Novotel Saigon Centre - Family & Business trip hotel - What Cocktail Should You Choose If You Do Not Drink Strong Alcohol?

Cocktails are often considered drinks with a strong alcohol taste, making them difficult to enjoy for those who are not familiar with spirits. However, many cocktails are crafted with more balanced flavours, combining fruits, juices, soda, herbs, or other ingredients to create a smoother drinking experience.

If you are not used to strong alcohol but want to explore the cocktail experience at a bar, start with options that offer refreshing, lightly sweet, or mildly sour flavours. These types of drinks are also suitable for gatherings with friends, dates, or relaxing after a long day.

Are Cocktails Suitable for People Who Do Not Drink Strong Alcohol?

Not every cocktail has a strong alcohol taste. A cocktail is usually made with a base spirit such as rum, gin, vodka, tequila, or whisky combined with other ingredients like fruit juice, syrup, soda, herbs, or spices.

For beginners, a smoother drinking experience often comes from the balance between different ingredients. Cocktails with fruity flavours, soda, or light sour notes can help reduce the strong taste of the base spirit.

When ordering a cocktail at a bar, you can share your preferences with the bartender, such as:

• – Prefer sweet and fruity flavours.
• – Want a refreshing drink with a lighter alcohol taste.
• – Enjoy mild sour flavours or sparkling drinks.
• – Are not familiar with cocktails with a strong spirit-forward taste.

Choosing the right type of cocktail from the beginning can help create a more enjoyable first experience.

5 Easy-to-Drink Cocktails for People Who Are Not Used to Strong Alcohol

How to Choose an Easy-to-Drink Cocktail for Beginners

Fruity Cocktails for Those Who Prefer Sweet and Easy-to-Drink Flavours

Fruity cocktails are often a suitable choice for people who are not familiar with strong alcohol. Flavours from pineapple, coconut, strawberry, orange, or tropical fruits give cocktails a smoother and more approachable taste.

Some popular options include:

• – Piña Colada: Combining coconut and pineapple flavours, this cocktail is suitable for those who enjoy sweet drinks with a lightly creamy taste.
• – Strawberry Cocktail: Featuring a noticeable strawberry flavour, it is easy to drink and suitable for those who enjoy fruity notes.
• – Tropical Cocktail: Often made with a variety of tropical fruits, creating a fresh and vibrant taste.

These cocktails are suitable for relaxing evenings, especially when paired with light snacks at a bar.

Refreshing Cocktails with Soda or Light Sour Flavours

If you do not enjoy overly sweet drinks, cocktails with soda or citrus flavours are often easier to enjoy.

Some options include:

• – Mojito: Featuring mint, lime, and soda, creating a refreshing taste that is suitable for warm weather.
• – Aperol Spritz: Offering a light orange flavour with a sparkling soda finish for a refreshing experience.
• – Gin Tonic: A crisp, lightly carbonated drink with a less sweet profile.

This group of cocktails is suitable when you want to enjoy a drink while having a long conversation.

Balanced Cocktails for Longer Conversations

Some people do not prefer overly sweet cocktails but still want to experience the distinctive flavours of cocktails. In this case, drinks with a balance of sour, sweet, and light alcohol notes can be a suitable choice.

Suggestions:

• – Sangria: Combining wine with fruits, creating an approachable flavour.
• – Cosmopolitan: Featuring light sour notes from cranberry and orange, suitable for those who prefer a more refreshing cocktail.
• – Signature Cocktail: Creative drinks crafted by bartenders, often adjusted to create a unique experience.

Some Tips When Ordering Cocktails If You Do Not Drink Strong Alcohol

If this is your first time ordering a cocktail, you can consider the following:

• – Ask the bartender about the main ingredients of the cocktail before ordering.
• – Prioritise cocktails with fruits, soda, or light sour flavours.
• – Avoid starting with cocktails that have strong spirit flavours such as whisky or tequila if you are not familiar with them.
• – You can discuss with the bartender to adjust the sweetness or flavour profile to better suit your preference.

A good cocktail is not only about the alcohol strength, but also about the balance between its ingredients.

Which Cocktail Should You Order at OnTop Bar, Novotel Saigon Centre?

• – Address: 20th Floor, 167 Hai Ba Trung, Xuan Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
• – Opening hours: 4:30 PM – 12:00 AM
• – Phone: 028 3822 4866
• – Email: h7965@accor.com

If you want to try cocktails in a rooftop setting in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, OnTop Bar at Novotel Saigon Centre is a suitable choice for beginners.

Located on the 20th floor of the hotel, OnTop Bar offers a rooftop atmosphere with views of the Saigon skyline, serving an extensive cocktail menu alongside Vietnamese and international tapas and light bites.

For those who are not used to strong alcohol, consider the following options:

If This Is Your First Time Trying Cocktails

Start with cocktails that:

• – Have clear fruity flavours.
• – Include soda or ingredients that create a refreshing taste.
• – Do not use too many types of base spirits at the same time.

You can also ask the bartender about the alcohol level or request recommendations for a cocktail that matches your personal taste.

If You Want to Enjoy Cocktails While Viewing the City

A light cocktail combined with a rooftop setting is suitable for gatherings with friends, dates, or relaxing after work.

OnTop Bar opens daily from 4:30 PM to midnight, making it a suitable destination for those who want to enjoy drinks while taking in the city views from above.

Stay and Relax at Novotel Saigon Centre After a Cocktail Evening with Friends

After enjoying cocktails with friends at OnTop Bar, guests can continue their evening with a comfortable stay at Novotel Saigon Centre, located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. The hotel offers a convenient space to unwind after a night out.

Beyond its rooftop bar experience, Novotel Saigon Centre provides a complete stay with comfortable rooms and dining options. Guests can enjoy international cuisine at Food Exchange Restaurant before returning to well-appointed accommodation designed for a restful night in the city centre.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cocktails for People Who Do Not Drink Strong Alcohol

Are Cocktails Stronger Than Beer?

The alcohol level of a cocktail depends on the recipe, the type of base spirit, and the ingredient ratio. Some cocktails may feel lighter than expected because they are combined with juices, soda, or other ingredients.

Which Cocktail Should Beginners Start With?

Mojito, Piña Colada, Sangria, or fruity cocktails are often approachable choices for first-time cocktail drinkers.

Can You Order Low-Alcohol Cocktails at a Bar?

Yes. You can speak directly with the bartender to choose a drink that better matches your taste preferences or request adjustments to the recipe.

Which Cocktails Are Suitable for a Date?

Cocktails with balanced flavours, attractive presentation, and easy-to-enjoy profiles such as Mojito, Cosmopolitan, or signature cocktails are often suitable for a date.