The World's Most Alcoholic Cocktails

Jump to the Death In The Afternoon recipe

Jump to the Fervex recipe

Jump to the Aunt Roberta recipe

Jump to the Zombie recipe

Jump to the Irish Car Bomb recipe

Introduction

Among the vast spectrum of cocktails that have graced bars and tables around the globe, there exists a category that commands both awe and caution: the exceptionally high-alcohol concoctions. These are not your average Friday night mixes but are instead known for their potent strength and the skill required to craft them. This blog piece ventures into the realm of the most alcoholic cocktails known around the world, spotlighting creations that have not only made a mark for their taste and presentation but also for their formidable alcohol content.

From historic mixes that have stood the test of time to modern-day concoctions that push the limits of what a cocktail can be, our exploration covers a range of drinks that are as diverse in origin as they are in composition. Whether it's the allure of absinthe mixed with champagne in the Death in the Afternoon or the daring blend of multiple rums in the Zombie Cocktail, each drink offers a unique experience.

But with great potency comes great responsibility, and this guide serves as both an introduction to these iconic beverages and a reminder of the importance of sipping sensibly. So, let's raise a glass to the art of cocktail making and the adventurous spirit of those who appreciate these potent pours. Welcome to a journey through the world's most alcoholic cocktails.

Generally, cocktails tend to have a high alcohol content anyway. A traditional cocktail can be made more potent by trading a couple of the ingredients. For example, upgrading your vodka to Devil Springs will certainly put a kick in your Woo Woo. Or swapping your Bacardi for their 151 rum will certainly rev up your Mojito. But some creations are downright deadly. This list of the most alcoholic cocktails is not for the faint hearted, and drinkers should remember to sip sensibly. Chugging these too fast will result in a very early night!

Recipes

Death in the Afternoon

This is a simple combination of Absinthe and champagne. Absinthe on its own is very potent at 144 proof. It was banned in America for a long time due to its hallucinogenic properties, and its potential to turn mild-mannered drinkers into angry, fighting machines. Add a few bubbles to the spirit, and its alcoholic affects are magnified.

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Death In The Afternoon

Recipe card

4.9 / 5

Champagne glass

Microbadges

Cocktail Of The Day

100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die

Base ingredient

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Absinthe

Calories

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102 calories

Garnish

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Lemon, flower

Alcohol content

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14.13% | 2.12 units of alcohol ^*

Death in the Afternoon is a famous cocktail created by the renowned writer and absinthe enthusiast, Ernest Hemingway. This refreshing and potent drink is named after one of Hemingway's famous works and is known for its mysterious and alluring flavour profile. It is a unique blend of absinthe, champagne, and sugar syrup, which creates a delightful balance of bitterness, sweetness, and effervescence. The combination of the floral and herbaceous notes from absinthe and the crispness of champagne results in a complex yet refreshing taste. The addition of sugar syrup adds a touch of sweetness, balancing out the bitterness of absinthe. This iconic cocktail is often served in a champagne flute, making it the perfect drink for a glamorous and sophisticated occasion. And with a name like Death in the Afternoon, one can't help but feel a sense of intrigue and excitement with every sip.

Ingredients

Absinthe

Champagne / prosecco

Sugar Syrup

Method

How to make a Death In The Afternoon

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes

Add absinthe and sugar syrup to a champagne flute and stir

Top up with chilled champagne

Garnish with a lemon zest twist and a rose petal, then serve

Makers mode

View the full recipe

Jungle Juice

There is quite a lot of preparation involved in this punch. A large bowl is filled with fresh fruit, and then a whole bottle of grain alcohol is poured in and left to sit overnight. Everclear is the preferred choice of spirit as it is 190 proof, but it is banned in 13 American states. There is a less potent version available, which will still knock your socks off. Those who cannot stomach the idea of drinking it neat are allowed to add soda.

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Fervex

Recipe card

3.76 / 5

Shot glass

Microbadges

Cocktail Of The Day

Base ingredient

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Cointreau

Calories

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74 calories

Alcohol content

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20% | 0.6 units of alcohol ^*

The Fervex cocktail is a vibrant and energetic shot-sized drink that offers a blend of citrus and sweet flavors. Combining the orangey notes of Cointreau with the tang of fresh lemon juice, this cocktail brings a zesty kick that is complemented by the bold and sugary taste of an energy drink. Typically served in a shot glass, Fervex provides a quick and lively sipping experience ideal for those looking to ignite their taste buds with a combination of fruity and invigorating flavors.

Ingredients

Cointreau

Lemon Juice

Energy drink

Method

How to make a Fervex

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes

Shake Cointreau and lemon together in a cocktail shaker with ice

Strain carefully into a shot glass and top up with red bull before serving

Makers mode

View the full recipe

Aunt Roberta Cocktail

There are no mixers in this drink. Not even a tiny lemon garnish. It is 100% alcohol, and very, very wicked. Made with absinthe, gin, vodka, brandy and blackberry liqueur, it is probably best to stick to just one of these on a night out.

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Aunt Roberta

Recipe card

4.9 / 5

Cocktail glass

Microbadges

Cocktail Of The Day

Base ingredient

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Brandy

Calories

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460 calories

Garnish

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Orange

Alcohol content

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39.41% | 10.05 units of alcohol ^*

Known colloquially as 'The Worlds Deadliest Cocktail', The Aunt Roberta cocktail is a potent concoction that blends the warming notes of brandy with the clarity of vodka, the aniseed kick of absinthe, the botanical complexity of gin, and the sweet depth of blackberry liqueur. With its medley of strong spirits, this beverage packs a punch and is recognized for its powerful flavor profile. Often served in a cocktail glass, the Aunt Roberta is a timeless classic, not for the faint of heart, catering to those who appreciate a robust and intoxicating mix of ingredients. Its rich and heady characteristics make it a bold choice, offering a sensorial journey through sweetness, herbaceous notes, and spirited strength.

Ingredients

Brandy

Vodka

Absinthe

Gin

Blackberry Liqueur

Method

How to make a Aunt Roberta

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes

Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice

Shake well then strain into chilled cocktail glass

Garnish with an orange peel twist and serve

~ Be warned, this is very alcoholic and contains a large amount of alcohol! ~

Makers mode

View the full recipe

Zombie Cocktail

Throughout NYC there is a one drink limit per person. True to its name, people have been known to pass out before finishing their cocktail. It is made with 151 rum, white rum, gold rum, dark rum and apple brandy. It also contains a small amount of orange, pineapple and lime juice. Delicious, complicated, and zombifying.

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Zombie

Recipe card

4.65 / 5

Highball glass

Microbadges

IBA Official Drink

Cocktail Of The Day

100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die

100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die (Part 2)

Invented

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1934

Base ingredient

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White rum

Calories

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260 calories

Garnish

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Mint

Alcohol content

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30% | 4.8 units of alcohol ^*

Details

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Classic

The Zombie cocktail is a classic tiki drink that originated in the 1930s and has become a staple in tiki bars and cocktail menus around the world. This potent cocktail typically contains a mix of different rums, with the addition of tart citrus juice, sweet grenadine, and spices like falernum and aniseed liqueur. The main players in this cocktail are the gold, Jamaican, and white rums, creating a complex and flavorful base. The lime juice adds a refreshing tang, while the grenadine provides a hint of sweetness. The addition of bitters and aniseed liqueur add depth and spice to this tropical libation. Served in a tall glass with ice, the Zombie is a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and boozy, making it a favorite among cocktail lovers.

Ingredients

Lime juice

Gold rum

Grenadine

Jamaican rum

White rum

Falernum

Angostura Bitters

Aniseed liqueur

Method

How to make a Zombie

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes

Add all the ingredients to a blender with ice and blend until smooth

Pour into a highball glass

Garnish with a sprig of mint and serve

Makers mode

View the full recipe

Irish Car Bomb

The Irish know how to drink, and this cocktail is a testament to their strong livers. A bottle of Guinness is poured into a glass, and a shot of whiskey is added to it. A shot glass full of Baileys is placed inside. The aim is to drink it quickly, before it curdles. On the outside, anyway. You know it will still curdle in your stomach!

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Irish Car Bomb

Recipe card

3.65 / 5

Lowball glass

Base ingredient

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Whiskey

Calories

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200 calories

Alcohol content

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4.89% | 1.71 units of alcohol ^*

The Irish Car Bomb is a controversially named cocktail that combines a smooth and creamy texture with a sweet and complex flavor profile. It traditionally features a blend of rich Bailey's Irish Cream and robust whiskey, with cola providing a fizzy, caramel-like sweetness that complements the bold spirits. Served in a lowball glass, this cocktail is a fusion of Irish and American influences, offering a unique drinking experience. The name of the cocktail has been a subject of contention due to its reference to a sensitive historical issue in Ireland, and it's more commonly enjoyed in the United States. Despite its name, it is enjoyed for its distinctive combination of flavors and the interactive experience of dropping a shot into a tumbler of cola and whiskey.

Ingredients

Bailey's

Cola

Whiskey

Method

How to make a Irish Car Bomb

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes

Fill a shot glass full of Baileys

Put the whisky into a tumbler without ice

Top up with coke, leaving about a three centimetre gap from the top

Drop the shot of Baileys into the tumbler and serve

Makers mode

View the full recipe

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of cocktails offers an extensive palette of flavors, experiences, and, importantly, alcohol content. From the deceptively serene Death in the Afternoon, combining absinthe with champagne, to the unadulterated potency of the Aunt Roberta, these concoctions are not just drinks but adventures in a glass.

While the allure of pushing the boundaries with high-alcohol cocktails like Jungle Juice or the Zombie Cocktail might tempt the daring, it's crucial to approach these potent beverages with respect and moderation. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the intricate layers and unique tastes of these meticulously crafted drinks, not to end the night prematurely.

So, whether you're a seasoned cocktail aficionado or a curious newcomer, let this list be both a guide and a gentle warning. Here's to enjoying responsibly, savoring each sip, and appreciating the art and history behind some of the most alcoholic cocktails in the world. Cheers to safe and memorable experiences, one carefully measured drink at a time.