Shake it up: Classic cocktails with a modern twist

Reading Time: 3 minutes

While we have every respect for the classics, sometimes you’ve just got to shake things up, so here are our classic cocktails with a twist.

Vanilla Rum Cola

A twist on the classic rum and coke, this more sophisticated recipe introduces a hint of vanilla and orange to add a greater depth.

Ingredients (1 glass)

• 120ml cola
• 50ml dark rum
• A few drops of pure vanilla extract
• A squeeze of orange

Fill a glass 3/4 full with ice. Add cola, rum, and vanilla. Squeeze in the juice of one wedge of orange and stir.

Watermelon Bloody Mary

Originally from Martha Stewart Living, this fresh take on the traditional Bloody Mary is lighter, sweeter and more refreshing than the original.

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 2kg watermelon cut into chunks, rind removed
• 5g sugar
• 350ml tomato juice
• 13 dashes Tabasco
• 7.5g Worcestershire Sauce
• 7.5g celery salt
• Freshly ground pepper
• 295ml vodka
• Ice and celery stalks for serving

Blend watermelon and sugar and then pass through a sieve until you have 750ml of watermelon juice. Stir watermelon juice, tomato juice, Tabasco, Worcestershire Sauce and celery salt together and season with pepper then stir in vodka. Place in a bowl set in a larger bowl of ice, or in the fridge to cool. Then serve with ice and celery.

Añejo Old Fashioned

A tequila twist on a classic Old Fashioned whisky cocktail brings this bang up to date.

Ingredients (1 glass)

• 7.5ml agave nectar
• 1 dash Angostura Bitters
• Orange peel
• 100ml Partida Añejo Tequila
• Brandied cherry

Lightly mix agave nectar, Angostura Bitters and orange peel in an Old Fashioned glass, then fill with ice before pouring over the tequila and finishing off with the brandied cherry.

Mango Collins Cocktail

This tropical take on a Vodka Collins makes it the perfect cocktail for enjoying in the sunshine or as a summer sundowner.

Ingredients (1 glass)

45ml Grey Goose Vodka

• 15ml Mandarine Napoléon
• 85ml mango nectar
• 28ml fresh lemon juice
• Club soda

Put the vodka, Mandarine Napoléon, mango nectar and lemon juice in a shaker, fill with ice and shake until cold. Fill a highball glass with ice, strain in the mixture and top up with club soda. Garnish with a fresh slice of mango.

Pomegranate Bellini

The classic Venetian cocktail is given a tropical twist in this sparkling, island alternative.

Ingredients (1 glass)

• 2.5cm of pomegranate juice
• 1cm crème de framboise
• 1tsp fresh pomegranate seeds
• Prosecco

In a champagne flute pour the pomegranate juice, crème de framboise and pomegranate seeds and then top up with Prosecco.

Read More

• Discover cocktails from a bygone age
• Try out our Mauritian Rum Cocktail recipe
• Learn how to mix the perfect cocktail at a mixology masterclass at Jing Bar Constance Halaveli
• For more cocktail inspiration, recipes and news visit liquor.com
• For news, recipes and chatter about all things cocktail check out cocktail blogger Death to Sour Mix.