14 of Manchester’s weirdest (and wonderful) cocktails

We take a look at some of the strangest – including options with hot sauce, popcorn and even toy dinosaurs as garnishes. So forget your Manhattan and Martini and try one of these weird and wonderful creations.

The Airmail at The Fitzgerald

A classic aviation cocktail made with Beefeater gin, Luxardo maraschino and violet liqueur, served in a stylish suitcase with a mysterious violet fog.

The Powder Keg at Hula

A 3-litre cask filled with fruit and premium rums.An explosive barrel of delights.

The Blockbuster at The Liquor Store

A more grown-up take on a kiddie treat, the Blockbuster combines Absolut, butterscotch, popcorn and ice cream to make a sickly-sweet concoction that’s not to be missed.

Punk Ginger Beer at BrewDog

The ‘beer punks’ at BrewDog don’t just do beer these days. They’ve introduced a range of cocktails which can be found in their Manchester bar. The Punk Ginger Beer is a summery tipple combining root ginger, freshly squeezed limes, honey and their signature Punk IPA beer.

The Street Sipper at Thaikhun

The Street Sipper is Tanqueray No.10 gin with passion fruit and orange served in true Thai style – in a plastic bag. Or what about a Thai Takeaway – Ketel One vodka, Captain Morgan spiced rum, basil and mint leaves, shaken with pineapple and lime juice and a dash of coconut cream served in a takeaway box.

Smoke ‘N’ Beer at El Gato Negro

Cheese in a cocktail? You better brie-live it. El Gato Negro’s Smoke ’N’ Beer is a unique combination of cachaca and lime mixed with beer – all topped off with a piece of halloumi. Cheesy does it.

Breakfast at Shack Bar & Grill

Martell, honey liquor, Liquor 43, milk and gingerbread syrup served with a glass of Cheerios. Rise and shine.

Raspbeery at Be At One

Newcomers Be At One sell more than 150 cocktails at their bar in the Barton Arcade. Alongside more traditional favourites, they’ve also got a range of more innovative selections on the menu. The Raspbeery stands out as, alongside vodka, lemon juice and raspberry syrup, it features a good glug of pale ale from London brewery Meantime.

Baby Godzilla at Lost in Tokyo

It’s the garnishes that make Japanese-themed NQ venue Lost in Tokyo’s drinks stand out from the crowd. One of the most innovative is the Baby Godzilla which is served in a chemical beaker and comes with a model of the eponymous creature for good measure!

Zombie at Keko Moho

Most of the cocktails at Keko Moho pack a punch and their trademark Zombie is no different. Served in a traditional dimpled pint glass, it’s a mix of six rums and four fruit juices and is set on fire before serving to really bring some heat!

The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at The Alchemist

Looking for something to warm the cockles? Served warm and smoking, the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party is a sharer for two and includes Ketel One, Elderflower Liqueur and Cointreau which is boiled up and infused with fresh fruit. As an extra quirk, it’s presented in tea cups.

Frozen Raspberry Margarita at Crazy Pedro’s

Crazy Pedro’s is well known for its crazy concoctions, all served in trademark red cups. Although most of the cocktails come with additional garnishes, the Frozen Raspberry Margarita stands out as on top it features an entire pack of popping candy to add a little extra fizz to your drink.

Breakfast at The Liars Club

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the deal. If you fancy a liquid one, The Liars Club have you covered. Breakfast includes Wray and Nephew Rum, nutmeg, condensed milk and honey and is served in a milk carton – complete with a straw.

Triple 6 Mary at Red’s True BBQ

Red’s True BBQ is the home of meat – and it’s not just confined to the food menu. On the drinks menu is the Triple 6 Mary cocktail which features Absolut vodka, Yorkshire favourite Henderson’s Relish along with Triple 6 hot sauce, one of their hot Devil Wings, a beer rub rim and a jerky stick as a garnish. Not one for vegetarians. Or the faint hearted.