It’s Saturday night. You’re out downtown Budapest, on a boozy hot date in your favourite cocktail bar. A charming cocktail waitress comes along and hands you a copy of their seasonal menu. Politely, but without a second thought, you reject it. You already know what you want, a Negroni. Not tonight. It’s true, no matter if you’re a count, peasant, or anything in between, you can’t go wrong with a classic. But you can definitely improve upon it. There’s a lot more to night life than Negronis and Manhattans. If you could only step out your comfort zone and go for bolder, lesser-known, tipples— if for no other reason than to impress your date with your cocktail savvy. So here are 5 outstanding, but relatively unknown cocktails I reckon fit to the coldest winter nights (when you need more than a hug, if you know what I mean), and definitely worth trying at least once in your life time. I’m sure you’ll find love, if not only a nightstand. 

Boulevardier

(HonestlyYUM)

Here’s an unpretentious drink that’ll make you sound more like a sophisticated boozer. Bourbon (I like Buffalo Trace) and Campari are toned down a little by the sweet vermouth. I feel like I should warn you, however, that if you’ve never taste Campari, then you should not make this your first experience. Try it out with Aperol instead; also substitute the sweet vermouth for Lillet Rouge if you really wanna go easy on your taste buds.

Blood and Sand

(SmallSCREEN)

Here’s a chance for you to show off you cool cult background. The Blood and Sand, named after a 1922’s movie. A sure call if you new into the cocktail world, but don’t wanna give it away. Blended Scotch, Italian style vermouth, cherry brandy (cherry Palinka won’t do, dude) and splash of orange juice (blood orange if you wanna stay true to the classic). Kind of sweet, but still a tipple for grown ups. I’d throw in some smoky pouring Johnnie Walker Double Black or Black Bottle or even a light Islay single malt, such as Caol Ila 12yo if you really want to fancy it up.

Vieux Carré

(backdownsouth.com)

Lots going on in this 1930’s New Orleans offspring. Rye whiskey and cognac split, sweet vermouth, a splash of Bénédictine and a dash of both Peychoud’s and Angostura bittiers. The Vieux Carré isn’t only a chance for you to get smashed in style, but also for you to show off some of your French. Vyoo Cuh-RAY. If you can’t heck the French. “Old Square” sometimes does the trick.

Seelbach

(deepsouthmag.com)

Named after the Louisville, Kentucky hotel where it was first craft in 1917. The Seelbach was gone lost somewhere during prohibition and only rediscovered decades later, in mid 90’s. Since then my favourite classic champagne cocktail. Bourbon, triple sec (stick to Cointreau), bitters and bubbles (Kreinbacher really does the magic). It feels like bubbling Manhattan served in a flute glass and garnished with an orange twist.

The Martinez Cocktail

(10thkitchen.com)

First things comes first. And before the Martini there was the Martinez cocktail — Elvis Presley of classic cocktails. 1860’s boozy refreshment first stirred to celebrate a miner lucky day in the city of Martinez, CA. A blend of Italian vermouth, Maraschino liqueur, Oude Genever (AKA Holland gin) and bitters. Complex, gentle and balance on the sweet side — potable chilled history.