Some classic autos need to be honored in a special way – and here is an example with these car cocktails named after some great vehicles. They definitely will put you on the highway to fun!
Take these car cocktails for a spin. Shift into the highway of fun, flavor, and frolicking with a gin Mercury Cougar and more!
Automobiles raced on the scene in the 1920s and people were fascinated. Cocktails named in their honor followed including the sidecar, the La Mans, and more. What better way to kick back and take a relaxing trip by savoring some of this flavorful concoctions. Some have faded in and out of menus, but all maintain a place in drink history. This weekend take these car cocktails for a spin.
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Cadillac Margarita
The granddaddy of car cocktails is the Cadillac margarita. A go to when you want the sweet, sour power of tequila and sunshine all in a frosted glass. Its history starts at the Cadillac Bar in Nuevo Lardo, Mexico, but hit the big time thanks to a risque lads magazine. The power concoction appeared in the 1979 Playboy Bartender’s Guide, but its premiumization came by way of cranberry liqueur, not Grand Marnier, which pulled in later.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces Blanco Tequila
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/2 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/2 ounce agave syrup
- 1/2 ounce Grand Marnier, to float
- Salt the rim for garnish
Create
- Rub the rim of a glass with a lime wedge, and dip a quarter of the glass in salt to coat. Set aside.
- Combine all ingredients except the Grand Marnier in a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 25 seconds.
- Double-strain through a fine-mesh sieve into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Float Grand Marnier on top.
The Sidecar
The famed drink appeared during WWI at a bar in either London or Paris. Created in honor of a dashing captain and the sidecar he had on his motorbike. This rich drink with a hint of sour has had its ups and downs, but it still a staple in cocktail bars worldwide.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces cognac
- 3/4 ounce orange liqueur such as Cointreau
- 3/4 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- Garnish with an orange twist
Create
- Coat the rim of a martini glass or champagne coupe with sugar, if desired, and set aside
- Add the cognac, orange liqueur and lemon juice to a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled
- Strain into the prepared glass
- Garnish with an orange twist
The Mercury Cougar
A fun classic drink for weddings, anniversaries or just hanging out, this drink will have you on the highway of fun quickly.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz gin
- 1/2 oz Cointreau
- 1/2 oz fresh cucumber
- 1/4 oz simple syrup
- 2 sprigs of rosemary
Create
- Muddle stripped rosemary and simple syrup
- Combine ice, gin, cointreau, and cucumber juice, shake well
- Strain into cocktail or martini glass
- Garnish with rosemary sprig
Ferrari
A great auto deserves a cocktail – and Italy did it right with this delicious simple drink. The bitters combination is made for those who live life in the fast lane.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz Fernet-Branca
- 1 ½ oz Campari
Create
- Combine in a mixing glass with ice
- Stir for at least 20 seconds
- Pour into a chilled glass over ice
Enjoy these classic car cocktail, but be careful getting behind the wheel.
