Rico Makes a Classic Bramble & Bramble Variation with Absolut Wild Berri! 

In the latest episode of ‘Absolut Drinks with Rico’, Ricardo “Rico” Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador, shows you how to make a Bonafide British cocktail classic, the Bramble.

Created in London in 1984 by legendary London bartender Dick Bradsell who also invented the Espresso Martini, this modern classic is a British summer essential. However, the Bramble also works wonderfully during the Holiday season thanks to its delicious Blackberry flavors.

What Does a Bramble Cocktail Taste Like?

One of Rico’s favorite drinks, the Bramble cocktail is a tantalizing mix of sweet, tangy, sour, and fruity flavors.

The Bramble blends the delightful floral notes of Gin with the delicious Blackberry flavors from the Blackberry Liqueur, perfectly balanced by Sugar and Lemon Juice.

Well-balanced, fruity, elegant and extremely drinkable, let’s just say the Bramble never disappoints.

A Bramble Variation with Vodka

Of course, no episode of Absolut Drinks with Rico is ever complete without Rico making a vodka variation and answering the question, ‘Will It Vodka?’.

For this episode, Rico creates the Wild Berri Bramble – a Bramble variation that uses Absolut Wild Berri Vodka.

The Wild Berri Bramble follows the exact same recipe for a classic Bramble but substitutes the Gin for Absolut Wild Berri and is garnished with a Lemon half-moon instead of Lemon Zest. Absolut Wild Berri has the natural taste of freshly picked blueberries, blackberries and wild strawberries. Can you have too much berry? No, you cannot.

So, if you love berries and want to accentuate the Blackberry flavors of your Bramble, you’ve got to try mixing this one.

Here’s to a Merry Berry Holiday!

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‘Tis the season for Holiday Cocktails, and we’ve rounded up seven holiday cocktail favorites that are easy to make and guaranteed to impress. 

From rich and indulgent to crisp and citrusy, each drink is a perfect blend of holiday magic and spirited cheer.  

Here you’ll find holiday cocktails with the flavors of the season: Cinnamon, Vanilla, Ginger, Blackberry, Nutmeg, Cranberry, and Chocolate Syrup. 

So, grab your cocktail shaker, let’s make these Holidays one to remember! 

1. Holiday Mule 

Served in a trademark Copper Mule Mug, the Holiday Mule is a festive fusion of Absolut Vodka with Cider, Ginger Beer, and a dash of Lemon Juice, topped off with a delightful Cinnamon Stick.

Yes, this holiday cocktail is guaranteed to have your taste buds caroling all season long.

Here’s how to make a Holiday Mule. 

2. Jingle Buck
If the Jingle Buck’s festive Rosemary and Cranberry garnish doesn’t put you in the Holiday spirit, we don’t what will.

Dazzle and delight your guests with the Jingle Buck – a merry mix of Absolut Vodka, zesty Ginger Ale, tangy Cranberry Juice, with a splash of Lime Juice. 

Learn how to make a Jingle Buck. 

3. Pumpkin Pie Martini

“Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but this Pumpkin Pie Martini is delightful.” Did somebody just say Pumpkin Pie in a Martini Glass?

Imagine the smooth sweetness of Absolut Vanilia, the creaminess of Milk, mixed with a dash of Cinnamon Syrup and a generous dollop of Pumpkin Purée.

Trust us, it really is every bit as good as it sounds.

Here’s how to make a Pumpkin Pie Martini. 

4. Hollis
Ho-ho-Hollis! The Hollis combines Absolut Vodka, Lillet Rouge, Rich Syrup, Chocolate Bitters and garnished with Orange Zest resulting in a gently spiced and wonderfully indulgent cocktail.

With the Hollis, we guarantee every sip will be merry and bright.

Let us show you how to make a Hollis cocktail.

5. Bramble 

One of Ricardo “Rico” Dynan’s (Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador) favorite drinks, the Bramble, is described by Rico as “a pure British summer sipper.” However, it works wonderfully during the holidays too thanks to its delicious Blackberry flavors.  

The Bramble is a classic cocktail that combines Beefeater Gin, Blackberry Liqueur, freshly squeezed Lemon Juice, and Simple Syrup, garnished with Lemon Zest and fresh Blackberries. Oh, by gosh, by golly, it’s good.  

Learn how to make a classic Bramble cocktail. 

6. Eggnog

A real winter warmer, Eggnog is a creamy concoction that combines the richness of Cognac with the smoothness of Milk and Cream, sweetened with a touch of Simple Syrup and topped with a sprinkle of Nutmeg.

Yes, you guessed it – it’s like a thick, festive Cognac Milkshake. We’ve got a recipe so delicious you’ll wonder why people drink Eggnog only during the holidays.  

Discover our Eggnog recipe.

7. Absolut Mistletoe

Deck the halls with lots of cranberry! Absolut Mistletoe mixes Absolut Vodka with Cranberry Juice, a hint of Lime Juice, and a splash of Lemon-Lime Soda, and is then garnished with a sprig of Red Currant to create a holly, jolly cocktail that’s sure to delight your guests.

Ready to mix? Check out our Absolut Mistletoe recipe. 

Looking for more holiday cocktail inspiration? Explore more holiday drinks 

The Singapore Sling is a classic Gin-based cocktail and “one of the most famous drinks on earth,” according to Rico, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador.

In the latest episode of ‘Absolut Drinks with Rico’, Rico shows you how to make a classic Singapore Sling. If you’ve seen a bartender mix one or even just looked at the recipe, you’ll notice the Singapore Sling ingredients list is quite extensive.

But despite the long list of ingredients, it’s actually an easy-to-make cocktail and one that’ll impress even the most discerning cocktail enthusiasts.

What does a Singapore Sling Taste Like?

The Singapore Sling resembles a fruity punch but with a sophisticated twist, making it more refined, complex and layered in flavor.

There are sweet and tangy notes from the Cherry Liqueur and Pineapple Juice with a citrusy twist courtesy of the Lime Juice, underlined the herbal notes from the Gin and French Herbal Liqueur.

In the video, Rico also shares on how to make the PERFECT Singapore Sling. For example, making your own Grenadine and using a Centrifugal Juicer with Fresh Pineapple to get your juice to standards you never thought possible.

A New Singapore Sling Variation

Of course, no episode of Absolut Drinks with Rico would be complete without Rico making a vodka variation and answering the question, ‘Will It Vodka?’.

Oh yes, for this episode Rico makes a Singapore Sling variation using Absolut Grapefruit (Grapefruit Flavored Vodka) to create what’s now known as The Swedish Sling.

Both drinks follow the same recipe except one uses Gin and the other uses Absolut Grapefruit, the latter being one of Rico’s own personal favorites.

Spoiler alert – Before You Watch the Video!

Now before you hit play, we need to prepare you for this one.

When asked how The Swedish Sling holds up against the Singapore Sling, Rico confesses, “Bartenders are going to hate me for saying it, but I kinda prefer it.”

OK, now you’re curious, huh? Watch the video and try it out for yourself!

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Whether you’re new to cocktail making or a cocktail enthusiast, there’s one technique that every home bartender needs to know: double straining.  Tired of those ice shards or fruit pulp ruining your perfectly crafted drink? Then double straining is going to change the quality of your drinks.

Why Double Strain Your Cocktail?

First things first, why should you bother double straining your drinks? Double straining ensures that your drink is as smooth as desired and free of any unwanted bits.

Double straining helps you achieve that refined finish that’ll will give your drinks that bar-level standard you’re looking for.

Do You Need to Double-Strain Every Cocktail?

No, not every cocktail needs to be double-strained, since not even cocktail is a shaken cocktail.

Rico, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador, explains that when you shake drinks with citrus juice in a Cocktail Shaker, such as a Kamikaze or Cosmopolitan, “You create a very crisp, fresh and crunchy texture. Whereas if you stir a drink, you’re going to create a much smoother velvety texture.”

“Anything which is just pure alcohol (such as a classic Martini or Negroni), you might want to stir that just to get a velvety texture,” suggests Rico. “But when it comes to drinks with fruit juices and syrups, shake the hell out of them – smash them up. Get everything blended together and you’ll get a nice texture.”

“I’m not into shaking stuff like a Bloody Mary. I think you need to control the dilution, and you don’t want to really water in a Bloody Mary,” says Rico.

But for those cocktails that should be double-strained, read on.

3 Essential Bartending Tools for Double Straining

Before we dive into the actual technique of double straining, you’ll need to arm yourself with a few basic tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Cocktail Shaker: Whether you want to make a classic Margarita or an Espresso Martini a good Cocktail Shaker is essential. As Rico explains, when you’re holding a Shaker, you want to “Shake it, don’t tickle it”. So, give your cocktails a proper shake. Watch this video where Rico demonstrates how to use a Cocktail Shaker.
2.  Hawthorne Strainer: This is the strainer with the coiled spring that sits snugly over your shaker. It catches those larger ice chunks and muddled ingredients.
3.  Fine Mesh Strainer: This small, handheld strainer catches all the tiny bits that slip through the Hawthorne Strainer, ensuring your cocktail is smooth and both ice and pulp free.

Types of Cocktail Strainers

OK, so let’s break down the different types of strainers and their roles in the double straining process:

1. Hawthorne Strainer: As mentioned above, this strainer has a coiled spring that fits neatly over the top of your shaker. This allows you to attach this Strainer to the Shaker and just pour with one hand while holding the Strainer in place. It’s perfect for holding back larger pieces of ice and muddled fruit. The spring can be adjusted to control the flow of liquid, making it versatile for different cocktail styles.
2. Julep Strainer: This strainer looks like a large, perforated spoon. While it’s traditionally used for straining stirred cocktails like the classic Manhattan, it can also be used in place of a Hawthorne Strainer if you prefer.
3. Fine Mesh Strainer: This small, handheld strainer comes in various sizes are essential and function like a Tea Strainer. It catches all the fine particles that the Hawthorne Strainers or Julep Strainers miss. It’s essential for achieving that ultra-smooth finish.

Watch this video where Rico demonstrates the different strainer types.

How to Double Strain Your Cocktails

So, now the bottom you’ve been waiting for. Here’s a step-by-step guide to double straining cocktails:

1. Shake It Up: Start by shaking your cocktail as you normally would in your Cocktail Shaker. Make sure to give it a good, vigorous shake to properly mix and chill the ingredients. A good guide is to shake for a slow count of ten seconds until ice cold.
2. First Strain: Place your Hawthorne Strainer over the top of your Cocktail Shaker. Pour the cocktail through the strainer into your glass, catching any large ice chunks and muddled ingredients.
3. Second Strain: Hold your Fine Mesh Strainer over your serving glass. Pour the cocktail from the Shaker through the Mesh sSrainer, catching any remaining fine particles. This step ensures that your drink is free of any unwanted bits and pieces.
4. Serve and Impress: Pour your perfectly strained cocktail into a chilled glass, garnish as desired, and prepare to impress your guests with outstanding bar-quality drinks.

One final word – Double straining might take a bit of practice to get the hang of but it’s worth the pursuit. It’s a technique that will significantly elevate the quality of your drinks. Ready to get double straining? Explore our drink recipes here

You’re hosting Thanksgiving. You’ve got friends and family filling your home, and the feast is all set. But what would a Thanksgiving feast be without drinks to match? 

Below you’ll find five easy-to-make Thanksgiving cocktail, including an alcohol-free recipe that celebrates the flavors of the season – crisp Apple, fragrant Vanilla, warming Pumpkin, tart Cranberry, fiery Ginger, and aromatic Cinnamon.  

Grab your Shaker and let’s make it a Happy Thanksgiving! 

1. Vodka Cranberry 

OK, if there was just one ingredient synonymous with Thanksgiving, we’re sure you’ll agree it’s Cranberries. What would Thanksgiving be without Cranberry Sauce? Cranberries are native to North America and have been a staple at Thanksgiving feasts since the early days of the holiday.

So, what better cocktail to kick things off than the classic Vodka Cranberry? Learn how to make a Vodka Cranberry.

2. Apple Pie Shot 

The warmth and coziness of Thanksgiving in a shot. Smooth Vanilla-flavored Vodka, contrasted with tangy Apple Juice, zesty Lemon, topped with a generous sprinkle of Cinnamon and a slice of Fresh Apple. Sound delicious? Trust us, it is. We’ll toast to this one!

Here’s how to make an Apple Pie Shot.  

3. The Thanksgiving Punch 

Looking for an alcohol-free Thanksgiving cocktail that complements all the rich, savory flavors of the holiday feast? The Thanksgiving Punch is perfect.

If not just for the name itself, this festive alcohol-free punch is perfect to serve when you have a large number of guests coming for lunch or dinner. It combines Sweetened Cranberry Juice, zesty Lemonade, bubbly Ginger Ale, and is garnished with a Lemon Wedge. 

Discover our recipe for The Thanksgiving Punch.

4. Falling Leaves 

What cocktail captures the essence of the season better than the aptly named Falling Leaves? Absolut Mandrin provides a smooth, Orange-flavored base that complements the tartness of the Cranberry Juice.

The Cider adds a crisp, sweet note that pairs beautifully with the tangy Lemon Juice, while the Simple Syrup brings a hint of sweetness to balance it out. Finally, the Cinnamon Cane and Grapefruit Wedge give the cocktail a warm, spicy aroma and a zesty finish.

Learn how to make a Falling Leaves cocktail.

5. Pumpkin Pie Martini 

Ask anyone – it’s not Thanksgiving unless there’s Pumpkin Pie. Pumpkin Pie is an essential, which makes this delectable Pumpkin Pie Martini a must have for any Thanksgiving gathering. Who says you can’t drink your dessert?

There’s the warmth of Absolut Vanilia, luscious creamy Milk, a dash of Cinnamon Syrup and a generous dollop of Pumpkin Purée. Mmmm, mmmm. It really does taste like Pumpkin Pie in a Martini Glass! 

Check out our Pumpkin Pie Martini recipe. 

Looking for more Thanksgiving cocktail recipes? Visit AbsolutDrinks.com!

In the latest episode of ‘Absolut Drinks with Rico’, Rico shows you how to make the perfect New York Sour.

In the words of Rico himself, “It’s possibly one of the best cocktails ever invented.”

The New York Sour is a classic cocktail and very similar to the mid-19th century Whiskey Sour but adds a float of Claret (Dry Red Wine). And just wait until you see it! The New York Sour is a stunning drink with the deep red layer from the Claret elegantly contrasting the drink’s golden hue.

Tips on How to Make a New York Sour

In the video, Rico guides you step-by-step through making a classic New York Sour, sharing tips and tricks that will take your drink to cocktail bar-level standards.

Rico demonstrates the proper way to shake a sour for that perfect frothy head plus, he offers alternatives if you prefer not to use egg whites.

New York Sour Variation

As if learning how to make the perfect New York Sour wasn’t enough, while making the drink, Rico tackles the question of whether the drink will work with Vodka.

And the answer? Well, you’ll just have to watch to find out!

Alright, alright! Spoiler alert: Yes, it works with Vodka. In fact, Rico follows the New York Sour recipe but replaces the Rye Whiskey with Absolut Vodka to create…wait for it…the Stockholm Sour!

“With Absolut Vodka being the team player that it is, and born to mix, it makes all other flavors really, really stand out and the Claret Wine is really emphasized within this,” shares Rico.

But don’t just taste Rico’s word for it, try mixing it yourself. As Rico suggests, “Play around with it. At the end of the day, it’s your drink.”

How to serve a New York Sour

For both the New York Sour and the Stockholm Sour, Rico suggests serving it in a Rocks Glass with a single large Ice Block as it makes for a more elegant drinking experience. “It also means your drinks will stay colder and won’t dilute or become watery.” Now that’s an expert tip right there!

So, if you want to impress your friends with a delicious, visually stunning, layered drink, you can’t beat a New York Sour. Armed with Rico’s instructions, you can take your sours to new heights.

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to Absolut Drinks on YouTube so you never miss a drink.

What makes a good cocktail? Sure, the taste and using the best quality ingredients, but a great cocktail is more than just a great tasting drink. That’s right, a great cocktail is about the whole drinking experience.  

In other words, when you sip a cocktail, you’re not just tasting it—you’re also experiencing it and savoring it with your eyes and nose. After all, we’ve all been at a bar, seen someone order an impressive looking drink, and immediately asked the bartender, “What’s that?”. So, with that in mind, we’re going to look at some simple ways you can make a good drink a great drink from garnishing to the choice of glassware.  

“I believe that a garnish should do one of two things it should either represent what is happening in the glass or it should bring an improvement to the drinking experience,” says Rico, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador. 

The importance of ice in your drink 

A great–looking drink starts with the first ingredient – Ice. Yes, ice is important if want to take your cocktail to bar-level standards.  

“The ice is going to dilute, melt and become part of your drink. It’s a major ingredient in all your cocktail,” explains Rico. And just like in cooking, the better the ingredient, the better the dish. 

First thing’s first, you don’t want to just use the ice from your freezer. You want your ice to be as pure as possible. When you look at a good piece of ice, it should be crystal clear.  

There are various ice cube makers on the market that produce perfectly transparent ice cubes (read: pure water) ideal for cocktails. These Ice Cube makers purify water by naturally eliminating air and impurities. As the water freezes, it cools properly evenly, pushing impurities downward into a separate compartment and leaving the ice cubes crystal clear. 

But if you don’t want to buy an ice cube maker, you can just use a cooler that you have at home. That’s right, you can just fill a cooler with water and then freeze it with the lid off. As Rico explains, “The reason why you freeze it with the lid off is because, as it freezes from the top, the impurities get pushed all the way down. None of that nastiness is going to be in your drink as your drink starts to melt.” 

Be sure to watch the video to see Rico make the cleanest, clearest ice cubes. 

Once you’ve got your perfect, pure ice cube, it’s time create crushed ice. Cover your ice pieces with the tea towel and, using a heavy-based pan, start smashing the ice to break it into smaller pieces. And voila! Drop those into your glass and you’ve got some seriously nice ice in your drink.  

Aroma is part of the drinking experience
If you’re a fan of Mojitos, you’ll know that fresh mint leaves a key ingredient. But as Rico explains, “The flavor of the mint actually comes from the mint sprig that’s next to the straw because aroma is eighty percent of flavor and mint is nothing more than an aroma.”  

That’s right, aroma is also a huge part of any cocktail drinking experience. In fact, taste and smell go hand-in-hand. Don’t believe us? Rico recommends trying the following test at home: 

1. Take a mint leaf and screw it up.  
2. Put the mint leaf on a spoon with some sugar and stick it into your mouth. 
3. Now hold your nose. When you’ve got the mint and the sugar in your mouth you will not be able to taste the mint –you will only be able to taste the sugar.  
4. Now, let go of your nose and you’re going to get all that mint flavor suddenly hitting your taste buds.  

Why? “That’s because mint is an aroma and without that mint sprig next to your straw, you’re just purely not going to taste the mint in a Mojito,” explains Rico.  

So, to really get the most out of your mint and to really work with the aromas, when you’re making a Mojito, drop a few mint leaves directly into your glass first and then add some crushed ice. Next add the mint sprigs in then top up with more crushed ice. Take a spoon and give it a little muddle. This will make your drink look prettier. To finish, top off a more crushed ace ice and then add a splash of soda water. Next, take your straw and make sure it’s placed directly next to the mint sprig.  

Now, if you happen to be making a Lime Mojito instead of a regular Mojito, place a lime wedge on the side of the glass to signify that it’s a Lime Mojito. It’s a simple trick that delights the eyes, nose, and taste buds.  

A Lemon Wedge or a Lemon Wheel? 

We’re now going to look at lemon garnishes, and what better cocktail to demonstrate this than the Absolut Lemon cocktail? Absolut Lemon may be a simple two-ingredient drink, but it’s bursting with flavor and aroma. 

Once you’ve made your Absolut Lemon drink, garnish with a lemon wedge.  

One popular technique is to cut the lemon lengthwise. This gives you large and long wedges, perfect for garnishing drinks or adding a substantial burst of citrus flavor to dishes. 

Rico, however, prefers a different approach for his lemon wedges. He cuts the lemon in half, creating half-moon shapes. This method not only looks elegant but also makes it easier to squeeze out more juice. The segments break naturally this way, allowing you to extract the maximum amount of juice with minimal effort. 

After adding your lemon wedge to your Absolut Lemon drink, why not elevate it even further with the aroma of Basil? If you’ve got a basil plant at home, simply snap off a sprig and place it in the drink so it stands in the ice, popping out of the glass. Remember, as Rico says, “Herbs are an aroma, so you want to make sure the straw is directly next to the garnish.” 

The fresh basil aroma beautifully complements the bitter lemon, while the taste is elevated by the smooth flavor of Absolut Vodka.  

Shake it how you wanna make it
We’re now going to look at how different shaking techniques can make your drink look different. To demonstrate this, you’ll see in the video that Rico makes three different versions of the Amaretto Sour.  

Firstly, to get a good foamy head on your Amaretto Sour, most bartenders use egg whites. Watch Rico show you how to separate the whites of the egg from the yolk.  

The first technique he uses is the classic dry shake. This means shaking without any ice. Once you’ve added all your ingredients, this initial shake with the egg whites will create a luscious foam as it emulsifies the ingredients. Once you see that beautiful foam forming, it’s time for the wet shake. Add some ice cubes and shake again to chill the drink. When the shaker feels nice and cold, pour the mixture directly into your cocktail glass. This will give your drink a really nice, foamy head. 

The second technique is what’s called a reverse dry shake. After adding all your ingredients except for the egg whites, fill your shaker with ice and shake it until the shaker is nice and cold. Now add the egg whites and continue shaking. You’ll notice a nice froth forming, with the egg whites creating those lovely bubbles. Next, strain the mixture into a cup and discard the ice. Now, it’s time for the dry shake to thoroughly emulsify everything. You’ll see just how much more air and volume you get from this reverse dry shake technique. Now that is one creamy head! 

Last but not least, Rico makes a third Amaretto Sour, this time without any without any egg whites and using a wet shake technique. Without the egg white, you’re not going to get the luscious, creamy head and it’s not going to look as impressive. Which leads us to our next point… 

But before we get to that, if still want to get a foamy head on your drink but don’t want to use egg whites, you can use aquafaba instead. “Aqua, what?”. We’ve put together an article explaining all you need to know about aquafaba. 

Choosing the right glass
Continuing from above and making different Amaretto Sours with and without a foamy head, since the version without egg white lacks that signature foaminess, it’s going to look odd in a cocktail glass. Rico suggests serving your egg-free sours in a Rocks Glass for a more fitting presentation. 

 “Do it straight up. Make it simple. Serve it on the rocks. It will have slightly different texture and mouthfeel but it’s still gonna taste exactly the same – like an Amaretto Sour,” says Rico.  

This brings us to our next point – your choice of glassware can also make a world of difference to the overall drinking experience. 

If you use the reverse dry shake technique, you’ll achieve a much thicker, more luxurious foam on top of your drink. This results in a nicer, thicker head that enhances the overall presentation. You should choose a glass that accentuates it, such as a coupe or a cocktail glass, which allows the frothy head to shine and adds an elegant touch to your drink.  

While you’re here, check out our article on different glassware for your cocktails. 

The right garnish for the right glass 

Once you’ve decided which glassware is most appropriate for your cocktail, it’s now time to bring it all home with the right garnish. 

For the dry-shake version of the Amaretto Sour, Rico suggests garnishing it with a simple cherry, which you can pop directly in the middle of your drink. “The cherry is gonna sink down, give you a nice little treat at the bottom, and it still looks super pretty on top with that nice foam.” 

For the reverse shake version, since there’s so much foam, a popular way to garnish is to create some artwork on top of the drink. Add three drops of Angostura Bitters on top of the foam. Then, using a toothpick or cocktail stick, gently drag the bitters through the foam to create lines, swirls, or even heart shapes, adding an even more visually appealing touch to your drink. 

For the no egg-white version, which is without foam and served in a rocks glass, Rico recommends garnishing with a lemon peel. Release the oils into your drink by twisting the peel before dropping it into your glass. Finish by adding a fresh cherry on top. 

—

So, there you have it. By treating each drink as unique and considering its elements—from aroma to glassware to garnish—you can elevate your cocktail game to new heights. Here’s to making a good drink a great drink!  

Looking for more bartending tips? Subscribe to Absolut Drinks on YouTube. 

Are you planning a Halloween gathering and hunting for some bewitching cocktails to thrill your guests? Then you’ve come to the right place. Continue reading…if you dare.

Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering for a few wandering spirits or throwing a grand, ghoulish celebration, we’ve got five spooky cocktails that are guaranteed to captivate your guests.

With these recipes, you’ll be mixing and shaking like a mad scientist, conjuring up Halloween treats your guests will never forget…even if they try. So, grab your cauldron (or cocktail shaker) and get ready to brew up some monstrously tasty drinks.

Spooky Pumpkin Martini
This bewitching brew combines Absolut Vodka, Creamy Milk, a dash of Vanilla Extract, sweet Cinnamon Syrup, and rich Pumpkin Puree. It’s like sipping on a wickedly tasty pumpkin pie. Take a peek at our Spooky Pumpkin Martini recipe.

Blood and Sand
This peculiar mix of Scotch Whisky, Cherry Liqueur, Orange juice, and Sweet Vermouth boasts a blood-red hue that’s perfect for your ghostly gatherings. With its rich, smoky flavor and eerie allure, it’s a drink that’s as hauntingly delicious as it looks. Dig up the Blood and Sand recipe here.

Bloody Mary Shot
Don’t be fooled by its appearance, this fiery demon packs all the punch of a traditional Bloody Mary with all the same ingredients but served as a shot. It delivers a quick burst of zesty and savory flavors, making it a devilishly smart choice for any Halloween gathering. Here’s how to create a frighteningly tasty Bloody Mary Shot.

Spooky Colada
Get ready to cast a tropical spell with the Spooky Colada. This enchanting cocktail blends Malibu, Absolut Lime, Pineapple Juice, creamy Coconut, Fresh Lim Juice, and a dash of Angostura bitters. Deliciously spook-tacular, it’s the taste of a haunted island getaway in a glass. Uncover the recipe for the Spooky Colada.

Corpse Reviver
Blending rich Cognac, crisp Calvados, and smooth Sweet Vermouth, the Corpse Reviver is both hauntingly delicious and spine-tinglingly smooth. Perfect for your spooky soirée, this classic cocktail will bewitch your guests one sip at a time. Unlock the secrets of how to make a Corpse Reviver.

Bloodthirsty for more Halloween cocktails? Watch Elyse’s Top 3 Halloween Cocktails.

Gather ‘round, gather ‘round! In the latest installment of ‘Absolut Drinks with Rico’, Rico shows you how to make perfect French 75 – a classic cocktail made with Gin, Champagne, Lemon Juice, and Sugar that dates back more than a century.

But wait, that’s not all – as always, Rico also answers the question, ‘Will it Vodka?’. Spoiler alert – it does. In fact, the Vodka variation of The French 75 is what’s known as The French 76.  

So, in this episode, you’ll learn how to make both The French 75 and The French 76 – that’s double the viewing pleasure.

What does The French 75 taste like versus The French 76?
Firstly, one is made with Gin, and the other is made with Vodka. So, there’s going to be quite a difference right there.  

As Rico explains it, with The French 75, there’s the “Clean, crisp taste of Gin, highlighted by some beautiful Champagne, balanced out with some Lemon and Sugar.”

However, The French 76 is “Just as crisp and just as refreshing tasting (but) you do lose that little Juniper hint but it’s still a delicious cocktail as the Absolut Vodka really elevates all the ingredients in there and the nice little sweetness coming through from the Cherry.”  

Both are easy to make cocktails that are perfect for fancy soirees at home.   

Rico’s Tips for Making the Perfect French 75 

The fact is anyone can make a cocktail, but making it perfect is all in the details. That’s why Rico’s here to help you take your drink up to bar-level standards. 

Most places serve The French 75 in a Flute Glass or a Coupe Glass. Rico prefers serving his in a Coupe. Why? Watch and find out! You’ll also learn how pressing a strip of fresh Lemon over your drink can really elevate your whole drinking experience. 

So, without further ado, let’s get mixing!

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to Absolut Drinks on YouTube so you never miss a drink.

If you’re new to the world of cocktails, you might have come across a strange word – ‘aquafaba’ – when exploring cocktail recipes. Hmmm, aquafaba. 

So, what exactly is it?  

In this article, we’ll delve into what aquafaba is, why it’s used and its applications in cocktails. Let’s go! 

Aqua-what? 

Aquafaba is made from the water or brine produced from cooked chickpeas. Or as Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador Rico explains, “Aquafaba is quite simply the cooking liquid from cooking chickpeas.”

In the world of cocktails, it’s used as a substitute for egg white. It works particularly well when making sours, such as the Whiskey Sour, Gin Fizz, Pisco Sour, Gin Sours. In brief, using aquafaba is a great way to achieve a frothy head in cocktails without using egg whites. 

And yes, aquafaba is vegan, making it the perfect substitute for egg whites. 

Where to buy aquafaba and how to make it 

The easiest place to find chickpeas is your local supermarket. But any store that sells chickpeas (raw, canned or in a carton) will do. 

The quickest way to make aquafaba is to use a can or carton of cooked chickpeas. Simply strain the can or carton of chickpeas and the water/brine that’s the chickpeas are sitting in is, in fact, aquafaba.  

You can also prepare and make your own aquafaba. Watch Rico soak, prepare and cook raw chickpeas to make aquafaba. 

Making your own aquafaba is easy but it takes some time since you’ll need to soak raw chickpeas overnight so that they hydrate. 

How long can you keep aquafaba?
You can keep aquafaba in the fridge for about 5-7 days. We recommend storing it in a clear glass jar with a lid.  

Can you freeze aquafaba, you ask? You can indeed. In fact, aquafaba can be stored frozen for about 3 months. 

How and why is aquafaba used in cocktails?
Aquafaba is used in cocktails as a substitute for egg whites. It will give your drink a wonderful frothy head much the same as egg whites. Trust us! 

One of the best examples of how aquafaba can be used in a cocktail is the Whiskey Sour. Be sure to check out our video where Rico shows how to make a dairy-free Whiskey Sour using aquafaba.

Why does aquafaba work in cocktails?
“The reason why it works is because the complex proteins that you find in egg white you will also find in beans and in bean cooking liquid. All those proteins end up in here and once you reduce them you have that same effect,” explains Rico.  

Want to learn more about aquafaba? Watch this video