Avoid These Worst Tasting Mixed Drinks at Bars

Introduction

Mixed drinks can be delicious and fun, but not all cocktails are created equal in terms of taste or health impacts. Some mixes end up being too sugary, overly potent, or just plain unappealing. Here we explore some of the worst offenders when it comes to mixed drinks.

From sickly sweet frozen concoctions to overhyped classics, these are cocktails you may want to avoid ordering at the bar. We'll break down what makes them less than satisfactory, along with better options you can order instead.

Cloyingly Sweet Mixed Drinks

Excessive sweetness is one of the top pitfalls that makes some mixed drinks unenjoyable. These cocktails overload on sugar, often trying to mask too much alcohol or poor mixing. Sipping them may make you feel nauseous rather than refreshed.

Long Island Iced Tea

The Long Island Iced Tea may boast an innocent name, but it's deceptively potent. This mix of vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec and cola packs a mighty alcoholic punch despite tasting sweet. Too many Long Islands can lead to a massive headache later.

Appletini

Supersweet apple liqueurs and vodkas give the Appletini a candy-like flavor. Simple syrup or other sugary mixers only amplify the saccharine taste. Easy to drink but heavy on the sugar, the Appletini may be too one-note-sweet for many.

Mudslide

True to its name, a Mudslide is thick and sludgy with a chocolatey flavor. Mixing vodka, coffee liqueur and Irish cream liqueur makes for an ultra-rich yet still somehow artificial tasting cocktail. The prevailing sweetness quickly becomes cloying.

Way Too Strong Drinks

While a bit of alcohol gives mixed drinks their kick, an overemphasis on hard liquor can make some cocktails extremely potent. These strong mixes should be approached with caution too many can overwhelm even seasoned drinkers.

Flaming Dr. Pepper

Setting a shot of amaretto alight before dropping it into beer may seem flashy, but the Flaming Dr. Pepper is all burn. The shot's alcohol rapidly infuses into the beer, making the drink intensely boozy and bitter despite its mild taste.

Irish Car Bomb

Dropping a shot of Irish cream and whiskey into a pint of stout creates a bubbling eruption in the Irish Car Bomb. Chugging this concoction leads to a heavy, aggressive drunkenness. The provocative name doesn't help either.

Jgerbomb

Jgermeister is already a formidable 70 proof spirit on its own. Combining a shot with the sugar and caffeine of an energy drink makes the Jgerbomb an easy route to fast drunkenness. Proceed with caution when igniting your night with one.

Frozen Drinks

Slushy frozen cocktails can seem incredibly refreshing on a hot day. But many popular frozen mixes ultimately disappoint due to massive amounts of sugar, weak alcohol content, or artificial coloring and flavors.

Pina Colada

The tropical flair of a Pina Colada is enticing, but the drink rarely lives up to expectations. The mix of rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice tends to be either too thin or syrupy sweet. Plus weak rum flavoring leaves you with more of a virgin colada.

Margarita

With their neon colors and fruity flavors, frozen Margaritas may seem like a summer staple. However, blended Margaritas are frequently made from sugary mixes loaded with artificial ingredients that result in an unnatural, headache-inducing taste.

Daiquiri

Like Margaritas, blended strawberry or other fruit Daiquiris often suffer from a poor balance of fake flavored syrups with low alcohol content. Authentic Daiquiris made fresh with real fruit have potential, but most frozen versions disappoint.

Bloody Mary

The Bloody Mary makes our list not because it's excessively sweet or strong necessarily. Rather, its hangover helper reputation overhypes a drink that is often poorly executed and not as palatable as it could be.

Many bars make Bloody Marys from artificial, peppery mixes that taste flat and chemically. Even freshly prepared Bloodys can become grossly over-garnished with greasy meats and cheeses turning brunch cocktails into unbalanced meals.

A well-made Bloody with real tomato juice, appropriate seasoning, and a modest garnish has promise. But more often than not, Bloodys are an overrated letdown.

What to Drink Instead

Rather than suffer through a sickly sweet, potent, artificial or just plain bad mixed drink, consider choosing one of these more satisfying options next time you're at a bar or party:

Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule is a spicy, refreshing mix of vodka, ginger beer and lime that avoids being overly saccharine. A squeeze of lime adds a pleasant tartness to balance the ginger's kick.

Mojito

Muddling fresh mint and lime makes Mojitos the ideal summer sipper. Light rum and a touch of sugar balance out the lime tartness without becoming too sweet. It's crisp and complex.

Negroni

This elegant Italian classic merges bitter Campari and sweet vermouth with botanic gin for a beautifully balanced bittersweet flavor. The Negroni is strong yet still smooth.

Old Fashioned

Revel in bourbon's warm, vanilla oak tones when you mix it mildly with bitters, sugar and orange in an Old Fashioned. Adding ice instead of blending prevents excess dilution.

Dry Martini

A crisp Dry Martini lets dry vermouth offer subdued sweetness alongside botanical gin and an olive or lemon garnish. Simple, strong and sophisticated.

Tips for Better Mixed Drinks

Disappointing sickly sweet, artificial or poorly balanced mixed drinks can be avoided by keeping these tips in mind:

Use Quality Ingredients

Cheap artificial mixes make for foul tasting cocktails. Use real juices, herbs, spices and liquors - plus fresh ingredients whenever possible.

Watch Sugar Content

Sweeten judiciously with simple syrup or fruit juice instead of sugary pre-made mixes. Taste and adjust gradually to reach the desired balance.

Use Proper Tools

Invest in a good cocktail shaker, strainer and muddler. Proper equipment makes mixing smooth and pleasant.

Find Good Recipes

Rely on recipes from reputable mixologists instead of outdated website ramblings. Trusted recipes mean no nasty surprises.

Don't Disguise Poor Quality Alcohol

Mixing aims to elevate great spirits, not mask bottom shelf liqueurs. Use spirits you enjoy drinking straight.

The Takeaway on Mixed Drinks

Some mixed drinks like Long Islands, Mudslides, Jgerbombs and frozen Margaritas have developed poor reputations for being cloyingly sweet, artificial tasting, and sloppy. But there are still many phenomenal cocktails worth savoring made by skilled mixologists or shaken up at home.

Focus on balanced, quality ingredients rather than excessive sugar and alcohol when mixing your own drinks. With some care and creativity, mixed beverages can be delightful instead of disgusting.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.