A Cocktail Lover's Guide to 2023 Must-Try Drinks

A Cocktail Lover's Guide to 2023 Must-Try Drinks

The world of mixology is abuzz with exciting new trends and flavours that are set to take the cocktail scene by storm. From classic favourites with a modern twist to bold and innovative creations, the most popular cocktails of 2023 promise to offer something for every taste and occasion.

Among the top picks are refreshing spritzers featuring botanical and citrus flavors, spicy margaritas with a kick, and fruit-forward cocktails like the ever-popular Aperol Spritz.

Whether you're sipping at home or out on the town, be sure to keep your eye out for these must-try drinks in the year ahead.

Here are the top 6 cocktails to make in 2023:

Spicy Margarita

Spicy Margarita

Spicy margaritas have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. The combination of spicy jalapeño peppers and tangy lime juice creates a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavours. Making a spicy margarita cocktail is easy, whether you are making it from scratch or using a pre-made cocktail mix. By following these simple instructions and adding a few slices of jalapeño pepper, you can elevate your margarita game and impress your friends with your mixology skills. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to make a delicious and spicy margarita cocktail. Cheers!

Here's how you can make a spicy margarita cocktail at home:

Ingredients:

Mr Consistent Margarita cocktail mix
60 ml tequila
1-2 slices of jalapeño pepper
Salt for rimming the glass
Ice
Dried lime slice for garnish 

Bar Tools:

Cocktail shaker
Jigger
Cocktail strainer
Cocktail glass 

Method:

Rim a chilled glass with salt by running a lime wedge around the edge and dipping it into salt. In a shaker, muddle 1-2 slices of jalapeño pepper. Add Mr Consistent Margarita cocktail mix and tequila to the shaker. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds. Strain the mixture into the salt-rimmed glass filled with ice. Garnish with a dehydrated lime slice. 

Did you know?

A fun fact about spicy Margarita cocktails is that they were likely inspired by the traditional Mexican drink called a "Paloma." The Paloma is made with tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime juice, and is often served with a salt rim.

Some bartenders started experimenting with adding spicy elements to the Paloma, such as jalapeno peppers or hot sauce, to create a new twist on the classic drink. This eventually led to the creation of the spicy Margarita, which incorporates similar spicy ingredients but with the addition of orange liqueur and agave syrup. These creative twists on the classic recipe continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with the Margarita cocktail, making it a versatile and exciting drink for any occasion.

Cosmopolitan Cocktail

Cosmopolitan

Cosmopolitan cocktails are a classic favourite for any occasion. With their tangy and refreshing taste, they are perfect for sipping at a party or enjoying with a group of friends. 

By following these simple instructions, you can make a delicious cosmopolitan cocktail using Mr Consistent cosmopolitan cocktail mix. This pre-made cocktail mix takes out the guesswork and saves time, allowing you to enjoy your cocktail faster. The tangy taste of lime, the sweetness of triple sec, and the kick of vodka make this cocktail a perfect addition to any party or social gathering. So, grab your ingredients and shaker and get ready to enjoy a delightful cosmopolitan cocktail. Cheers!

Here's how you can make a delicious cosmopolitan cocktail at home:

Ingredients:

Mr Consistent cosmopolitan cocktail mix
45ml vodka
Dried lime slice for garnish

Bar Tools:

Cocktail shaker
Jigger
Cocktail strainer
Cocktail glass 

Method:

Chill a cocktail glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 45ml of vodka, and 120ml of Mr Consistent cosmopolitan cocktail mix. Shake the mixture vigorously for about 10 seconds. Strain the mixture into the chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a dehydrated lime slice.

Did you know?

A fun fact about Cosmopolitan cocktails is that they were not originally made with vodka, as they are commonly prepared today. The drink's origins can be traced back to the 1930s and 1940s, when it was known as a "Cosmopolitan Daisy" and was made with gin, Cointreau, lemon juice, and raspberry syrup.

The modern-day version of the Cosmopolitan, made with vodka, cranberry juice, Cointreau, and lime juice, was popularized in the 1990s and became closely associated with the popular TV show "Sex and the City." The drink's popularity skyrocketed as the show's main characters were often seen sipping the bright pink cocktail in trendy New York City bars.

Another fun fact about the Cosmopolitan is that it has become a symbol of female empowerment and liberation. The drink's association with the fashionable and independent women of "Sex and the City" helped to break down gender stereotypes and paved the way for women to order traditionally "masculine" cocktails in bars and clubs.

Amaretto Sour

Amaretto Sour

Amaretto Sours are a popular cocktail known for their sweet and sour taste. The combination of the nutty flavour of the amaretto liqueur and the tartness of the sour mix makes this cocktail a perfect drink for any occasion. So, get your ingredients and shaker ready and impress your friends with your bartending skills! The pre-made cocktail mix takes out the guesswork and saves time, allowing you to enjoy your cocktail faster. Cheers!

Here's how you can make a delicious Amaretto Sour cocktail at home:

Ingredients:

Mr Consistent sours cocktail mix
45ml amaretto liqueur
Ice cubes
Dried orange slice for garnish

Bar Tools: 

Cocktail shaker
Jigger
Cocktail strainer
Cocktail glass 

Method:

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 45 ml of amaretto liqueur and 90 ml of Mr Consistent sours cocktail mix. Shake the mixture vigorously for about 10 seconds. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice cubes. Garnish with a dehydrated orange slice.

Did you know?

A fun fact about Amaretto Sour cocktails is that the drink was originally created as a marketing ploy by the producers of Disaronno Amaretto in the 1970s. At the time, amaretto was a relatively unknown liqueur outside of Italy, and the Disaronno brand was looking for a way to popularise it in the United States.

The Amaretto Sour, made with amaretto, lemon juice, and simple syrup, quickly caught on and became a popular cocktail among American drinkers. Its sweet and sour flavour profile and smooth, creamy texture made it a hit at bars and restaurants across the country.

Espresso Martini

Espresso Martini

The Espresso Martini cocktail is a perfect blend of rich coffee flavour and a hint of sweetness. It's perfect for after-dinner drinks or for any occasion where you want a delicious coffee-based cocktail. By following these super simple instructions, you can make a delicious Espresso Martini cocktail using Mr Consistent Espresso Martini cocktail mix. The pre-made cocktail mix takes out the guesswork and saves time, allowing you to enjoy your cocktail faster. The rich coffee flavour of the fresh espresso, combined with the sweetness of the mix and the kick of vodka, make this cocktail a drink or for any occasion. So, get your ingredients and shaker ready and impress your friends with your bartending skills. 

Here's how you can make an Espresso Martini cocktail at home: 

Ingredients: 

Mr Consistent Espresso Martini cocktail mix
45ml vodka
Ice cubes
3 coffee beans for garnish

Bar Tools:

Cocktail shaker
Jigger
Cocktail strainer
Cocktail glass 

Method:

Chill a martini glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 45ml of vodka and 90ml of Mr Consistent Espresso Martini cocktail mix. Shake the mixture vigorously for about 10 seconds. Strain the mixture into the chilled martini glass. Garnish with 3 coffee beans.

Did you know?

Why with 3 coffee beans, you ask? Great question. The tradition of garnishing an Espresso Martini cocktail with three coffee beans has several stories and theories behind it. One theory is that it represents the three cities that played a role in the creation of the drink - London, New York, and Milan. Another theory suggests that the three beans represent health, happiness, and prsperity.

However, the most commonly believed theory is that the three coffee beans represent good luck. In some cultures, odd numbers are considered to be lucky, and three is the smallest odd number greater than one. Therefore, adding three coffee beans to an Espresso Martini is believed to bring good fortune to the person drinking the cocktail.

Ultimately, the reason behind using three coffee beans as a garnish in an Espresso Martini cocktail may vary depending on where you are and who you ask. Regardless of the reason, the addition of coffee beans as a garnish adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the drink.

Gin Martini

Gin Martini

The Gin Martini cocktail is a classic drink that has been enjoyed for generations. It's a simple, yet sophisticated cocktail that can be enjoyed any time of the year. The key to a perfect Gin Martini is to use good quality gin and dry vermouth and to stir the mixture gently, allowing the flavours to blend together without watering down the drink. Garnishing with a dehydrated lemon slice adds a nice touch to the presentation and enhances the flavour and aroma of the cocktail. So, grab your ingredients and shaker, and impress your friends with your bartending skills.

Here's how you can make a Gin Martini cocktail from home:

Ingredients:

60 ml gin
15 ml dry vermouth
Ice cubes
Dried orange slice for garnish

Bar Tools:

Cocktail mixing glass
Jigger
Bar Spoon
Cocktail strainer
Cocktail glass 

Method:

Chill a martini glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 60 ml of gin to the shaker. Add 15 ml of dry vermouth to the shaker. Stir the mixture gently with a long-handled bar spoon for about 30 seconds. Strain the mixture into the chilled martini glass. Garnish with a dehydrated lemon slice.

Did you know?

Method sounds a little different to what you thought, but can’t quite put your finger on why? We’ll give you a little hint, Bond.. James Bond. The famous British secret agent, James Bond, is known for his love of the Martini cocktail, and his preference for having it "shaken, not stirred" has become legendary. So, why does James Bond like his gin martini shaken, not stirred?

In the novel and movie "Casino Royale," Bond orders a Martini and specifies that it should be "shaken, not stirred." The reason he gives for this preference is that shaking the Martini makes it colder and dilutes it more, resulting in a better-tasting drink. However, the science behind this preference is somewhat controversial. Some experts argue that shaking a Martini can over-dilute the drink and cause it to become cloudy due to ice shards breaking off during shaking. Others argue that shaking the drink helps to blend the flavours and gives it a smoother texture.

Despite the scientific debate, James Bond's preference for a shaken Martini has become an iconic part of the character's image, and it has helped to popularize the drink among a new generation of cocktail enthusiasts. Whether you prefer your Martini shaken or stirred, it's clear that James Bond has left an indelible mark on the world of cocktails. 

Aperol Spritz

Aperol Spritz

The Aperol Spritz cocktail is a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail that is perfect for sipping on warm summer days. Made with Aperol, a bitter orange liqueur, and Prosecco, an Italian sparkling wine, this cocktail has a light, bubbly texture and a sweet, slightly bitter flavour.  

To make the perfect Aperol Spritz cocktail, be sure to chill all the ingredients before making the cocktail.

Here's how you can make a Gin Martini cocktail from home:

Ingredients:

60ml Aperol
90ml Prosecc
30ml soda water
Ice
Dried orange slice for garnish

Bar Tools:

Cocktail mixing glass
Jigger
Bar Spoon
Cocktail strainer
Cocktail glass 

Method: 

Fill a wine glass with ice and let sit. Pour 60ml of Aperol and 90ml of Prosecco into a cocktail mixing glass. Top off with 30ml of soda water. Stir gently to combine using bar spoon. Empty wine glass of ice and pour cocktail mixture into chilled wine glass. Garnish with a dehydrated orange slice.

Did you know?

A fun fact about the Aperol Spritz cocktail is that it was originally created in the early 1900s by the Barbieri brothers in Padua, Italy. The cocktail was originally called the "Spritz Veneziano" and was made with a bitter liqueur called Select instead of Aperol.

The drink was popularised in the 1950s and 1960s when it became a favourite among Austrian and German tourists visiting Italy. The cocktail's popularity eventually spread throughout Europe and has now become a worldwide phenomenon.

Another fun fact is that the recipe for the Aperol Spritz cocktail was changed in 2011 to make it more suitable for international tastes. The amount of Aperol in the recipe was increased, and the soda water was reduced, making the drink less diluted and more flavourful.