We’ve all been there—staring at a cocktail menu filled with enticing names and vibrant descriptions, only to take a sip and wonder, “Why did I order this?” Some cocktails look stunning, sound sophisticated, or promise a unique twist, but when it comes to taste, balance, or sheer drinkability, they fall flat.
Whether it’s a drink that’s too sweet, too strong, or just plain weird, certain cocktails are better left untouched. Some are notorious for giving you the worst hangover, while others are just badly designed drinks that no bartender actually enjoys making. From gimmicky concoctions to misguided classics, we’re breaking down 18 cocktails that you might want to reconsider before your next night out.
Before you order that next flashy drink, check out this list—you might save yourself from a disappointing sip!
1. Yorsh
The Yorsh mixes the distinct flavors of beer and vodka into one perplexing beverage. While the Russians may appreciate this hearty combination, for many, it’s a bit too much to handle. The beer’s frothy texture clashes with the vodka’s sharp bite, creating a clash of tastes that’s hard to appreciate. Some drinkers might enjoy the intense rush of alcohol, but for most, it’s an unforgiving assault on the palate. If you’re not used to strong spirits, this mix might not be for you. A drink best reserved for those who enjoy a bold challenge.
2. Mimosa
A staple at brunch tables, the Mimosa combines champagne and orange juice for a refreshing experience. However, the balance can be tricky. Too much orange juice, and it turns into a sweet breakfast drink; too much champagne, and it loses its refreshing quality. It’s a drink that’s deceivingly simple but hard to perfect. When done wrong, it can taste like flat soda with a citrus twist. For those who crave a perfectly balanced beverage, this one might not always hit the mark, leaving you with a sense of missed potential.
3. Bombeirinho
Hailing from Brazil, the Bombeirinho is a cocktail made with cachaça and grenadine. Its vibrant red hue is as eye-catching as its taste is controversial. The sweetness of the grenadine can easily overpower the cachaça’s earthy tones, leaving a sugary aftertaste that some find cloying. This cocktail is often served in festive environments, but its heavy sweetness can become overwhelming fast. If you don’t have a sweet tooth, you might find this drink far too saccharine. For adventurous palates, it may offer an intriguing taste of Brazilian culture.
4. Vesper
The Vesper Martini, favored by none other than James Bond, is a potent mix of gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc. Its strength is both its allure and its downfall. The combination of spirits can be a bit too strong for casual drinkers, offering an intense flavor that requires a seasoned palate. If you’re not accustomed to strong, spirit-forward cocktails, the Vesper might leave you feeling shaken. While it’s designed to be sophisticated and smooth, for many, it’s an overpowering experience that lacks balance, leaving you yearning for a more subtle drink.
5. Snowball
The Snowball is a festive cocktail made with advocaat and lemonade. Its creamy texture and bright yellow color make it a holiday favorite. However, the combination of rich creaminess and citrus can be jarring. The sweetness of the advocaat often clashes with the tart lemonade, resulting in a confusing taste. For those who prefer their drinks straightforward, the Snowball might feel like a festive misstep. While it brings holiday cheer, the flavor might not appeal to everyone. It’s a quirky drink that’s best tried with caution, especially if you’re not into creamy cocktails.
6. Rickey
The Rickey is a classic cocktail that combines gin or bourbon, lime juice, and club soda. While it’s a refreshing drink, the balance of ingredients can be tricky. Too much lime and it becomes overly tart; too much soda and it loses its kick. It’s a cocktail that demands precision but often ends up lackluster when the balance isn’t right. For those who enjoy a perfectly balanced drink, the Rickey might be a hit-or-miss experience. It’s a refreshing choice but can sometimes leave you longing for a more consistent flavor profile in your cocktail.
7. Bloody Mary
The Bloody Mary is a cocktail that’s as polarizing as it is popular. Combining vodka, tomato juice, and various spices, it’s a drink that promises a savory experience. However, the bold flavors can be too much for some, with the spiciness and tomato creating an intense mix that not everyone enjoys. It’s a cocktail often touted as a hangover cure, but its complex profile can be overwhelming. If you prefer subtlety in your beverages, the Bloody Mary might not be your ideal choice. A drink that’s either loved or loathed with little room for middle ground.
8. Rusty Nail
The Rusty Nail combines Scotch whisky and Drambuie, creating a cocktail that’s both sweet and strong. The blend of these two spirits offers a rich flavor that’s sometimes too much for the faint-hearted. The sweetness of the Drambuie contrasts sharply with the smokiness of the Scotch, making it a drink that’s not for everyone. If you enjoy a robust and complex flavor, you might appreciate the Rusty Nail, but for some, it’s an acquired taste. A cocktail that’s steeped in tradition yet requires a certain appreciation for its distinct taste.
9. Cement Mixer
Notorious for its bizarre reaction, this cocktail combines lime juice and Irish cream, causing the mixture to curdle instantly into a thick, lumpy texture resembling wet cement. More of a prank than a pleasure, it’s rarely ordered for enjoyment.
Once in your mouth, the liquid solidifies, making it hard to swallow and deeply unpleasant. The unexpected texture turns a simple shot into a textural nightmare for unsuspecting drinkers.
For a cocktail worth savoring, this one is best skipped in favor of something smoother and tastier.
10. The Bull Shot
The Bull Shot is an unusual cocktail that blends beef broth and vodka, a pairing that often raises eyebrows. Served hot, this drink fuses savory and alcoholic elements in a way that defies traditional cocktail expectations.
Rather than a refreshing sip, the flavor is more reminiscent of spiked soup, which can be jarring for those expecting a typical mixed drink. The mix of spices, broth, and vodka creates a bold yet peculiar taste that doesn’t appeal to everyone.
While some appreciate its unique, umami-rich profile, many find it too unconventional to enjoy. If savory cocktails aren’t your thing, you may want to skip this one and opt for a more classic choice instead.
11. Prairie Oyster
Often touted as a hangover cure, this unconventional drink features a raw egg yolk floating in tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, and vinegar—a combination as divisive as it sounds.
With a slimy yet smooth texture, the raw yolk creates an odd mouthfeel that many find off-putting. While some swear by its restorative effects, others struggle with its unbalanced flavors and lingering aftertaste.
If drinking raw eggs doesn’t sound appealing, this is one cocktail you’re better off skipping. There are far tastier ways to recover from a rough night!
12. The Eggermeister
The Eggermeister is a daring mix of Jägermeister and a raw egg, an unsettling combination that leaves most drinkers hesitant. The fusion of herbal liqueur and raw egg creates a clash of both flavor and texture, making it one of the more challenging cocktails out there.
The thick, syrupy consistency of Jägermeister contrasts sharply with the slippery texture of the raw egg, resulting in an experience that’s more shocking than satisfying. Even the most adventurous drinkers often find this concoction hard to stomach.
If you’re looking for a drink to sip and enjoy, this one is best left off your list. There are plenty of better ways to enjoy Jägermeister!
13. Smoker’s Cough
The Eggermeister is a daring mix of Jägermeister and a raw egg, an odd pairing that challenges even adventurous drinkers. The thick, syrupy liqueur clashes with the slippery egg, creating a jarring texture and taste.
Rather than blending smoothly, the ingredients make for a startling and unpleasant experience. Even seasoned drinkers struggle with this one. If you’re after a drink to enjoy, it’s best to skip the Eggermeister—there are far better ways to enjoy Jägermeister!
14. The Pickleback
The Pickleback combines whiskey with a shot of pickle juice, creating a bold contrast between smooth warmth and salty brine. While some love how the pickle juice cuts the whiskey’s burn, others find the abrupt flavor shift off-putting.
It’s a love-it-or-hate-it drink—great for adventurous palates, but not for traditional cocktail lovers. If you prefer classic flavors, you might want to pass on this one.
15. The Bloody Tampon
The Bloody Tampon is as unsettling as its name, mixing tequila, tomato juice, and mozzarella cheese for a bizarre and off-putting combination. The floating cheese string adds an unpleasant texture, while the flavors clash rather than complement.
Though some might try it for the shock factor, most find it hard to stomach. If you’re looking for a drink to enjoy, this one is best left untouched.
16. The Bloody Ear
The Bloody Ear is an unusual mix of gin, tomato juice, and pickled herring, creating a cocktail that’s more puzzling than palatable. The fishy herring clashes with the botanical gin and tangy tomato juice, making for a challenging sip.
Even adventurous drinkers may struggle with this one. If strong seafood flavors aren’t your thing, you’re better off sticking to a classic gin cocktail.
17. The Alien Brain Hemorrhage
Visually striking but not the most appetizing, this cocktail combines peach schnapps, Irish cream, and grenadine, creating a swirling effect that resembles an “alien” brain.
Despite its unique presentation, the curdled texture and overly sweet flavor can be off-putting. While it may be a fun conversation starter, the novelty quickly fades, leaving many wishing for a more cohesive and enjoyable drink.
18. The Sourtoe Cocktail
Infamous for its bizarre ritual, this cocktail features a preserved human toe dropped into a glass of whiskey. Originating from the Yukon, it’s more about the experience than the flavor, with drinkers required to let the toe touch their lips to complete the challenge.
While the drink itself is simple, the shock factor is enough to turn many away. It’s a cocktail for thrill-seekers, not those looking for a smooth, enjoyable sip.
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