Adventurous drinkers seeking a touch of the unconventional will delight in the weird cocktail names that have emerged over the decades. From the cheeky to the downright risqué, these captivating monikers have become a hallmark of the more creative side of the bartending world.
Key Takeaways
- Absurd cocktail names have a long history, with examples dating back to the early 20th century.
- Some of the longest and most descriptive cocktail names can reach up to 15 syllables.
- Bartenders have embraced pornographic and suggestive shot names that push the boundaries of propriety.
- Bizarre ingredient-driven cocktails feature everything from human toes to bone-ash absinthe.
- These unconventional drink names are a testament to the creativity and adventurousness of the cocktail industry.
A Spirited History of Absurd Cocktail Names
The origins of weird cocktail names can be traced back to the early 20th century, when bartenders began experimenting with more daring and provocative monikers. One such example is the “Angels’ Tit,” a creation from the 1909 book “The Flowing Bowl” by Jacob A. Didier, which featured a delicate blend of cream, crème de cocoa, and crème Yvette. Fast forward to the disco era, and we have the likes of the “Slow Comfortable Screw Against the Wall,” a suggestive combination of sloe gin, Southern Comfort, vodka, orange juice, and Galliano.
The trend for outrageous cocktail names continued well into the 1990s, with the infamous “Ass Juice” from Las Vegas’s Double Down Saloon, a vodka-based concoction with a secret recipe, priced at £4 for a single shot or £9 for two. More recently, the “Demon Seaman” from the Golden Tiki in Las Vegas has turned heads, featuring the venue’s own house-made Demon Whiskey, pineapple juice, and coco cream.
Mixing Up the Longest and Most Descriptive Cocktail Names
While some bartenders have embraced the cheeky and provocative approach to cocktail naming, others have sought to create drinks with the longest and most detailed descriptions. A prime example is the “A Lonely Island Lost in the Middle of a Foggy Sea,” a 2010s tiki cocktail by Paul McGee at the renowned Three Dots and a Dash in Chicago. This 11-word, 15-syllable marvel features a blend of rhum agricole, black strap rum, aged rum, pineapple juice, Demerara syrup, lime juice, and cold brew coffee.
Pornographic and Suggestive Shot Names
The world of cocktails has long been a playground for bartenders to experiment with risqué and suggestive names. From the classic “Slippery Nipple” to the more explicit “Cock Suck & Cowboy,” these provocative shot names have become a staple in many establishments, particularly in the dive bar and tiki cocktail scenes. Even variations on well-known drinks, such as the “Slow Comfortable Screw Against the Wall with a Kiss,” which adds a touch of Amaretto, have found their way onto menus.
Bizarre Ingredient-Driven Weird Cocktails
In addition to the unconventional names, the cocktail industry has also seen a rise in unusual and even shocking ingredients being used in drinks. The “Sourtoe Cocktail” at the Sourdough Saloon in Dawson City, Canada, features a 40% alcohol blend with a dehydrated human toe as a “garnish of courage.” Meanwhile, the “Lucky Flaeming” at Klink in Berlin combines 12-year-old scotch whisky, clarified mango juice, rye whiskey, orange blossom, and a Ceylon curry spice mix.
Bartenders continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, with the “Aegean Negroni” at The Clumsies in Athens (No. 47 on the World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 list) featuring gin, vermouth, amaro, and dittany extract from Crete, and the “In the Pines, Under the Palms” at True Laurel (No. 30 on North America’s 50 Best Bars) incorporating redwood tips, toasted coconut rye, gin, vermouth, maraschino, and absinthe.
Conclusion
The weird cocktail names that have emerged over the decades are a testament to the creativity and adventurous spirit of the bartending community. From the cheeky and suggestive to the downright bizarre, these captivating monikers have become a hallmark of the more unconventional side of the cocktail industry. Whether you’re a seasoned drinker or a newcomer to the scene, these unique and memorable cocktail names are sure to add a touch of excitement to any drinking experience.
Sources:
The Most Absurd Cocktail Names Throughout History (VinePair)
6 bars using bizarre (but brilliant) cocktail ingredients (The World’s 50 Best)
Great Drinks and Cocktail Names & Ideas (Drinks World)
7 Unusual Cocktail Ingredients You’ve Never Tried (Bar Magazine)
List of cocktails (Wikipedia)
Exploring Cocktail Ingredient Combinations (Fine Chariot)
Top ten worst cocktail names (Difford’s Guide)
18 Unusual Craft Cocktail Ingredients You Should Try At Least Once (Food Republic)
