Don’t judge a book by its cover – these drinks are totally worth a punt.
There’s a strange thrill in ordering something that turns heads and makes even the most been-there, done-that, bought-the-t-shirt bartender raise an eyebrow. Recently, that thrill reached new heights with a series of drink combos that defy both sense and taste, thanks partly to the internet, where anything goes.
There was Benny Blanco’s viral red wine and milk and, of course, that time Tom Hanks got everyone riled up about mixing Diet Coke with Champagne. From there, TikTok has seemingly become a repository of these sorts of monstrosities, producing a catalogue of drink pairings designed to test the limits of our better judgement. And yet, oddly enough, many of these concoctions have found loyal fans.
But in fairness to the genre (‘sounds gross but actually tastes kinda good’), drinks like these are nothing new, so we’ve rounded up some of the better-known controversial combinations from the annals of cocktail history. Skeptical? Fair enough. But trust us, these unlikely combos offer a kind of twisted genius that can only come from disregarding every known rule of drink-making.
Ingredients: Sparkling wine, orange juice and Blue Curacao with a splash of Mountain Dew.
Mixing a crisp, sparkling white wine with Mountain Dew – one drink known for its artisanal qualities, the other known for powering video-game lords through late-night LAN parties – might sound like an experiment best left for the frat house, but it’s surprisingly a bit of a hit. Mountain Dew’s intense sweetness and carbonic fizz play nicely off the wine’s acidity, resulting in a zesty and refreshing drink, if not unapologetically sweet. It ain’t exactly brunch at the Ritz; it’s brunch at a rusty 24-hour diner, and for some people, that’s just the vibe they’re after.
Ingredients: Guinness stout topped with Champagne.
Stout and Champagne share about as much in common as oil and water, and seeing them mixed might make you wonder if something’s gone terribly wrong. Oddly enough, the Black Velvet cocktail makes it seem like a suave and sophisticated no-brainer. Best served in a highball glass or stemmed flute, this decadent blend of creamy, chocolatey Guinness and crisp, toasty Champagne gives serious pain au chocolat vibes with a hint of Victorian Era drama. After all, it was originally created as a toast to Prince Albert’s passing.
Ingredients: Equal parts red wine and Coca-Cola served over ice.
It’d be easy to think of red wine and cola as a post-barbecue mash-up of whatever’s left in the esky, but trust us, this Spanish concoction is way more than that. Think of Kalimotxo (kah-lee-motch-oh) as Sangria’s cooler cousin, ditching the fruit salad for a bit of fizz. The cola’s citric sweetness tames the tannins and unlocks the wine’s inner fruitiness, making for a refreshingly drinkable mix. It’s the kind of low-key quencher you’d find at a sun-drenched tapas bar on the Iberian Peninsula. Grab a bottle of Rioja and a can of Coke, and embrace your inner Spaniard. ¡Salud!
Ingredients: Blue cheese-infused gin, vermouth, olive.
Look, we get it. A Martini is a sacred thing. Gin, vermouth, maybe a twist, done. But sometimes, you’ve got to live a little. Enter the Blue Cheese Martini. Lauded by bartenders everywhere, this is a Martini for those who like their cocktails with a dash of audacity. And if you think about it, this is a flavour combo that really should come as no surprise. The salty tang of the blue cheese adds a funky, savoury depth that seems right at home alongside a nice dry vermouth and briny olive. It’s like the final boss of Dirty Martinis. So, go ahead, walk on the wild side. Just don’t blame us when it becomes your new go-to.
Ingredients: Cognac, egg yolk, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt and pepper.
Yep, this one absolutely looks like something you’d find in a medieval apothecary, not a cocktail bar. But before you turn away in disgust, consider this: the Prairie Oyster is a culinary adventure, a symphony of flavours that’ll awaken your senses. Served in a shot glass, it’s a sort of liquid amuse-bouche that’s as intriguing as it is sophisticated. Silky egg yolk adds a richness that complements the Cognac’s warmth, while the Worcestershire and hot sauces provide a spicy kick. It’s a rollercoaster for your taste buds, a bold and unexpected journey that’ll leave you wanting more. Just maybe have a napkin handy – this one can get messy.
Ingredients: Jägermeister and ginger beer over ice with a lime wedge.
Jägermeister doesn’t exactly have a reputation for subtlety. The mere mention of this herbal elixir conjures up images of sticky noughties dance floors (and questionable noughties dance moves!). But hear us out: the Jäger Mule is here to redeem that reputation. The spicy ginger beer tames the Jägermeister’s rogue medicinal flavour, transforming it into a surprisingly refreshing sip. A sultry, black leather jacket-clad take on the Moscow Mule, this drink is for those who like their cocktails with a hint of rebellion. Ditch the vodka, embrace the Jäger, and let your inner badass roar.
