Never one to be afraid of embracing new concepts. Always pushing the envelope of ideas. This trend has been something of an exciting development for TLC and any top event caterer. In recent years we’ve noticed a swift, subtle, and flavourful swing away from sweet cocktails towards aromatic and savoury ingredients. Savoury cocktails are nothing new of course. We’ve all experienced a Martini served with an olive and the old umami faithful – the Bloody Mary. But rather than being a token gesture on cocktail menus, savoury flavours are permeating the mainstream cocktail lists of top luxury parties and corporate events. So, this blog will take a look at our top savoury cocktail ideas. Perfect for a private party, wedding, or corporate celebration:
FLAVOUR TO SAVOUR
Gone are the days where cocktails solely based on sugary syrups and citrusy flavours, or reliant on a strong, alcoholic kick are dominating menus. The emergence of savoury cocktails has brought a new dimension to the world of catering and mixology – surprise and delight in equal measure – especially for those without a sweet tooth.
While sweet and fruity concoctions have long dominated the cocktail scene, the infusion of savoury elements brings an entirely different drinking experience, with a varied mouthfeel and captivating tastes introduced on the palate.
ELEVEN OF OUR TOP SAVOURY COCKTAIL IDEAS
Mixologists are pushing the boundaries of traditional cocktail-making by incorporating savoury ingredients such as herbs, spices, vegetables, and even meats into their recipes. The result? A refreshing departure from the norm.
Here are some of our top savoury cocktail ideas guaranteed to grace your next cocktail party.
Gibson Cocktail
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/gibson
A charred pickle garnish adds smoky yet acidic undertones to this classic Martini recipe by BBC Good Food. It’s the ideal accompaniment to a cheese board full of sharp cheddar and smoked cheese.
Pho King Champ
https://www.liquor.com/recipes/pho-king-champ/
This mouth-watering savoury concoction is similar to a Bloody Mary, switching out the tomato juice for a Vietnamese-style pho broth and adding in lime, vodka, sherry and coriander to bring in Eastern flavour. Add chillies for an extra punch and serve with prawn tempura as a perfect food match.
Fennel Gimlet
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/fennel-gimlet
A recipe that provides a fragrant twist on a traditional gimlet using celery and fennel seeds to infuse the sticky sugar syrup with aromatic flavours. Perfect alongside pulled pork and BBQ meats. Fennel not for you? We are also obsessed with a Thai Basil Gimlet – perfect for a hot summer day.
Thai Basil Gimlet – Fix Me a Little Lunch
Savoury Margarita
https://www.liquor.com/recipes/savory-margarita/
We’ve all tried a fruity margarita incorporating flavours such as strawberry or pineapple but what about trying this savoury version that uses red pepper as a base? Use a juicer to extract the flavour or, alternatively blend and sieve to achieve the required consistency.
Smoke on the Water
https://www.wineenthusiast.com/recipe/sea-influenced-scotch-cocktail/
Nori-infused scotch provides a rich, salty base for this delicious maritime combination. You can also add a strip of nori as a garnish.
Bone and Bacon
https://www.liquor.com/recipes/bone-and-bacon/?utm_source=pinterest&utm_medium=post
A meaty take on a Manhattan might feel like a stretch, but rest assured this bacon-infused bourbon-based cocktail with a beef broth foundation, is a taste sensation. Rich, umami and delicious.
Mushroom Sour
https://imbibemagazine.com/recipe/mushroom-sour-spirit-free-drink/
Mushrooms are gaining traction as a go-to ingredient for savoury cocktail mixes adding a rich depth of flavour and as well as a tangy, earthy quality. This one is alcohol-free, so teetotal cocktail connoisseurs can also enjoy sampling the taste.
Burrata Breakfast Martini
https://www.liquor.com/breakfast-martini-recipe-4796353
This tempting concoction uses the water from burrata cheese to create a salty, creamy froth on a Martini mix. The perfect accompaniment to any charcuterie board.
Michelada
https://mybartender.com/recipe/michelada/
Beer. In a cocktail? Absolutely! This drink is described as ‘the perfect mix of spicy, tangy, and salty tastes.’ It adds hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, soy, chilli, and lime juice to a refreshing ice-cold beer! Another perfect pairing to BBQ meats on a sunny day.
Greek Celery Cocktail
https://www.diffordsguide.com/cocktails/recipe/3548/greek-celery-cocktail
Celery is a new best friend in the world of savoury mixology. Add a Greek twist by pairing it with Mastiha, which has a fragrant pine/cedar undertone.
Miso Martini
https://drinksbyevie.com/drinks/misomartini
Pink peppercorn brine, white miso vermouth, vodka, and sesame oil pack this mix with umami flavour profiles and taste simply spectacular.
Savoury cocktails not only tantalise the taste buds but also highlight the versatility and ingenuity of modern mixology. We hope we’ve proved that they can be a stunning accompaniment to culinary experiences when paired with a wide range of dishes. From light and refreshing aperitifs to bold and robust digestifs, there’s a savoury cocktail to suit every palate and occasion.
THE LAST SIP
Finally, cheese and cocktails. Together? Well, what’s not to love? Here are all the dos and don’ts of mixing two of our very favourite things: https://www.cheeseprofessor.com/blog/bartenders-cheese-cocktails
Thanks for sharing our top savoury cocktail ideas. Prefer something sweeter, then take a look at our collection of Spring cocktail and canape combinations.