Your Favorite Trashy Cocktail Is Now Incredibly Highbrow

It's our job to make sure you're up to date on all the latest drink trends, and we'd be failing if we didn't let you know that your favorite (or, really, maybe least favorite) cocktail is taking a new highbrow form. Here's a quick breakdown of what we mean.

What's a lowbrow cocktail?

Here's where we ask you to put yourself back in a bar during the '80s or '90s and reminisce on classic orders. Think Appletinis, Long Island Iced Teas, Miami Vices, Picklebacks, Midori Sours and Jello Shots. Don't get us wrong — we love a so-called "lowbrow" cocktail for its nostalgia and sometimes even taste. The great news is, many bartenders are elevating these classics by swapping in better liquors/liqueurs, fresh juices and finding some balance among the ingredients.

How are they changing?

Boozy renditions of Jello Shots that don't taste like fruit dye and stale vodka. Picklebacks with tequila and...pineapple. Long Island Iced Teas with multiple Italian amari and aperitivi, homemade cola and lemon. A 7 & 7 with a more complex citrus syrup to the mix.

Give me an example.

Senior Editor Kirk Miller has not just one, but seven recipes for you to try, and they're all right here. Happy Thursday, and happy drinking.

And If you like drinking on Thursdays, don't forget to subscribe to our weekly drinks newsletter The Spill. You can follow us on Instagram now, too.  

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