6 Spins on On-the-Rocks Cocktails

Neat or on the rocks? It’s a difficult question, but today, we’re here to shine a light on some ice. It’s hard to beat the classics, but sometimes you want to venture into new territories. Meet your next favorite drink! We have spins on some of the classic on-the-rocks cocktails you know and love.

1. Frojito

The mojito is a staple summer cocktail and a delightful balance of mint and fizz. The frozen drink game is not exclusive to margaritas, though – so let’s get the blender out and make a frojito!

You will need:

• 2 ounces of light rum
• 1 ounce of mint syrup
• 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 cup of crushed ice

Introduce your blender to the ice, juice, and rum. Then mix until it reaches the perfect slushie consistency. All that’s left is grabbing your favorite glass, adding the syrup to the bottom, and topping it with your frozen mixture.

Garnish with a mint sprig if you want to bring out that inner mixologist!

2. Rosemary Negroni

The negroni is a timeless, versatile cocktail for those who like the bitter Campari edge alongside floral gin. With a sophisticated flavor profile, the rosemary will deepen your experience. Mix the below ingredients with ice and serve with a rosemary sprig for garnish.

You will need:

• 1 ounce of London Dry gin
• 1 ounce of Campari
• 1 ounce of sweet vermouth

Feeling like adding another layer to the flavor profile? Safely put a match to the sprig to add smokey aromatics, or switch the London Dry gin for a smoked tequila instead.

3. Spicy Mint Avocado Margarita

Fruits should be chief players in mixed drinks, so let’s use some underappreciated ingredients. This delicious recipe will have a full-bodied flavor with a nice kick of heat against the ice.

You will need:

• 1 slice of avocado
• 3 jalapeño slices (seeds removed)
• 4 mint leaves
• 1 ounce of lime juice
• 2 ounces of tequila blanco
• 1 ounce of orange liqueur
• 1/2 ounce of simple syrup

For this recipe, you’ll need all your tools. Grab a rocks glass and rim it with salt. Don’t forget to add the rocks now to chill the glass.

Whip out your Boston shaker to mix up the avocado, jalapeño, mint, and lime juice. If the avocado consistency isn’t what you would prefer, get your muddle to break it down more. Put the rest of your ingredients in and shake. Strain your cocktail over the ice and witness perfection.

4. CBD Gin and Tonic

CBD is everywhere, but should it be in my drink? This chemical is perfectly safe for consumption. It provides a satisfying, calming experience with no high, unlike its THC alternative. So long as you do your research, feel free to add it to any beverage, including a signature gin and tonic.

You will need:

• 2 ounces of gin (your choice)
• 4 ounces of any hemp-infused beverage

Pour these simple ingredients into a highball glass over ice. Feel free to garnish with a lime wedge after stirring.

5. Christmas Old-Fashioned

Some drinks are like a warm hug, and an old-fashioned does that while still being served over ice. Crafting this cocktail is delicate, but we know the end result is worth it.

You will need:

• 5 whole cranberries
• 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of water
• 3 dashes of bitters
• 2 ounces of bourbon
• 1 orange peel

Grab your muddle and mix the cranberries, sugar, and water thoroughly. The sugar needs to dissolve, so add the bitters and bourbon to make it disappear.

Strain this mixture into your rocks glass and place a large ice cube and orange zest for flair. Garnish with more cranberries, a rosemary sprig, an orange peel, or all of the above!

6. Pomegranate Paloma

The standard paloma is an iced grapefruit treat. Change it up by throwing in some flavors to complement the grapefruit’s acidity and the tequila’s earthiness.

You will need:

• 1-1/2 ounces of tequila blanco
• 1/2 ounce of St. Germain elderflower liqueur
• 2 ounces of pomegranate juice
• A splash of grapefruit soda
• A splash of lime juice

Highlight your creation in a classy highball glass and grapefruit wedge garnish with salt if you’re feeling fancy.

Drink Up!

It’s time to bring new life to old classics! There are plenty more ideas out there – why not try ditching the corn syrup in your next rum and coke? Or, trade for a dark liquor when the recipe calls for a light one? The possibilities are infinite, but nothing feels better than the cool, refreshing calm of a cocktail on the rocks.