If you’re looking for a refreshing way to shake up your weekend and enjoy some drinks, why not try out some non-fizzy alcoholic drinks? Not only do they taste great, but they can also be healthier than their fizzy counterparts.
From smoky scotch and whisky sours to classic martinis and manhattans, these are 15 of the best non-fizzy alcoholic drinks you have to try this weekend.
1. Manhattan
A Manhattan is a classic and sophisticated drink that makes a statement. Unlike most of its whiskey-based peers, it’s composed of three simple ingredients; most notably rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
Historically, rye has been the principal liquor used to create this beloved beverage but in recent years mixologists have incorporated a variety of other whiskies such as bourbon, Canadian whisky, blended whiskey, and Tennessee whiskey into the recipe for added flavor or complexity.
The result? An exquisite cocktail ideal for celebrating life’s special occasions with friends or family.
2. Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that dates back to the 1880s. A strong reminder of simpler times, this timeless drink is created by muddling together sugar, bitters, and water, then adding in whiskey and garnishing with a slice or zest of orange and a cherry.
It’s traditionally served in an Old Fashioned glass, complete with several large ice cubes perfect for savoring and enjoying slowly. Preparing the Old Fashioned can be an art form – timing, chilling, and stirring all play a part in creating the perfect mix of sweet and tangy flavor.
With its elegant flavor profile, this classic beverage has remained popular throughout the years – enjoyed at bars, restaurants, private gatherings, or while relaxing at home after a long day.
3. Negroni
The Negroni is a classic Italian cocktail with a history that reaches back to the early twentieth century. Originating in Florence, it has become an international phenomenon, enjoyed in all corners of the globe.
A true connoisseur’s cocktail, the Negroni is made from 3 equal portions of gin, Vermouth Rosso, and Campari for an incredibly balanced, bittersweet flavor. For best results – and to ensure authenticity – the Negroni should be stirred with ice and served in an old-fashioned or rocks glass with a slice of orange to bring out its aromas.
Perfect as an apéritif before dinner or just for sipping on a hot summer day, there’s no beating this classic Italian concoction.
4. Margarita
The margarita is one of the most iconic drinks in the world. The combination of tequila, triple sec, and lime juice makes for a truly unique flavor that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
Not only can it be served shaken with ice or blended with ice, but it can also be consumed without ice for an even stronger experience. While there’s something about drinking from a traditional margarita glass that really makes the drink special, its great taste ensures it can still be enjoyed from any vessel.
Whether you prefer your margarita on the rocks, spiced up with salt on the rim, or just sans ice without any fanfare, you’re sure to enjoy this classic beverage every time.
5. Mojito
Nothing says summer like a cold and refreshing glass of Mojito. It is a traditional Cuban punch that combines the deliciousness of white rum with sugar, lime juice, soda water, and mint to create a unique beverage.
The luscious mixture of sweetness, citrus, and herbaceous mint flavors will tickle your taste buds in the best way possible.
Each flavor comes together to create a refreshing beverage that pairs perfectly with the rum – perfect for cooling down on those hot summer days.
6. Mint Julep
A Mint Julep is the perfect cocktail choice for a hot summer day. With its combination of sweet and tart flavors and refreshing iced texture, this classic American drink is sure to cool you down.
It starts with smooth, robust bourbon which is then sweetened with sugar and punctuated with fresh mint – all served over crushed ice.
Popularized in the Southern United States, the drink was adopted as an official beverage of the Kentucky Derby in 1938. For a timeless cocktail with a unique flavor profile, there’s no better choice than a Mint Julep!
7. Sazerac
The Sazerac is one of the most classic New Orleans cocktails, and is now officially the official drink of Louisiana! Since its creation in the 19th century, this cognac or whiskey-based beverage has grown to become a cultural staple not just in Louisiana but all over the world.
Made with a combination of some of the finest ingredients and unmistakable hints of anise and absinthe, this beverage makes for a perfect addition to any celebration.
An interesting fun fact about the Sazerac is that it was originally made with a brandy called ‘Sazerac de Forge et Fils’. It has since been replaced by many other kinds including rye whiskey and even vodka.
Whether you stay true to the classic version or mix it up with your own flair, be sure to give this iconic cocktail a try when you have the chance.
8. Whiskey Sour
The whiskey sour is a classic cocktail favorite for a reason. Rich and flavorful, its combination of whiskey and lemon juice is tart, sweet, and satisfying all at once. The variant with the egg white added serves an additional purpose – offering the drink an extra bit of silkiness and lightness.
The sweetness of the drink makes it a great way to balance out the salty or spicy snacks you may be enjoying while conversing with friends or family over drinks – a twinkle in your hand to draw out flavors on your palate.
9. Irish Coffee
Irish coffee is a unique and delicious beverage that has become increasingly popular as more people take an interest in specialty cocktails. It’s the perfect combination of two classic drinks – robust Irish whiskey and flavorful, hot coffee – in a single glass.
Irish coffee consists of hot brewed coffee, sugar, and a smooth Irish whiskey, stirring these ingredients together yields the perfect potion. The last step involves topping off your cup with cream, which creates an additional layer allowing you to drink this concoction through the crowned creaminess.
Whether you’re looking for an after-dinner treat or simply something to fill up your mug, Irish coffee offers both wonderful flavorings and warmth.
10. White Russian
A white Russian is a classic drink that has withstood the test of time. Not only is it an enjoyable and creamy elixir, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make.
It is made using only three ingredients; vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream – all of which are traditionally served together with ice in an old-fashioned glass. Because of its delicate yet seductive flavor combo, a white Russian can be enjoyed any time during the day or night, making it the perfect addition to any gathering.
11. Cosmopolitan
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing drink, the Cosmopolitan is a great option. Not only does it have a distinctive and vibrant aesthetic, but it also features an array of flavors that will tantalize any palate.
This potent and flavorful cocktail is made with a mix of vodka, cranberry juice, Cointreau, and freshly squeezed lime juice.
Each ingredient adds something special – the vodka brings the alcohol content while the Cointreau ensures sweetness isn’t overpowering. The cranberry juice and lime juice then cleanse the palate with all their tangy goodness.
It’s no wonder why this drink has become so popular over time; providing a little bit of everything, it’s perfect for any occasion.
12. Long Island Iced Tea
A Long Island Iced Tea is an alcoholic beverage often served as a refreshing summer drink. Its recipe can vary, though it usually starts with equal parts of vodka, light rum, tequila, and triple sec mixed together. A dash of gin topped off with a splash of cola finishes off this popular drink.
Although it’s strong enough to make even the toughest beer lover gulp, you’d be wrong in thinking one Long Island Ice Tea would put you over the edge.
With its sweet taste and many variations available, the cocktail is a great choice for those looking to enjoy an adult beverage during the hot summer months.
13. Martini
The martini has been around for over a hundred years, but it’s still as popular as ever. It’s made with gin and vermouth and garnished with an olive or lemon twist. Modern variations of this non-fizzy drink have also included the vodka martini.
It has a mysterious allure that continues to draw people in and for many, nothing else quite compares to the unique flavor of this classic cocktail.
From being a go-to order for James Bond onscreen to achieving celebrity status itself, it’s clear why the martini is one of the most iconic drinks in the world. Even if you don’t consider yourself a vodka or gin drinker, no one can deny the upscale allure of a classic yet sophisticated cocktail like the martini.
14. Moscow Mule
The Moscow mule is a classic cocktail popularly enjoyed with friends and family. Its ingredients include vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice combined in a copper mug, which takes on the cold temperature of the liquid.
This copper mug then gives the drink an especially smooth feel when sipping on it. An added bonus for visual delight is a wedge or slice of lime garnished to top off the appearance level of this must-try cocktail.
A refreshing combination for an evening out with friends at the bar, or staying in for a cozy night in.
15. Daiquiri
The Daiquiri is an iconic cocktail that blends the perfect trifecta of spirit, sour, and sweet. The main ingredients in a daiquiri are simple: rum, citrus juice, and sugar or other sweeteners. Don’t let its simplicity fool you though, because this cocktail has some incredibly varied flavors depending on the mix used, from tart lime and mint to creamy banana or coconut.
This classic mix of alcohol, acidity, and sweetness dates back to the early 20th century and has been enjoyed ever since. Its roots likely go back even further than what is traditionally noted as its popularizing era, Cuba in the early 20th century.
Whether you prefer a traditional Daiquiri or are looking to try one of the many variations available, this iconic drink is sure to be a favorite and a refreshing addition to your bar.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! 15 non fizzy alcoholic drinks that will surely make your weekend even more enjoyable.
Whether you’re looking for something light and fruity or robust and full-bodied there’s sure to be something on this list that will hit the spot.
So grab your shaker or blender and get ready to explore all the delicious possibilities that await you with these must-try non-fizzy alcoholic drinks.
