Tue Sep 10 17:08:57 UTC 2024: ## Bartenders Across the Country Reveal the Most Overrated Cocktails

**New York, NY** – In a recent poll of bartenders across the United States, a surprising consensus emerged: some classic cocktails are overhyped and could use a bit of a shake-up. From the Hemingway Daiquiri to the Aviation, these five drinks are considered overrated by industry experts, and they offer alternative options worth trying.

**The Hemingway Daiquiri:** While considered a masterpiece of storytelling by some, this cocktail is criticized for its lack of balance and underwhelming texture due to its high rum content and absence of sugar. Instead, bartenders recommend the **Hotel Nacional Special,** a Daiquiri riff with apricot brandy and pineapple, for a more balanced and delicious experience.

**The Negroni:** The classic equal-parts construction of the Negroni is often considered unbalanced, leading to a cocktail that’s too sweet and not as gin-forward as it could be. Many bartenders suggest adjusting the recipe by increasing the gin and reducing the vermouth, as done at bars like Accomplice and Dante.

**The Vieux Carré:** This New Orleans classic, a mix of rye, Cognac, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, and bitters, is seen as a “sloppy, unfocused mess” by some. Bartenders recommend the **Cocktail à la Louisiane** as an alternative. Sharing many ingredients, this drink features absinthe, giving it a sharper focus and a more cohesive flavor profile.

**The Last Word:** While endlessly riffable, the original Last Word cocktail is often overshadowed by its variations. Bartenders prefer drinks like the **Division Bell,** which swaps gin for mezcal and green Chartreuse for Aperol, and the **Nuclear Daiquiri,** a cult favorite that adds falernum and génépy to the classic rum cocktail.

**The Aviation:** Perhaps the most hated cocktail on the list, the Aviation is considered too sharp and artificial by many bartenders. The recipe’s narrow margin for error often leads to an unbalanced drink, while the use of crème de violette, a liqueur described as medicinal, further detracts from its appeal. As alternatives, bartenders suggest the **Last Word** or the **South Side,** a gentle twist on a traditional gin sour.

This poll highlights the evolving nature of cocktail culture and the importance of experimentation and personal preference. While some classic cocktails may be considered overrated, the search for new and exciting drinks continues to drive innovation and creativity within the industry.

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