Unique Mixers to Add a Twist to Classic Cocktails
As a bartender, I’ve learned that mixing the right ingredients can make or break a cocktail. However, sometimes adding an unexpected ingredient can add a unique twist that makes a cocktail more exciting for guests. In this blog post, we will be sharing some unexpected mixers that can add a unique twist to classic cocktails.
1. Hot Sauce
Hot sauce is not an ingredient that people often associate with cocktails, but adding just a few drops can add a unique twist to your margarita or bloody mary. For margaritas, try adding hot sauce instead of jalapeno slices for a subtle kick. For bloody marys, hot sauce can enhance the savory flavors and add a hint of spice. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too much hot sauce can overpower the other flavors in the cocktail.
2. Lavender Syrup
Lavender syrup might sound like something you’d add to coffee, but it can actually be a great addition to a gin or vodka cocktail. Try mixing lavender syrup with gin, lemon juice, and soda water for a refreshing and floral spin on a classic gin fizz. Or, add it to your favorite vodka tonic for a subtle sweetness that balances out the bitterness of the tonic.
3. Coconut Water
Coconut water is not just for post-workout hydration. It can also add a tropical twist to classic cocktails. Try using coconut water as a substitute for regular water when making simple syrup, then use that syrup to make a coconut mojito or a coconut margarita. The natural sweetness of the coconut water pairs well with the tartness of lime juice and the herbaceousness of mint or tequila.
4. Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is often associated with breakfast foods, but it can also be a great addition to cocktails. It adds a rich, earthy sweetness that pairs well with bourbon and rye whiskey. Try mixing it with bourbon and lemon juice for a maple whiskey sour, or with rye whiskey and orange bitters for a maple old fashioned. This mixer can also work well in hot drinks like hot toddies or spiked mulled cider.
5. Grapefruit Juice
Grapefruit juice might not seem like an unexpected mixer, but it can add a unique twist to classic cocktails. Its bitterness can balance out the sweetness in cocktails and add a bright, citrusy flavor. Try mixing it with vodka and a splash of honey syrup for a refreshing and tangy grapefruit martini. You can also use it to make a paloma, a Mexican cocktail that typically includes tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime.
6. Espresso
Espresso might sound like an unusual addition to cocktails, but it can add depth and complexity to drinks. Try mixing it with vodka and Kahlua for an espresso martini, or with whiskey and honey syrup for a caffeine-infused twist on a hot toddy. The bitterness of the espresso can balance out the sweetness in the other ingredients, creating a well-rounded and satisfying cocktail.
7. Cucumber Water
Cucumber water might sound like a fancy spa drink, but it can actually be a great mixer for cocktails. Its refreshing and subtle flavor can add a crispness to drinks that pairs well with gin and vodka. Try mixing it with gin, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice for a refreshing and floral summer cocktail. Or, use it as a substitute for soda water in a traditional vodka tonic for a more subtle and nuanced drink.
8. Beer
Beer might not seem like a mixer at all, but it can actually be a great addition to cocktails. Try mixing light beer with tomato juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce for a michelada, a Mexican cocktail that’s a spicy take on a bloody mary. You can also add wheat beer to orange juice and champagne for a beermosa, a refreshing and unexpected brunch cocktail.
Conclusion
Mixing unexpected ingredients with classic cocktails can be a creative way to experiment with flavors and create unique drinks that guests will love. Just be sure to use these ingredients in moderation, as too much can overpower the other flavors in the cocktail. With these mixers, you can take classic cocktails to the next level and surprise and delight your guests.
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