As someone who enjoys a good cocktail but often finds myself stuck in a “gin and tonic again?” rut, I decided to mix things up—literally. For one full week, I let DrinkSmith pick every cocktail I drank, based solely on what was in my home bar.
Using the explore page, I went through the suggestions in Inspired by Your Bar and those became my cocktails for the week!
Day 1: The Icebreaker – New York Sour
Instead of easing me in gently, DrinkSmith decided we were going bold out of the gate. Monday’s pick? A New York Sour—a whiskey sour with a dramatic red wine float on top.
I had bourbon, lemon juice, and a bottle of syrah that’s been open too long. The result was tangy, smooth, and a little theatrical.
Mood: Starting strong.
Verdict: 9/10, deserves better lighting and a jazz soundtrack.
Day 2: The Cleanse – Gin Basil Sour
On Tuesday, DrinkSmith leaned into freshness. Gin + the overachieving basil plant on my patio + a few other ingredients = Gin Basil Sour.
Bright, herby, and balanced—it was the kind of drink that made me feel like I knew what I was doing. (I didn’t, but I looked cool.)
Mood: Green goddess.
Verdict: 10/10, basil belongs in more cocktails.
Day 3: Midweek Mischief – Espresso Martini
By Wednesday, I was dragging. Enter the Espresso Martini.
Vodka, cold espresso, and a touch of coffee liqueur—it was buzzy and indulgent and exactly what I needed to feel like a functioning adult again.
Mood: Energized and a little dangerous.
Verdict: 9/10, I want this on tap.
Day 4: Throwback Thursday – Aviation
Thursday took a vintage turn with the Aviation. I had never used my crème de violette before, but this was the perfect opportunity. The result was soft, floral, and surprisingly easy to love.
Mood: Dreamy and nostalgic.
Verdict: 7.5/10, makes you want to text someone you shouldn’t.
Day 5: TGIF – Spicy Negroni
Friday called for something assertive. DrinkSmith delivered with a Spicy Negroni, adding a few slices of jalapeño to the classic Campari-gin-vermouth formula.
It was bitter, fiery, and unapologetically bold. Not a “crowd-pleaser” kind of drink—more of a “trust me” vibe.
Mood: Bold and bitter (in a good way).
Verdict: 9/10, a Negroni with attitude.
Day 6: Chill Mode – Violet Lady
Saturday’s mood was mellow, and DrinkSmith responded with a stunning Violet Lady—a lavender-hued twist on a gin sour. It used gin, lemon juice, and crème de violette, shaken into something soft and elegant.
It tasted like spring and looked like a dream.
Mood: Calm and collected.
Verdict: 8/10, perfect for quiet nights and nice glassware.
Day 7: Sunday Send-Off – Reverse Manhattan
The final cocktail of the week was a statement: the Reverse Manhattan. A classic cocktail flipped on its head for those who prefer to tone down the Rye a bit, it was warming, bittersweet, and oddly comforting.
It felt like the kind of drink you sip while reflecting on your life—or at least your week of DrinkSmith adventures.
Mood: Sophisticated and satisfied.
Verdict: 8.5/10, the grown-up version of your favorite cocktail.
The Takeaway
Letting DrinkSmith take the reins was a low-effort, high-reward way to break out of my routine. It helped me discover new favorites, use up overlooked ingredients, and feel a little bit like a cocktail connoisseur—without needing a bar cart the size of a small kitchen.
Whether you’re bored of your usual drink or just curious what else your liquor shelf can do, DrinkSmith’s recommendations are spot-on, personalized, and always a little surprising.
Next time you’re asking yourself, “What should I make?” — just ask DrinkSmith.
Curious? Download DrinkSmith and let your next drink choose you.
