Last Updated on April 2, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Strong drinks are the way to go if you’re feeling a bit experimental or want to try something that packs a punch.
Strong doesn’t necessarily mean harsh, though — you’d be surprised that some of these mixed drinks are very easy sippers, and if you’re not careful, you can get carried away.
We’ve had a worthwhile chat with bartenders, and they’ve spilled the beans on the strongest drinks to order at a bar. Enjoy!
Top 15 Strongest Drinks You Should Order Today
1. Sazerac
The Sazerac rye whiskey is a staple in most bars, and imagine our surprise when we learned that it’s one of the strongest mixed drinks most people order at the bar.
It is made with bourbon or rye whiskey, cognac, Angostura bitters, and a sugar cube or simple syrup, but more modern versions skip the cognac.
Rinsing the inside of the glass with a bit of absinthe will do wonders in making the flavors of the Sazerac pop, so take note that the bartender does this essential step.
We enjoyed the kick of this potent drink, mainly because the rye whiskey has a spicy and tasty flavor profile.
“In the world of cocktails, the strongest ones are reserved for the boldest souls.”
-Liquor Laboratory
You can also ask for an extra sugar cube if you want it to be sweeter or an extra shot glass of whiskey if you want a more potent drink.
2. Caribou Lou
Caribou Lou was named after a famous song by Tech N9ne. This fruity cocktail drink comprises pineapple juice, coconut rum, and high-proof rum (preferably Bacardi 151).
It isn’t the most popular cocktail drink, so let the bartender know precisely how to make it if you want to try it. Be careful with the potent cocktail because it contains a high-proof rum (coconut rum).
3. Four Horsemen No. 3
The Four Horsemen No. 3 uses any four spirits, and some bars will have their own take on it.
Traditionally, it’s made with equal portions of Jagermeister, peppermint liqueur, cinnamon schnapps, and overproof rum, which means you’re getting around 51 percent alcohol content per shot.
It’s also pretty spicy and intense, flavor-wise — imagine cinnamon, peppermint, and Jagermeister sliding down your throat in one go.
As mentioned, some bars have their iterations of this cocktail drink. We’ve been to one that served a blend of Jim Beam, Jack Daniels, Johnnie Walker, and Jose Cuervo.
4. Zombie
The classic Zombie uses three different types of rum, grapefruit juice, lime juice, falernum, Pernod, Angostura bitters, and grenadine, so imagine how potent this is.
Bars that might not have these ingredients could use rum, lime juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine instead. Of course, these alcoholic cocktails aren’t as strong as the former.
We ordered the Zombie with grapefruit juice, and we noticed it was sweeter with a nice kick at the end.
5. Death in the Afternoon
The Death in the Afternoon cocktail is made by pouring one jigger of absinthe into a champagne glass and topping everything off with champagne.
It’s not the strongest drink on the menu, but it’s leagues above regular champagne.
It was named after Ernest Hemingway’s novel, with the writer suggesting drinking three to five of it in one sitting.
We don’t know about you, but that sounds like a trainwreck waiting to happen.
6. Jungle Juice
You won’t be able to get Jungle Juice from a bar, but it’s fairly easy to make this drink at home.
If you do it correctly, the only thing you’ll be able to taste from one of the strongest mixed drinks is juice.
To make Jungle Juice, you need an entire bottle of grain alcohol (vodka is best) and some fresh fruits, like berries, chopped apples, and cherries.
Put everything inside a large pitcher and leave it to stew overnight before serving it like a fruit punch.
Read: Jungle Juice Recipe For A Party
7. Black Russian
Coffee lovers swear by the Black Russian cocktail, but you probably didn’t know it has a high alcohol content.
It’s made by mixing two parts vodka with one part coffee liqueur, served on the rocks.
This drink can be more potent using a 100-proof vodka instead, like Absolut 100. You can also ask for additional espresso powder for more caffeine.
Read: Black Russian vs White Russian
8. Corpse Reviver
The Corpse Reviver was made in the 1930s to cure hangovers (hence its name), but you don’t need to be hungover to enjoy this strong drink.
It uses four alcoholic drinks: gin, Cointreau, absinthe, and Lillet Blanc (a French white wine infused with botanicals), with the tiniest bit of lemon juice.
Gin, Cointreau, and Absinthe all have at least 40 percent ABV. On the other hand, Lillet Blanc has an average of 17 percent ABV.
9. Martini
The Martini is made with gin, vodka, and vermouth, all mixed into a potent alcoholic drink. The traditional Martini is not as alcoholic as the bone-dry version.
Still, it’s one of the most alcoholic drinks on the cocktail menu, especially if you order Extra Dry (more vodka and gin than dry or sweet vermouth). [1]
10. Negroni
The Negroni is a classic cocktail you probably didn’t know had much alcohol.
It’s made with gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, all at 40, 25, and 15 percent ABV, respectively, and garnished with an orange twist.
It tastes amazing, so it can be easy to drink too much if you’re enjoying yourself.
11. Aunt Roberta
Aunt Roberta is much like Long Island as it contains numerous spirits.
You have gin, vodka, brandy, blackberry liquor, and absinthe within one of the strongest mixed drinks on the menu.
All ingredients used to build this drink have at least 40 percent ABV, with absinthe playing in the 45-ish percent ABV mark.
12. Bone Dry Martini
Think of the Bone Dry Martini as the driest relative of the already-Dry Martini.
Since Martinis are usually made with vermouth, gin, and vodka, a Bone Dry Martini is made by omitting vermouth, a low-alcohol fortified wine. Therefore, this cocktail drink is made with 100 percent alcohol.
It’s also dressed like a regular Martini, with olives and a lemon peel inside a martini glass or a chilled glass.
13. Liquid Cocaine
With a name like Liquid Cocaine, you know you’re in for a unique flavor and effect ( and no, it does not have cocaine on it!).
This strong drink is often served in shots and is made by mixing equal measures of Bacardi, Jagermeister, and tequila.
14. Hand Grenade
The Hand Grenade sounds like it’ll cause an explosion in your system.
This specialty cocktail is known as New Orleans’ Most Powerful Drink, served in the French Quarter of the state.
It’s made by combining vodka, rum, gin, and melon liqueur, but you’ll find that some locations use a different type of fruit liqueur, add another spirit to the mix, or both.
It can be served either blended or on the rocks.
15. Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea is one of the strongest mixed drinks on the menu, but it seems like all you’re drinking is a tall glass of iced tea.
This cocktail drink combines equal measures of triple sec, gin, tequila, vodka, and rum, all of which have 40 percent ABV. The drink is then topped off with cola.
“For the most part, [the Long Island iced tea] is for people who… think, ‘This is the fastest way to get to where I’m going.'”
-Morgan Robison, Wenwen’s Beverage Director
Depending on the type of glass used, you could end up with very little cola — meaning most of your drink is pure alcohol.
You can also check out our recommended Long Island Iced Tea premix options here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the strongest drink at a bar?
The strength of a drink at a bar typically depends on the amount of alcohol it contains, which is measured by its alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage. Some of the strongest drinks commonly found at bars include:
Straight spirits: Drinks like neat whiskey, vodka, rum, or tequila have a high alcohol content since they are not diluted with mixers or other ingredients. These spirits typically have an ABV of around 40% to 50% or higher.
Overproof spirits: Some spirits are available in overproof versions, meaning they have a higher alcohol content than standard varieties. For example, overproof rum or gin can have ABV percentages well above 50%, sometimes reaching 75% or more.
Cask-strength whiskey: Cask-strength whiskey is bottled directly from the barrel without dilution, resulting in a higher alcohol content than standard whiskey. These whiskies can have ABV percentages exceeding 60%.
Specialty cocktails: Certain cocktails are designed to be strong and potent, often containing multiple shots of spirits or high-proof liqueurs. Examples include Long Island Iced Teas, Zombies, or Adios Motherf*ckers (AMFs).
It’s important to drink responsibly and be mindful of the alcohol content in any beverage, especially those with higher ABV percentages.
What drinks get you drunk fast at the bar?
Drinks that can get you drunk quickly often contain a high concentration of alcohol and are typically consumed rapidly. Some examples of drinks that may lead to faster intoxication include:
Shots: Straight shots of spirits such as vodka, tequila, rum, or whiskey are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to a rapid increase in blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
Strong cocktails: Cocktails made with high-proof spirits or multiple shots of alcohol, such as Long Island Iced Teas, Zombies, or AMFs, can lead to quick intoxication if consumed quickly.
Bombs: Drinks like Jaegerbombs or Irish Car Bombs, which involve dropping a shot of high-proof liquor into a larger drink, can result in rapid alcohol absorption.
Straight spirits: Drinking straight spirits without dilution or mixers can lead to faster intoxication due to their high alcohol content and rapid absorption.
It’s essential to drink responsibly and be mindful of your alcohol consumption to avoid overindulgence and potential negative consequences.
What is the most ordered drink at a bar?
The most ordered drink at a bar can vary depending on factors such as location, cultural preferences, and trends. However, some classic and popular drinks are consistently among the most ordered at bars worldwide. These include:
Martini: A classic cocktail made with gin or vodka and dry vermouth, typically garnished with an olive or a twist of lemon.
Old Fashioned: A timeless cocktail made with whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus zest. It’s often served over ice in a rocks glass.
Margarita: A refreshing cocktail made with tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and sometimes simple syrup, served in a salt-rimmed glass.
Cosmopolitan: A stylish and fruity cocktail made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice, often served in a martini glass.
Beer: While not a cocktail, beer is one of the most widely consumed alcoholic beverages globally and is commonly ordered at bars in various forms, including draft, bottled, or canned.
These are just a few examples of popular drinks frequently ordered at bars. The most ordered drink may vary based on the preferences of patrons and the specialties of the establishment.
Is vodka stronger than whiskey?
In terms of alcohol by volume (ABV), vodka and whiskey can have similar strengths. Both are typically distilled to a high proof, resulting in alcohol content ranging from 40% to 50% ABV for most commercial varieties. However, there are some differences in perception and experience between the two spirits.
Vodka is often prized for its neutral flavor profile, which allows it to mix well with other ingredients in cocktails. It undergoes multiple distillations to achieve a smooth and clean taste, and it is often filtered through charcoal or other materials to remove impurities. As a result, vodka is often perceived as having a milder flavor and smoother texture compared to whiskey.
Whiskey, on the other hand, encompasses a wide range of styles and flavors, depending on factors such as the grains used, the distillation process, and the aging technique. While some whiskeys may have a higher ABV than vodka, their flavor profiles can vary significantly, ranging from light and fruity to rich and complex.
Ultimately, whether vodka or whiskey is “stronger” may depend on individual preferences and tolerance levels. Both spirits can be enjoyed responsibly in moderation.
What is the most powerful drink?
The term “most powerful drink” can be interpreted in various ways, depending on context. In terms of alcohol content, drinks with high alcohol by volume (ABV) percentages are typically considered the most potent. Some examples of powerful drinks include:
Overproof spirits: Spirits that are bottled at higher proof than standard varieties are often considered powerful drinks. For example, overproof rum or gin can have ABV percentages well above 50%, sometimes reaching 75% or more.
Cask-strength whiskey: Whiskey that is bottled directly from the barrel without dilution is known as cask strength. These whiskies can have ABV percentages exceeding 60%, making them some of the most powerful spirits available.
Specialty cocktails: Certain cocktails are designed to be strong and potent, often containing multiple shots of spirits or high-proof liqueurs. Examples include Long Island Iced Teas, Zombies, or Adios Motherf*ckers (AMFs).
It’s important to drink responsibly and be mindful of the alcohol content in any beverage, especially those with higher ABV percentages.
Which alcohol is very strongest?
The “strongest” alcohol is typically determined by its alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage, which represents the percentage of pure alcohol in the beverage. The strongest commercially available alcoholic beverages often include:
Spirits: Distilled spirits such as vodka, rum, whiskey, gin, and tequila can have high ABV percentages, typically ranging from 40% to 50% or higher. Some overproof spirits, like Bacardi 151 or Everclear, can have ABV percentages well above 50%, sometimes reaching 75% or more.
Absinthe: Absinthe is a highly alcoholic spirit traditionally made with wormwood, anise, and other botanicals. It often has an ABV percentage between 45% and 74%, although some varieties may be even stronger.
Neutral grain spirits: Neutral grain spirits, such as Everclear or Spirytus, are highly concentrated alcohol made from grains like corn or wheat. They can have ABV percentages as high as 95% or even higher.
Bacardi 151: Bacardi 151 is a brand of overproof rum with an ABV percentage of 75.5%. It is one of the strongest commercially available spirits and is often used in cocktails that require a high-proof base.
It’s essential to consume these potent alcoholic beverages responsibly and in moderation, as their high alcohol content can lead to rapid intoxication and other health risks if consumed excessively.
Final Verdict: Strongest Drinks To Order At A Bar
Strong drinks are for those looking for something other than the usual, and best believe they have equally fantastic flavor notes.
Our favorite strong drink is the classic Sazerac, which may be because we’re partial to whiskey. We love how this perfect cocktail is uniquely spicy and strong, laced with an unmistakable depth from the Angostura bitters and cognac.
The Zombie, Caribou Lou, and Four Horsemen No. 3 are other potent drinks you can order for the effect you’re looking for.
But of course, we urge you to drink responsibly — it can be easy to get carried away with these potent cocktails if you’re not careful.
References:
- How to make the perfect martini
- How the Hand Grenade became New Orleans’ most revered and reviled cocktail
- Bartending 101: Essential Techniques, Tips, and Tricks
- Zombie RECIPE COURTESY OF FOOD NETWORK KITCHEN
