Upscale drinks can turn any gathering into a special event. These fancy cocktails go beyond basic mixed drinks, offering unique flavors and elegant presentations.
You’ll find a variety of sophisticated options to impress your guests and elevate your drinking experience.
From classic cocktails with a twist to modern creations, upscale drinks often use high-quality spirits and fresh ingredients. Some feature unexpected flavor combinations or eye-catching garnishes.
Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to treat yourself, these drinks can add a touch of luxury to your evening.
1. Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that brings sophistication to any event. You can make it with bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar, and bitters.
To create this drink, you’ll need a few simple ingredients.
Start with 2 ounces of your chosen whiskey. Add a sugar cube and a few dashes of Angostura bitters.
Muddle these together in an old-fashioned glass. Then, add ice and stir until chilled.
For a finishing touch, garnish with an orange peel or a cocktail cherry.
The Old Fashioned’s timeless appeal comes from its simplicity and rich flavors. It’s a perfect choice when you want to impress your guests with a refined drink.
2. Negroni
The Negroni is a classic Italian cocktail that’s both sophisticated and simple. You’ll find it’s made with equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
This bold drink has a beautiful deep red color that catches the eye. Its taste is a perfect balance of bitter and sweet flavors.
To make a Negroni, you’ll need a rocks glass and some ice.
Stir the ingredients together and garnish with an orange peel.
For an upscale twist, try using premium gin or experimenting with different vermouths. You can also swap the gin for bourbon to create a Boulevardier.
3. Margarita
The Margarita is a classic cocktail that can easily be elevated to an upscale drink. You can transform this tequila-based favorite into a sophisticated sip with a few simple tweaks.
Try using premium tequila and fresh-squeezed lime juice for a more refined taste. Replace the standard triple sec with top-shelf Cointreau or Grand Marnier for added depth.
For an extra touch of elegance, rim the glass with high-quality salt or sugar. You can also experiment with flavored salts or sugars to complement the drink’s profile.
Consider adding unique ingredients like muddled jalapeños, fresh herbs, or exotic fruits to create a custom upscale Margarita that will impress your guests.
4. French 75
The French 75 is a classy cocktail that brings sparkle to any occasion. It combines gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and champagne for a crisp, bubbly drink.
This cocktail dates back to the Prohibition era. It’s named after a powerful French artillery gun, hinting at its strong kick.
You can serve a French 75 in a champagne flute or highball glass. For extra flair, add a lemon twist garnish.
The French 75 is perfect for celebrations. Its fizzy nature and balanced flavors make it a hit at upscale events.
Try mixing up the recipe by swapping gin for cognac. This gives the drink a different, but equally tasty, twist.
5. Manhattan
The Manhattan is a classic cocktail that’s a must-try in upscale NYC bars. It’s made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. You’ll find many top-notch spots serving this iconic drink.
Try PDT (Please Don’t Tell) for a unique experience. It’s hidden behind a phone booth in Crif Dogs. They make interesting twists on classics using ingredients like carrot juice or pecan bitters.
For a more traditional take, head to The Flatiron Room. They offer a wide selection of whiskeys to pair with your Manhattan. You can sip your drink while enjoying live jazz music in an elegant setting.
6. Martini
The martini is a classic upscale drink that exudes sophistication. You can order it with gin or vodka, depending on your preference.
The traditional martini is made with gin, dry vermouth, and an olive or lemon twist garnish. For a drier taste, ask for less vermouth.
Vodka martinis have become popular in recent years. They offer a smoother flavor that some people prefer. You can customize your martini with different garnishes like blue cheese olives or cocktail onions.
When ordering a martini, specify if you want it shaken or stirred. Shaking creates a colder, more diluted drink, while stirring preserves clarity.
7. Mojito
The Mojito is a refreshing Cuban cocktail that’s perfect for upscale events. You’ll love its crisp, minty flavor on a warm day.
To make a Mojito, you’ll need white rum, fresh lime juice, sugar, mint leaves, and soda water.
Muddle the mint and sugar in a glass, then add ice, rum, and lime juice.
Top it off with a splash of soda water and garnish with a sprig of mint. For an extra fancy touch, serve your Mojito in a tall, elegant glass.
You can also try variations like raspberry or strawberry Mojitos to add a fruity twist to this classic drink.
8. Paloma
The Paloma is a refreshing tequila-based cocktail that’s perfect for warm days. You’ll love its bright, citrusy flavor profile.
To make a Paloma, you’ll need tequila, grapefruit soda, lime juice, and salt.
Fill a glass with ice and add 2 ounces of tequila.
Pour in 4 ounces of grapefruit soda and a splash of fresh lime juice. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
For an extra touch, rim your glass with salt before adding the drink. Garnish with a grapefruit slice or lime wedge.
You can customize your Paloma by using fresh grapefruit juice instead of soda or adding a dash of agave syrup for sweetness.
9. Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is a classic Southern cocktail that’s perfect for warm days. You’ll find it’s a refreshing mix of bourbon, fresh mint, sugar, and crushed ice.
To make one, muddle mint leaves with sugar in a glass. Add bourbon and fill the glass with crushed ice. Stir until the outside of the glass frosts.
Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint. The Mint Julep is traditionally served in a silver or pewter cup. This keeps the drink extra cold.
You’ll often see people enjoying Mint Juleps at the Kentucky Derby. It’s the official drink of the famous horse race.
10. Sidecar
The Sidecar is a classic upscale cocktail that will impress your taste buds. This elegant drink blends cognac, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice.
To make a Sidecar, you’ll need 2 ounces of cognac, 1 ounce of Cointreau, and 1 ounce of lemon juice.
Shake these ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
For an extra touch, rim the glass with sugar before pouring.
The Sidecar offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. Its simplicity allows the quality of the cognac to shine through.
You can try variations like the Peachy Sidecar, which adds peach-infused simple syrup for a fruity twist. The Between the Sheets cocktail is another fun variation to explore.
11. Pisco Sour
The Pisco Sour is a classy South American cocktail that will impress your guests. It’s made with pisco, a type of brandy from Peru or Chile.
To make this drink, you’ll need pisco, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and an egg white. The egg white gives the cocktail a silky texture and a nice foam on top.
Shake all the ingredients with ice, then strain into a glass. The result is a tangy, refreshing drink with a smooth finish.
The Pisco Sour is perfect for summer parties or fancy events. It’s a unique choice that shows off your bartending skills.
12. Espresso Martini
The Espresso Martini is a sophisticated cocktail that blends coffee and alcohol. It’s perfect for giving you a boost while enjoying a night out.
To make one, you’ll need vodka, coffee liqueur, fresh espresso, and simple syrup.
Shake these ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass.
You can customize your Espresso Martini. Try using flavored vodkas or different coffee liqueurs. Add a splash of cream for a smoother drink.
Garnish with coffee beans or a twist of lemon peel. The contrast of bitter coffee and sweet liqueur creates a balanced flavor that many people enjoy.
13. Sazerac
The Sazerac is a classic New Orleans cocktail that exudes sophistication. You’ll love its bold flavors and rich history.
To make a Sazerac, you need rye whiskey, absinthe, sugar, and Peychaud’s bitters.
Start by coating a chilled glass with absinthe.
In a separate glass, muddle a sugar cube with the bitters. Add the rye whiskey and stir with ice. Strain this mixture into the absinthe-coated glass.
Garnish your Sazerac with a lemon twist. The result is a complex, aromatic drink that’s perfect for sipping slowly.
This upscale cocktail is sure to impress your friends at your next gathering. Its unique taste and presentation make it a standout choice for any special occasion.
14. Daiquiri
The Daiquiri is a classic cocktail that brings elegance to any occasion. This Cuban drink combines white rum, lime juice, and sugar syrup for a refreshing taste.
You can enjoy a Daiquiri straight up or frozen. The traditional version is shaken with ice and strained into a chilled glass.
Many variations exist, allowing you to customize your drink. Try adding fresh fruit like strawberries or pineapple for a tropical twist.
The Daiquiri’s simplicity makes it perfect for both casual sipping and upscale events. Its crisp flavor profile and versatility have kept it popular for over a century.
15. Bloody Mary
The Bloody Mary is a classic cocktail that adds a touch of sophistication to your drink order. This savory concoction blends vodka with tomato juice and various spices.
You can expect a Bloody Mary to include ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and lemon juice. Many bars garnish it with celery stalks, olives, or lemon wedges.
Some upscale versions go all out with toppings. You might see bacon strips, pickles, or even mini cheeseburgers adorning these drinks. These over-the-top garnishes turn a simple cocktail into a meal in a glass.
For a farm-fresh twist, try a Bloody Mary made with local, seasonal ingredients. This approach highlights the drink’s vibrant flavors and connection to quality produce.
16. Gin and Tonic
Gin and tonic is a classic upscale drink that’s both simple and sophisticated. You’ll love its refreshing taste and elegant presentation.
To make a perfect gin and tonic, choose a high-quality gin and pair it with a premium tonic water.
Add ice to a tall glass and pour in 2 ounces of gin.
Top it off with 4-5 ounces of tonic water and gently stir. For a finishing touch, garnish with a lime wedge or twist.
You can experiment with different gin flavors or add unique ingredients like cucumber or herbs to create your own twist on this timeless cocktail.
17. Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a timeless cocktail that’s perfect for upscale events. It combines whiskey, lemon juice, and a sweetener like simple syrup.
This drink offers a balanced blend of sweet, tart, and bitter flavors. Its smooth texture makes it a pleasure to sip.
You can customize your Whiskey Sour by choosing different types of whiskey. Bourbon is a popular choice, but rye or Scotch can add unique twists.
For an extra touch of elegance, try adding a splash of egg white. This creates a silky foam on top and gives the drink a more luxurious feel.
Ingredients Quality And Selection
The best upscale drinks rely on top-notch ingredients and careful selection. Quality spirits and complementary flavors make all the difference in creating sophisticated cocktails.
Sourcing Premium Spirits
Look for well-crafted spirits from respected distilleries. Choose small-batch or artisanal brands when possible. These often have more character and complexity.
For vodka, opt for brands that use high-quality grains or potatoes. Seek out smooth, clean-tasting options.
With gin, explore different botanical blends. London Dry styles work well in many classic cocktails. Craft gins can add unique flavors.
For whiskey, single malts and small-batch bourbons offer rich taste profiles. Age statements can indicate quality, but aren’t everything.
Try mezcal or aged rum for smoky or complex flavors. Silver tequilas work great in margaritas, while aged varieties shine in sipping cocktails.
Choosing The Right Enhancers
Fresh citrus juices are key for many upscale drinks. Squeeze limes, lemons, and oranges right before use for the best taste.
Pick ripe, in-season fruits for muddling or garnishes. Their natural sweetness and aroma enhance cocktails.
Use high-quality bitters to add depth and balance. Angostura is classic, but explore other flavors like orange or celery.
For syrups, make your own with real sugar and fruits or herbs. This allows you to control sweetness and flavor intensity.
Select mixers carefully. Premium tonic waters, ginger beers, and sodas can elevate a drink. Avoid overly sweet or artificial options.
Garnishes matter too. Fresh herbs, edible flowers, or house-made candied fruit can add a special touch.
Mixology Techniques
Mastering mixology techniques elevates cocktail-making from simple to sophisticated. These methods enhance both flavor and presentation, taking drinks to the next level.
Creating Balanced Flavors
Start with quality ingredients. Use fresh fruits, herbs, and premium spirits.
Measure carefully to keep flavors in check. A jigger helps get exact amounts.
Mix complementary tastes. Sweet and sour work well together. So do bitter and sweet. Try unexpected pairings to surprise guests.
Layer flavors for depth. Start with a base spirit. Add modifiers like liqueurs or bitters. Finish with accents like citrus or herbs.
Experiment with infusions. Soak fruits or spices in spirits to create unique flavors. This takes time but adds a personal touch.
Presentation And Garnishing
Choose the right glass. Each cocktail has an ideal vessel. Martini glasses show off clear drinks. Highballs work for tall, bubbly mixes.
Chill glasses before serving. This keeps drinks cold longer. Pop them in the freezer or fill with ice water.
Create eye-catching garnishes. Use fresh fruit slices, twists, or edible flowers. Make sure they add to the drink’s taste too.
Try fancy ice. Large cubes melt slower. Flavored ice adds taste as it melts. Crushed ice works well in tropical drinks.
Add drama with smoke or mist. Use a smoking gun for a smoky effect. Spray aromatic mists for an extra sensory touch.
Pairing Upscale Drinks With Food
Matching fancy drinks with food can make your meal taste even better. The right combo brings out great flavors in both the drink and dish.
Complementing Flavor Profiles
Think about how the drink and food tastes work together.
Light, fruity cocktails go well with fish or chicken. A citrus gin and tonic pairs nicely with seafood.
For red meat, try a bold whiskey-based drink.
An Old Fashioned can stand up to a juicy steak. Rich desserts call for sweet after-dinner drinks like port or dessert wine.
Spicy foods need cooling drinks.
A margarita or mojito can balance out hot tacos or curry. Fatty foods like cheese or charcuterie taste great with bubbly drinks. The bubbles cut through the richness.
Don’t be afraid to experiment.
Try new pairings to find what you like best. The goal is to enjoy your food and drink even more together.