Whether it's happy hour or time for a late-night celebration, rounding some classic mixed drinks for the crew is still one of the best ways to make a toast for the night. Cocktails, martinis and frozen drinks made with traditional ingredients and an exotic twist give you a chance to drink unique beverages and try new flavors from the mixology gurus behind the bar.
From blackberry mojitos to açaí-infused martinis, here are some of the most requested bar drinks at venues across the country:
Cucumber Mint Martinis
Cocktail aficionados are sure to do a double take with this cool and refreshing twist on mixed drinks. The cucumber and mint martini is the perfect match for those hot summer nights mingling on the patio; it's typically made with fresh cucumbers, spearmint leaves and a hint of lime.
Blackberry Mojitos
Nobody really knows where this twist on the classic lime mojito came from, but blackberry adds depth and flavor to the ever-popular summer drink. Mixology experts are taking things up a notch with blackberry-flavored rum, blackberry juice and even dropping fresh blackberries into the bottom of the drink for a dense flavor.
Açaí Berry Martinis
Whether you enjoy your martini straight up or on the rocks, açaí-berry infused drinks are spilling into bars everywhere and spicing things up for the conventional-martini lover. Using VeeV, an açaí-based alcohol, instead of vodka adds a natural hint of sweetness to any beverage, the clean and crisp flavor for a satisfying finish to any classic martini.
Lemon Gimlets
Forgo the classic lime gimlet in favor of the lemon or 'fuzzy' gimlet made with a carbonated lemon-lime beverage, gin, lime and lemon juice and enjoy a taste of summer any time of year. This one can also be made with white tequila for your Mexico-inspired night.
Iced Chocolate Martini
Throw a party for your inner chocoholic with an ice-cold chocolate martini on the rocks. This dessert-like beverage is made with chocolate liqueur, VeeV (instead of vodka) and fresh cream and can be served straight up in a chilled martini glass for a tasty treat.
Written by Sabah Karimi