Big flavor and high-proof spirits come together in these legendary drinks. These 14 popular strongest cocktails aren’t just powerful—they’re downright iconic. Get ready to shake, stir, and sip something unforgettable.
Negroni
The Negroni is a classic cocktail known for its robust flavor profile.
Here’s how you can make a Negroni:
- 1 oz gin
Choose a quality gin like Sipsmith London Dry for a balanced taste. - 1 oz Campari
This bitter liqueur gives the Negroni its distinctive taste. - 1 oz sweet vermouth
Opt for Cocchi Vermouth di Torino for a rich flavor.
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
Stir ingredients until the glass is cold to the touch—about 20 seconds. - Pour over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.
This helps keep your drink cold without diluting.
You can garnish with an orange twist to enhance the aroma.
The Negroni is potent—typically 24% ABV. Drink responsibly. Enjoy it as an aperitif or with a meal.
Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is one of the strongest cocktails you can enjoy. It’s known for its simplicity and strength. This classic drink has a rich history and remains a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 sugar cube or 1/2 tsp simple syrup
- 2-3 dashes bitters
- Orange peel for garnish
Instructions
- Muddle the sugar and bitters in a glass.
- Add whiskey and a large ice cube.
- Stir until chilled, about 30 seconds.
- Garnish with an orange peel, twisting it over the glass to release oils.
The core of this drink is whiskey, offering a bold flavor profile. The sugar and bitters add depth, making the drink more nuanced. This cocktail is best when sipped slowly.
You can choose either bourbon or rye whiskey based on your preference. Bourbon offers sweetness, while rye provides a spicier note. This adaptability adds to the allure of the Old Fashioned.
Did you know this drink dates back to the 1800s? Its enduring popularity speaks to its classic appeal. Enjoy this cocktail at any occasion, savoring its strong and refined taste.
Martini
Martinis are iconic cocktails. At their most basic, martinis consist of either gin or vodka mixed with a small amount of dry vermouth. They are served chilled, usually in a stylish martini glass.
Classic Martini Recipe
- 2 ½ oz. gin or vodka
- ½ oz. dry vermouth
- Ice
- Lemon peel or olive for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add gin or vodka and vermouth.
- Stir well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with olive or lemon peel.
Martinis can be customized. Adjust the ratio of gin or vodka to suit your taste. Some prefer a “dry” martini with less vermouth. A “wet” martini uses more.
Try adding a twist to the classic martini. You can use flavored vodkas or add a splash of bitters for complexity. Having options lets you create a martini that fits your preferences.
Manhattan
The Manhattan cocktail is a classic. Known for its strong, sophisticated flavor, it is one of the most famous whiskey cocktails.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Marasca cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add whiskey, vermouth, and bitters.
- Stir for about 30 seconds.
- Strain into a coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish with a cherry.
The Manhattan can be customized. A 4:1 ratio emphasizes whiskey. This makes it stronger. Choose a quality rye whiskey. Your choice of vermouth can alter the flavor profile. Cocchi di Torino is a popular option.
Serve cold. Use a chilled glass for the best experience. This cocktail remains a staple. Suitable for any cocktail enthusiast.
Long Island Iced Tea
Long Island Iced Tea is one of the strongest cocktails you can make. It’s known for its high alcohol content and complex flavor. Combining multiple spirits creates a unique drink experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz (30ml) vodka
- 1 oz (30ml) gin
- 1 oz (30ml) rum
- 1 oz (30ml) tequila
- 1 oz (30ml) triple sec
- 2 1/2 oz (75ml) sweet & sour mix
- Splash of cola
- Garnish: lemon slice, cherry
Preparation:
- Add ice into a tall glass.
- Pour vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and triple sec over the ice.
- Add sweet and sour mix.
- Stir well.
- Add a splash of cola on top.
- Garnish with a lemon slice and a cherry.
This cocktail is typically served in a Collins or hurricane glass. The combination of spirits and splash of cola creates a drink that mimics the color of iced tea. Enjoy the mix of flavors from this potent drink. Use fresh ingredients for the best taste.
Sazerac
The Sazerac is a classic cocktail with historical roots in New Orleans. It’s considered one of the strongest cocktails, famed for its potent mix and rich flavors. This drink traditionally uses rye whiskey, providing a bold and spicy base.
To make a Sazerac, you need the following ingredients:
- 1 sugar cube
- 3 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
- 1.5 oz Sazerac Rye Whiskey
- 1 oz Herbsaint or Absinthe
- Lemon peel for garnish
Follow these steps to prepare your Sazerac:
- Pack an Old-Fashioned glass with ice to chill.
- In a separate glass, place the sugar cube and add three dashes of Peychaud’s Bitters over it.
- Crush the sugar cube with a muddler.
- Add the rye whiskey to the sugar-bitter mix. Add ice and stir well.
- Discard the ice from the Old-Fashioned glass. Rinse it with Herbsaint or Absinthe.
- Strain the whiskey mixture into the rinsed glass.
- Twist a lemon peel over the drink to release its oils and use it as a garnish.
Using an atomizer for the absinthe rinse can enhance the drink’s aromatic qualities. It’s important to serve the Sazerac neat—no ice in the glass—to maintain its strength. The balance of the whiskey, absinthe, bitters, and sugar creates a unique and memorable cocktail experience.
Zombie
The Zombie cocktail is renowned for its potent mix of rums and tropical flavors. Known for its strong kick, it’s a popular choice among those looking for a powerful drink.
Ingredients for a classic Zombie:
- 1 ½ oz light rum
- 1 ½ oz dark rum
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz apricot brandy
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz papaya juice
- ½ oz grenadine
The addition of 151-proof rum on top is a common feature, providing an extra punch.
Instructions to make a Zombie cocktail:
- Combine the light and dark rums, lime juice, apricot brandy, and fruit juices in a shaker.
- Add ice and shake well.
- Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
- Float the 151-proof rum on top.
- Garnish with a slice of pineapple and a cherry.
This cocktail delivers bold flavors with its fruity base. Mixing several types of rum, the Zombie provides a powerful yet refreshing experience. Enjoy it responsibly!
Boulevardier
The Boulevardier is a classic cocktail with strong flavors and a simple recipe. It’s often compared to the Negroni, but it uses whiskey instead of gin.
Ingredients
- 1 oz whiskey (rye or bourbon)
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
Instructions
- Add whiskey, Campari, and sweet vermouth to a mixing glass.
- Fill the glass with ice and stir until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.
- Garnish with an orange twist or maraschino cherry.
The combination of whiskey, Campari, and vermouth offers a balance of bitter, sweet, and strong. This makes the Boulevardier a bold choice for cocktail enthusiasts. Customize it to your taste preferences. Adjust whiskey amounts for more or less strength. Substitutions include bourbon for a richer flavor or rye for a spicier touch.
Corpse Reviver No. 2
The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is a classic cocktail. It’s known for its refreshing mix and historical roots. Created in the 1930s, it remains a popular choice.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 ounce gin
- 3/4 ounce Lillet Blanc
- 3/4 ounce orange liqueur
- 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Dash of absinthe
Preparation:
- Rinse a chilled coupe glass with absinthe.
- Discard the excess absinthe.
- Combine gin, Lillet Blanc, orange liqueur, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
Vesper Martini
The Vesper Martini combines gin, vodka, and Lillet. Known for its connection to James Bond, it’s a unique cocktail worth trying.
Make a Vesper Martini with these ingredients:
- 3 measures of Gordon’s gin
- 1 measure of vodka
- 0.5 measure of Lillet Blanc
Follow these steps:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc into the shaker.
- Shake vigorously until cold.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a thin slice of lemon peel.
The combination of gin and vodka creates a bold flavor. It’s a drink for those who enjoy potent cocktails. The lemon peel adds a touch of citrus, enhancing the experience.
Hurricane
The Hurricane cocktail is a vibrant and potent beverage originating from New Orleans. Known for its bold flavors and eye-catching presentation, this drink is a staple during Mardi Gras celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 oz aged rum
- 0.5 oz passion fruit puree or syrup
- 0.5 oz grenadine
- 0.5 oz Cointreau
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- Ice cubes
- Orange wheel and cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Shake briefly to mix the flavors thoroughly.
- Strain the mixture into a large Hurricane glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with an orange wheel and a cherry.
The Hurricane’s unique balance of sweet and tart elements makes it a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts. Its dynamic ingredients come together to provide a rich experience full of flavor. This cocktail is perfect for anyone seeking a strong and satisfying drink.
Mai Tai
The Mai Tai is a classic cocktail with tropical flair. Its roots are in tiki culture. Known for its balance of sweet, tart, and strong flavors.
Key Ingredients
- 1 oz dark rum
- 1 oz light rum
- ½ oz orange Curaçao
- ½ oz orgeat syrup
- ¾ oz fresh lime juice
- ¼ oz simple syrup
Steps to Make
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add dark rum, light rum, orange Curaçao, orgeat syrup, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well until frosty.
Finishing Touch
- Strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with fresh mint and lime.
With its potent blend of rums and citrus, the Mai Tai stands as a staple in cocktail bars.
Jungle Bird
The Jungle Bird cocktail stands out for its bold, bittersweet profile. It’s a tiki classic with depths of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces dark Jamaican rum
- 1 ½ ounces pineapple juice
- ¾ ounce Campari
- ½ ounce lime juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup
Instructions
- Juice lime – Squeeze enough to get ½ ounce.
- Combine ingredients – Mix rum, pineapple juice, Campari, lime juice, and simple syrup in a shaker.
- Shake – Fill shaker halfway with ice and shake until frosty.
- Strain – Pour through a fine strainer into a chilled glass.
This cocktail balances fruity sweetness with a bitter edge. Campari adds a unique twist to the tropical rum base. The original recipe calls for dark Jamaican rum, which adds to its complexity.
El Diablo
El Diablo is a captivating cocktail known for its bold tequila blend and refreshing ginger beer. This drink is a notable choice for a strong cocktail due to its potent ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1.75 oz blanco or reposado tequila
- 0.5 oz crème de cassis
- 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
- 3-4 oz ginger beer
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare your glass: Fill a highball or Collins glass with ice.
- Mix the ingredients: In a shaker, combine tequila, crème de cassis, and lime juice with ice. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
- Pour and finish: Strain the mixture into your prepared glass.
- Top it off: Add the ginger beer to fill the glass.
- Garnish: Add a lime wedge to complete the presentation.
This cocktail features layers of flavors from the sweet crème de cassis, tangy lime, and bubbly ginger beer. Its history traces back to the mid-20th century, marking it as a classic yet vibrant choice.
