Amber Dias takes a sip of some daring cocktails with a savoury twist.
Move over sweet, fruity concoctions, savoury cocktails are stealing the scene as mixologists and customers are thinking outside the glass. These drinks deliberately break away from the traditionally fruity, often sugar-laden or high-alcohol beverages, leaning towards complex flavour combinations, incorporating ingredients you’d expect to find in the kitchen, not behind the bar. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or someone looking to elevate your mixology skills, you might like giving savoury cocktails a swirl.
Some Like It Savoury
A savoury cocktail focuses on earthy, spicy, and umami-rich ingredients. Think fresh herbs, briny olives, smoky peppers, and even exotic spices. These drinks are designed to awaken the palate in unexpected ways. They blur the lines between drinks and appetizers. This trend goes beyond just swapping sweet for salty. Savoury cocktails are carefully balanced, delivering complexity and intrigue with every sip. They cater to those who crave something less cloying and more sophisticated — a drink that’s as much about the experience as the taste.
Taking Over The Menu
The rise of savoury cocktails can be traced to the growing demand for innovative drinking experiences. Modern mixologists are embracing culinary techniques to craft drinks that surprise and delight. According to leading mixologists, people want their cocktails to tell a story. Savoury ingredients add layers of complexity and create a narrative that resonates with today’s adventurous drinkers. Additionally, they often pair beautifully with food, making them ideal for pre-dinner drinks or as an accompaniment to gourmet meals. Furthermore, the global food culture boom has made diners more open to trying unconventional flavours. If we’re willing to devour a plate of miso-caramel ice cream or chilli-infused chocolate, why not sip on a tomato-infused martini?
There’s also a wellness angle. As people lean towards healthier lifestyles, they’re seeking low-sugar or sugar-free options. Savoury cocktails fit the bill perfectly, proving that indulgence doesn’t have to come with a side of guilt. Yet another aspect that appeals to contemporary consumers is sustainability. Ingredients that are often a by-product or waste in the kitchen, like leftover vegetables, peelings or herb stems, find use in concocting bases for syrups and infusions or even as garnishes – thus reducing food waste.
What’s In The Glass?
Savoury cocktails often feature a roster of intriguing ingredients. Here are a few staples that are shaking up the scene:
Fresh Herbs: From rosemary sprigs to thyme leaves, herbs add an aromatic and earthy touch.
Vegetables: Cucumber, bell pepper, and tomato juices bring a garden-fresh vibrancy.
Umami Boosters: Think soy sauce, miso paste, or even Parmesan cheese shavings for a rich depth of flavour.
Spices and Heat: Smoky paprika, chilli, and black pepper give drinks a fiery kick.
Briny Delights: Olives, pickled onions, and caper brine are perfect for those who love a salty edge.
Stocks & Broths: Stocks, broths or reductions give drinks depth and texture.
Crowd Favourites
The Bloody Mary: With its hearty tomato base and spicy kick, has long been the poster child for savoury cocktails. But today’s mixologists are pushing boundaries with creations like:
The Dirty Martini 2.0: An elevated version with house-infused olive brine and a garnish of blue cheese-stuffed olives.
Cumin Margarita: A Mexican-inspired delight with cumin salt on the rim and a hint of smoked paprika.
Beet Negroni: A visually stunning drink where beetroot adds an earthy sweetness to the classic bitter concoction.
Green Goddess Gimlet: A herbaceous mix of gin, lime juice, and a green herb puree.
Craft Your Own Savoury Cocktail
Creating a savoury cocktail at home is easier than you might think. Start with a simple base like vodka, gin, or tequila, and experiment with ingredients from your pantry. A Spicy Cucumber Cooler that combines gin, cucumber juice, lime juice, jalapeno and simple sugar syrup is an easy example.
When & Where?
Sweet cocktails shine as an aperitif or to round off a meal, savoury cocktails on the other hand bridge the gap between food and drink. They pair well with starters or main courses and surprisingly complement or emphasise the taste of a dish. Savoury cocktails are particularly effective with tasting menus, as they create a harmonious balance with each course.
Luxury bars and upscale restaurants are the perfect places to explore this trend. Iconic spots like The Savoy in London and The Nomad Bar in New York have dedicated savoury options on their menus. Look for establishments where mixologists treat the bar as a culinary stage — you’re bound to find something unforgettable. Closer to home, Temptations @One8Commune, KOKO and Americano in Mumbai; Yaar in Goa; Meeze Mambo in New Delhi; and Soka in Bengaluru are but a few places that offer these savoury treats.
Grab A Glass
Savoury cocktails aren’t just a passing fad; they’re a testament to the evolving artistry of mixology. With their bold flavours, intriguing ingredients, and undeniable sophistication, they’re here to stay. So the next time you’re scanning the cocktail menu, perhaps skip the saccharine and go savoury. Your taste buds will thank you. Cheers!
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