The Unity Uplifter is a bright and zesty cocktail that brings people together at parties and gatherings.
This drink mixes bourbon, fresh lemon juice, honey syrup, and a splash of ginger beer for a balanced blend of sweet, sour, and spicy notes.
You can make the recipe in less than 5 minutes with basic bar tools like a shaker and strainer.
The ingredients are easy to find at most stores, so anyone can try it at home.
This drink suits both casual get-togethers and fancy events.
The golden color looks great in a tall glass, and the fizzy ginger beer adds a fun touch that makes people smile with their first sip.
Unity Uplifter Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Small strainer
Ingredients
- 2 oz prosecco or champagne
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- 1/2 oz cranberry juice
- 1/4 oz simple syrup
- Orange twist for garnish
- Ice for chilling
Instructions
- Fill the champagne flute with ice to chill while you prepare the drink.
- Let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
- Empty the ice from the flute.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon to mix the juices.
- Top slowly with prosecco or champagne.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
Notes
Tasting Notes
The Unity Uplifter greets the nose with fresh citrus aromas and sweet vanilla notes.
A light floral scent from elderflower liqueur adds elegance to the bouquet.
The first sip gives bright lemon flavors balanced by smooth bourbon warmth.
Elderflower brings gentle sweetness, while fresh mint adds a cool, refreshing touch.
The texture feels silky and medium-bodied.
Ice dilution balances the strong bourbon with lighter ingredients.
A crisp, clean finish leaves lingering notes of:
- Citrus zest
- Honey
- Vanilla
- Fresh herbs
- Light oak
Temperature matters for the taste experience.
Serve the cocktail very cold, around 35°F (2°C), for the best flavor.
Substitute
You can swap the Unity Uplifter’s main components with similar ingredients and keep the drink’s character.
For cognac substitutes:
- VS brandy
- Aged rum (dark or amber)
- Whiskey (bourbon or rye)
For coffee liqueur options:
- Tia Maria
- Mr. Black
- Homemade coffee liqueur
You can replace the orange liqueur with:
- Triple sec
- Curaçao
- Grand Marnier
For a non-alcoholic version, mix:
- Cold brew coffee (2 oz)
- Orange syrup (0.5 oz)
- Vanilla syrup (0.5 oz)
- Club soda to taste
Switch the garnish between orange twists, coffee beans, or both.
Fresh citrus peel adds natural oils and aroma to the drink.
Adjust portions when using substitutes, as some ingredients may need more or less to match the original taste.
Test with a small sip and tweak the mix until you reach the desired flavor.
