructions
- Chill the Glass: Start by chilling a Martini glass or a small cocktail glass.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing glass, combine the whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
- Stir with Ice: Add ice to the mixing glass and stir the mixture well until it is thoroughly chilled. Unlike many cocktails, a Manhattan is stirred, not shaken, to maintain its clarity and texture.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into the chilled glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with a maraschino cherry. Optionally, you can also twist an orange peel over the drink to release its oils, then either drop it into the drink or rub it around the rim of the glass.
- Serve: Serve the drink straight up, without ice.
Notes
- Whiskey Choice: The choice between rye or bourbon comes down to personal preference. Rye provides a spicier, more robust flavor, while bourbon will make the drink sweeter and smoother.
- Vermouth Ratio: The ratio of whiskey to vermouth can be adjusted according to taste. Some prefer a drier Manhattan with less vermouth.
- Bitters: Angostura bitters are traditional, but feel free to experiment with other types of bitters to find your preferred flavor.
Nikolaschka
The nikolaschka cocktail is certainly unusual. The drink itself is simply cognac in a snifter glass. This is then topped with a slice of lemon, powdered coffee, and sugar.
Some people drink the cocktail by placing the lemon slice on their tongue, then sipping the cognac. Others drink the cognac first, then chew on the lemon slice. Regardless, we’re basically talking about a shot of cognac, so the alcohol content is naturally high.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Cognac or Brandy
- Lemon Slice
- Powdered Coffee
- Powdered Sugar
Instructions
- Pour the Cognac: Pour 1.5 ounces of cognac or brandy into a brandy snifter or a similar glass.
- Prepare the Lemon: Take a thin slice of lemon and remove any seeds. The lemon slice should be large enough to cover the top of the glass.
- Apply Coffee and Sugar: On one half of the lemon slice, sprinkle a layer of powdered sugar. On the other half, sprinkle a layer of powdered coffee.
- Serving: Place the lemon slice on top of the brandy snifter, covering the opening of the glass.
- The Drinking Process: The traditional way to enjoy a Nikolaschka is to first sip the brandy or cognac, and then, after each sip, eat a small portion of the lemon slice with the coffee and sugar.
Notes
- Flavor Experience: The Nikolaschka offers a unique taste experience. The warmth and richness of the brandy are contrasted with the tartness of the lemon, the sweetness of the sugar, and the bitter notes of the coffee.
- Tradition: This cocktail is more about the experience and the ritual of drinking and tasting than about mixing flavors in the glass.
Caipirinha
Like the old fashioned, the caipirinha involves very few ingredients. It’s simply made from sugar, lime juice, and a Brazilian spirit called cachaça. The sugar and lime juice create an interesting contrast to the cachaça and give you a drink that’s easy to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Cachaça
- 2 tsp Sugar
- Ice (preferably crushed)
Instructions
- Muddle Lime and Sugar: In a sturdy glass, muddle the lime wedges with the sugar. This step is important to release the lime juice and blend it with the sugar.
- Add Cachaça: Pour the cachaça over the muddled lime and sugar mixture.
- Fill with Ice: Add ice to the glass. You can use either crushed ice (which is traditional) or ice cubes.
- Stir: Stir the mixture well to ensure that the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are well mixed.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge if desired.
Notes
- Cachaça: This is a key ingredient in a Caipirinha and is a Brazilian spirit made from fermented sugarcane juice. It’s similar to rum but with a distinct flavor.
- Sugar: Adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste. Some prefer it sweeter, while others like it more tart.
- Lime: The lime should be fresh. The muddling process releases essential oils from the lime peel, adding complexity to the drink’s flavor.
11th Hour
The 11th hour is one of the most impressive shots you’ll ever see. It features 11 different ingredients, including absinthe, vodka, tequila, gin, and rum. What’s more, every single ingredient is alcoholic – there are no mixers present at all.
The shot is even stronger due to the use of overproof rum and Everclear. All-in-all, it’s an intense shot that even tastes relatively good.
Of course, you need all 11 ingredients on hand to make the shot, which is a limiting factor. You could order it at a bar instead, although the shot would come with a decent price tag.
Old Fashioned
The old fashioned is a classic cocktail. It’s also fairly strong, as we’re simply talking about a glass of whiskey with a sugar cube and a splash of bitters. These ingredients mean that you get pretty close to a 40% ABV.
This is also a very easy cocktail to make. It’s certainly much simpler than the cocktails the feature half a dozen or more ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon or Rye Whiskey
- 1 Sugar Cube (or 1/2 tsp granulated sugar)
- 2-3 dashes Angostura Bitters
- 1 splash Water or Club Soda
- Ice Cubes
- Orange Twist and Maraschino Cherry (for garnish)
Instructions
- Muddle Sugar and Bitters: Place the sugar cube in an old-fashioned glass and saturate it with the bitters. Add a splash of water or club soda. Muddle these ingredients together until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
- Add Whiskey: Pour in the bourbon or rye whiskey.
- Stir: Add a few ice cubes and stir the drink gently. The purpose is to chill the drink and dilute it slightly, but not too much.
- Garnish: Garnish with an orange twist and a maraschino cherry. To express the orange twist, twist it over the drink to release the oils, then rub it around the rim of the glass and drop it in.
- Serve: Serve the drink with a stirring rod or cocktail spoon.
Notes
- Whiskey Choice: The choice between bourbon and rye whiskey is up to personal preference. Bourbon will give a sweeter taste, while rye offers a spicier profile.
- Sugar: Some variations use simple syrup instead of a sugar cube for easier mixing.
- Bitters: While Angostura bitters are traditional, other types of aromatic bitters can also be used for different flavor profiles.
Hell’s Fury
Finally, there’s the hell’s fury shot. This relies on equal amounts of Fireball, 151 proof rum, Everclear, and black absinthe. You also muddle a habanero pepper at the base of the shot glass, to provide and even more intense flavor.
The use of both Everclear and 151 proof rum really adds to the strength of this shot. Plus, there are no mixers in here at all. You’ll need to be ready for an intense experience.
What Is The Strongest Mixed Drink?
The Aunt Roberta is often considered to be the strongest mixed drink, as it doesn’t contain any mixers and mostly relies on spirits. However, the 11th hour and 151 ways to die shots are both stronger, due to their combination of overproof rum and Everclear.
Which Strong Mixed Drinks Taste Good?
The best tasting strong cocktails are the ones that have some type of sweet mixer. The sweetness makes the drink much more enjoyable and easier to drink. The Long Island iced tea is a classic example of this style. The same is true for the many Long Island variations, including the Tokyo iced tea and the adios motherfucker.
You could also look for something simpler, like the old fashioned. That cocktail uses whiskey, a sugar cube, and bitters. The sugar cube and bitters don’t dilute the whiskey much, but make it much easier to drink.
Substitutes For Almond Milk
Kinda disappointed you don’t have Blue Motorcycle on your list. It actually has higher alcohol content than the LIT.
Or the French 75.
That’s a Corpse Reviver No. 2, not a Corpse Reviver, which is a very different drink. Also, the Diamond back is stronger than any drink on here. No mixers, wimps.