Exploring new cocktails has become such a fun part of date night because the sky is the limit in terms of what you might find on the menu these days. Today's mixologists are taking some hints from the kitchen and adding some creative culinary panache to their drinks, and the result has been scores of cocktails that are as tasty as they are inventive. So, cheers to those bartenders who love to push the envelope and raise the bar on what it means to mix a spirit. We especially toast the artful ingenuity of the following Orlando cocktails, all of which we really think you ought to try, pronto!
The Campfire is made with High West Whiskey, sweet water, Choco Bitters and is garnished with delicious roasted marshmallow you'll be fighting over. Find it at Myth, the brand-new lounge inside Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek.
Created by bartender Samm Holder, The Sasquatch is made with Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Carpano Bianco Vermouth, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur and Daughter's and Co. Mushroom Bitters. Snag this drink at The Woods.
The Savannah Belle, found at The Courtesy Bar, consists of Old Forester bourbon that is house-infused with roasted pecans. Once the bourbon is adequately infused, mixologists separate the nuts, toss them in cayenne, salt, and black pepper then praline them with brown sugar and serve them along side of the cocktail. It's a romantic cocktail named for a romantic town.
Paul Johnsen, president of the Orlando Bartender's Guild, just unveiled several new ‘low octane' cocktails at Scratch, including these two scrumptious drinks: Wide Awake and Pear of Roses .
The Doc Holliday, one of several terrific cocktails at Highball & Harvest, is made with blueberry jam, Tito’s vodka, ruby grapefruit and house ginger-beer.
Inspired by the popular dessert, the Baklava Cocktail features brandy, hazelnut liqueur, honey, orange water and cinnamon with crushed pistachios. This cozy drink will warm up your insides on a cool day. Find it at Taverna Opa Orlando.
The Hemingway Daiquiri mixes Winter Park Distilling Company's Doghead Rum with fresh lime juice, simple syrup and a splash of grapefruit. Sip it with steaks at Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster.
The Blue Ginger Martini is made with Pinnacle Blueberry Vodka shaken with crushed blueberries and fresh ginger. Find it at RA Sushi.
The Ghazal is a spectacular mix of dark rum, freshly pressed pineapple juice and angostura aromatic bitters with a splash of ginger beer. You can find it at American Gymkhana.
The Klimt Kiss Cucumber Clash is made with George Botanivore, St. Germaine, simple syrup muddled cucumber, lime and mint. Find this at The Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando.
