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World Cocktail Day: 7 Must-Try Cocktail Recipes

Mithilesh Chougule

|

May 12, 2026

World Cocktail Day: 7 Must-Try Cocktail Recipes

World Cocktail Day, celebrated on May 13th every year, is a day to honor the craftsmanship that goes into making cocktails. The day marks the publication date of the first definition of a ‘cocktail’ on May 13, 1806.From timeless classics that have survived trends to playful modern iterations, cocktails are nothing short of edible art. So whether you’re playing home bartender or simply looking for your next signature sip, we’ve found seven of the most unique cocktail recipes to try this World Cocktail Day!

7 Must-Try Cocktails This World Cocktail Day

1. El Arte by Rajneesh Barthwal, No Vacancy

This cocktail is a tribute to the idea that art is not what you see, but what you make others see. El Arte positions Don Julio 1942 as reality, and the cocktail itself as its reflection. Scamorza cheese-infused sherry extends the tequila's aged, nutty creaminess, while black lime cordial and blue corn tea tincture root the drink in Mexican heritage and sun-scorched soil. Here’s the recipe of this unique cocktail that you must try this World Cocktail Day!

Ingredients:

  • 50 ml Don Julio 1942 – 50ml 
  • 10 ml Scamorza-infused Cream Sherry
  • 20 ml Black Lemon Cordial
  • Blue Corn Tea Tincture: 2 dashes 
  • Olive oil: to garnish

Process:

  • Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir until properly chilled and diluted. 
  • Strain into a modern coupe glass. 
  • Finish with a float of olive oil.
  • Serve over a small block of ice.

2. Mango Mirage Whisky Smash

It’s Mango season – and not including a mango-based cocktail to try this World Cocktail Day would be a crime! This summer-forward cocktail balances the richness of whisky with ripe mango and a hint of spice. It is also quite easy to recreate, visually appealing, and perfect for social occasions! Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 60 ml MacRoys Extra Peat Blended Scotch whisky
  • 45 ml fresh mango purée
  • 15 ml honey syrup
  • 10 ml lime juice
  • 2 mint leaves
  • Pinch of chilli powder or tajin (optional)
  • Ice cubes
  • Soda splash (optional)

Process: 

  • Add mango purée, honey syrup, lime juice, mint, and whisky into a shaker.
  • Shake well with ice.
  • Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass.
  • Top with a splash of soda if preferred.
  • Garnish with a mango slice, mint sprig, and light chilli dust.

Also Read: Margarita To Martini: The World’s Most Ordered Cocktails Of 2026

3. TALA – The Rhythmic Structure by Siddhesh Eknath Palande, The Bombay Canteen

World Cocktail Day

This cocktail by Siddhesh Eknath Palande uses clarified watermelon and pineapple juice cleared through agar-agar to create magical clarity and melon-fruit notes. The almond liqueur carries a pure, melodic texture while the citric-malic acid blend elevates the brightness of Singleton 12's signature fruity finish. The whisky's balance of American and European oak holds everything together, leaving you with a sophisticated experience in each sip.

Ingredients:

  • 45 ml Singleton 12 YO Whisky
  • 10 ml Almond Liqueur
  • 45 ml Citric Clarified Watermelon & Pineapple Juice  
  • 10 ml Malic Acid Solution

Process:

  • Stir all ingredients over ice until chilled and diluted.  
  • Strain into a white ceramic glass over clear block ice.
  • Garnish with an almond tuile.

4. Regal Espresso Martini

The Regal Espresso Martini is made with the Chivas Regal XV as its base. It is a 15-year-old blended Scotch selectively finished in French oak casks. Rich, smooth and layered with notes of fruit and spice, XV brings depth and character to every serve. The Regal Espresso Martini elevates a traditional Espresso Martini – its sweet, creamy, slightly bitter, and super indulgent in every sip!

Ingredients:

  • 50 ml Chivas Regal XV
  • 35 ml Kahlua
  • 25 ml Fresh coffee
  • Coffee beans for garnish

Process:

  • Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice.
  • Shake hard for 10 seconds, then strain into a chilled glass.
  • Garnish and serve with coffee beans.

5. Corazón de Fuego (The Heart of Fire) by Karan Dhanelia, World Class India, Nepal & Sri Lanka 2026 Winner & Bartender of the Year

The Corazón de Fuego is the cocktail that led Karan to go on to win the 2026 World Class competition. Picture the exact moment a Weber Blue Agave piña, years in the making, finally meets fire. That fiery transformation is what the cocktail is built around. A clarified, aerated roasted tomato and onion salsa brings savory depth and drama, while a float of spirulina-infused hot honey adds a layer of heat, color, and pure theater!

Ingredients:

  • 60 ml Don Julio 1942 – 60ml 
  • Aerated Clarified Roasted Tomato and Roasted Onion Salsa: to top 
  • Spirulina-infused Hot Honey: 20ml float

Process:

  • Build in a highball glass over a clear ice spear. 
  • Add Don Julio 1942, then top with the aerated clarified salsa. 
  • Float the spirulina-infused hot honey on top.
  • Garnish with hot honey glazed nachos.

6. Cashmir Matcha Mint Latte

This World Cocktail Day, if you are in the mood to try matcha in your cocktail, this Cashmir Matcha Mint Latte is just perfect! The cocktail is quite easy to make at home and is delicious, especially if you love matcha. It has a lovely pastel green color, with the addition of matcha making it taste earthy and rich. Add to top it all, the Cashmir Vodka offers a smooth yet robust mouthfeel in every sip.

Ingredients:

  • 50 ml Cashmir Vodka
  • 25 ml sugar syrup
  • 5 to 6 fresh mint leaves
  • 1 tsp matcha powder
  • 30 ml hot water
  • 60 ml milk
  • 3 to 4 ice cubes

Process:

  • Whisk matcha powder with hot water until smooth and lump-free. Set aside.
  • In a shaker, gently muddle mint leaves with sugar syrup.
  • Add Cashmir Vodka and ice. Shake lightly to infuse the mint without over-bruising.
  • Strain into a glass with fresh ice.
  • Pour in milk, then gently top with the prepared matcha for a layered effect.
  • Dust with matcha powder and garnish with mint and a strawberry.

7. The Glenlivet Mai Tai

World Cocktail Day

Traditionally made with rum and a tiki party fave, this version of the Mai Tai recipe gets a smooth whisky upgrade with The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve single malt scotch whisky. This whisky is known for its smooth, fruity notes and subtle tropical sweetness. This makes it perfect as a base for many vibrant and contemporary cocktails, including summer cocktails.

The Mai Tai recipe made using The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve single malt scotch whisky is given below: 

Ingredients:

  • The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve- 1.5 Parts
  • Lime Juice- 0.75 Parts
  • Amaretto Syrup- 0.5 Part
  • Triple Sec- 0.5 Part
  • Simple Syrup- 0.25 Parts
  • Orange Slice + Pineapple Fronds

Process:

  • Add ingredients to a tin.
  • Add ice and shake.
  • Strain over fresh ice into rocks glass.
  • Garnish with pineapple fronds and orange slices.

Also Read: 5 Must-Try Recipes For National Cosmopolitan Day

Summing Up

This World Cocktail Day, May 13th, elevate your drinks game with these seven unique recipes! From Cashmir Matcha Mint Latte and Regal Espresso Martini to Corazón de Fuego made by Karan Dhanelia, we’ve suggested to you our top picks. Which one of these are you looking forward to make this World Cocktail Day?

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