Made with little mixer (or in some cases none) and high-proof alcohol, these cocktails could take out even the most experienced drinker.
We reveal the 10 most alcoholic cocktails in the world. Made with high-proof alcohol and hardly any mixers, these ten cocktails are sure to floor even the hardiest of drinker.
1. Zombie
The clue is in the name. The Zombie was concocted in the 1930s by Donn Beach (a restaurant owner in Hollywood). The drink was originally made from three different types of rum, lime juice, falernum, Angostura bitters, Pernod, grenadine, and ‘Don’s Mix,’ a combination of cinnamon syrup and grapefruit juice.
The cocktail is so strong that Don The Beachcomber restaurants limit their customers to two Zombies each per night.
Three types of rum: 40 per cent ABV
Pernod: 40 per cent ABV
Angostura bitters: 44.7 per cent ABV
2. Jungle Juice
This cocktail is based on mainly fresh fruits, which have been stewing overnight in an entire bottle of grain alcohol before being served up in the style of punch.
To bring down the alcoholic levels, you can add a mixer like lemonade or soda, although this is heavily frowned upon. Connoisseurs say that if it is made correctly it shouldn’t taste like anything alcoholic at all.
1 litre bottle of grain alcohol: 95 per cent ABV
3. Death In The Afternoon
Also known as Hemingway Champagne (as it was in originally invented by Ernest Hemingway). This classic cocktail is based on a concoction of champagne and absinthe.
Really simple to make having been only based on two main ingredients. The recipes original instructions appear in 1935 cocktail book and were contributed by Hemingway himself.
The drink rarely appears on menus but can be ordered from bartenders, as it’s simple enough to make.
Absinthe: 45 per cent ABV
Champagne: 12 per cent alcohol
4. Aunt Roberta
Considered to be the strongest cocktail in the world, this drink contains 100% alcohol, with absolutely no mixers whatsoever.
Gin, vodka, absinthe, brandy and blackberry liquor are mixed together in equal parts are used to create this lethal mix.
According to ancient folklore, the drink was created by the daughter of a slave owner in 1800s Alabama. ‘Roberta was said to have fled her abusive home before turning to prostitution. She then moved on to the moonshine business where she used to sell this drink to her customers looking to drown their sorrows.’
Gin: 40 per cent alcohol
Vodka: 40 per cent alcohol
Brandy: 40 per cent alcohol
Blackberry liqueur: 40 per cent alcohol
Absinthe: 45 per cent alcohol
5. Nicolashka
The Russian Nicolashka is created with a double shot of vodka, espresso powder, lemon and sugar.
But this is not your typical drink, as it is consumed by first putting the lemon, sugar and coffee in the mouth and taking one shot of vodka. The mixture is then held in the mouth and slowly chewed over before being swallowed. Then second shot of vodka comes immediately after.
Vodka: 40 per cent ABV
6. Sazerac
There are many different ways to make Sazerac but the best recipe is in the drink bible The Bartender’s Black Book.
Add between two to four ounces of Peychaud’s Bitters and two ounces of rye whiskey, with one cube of sugar.
But what elevates this cocktail is the coating of absinthe on the inside of the chilled glass.
Rye whiskey: 80 per cent ABV
7. Caribou Lou
Although this cocktail is not overly alcoholic, it does go down a bit too well. Meaning it’s easy to drink and you may put away quite a few without realising it. Made from 151 rum, pineapple juice and Malibu. A perfect drink.
151 Rum: 75.5 per cent ABV
Malibu: 35 per cent ABV
8. Long Island Ice Tea
A popular choice in most cocktail bars. The potency disguised by sour mix and a healthy dose of cola makes this a taste tipple for most. Made with five types of alcohol – gin, vodka, tequila, rum and triple sec.
Gin: 40 per cent ABV
Vodka: 40 per cent ABV
Tequila: 40 per cent ABV
Rum: 40 per cent ABV
Triple Sec: 40 per cent ABV
9. Bone Dry Martini
A Martini is made using either gin or vodka with the addition of vermouth, a fortified wine which has a low alcohol content. Removing the vermouth from this mix makes this drink ‘bone dry’ and possibly one of the most alcoholic drinks you can get, as it’s made with 100 per cent alcohol.
Gin: 40 per cent ABV
Vodka: 40 per cent ABV
10. Negroni
This classic Italian cocktail is made with gin, Campari and sweet vermouth. It’s a awe-inspiring drink which can get you accidentally tipsy if you have more than one. The only non-alcoholic addition to this gorgeous cocktail is its orange garnish, which adds a zesty zing to the pleasantly bitter taste.
Gin: 40 per cent ABV
Campari: 25 per cent ABV
Vermouth: 15 per cent ABV