Spirit Cruises January 2023 Leaderboard

10 Cocktails That Need to Die

by Vanessa Carbajal on Mar 14, 2013 in Liquor
10 Cocktails That Need to Die

The current cocktail craze is one of our generation’s greatest contributions to — well — our generation. However, there are still plenty of drinks out there that make us want to run back to the safety of craft beer and fine wine. Mixology is about being inventive and finding a concoction for anyone, sure, but some drinks make you wonder why they are still around, or were even invented in the first place. Here are 10 cocktails that just need to die.

Sex on the Beach
Actual sex on the beach is neither enjoyable nor tasteful. And its namesake cocktail is pretty terrible, too. At best it tastes like fruit punch, at worst it tastes like a melted red popsicle and cheap vodka.  Also, you don’t sound as sultry as you think you do when ordering it. Trust us.

Zombie
So, 1983 called and said you can keep their cocktail. Don’t, though. Send that tired ish back. Rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, apricot brandy, light rum, dark rum, lime juice, sugar... we’re tired just listing the ingredients, not to mention the sugar crash after drinking one. Yawn. 

Appletini
No self-respecting cocktail should taste like a green Jolly Rancher. Much less look like one.  If the drink was ever made as designed — with apple cider — it might be tasty, but the commonly used Pucker has killed all good intentions.

Bloody Tampon
Why does this even exist? No, really — how and why did this become a thing? This sordid mess is a mix of whiskey, tequila, tomato juice, lemon juice and Bailey’s Irish Cream. The result is a creamy blood red, chunky, altogether offensive concoction that should never have happened. Please, just don’t. 

Smokers Cough
Named as such because the revolting combination of Jagermeister and Mayonnaise induces a reaction much like that experienced by longtime smokers. A drink that causes a phlegmy hack session? Why?

Long Island Iced Tea
Nothing says “I just turned 21 and am looking to get wasted” quite like this drink. Sure, your bartender looks kinda cool flipping all six bottles of rail spirits into your Collins glass.  But more often than not, it tastes just like the bar mat. Plus, expect to pay a visit to the porcelain god at the end of the night.

Bar Mat Shot
Speaking of which, this gem is created when the bartender pours the spilled debris from a night of serving drinks into a shot glass. Gross, unsanitary, unnecessary.  The only (tiny) upside to this drink is that it’s almost always free. Because bartenders want to laugh and cringe as they watch you drink it.

Over-the-Top Bloody Mary
Look, Bloody Marys are delicious. A really really good Bloody can cure hangovers, broken hearts and depression, all in a single glass. But the drink doesn’t need to include a piece of steak, a donut, or seven different types of veggies to be good. The drink should complement brunch, not consist of the entire buffet.

Vodka Red Bull
As Mad Men’s Peggy Olson once said, “You need three ingredients for a cocktail. Vodka and Red Bull is an emergency” (Ok, maybe she said Mountain Dew, but it was the 60s — Red Bull hadn’t been invented yet.) While perfectly delicious on its own, the energy drink just doesn’t belong mixed with booze. Just look at what happed with Four Loko!

Scorpion Bowl
This is essentially a large bowl of sugar, dye and cheap liquor designed to get you and a few others stupidly drunk, very, very quickly. It’s literally a hangover in a bowl. With little umbrellas and sometimes swirly straws. Skip.

Photos via Flickr users Jared Kelly, mRio and uglyagnes, respectively

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Rittenhouse Goes Car-Free Every Sunday in September: Here are the Best Bars to Hit

Rittenhouse Goes Car-Free Every Sunday in September: Here are the Best Bars to Hit

Center City District will close the streets allowing pedestrians to enjoy outdoor seating, music, and activiti...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Sep 6, 2024
Best Cocktail Bars at the Jersey Shore

Best Cocktail Bars at the Jersey Shore

We've rounded up all of the must-stop spots for sipping spirits by the beach, whether your vibe is dark and sexy or vibrant and divey....read more ›

by Drink Philly Aug 26, 2024
The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

Have you ever dreamed of having an amazing home bar, filled with bottles you actually use and the tools you need to execute a fine crafted cocktail? E...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Nov 14, 2014
SPONSORED
Spirit Cruises January 2023 Desktop Bottom Rectangle 1
Behind the Bar: Jillian Moore of My Loup

Behind the Bar: Jillian Moore of My Loup

This time on Behind the Bar, we interview bartender and bar manager Jillian Moore of My Loup. We chat with her about her cocktail menu, the effects of...read more ›

by Drink Philly May 13, 2024
Oltremare: Inside Look at their Amalfi Coast Inspired Cocktails

Oltremare: Inside Look at their Amalfi Coast Inspired Cocktails

Oltremare is the newest endeavor by Chef Townsend Wentz, located at 2121 Walnut Street, near Rittenhouse Square...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 22, 2024
Best Bars for Outdoor Drinking in Philadelphia, 2024

Best Bars for Outdoor Drinking in Philadelphia, 2024

We've got your definitive list of where to drink outside in Philadelphia...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 9, 2024
Philadelphia Distilling Launching Secret Pop-Up Cocktail Garden for Earth Day, April 11-21

Philadelphia Distilling Launching Secret Pop-Up Cocktail Garden for Earth Day, April 11-21

Philadelphia Distilling is transforming their fourth floor space into a secret garden to celebrate Earth Day, ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 9, 2024
Dizengoff: Inside Look at the New Reimagined Restaurant, Bar, & Cocktails

Dizengoff: Inside Look at the New Reimagined Restaurant, Bar, & Cocktails

Last year, Dizengoff and Abe Fisher decided to join forces and embark on an exciting new chapter. After closin...read more ›

by Drink Philly Mar 5, 2024
Behind the Bar: Tom Foy of Butcher Bar

Behind the Bar: Tom Foy of Butcher Bar

In this installment of Behind the Bar, we sit down with bartender Tom Foy of Butcher Bar...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 19, 2024
48 Record Bar: An Inside Look at an Audiophile's Listening Room & Cocktail Bar

48 Record Bar: An Inside Look at an Audiophile's Listening Room & Cocktail Bar

48 Record Bar is the newest addition to the growing Listening Room trend in Philadelphia...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 19, 2024
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close