Whilst water is certainly the best way to rehydrate after a great day’s cycling, there will undoubtedly be occasions when you need something with a little more oomph to quench your thirst. So, whether you’ve been conquering steep hills on your road bike, navigating winding trails on your mountain bike, or just casually pedaling through the park on your ebike, there’re times when a shaken (or stirred) blend of spirits and juices, poured over ice, will be a more satisfying way of replenishing lost fluids. Inspired by various elements of our favorite two-wheeled vehicles, these refreshing delicious, bike-themed cocktail concoctions are perfect for cyclists and cocktail connoisseurs alike.

Dust off your handlebars and shake up your post-ride routine with these seven bicycle-inspired cocktails. We’ve compiled a list of original recipes that are not only fun and flavorful, but also celebrate our love for cycling. Let’s dive in!

The Pedal Pusher

The Pedal Pusher is a light, refreshing, and crisp cocktail that combines elements of your best summer rides in a new and exciting way. This invigorating concoction is perfect for cooling down after a long ride or quenching your thirst on a warm summer evening.

The inspiration for this cocktail comes from the revitalizing sensation of cycling through picturesque landscapes on a warm, sunny day. The fresh cucumber, zesty lime, and floral elderflower liqueur capture the essence of the great outdoors and the exhilaration of pushing pedals to explore new terrains.

The Pedal Pusher’s crisp and refreshing flavors make it an ideal companion for light dishes like fresh salads, ceviche, or sushi rolls. It also pairs well with appetizers such as cucumber sandwiches, shrimp cocktail, or a simple bruschetta.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz cucumber juice
• 1 oz lime juice
• 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur
• Ice
• Cucumber slices and lime wheel for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, combine the gin, cucumber juice, lime juice, and elderflower liqueur.
2. Add ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
4. Garnish with cucumber slices and a lime wheel.

Fun Fact: Did you know that cucumber is a great source of hydration and essential nutrients like vitamins A and C? It’s the perfect ingredient to help replenish your body after a strenuous workout.

The Spoke ‘N’ Spirit

The Spoke ‘N’ Spirit is a daring and invigorating cocktail that combines the timeless flavors of bourbon, with sweet and bitter side notes. This sophisticated concoction is perfect for savoring after a thrilling ride through city streets or winding mountain roads.

This cocktail is inspired by the beauty and strength of a wheel’s spokes. The classic combination of bourbon, sweet vermouth, and orange bitters symbolizes the unity and balance that spokes provide, creating a sturdy and reliable wheel for us thirsty riders to enjoy.

The bold and sophisticated flavors of The Spoke ‘N’ Spirit pair well with hearty dishes like grilled steak, barbecue ribs, or a rich, flavorful pasta. Its robust taste can also stand up to strong cheeses, such as aged cheddar or blue cheese.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• Ice
• Orange peel for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass, combine the bourbon, vermouth, and bitters.
2. Add ice and stir for 20-30 seconds, until well-chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Express the oils from the orange peel over the drink and garnish with the peel.

I remember sipping on this cocktail while reminiscing about my first cycling race. The smooth flavors transported me back to that exciting moment, right down to the adrenaline-pumping finish line. In my mind it was a thrilling duel to the end with another competitor, neck and neck to the tape, so close that it needed a photo finish to determine the winner. Unfortunately, the official results tell me that I came somewhere around mid-table, but I suspect that’s just a misprint.

The Chainring Chiller

Paying tribute to the essential component of every bike – the chainring – this tropical cocktail is the perfect way to transport yourself to a sandy beach after a long day in the saddle. With a mix of vodka, pineapple juice, coconut water, and blue curaçao, The Chainring Chiller is a delightful escape from the daily grind, allowing you to soothe your aching feet in the warm ocean waters.

The Chainring Chiller gives respect to this simple metal disc – the chainring – without which we wouldn’t be going anywhere very quickly at all. The cocktail’s vibrant blue hue and sparkling edible glitter represent the glint of a well-maintained chainring, while the tropical flavors symbolize the excitement and adventure that await us all on our cycling journeys.

The tropical and fruity flavors of The Chainring Chiller make it an excellent match for dishes like grilled fish, jerk chicken, or coconut shrimp. It also complements fruit-based desserts, like pineapple upside-down cake or mango sorbet.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 2 oz pineapple juice
• 1 oz coconut water
• 0.5 oz blue curaçao
• Pinch of edible glitter (optional)
• Ice
• Pineapple wedge for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, combine the vodka, pineapple juice, coconut water, and blue curaçao.
2. Add ice and shake well for 15-20 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled hurricane or highball glass filled with ice.
4. Sprinkle with edible glitter, if using, for a fun and sparkly touch.
5. Garnish with a pineapple wedge.

Fun Fact: Pineapples are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients like vitamin C and manganese. They’re also a great source of dietary fiber, which helps promote a healthy digestive system.

The Handlebar Highball

Inspired by the sleek design of bicycle handlebars, The Handlebar Highball is a spicy and fruity concoction that’s perfect for sipping on after an invigorating ride. With a mix of white rum, lime juice, ginger beer, and a splash of blackberry liqueur, this refreshing cocktail is sure to keep your spirits high.

This cocktail is inspired by the sleek design and functionality of our bicycle’s steering mechanism. The combination of rum, ginger, and blackberry notes represent the balance between control and adventure that handlebars provide, as we use them to guide our bikes and ourselves through thrilling twists and turns.

With its spicy and fruity notes, The Handlebar Highball pairs nicely with Asian-inspired dishes, such as Thai curry, sushi, or Vietnamese summer rolls. The ginger kick also complements the flavors of a zesty citrus salad or grilled chicken skewers.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz white rum
• 1 oz lime juice
• 4 oz ginger beer
• 0.5 oz blackberry liqueur
• Ice
• Lime wheel and fresh blackberries for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a highball glass filled with ice, combine the white rum, lime juice, and ginger beer.
2. Drizzle the blackberry liqueur over the top, allowing it to sink to the bottom.
3. Stir gently to create a gradient effect.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel and fresh blackberries.

Useful Information: Ginger has long been used for its medicinal properties, which include aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, and boosting the immune system. Ginger beer, a key ingredient in this cocktail, is a non-alcoholic beverage that provides a spicy kick and unique flavor.

I discovered this delightful combo while visiting a local cycling festival. The mix of spicy and fruity flavors perfectly captured the energetic atmosphere of the event (and went great with dishes from the Asian street food stall I was stood next to).

The Saddle Sipper

A tribute to the hard-working bike seat, The Saddle Sipper is a velvety, decadent cocktail that’s perfect for indulging in after a hard day’s ride. With a mix of chocolate liqueur, coffee liqueur, and Irish cream, this delightful treat is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

The Saddle Sipper gives due respect to the bike saddle, an essential element that provides comfort and support during long, tough rides. The velvety blend of chocolate, coffee, and Irish cream captures the warmth and coziness of settling into a well-worn saddle for a challenging ride.

The rich and indulgent flavors of The Saddle Sipper make it a perfect dessert cocktail, pairing well with chocolate-based treats, tiramisu, or a warm slice of pecan pie. Alternatively, enjoy it with a cheese board featuring creamy brie, gouda, or camembert.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz chocolate liqueur
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 1 oz Irish cream
• Ice
• Whipped cream and cocoa powder for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, combine the chocolate liqueur, coffee liqueur, and Irish cream.
2. Add ice and shake well for 15-20 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled rocks or martini glass.
4. Top with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder.

Fun Fact: Chocolate is not only a delicious treat but also contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. Just remember to enjoy it in moderation! (Much like our cocktail recipes 😊).

The Gear Shifter

Gears, eh? Where would we be without them? Huffing and puffing up steep hills most likely. The Gear Shifter is a zesty and spicy cocktail that’s sure to get your wheels turning whatever the terrain. With a blend of tequila, grapefruit juice, agave syrup, and a dash of jalapeño, this invigorating concoction is perfect for those looking to spice things up after a ride.

The Gear Shifter is inspired by the gears that help us tackle tough ascents and challenging descents. The contrasting flavors of tequila, grapefruit, and jalapeño represent the adaptability and versatility of a bicycle’s gear system, empowering us to face any obstacle with confidence.

The zesty and spicy flavors of The Gear Shifter pair well with Mexican dishes like tacos, fajitas, or carnitas. The cocktail’s tangy grapefruit notes also complement seafood dishes, such as ceviche, crab cakes, or grilled scallops.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila
• 2 oz grapefruit juice
• 0.5 oz agave syrup
• 1-2 jalapeño slices (adjust according to spice preference)
• Ice
• Grapefruit wedge and jalapeño slice for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, muddle the jalapeño slices with the agave syrup to release their flavor.
2. Add the tequila, grapefruit juice, and ice.
3. Shake well for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and a jalapeño slice.

Useful Information: Grapefruit is a nutrient-dense fruit that’s high in vitamins A and C, which are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. Plus, its tangy flavor provides a refreshing counterbalance to the spicy jalapeño.

The Brake Away

Inspired by the freedom of coasting downhill, The Brake Away is a bright and bubbly cocktail that’s perfect for unwinding after conquering challenging inclines. With a blend of Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water, this effervescent spritz is sure to lift your spirits and put a smile on your face.

The Brake Away takes its start point from the feeling of freedom and exhilaration that comes from freewheeling down hills, when we can let go of the brakes and enjoy the ride. The bubbly blend of Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water captures the carefree spirit and joy of cycling, reminding us to embrace the thrill of the journey. Because, for every uphill, there’s sure to be a downhill soon.

The light and bubbly nature of The Brake Away makes it a fantastic pairing for Italian dishes like caprese salad, prosciutto-wrapped melon, or a simple margherita pizza. It also complements seafood dishes, such as seared scallops, grilled shrimp, or a light linguine with clams.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Aperol
• 3 oz Prosecco
• 1 oz soda water
• Ice
• Orange slice for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
2. Pour the Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water over the ice.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a fresh orange slice.

Fun Fact: Aperol is an Italian apéritif made from a blend of bitter orange, gentian, rhubarb, and other botanicals. It has a bright orange hue and a bittersweet flavor, making it the perfect base for refreshing cocktails like The Brake Away.

Conclusion

Next time you hop off your bike after a rewarding ride, try one of these bicycle-inspired cocktails to celebrate your love for cycling and elevate your post-ride relaxation. Each concoction offers unique flavors and experiences, reflecting the diverse world of cycling and the joy it brings to so many of us.

So, grab your shaker, gather your ingredients, and raise a glass to the sport that keeps us moving, exploring, and enjoying life on two wheels. Cheers to your next cycling adventure!