If you're tired of the same old sweet cocktails, or sweetness just isn't your thing, then you're in for a treat with these savory options. Savory cocktails offer a refreshing change of pace for the palate, and can be just as satisfying and delicious as their sweeter counterparts.
In this post, I'll introduce you to some of my favorite savory (or at least less sweet because sugar isn't the dominant ingredient) cocktails and provide you with a few recipes and tips for making them at home. Whether you're a fan of spicy margaritas or savory gin and tonics, there's a savory cocktail out there for everyone. So grab your shaker and let's get started!
1. Bloody Mary
The Bloody Mary is first on my list—and for good reason. In case you're not familiar, this is a cocktail that is typically served at brunch or as a hangover cure. It is made with vodka, tomato juice, and a variety of spices and garnishes, such as horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and celery. The exact ingredients and proportions vary depending on the recipe of course, but it is often served with a celery stalk or a slice of lemon or lime.
Bloody Mary
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Vodka
- 3 oz Tomato juice
- 1 dash Lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2-3 drops Tabasco sauce
- 1 wedge Lime
How to make it
- Stirring gently, pour all ingredients into highball glass.
- Garnish.
2. Margarita
The Margarita is a Mexican favorite that is made with tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier). It is typically served in a salt-rimmed glass and garnished with a slice of lime or lemon. Some variations of the Margarita include the addition of fruit purees or juices, such as mango or strawberry, but steer clear of these and lean into the sour and salty flavors of the classic if you're looking for savory.
Margarita
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Tequila
- 1/2 oz Triple sec
- 1 oz Lime juice
- Salt
How to make it
- Rub the rim of the glass with the lime slice to make the salt stick to it.
- Take care to moisten only the outer rim and sprinkle the salt on it.
- The salt should present to the lips of the imbiber and never mix into the cocktail.
- Shake the other ingredients with ice, then carefully pour into the glass.
3. Martini
The Martini is a classic cocktail that is made with gin or vodka and vermouth. It is typically served in a chilled glass and garnished with a twist of lemon or olive. There are many variations of the Martini, including the Dry Martini (made with less vermouth) and the Dirty Martini (made with a splash of olive brine). This can really help to elevate the savory notes of this classic.
Martini
Ingredients
- 1 2/3 oz Gin
- 1/3 oz Dry Vermouth
- 1 Olive
How to make it
- Straight: Pour all ingredients into mixing glass with ice cubes.
- Stir well.
- Strain in chilled martini cocktail glass.
- Squeeze oil from lemon peel onto the drink, or garnish with olive.
4. Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is another classic cocktail that is made with whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a twist of orange peel. It is typically served over ice and garnished with a cherry or an orange slice. The Old Fashioned is a popular choice for those who prefer a more traditional and straightforward cocktail. And you can use less sugar to emphasize the other flavors, of course.
Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- 4.5 cL Bourbon
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 cube Sugar
- Dash Water
How to make it
- Place sugar cube in old fashioned glass and saturate with bitters, add a dash of plain water.
- Muddle until dissolved.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes and add whiskey.
- Garnish with orange twist, and a cocktail cherry.
5. Negroni
The Negroni is a very sophisticated cocktail that is made with gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. It is typically served over ice and garnished with an orange peel. The Negroni is known for its bold and bittersweet flavor (many would say it's an acquired taste), which is a result of the combination of the three main ingredients.
Negroni
Ingredients
- 1 oz Gin
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
How to make it
- Stir into glass over ice, garnish and serve.
6. Gin and Tonic
The Gin and Tonic is a simple cocktail that is made with gin and tonic water, garnished with a slice of lemon, lime or cucumber. Although there's a certain sweetness to the tonic, there's bitterness there too, so it's not overwhelming. It's a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail that is perfect for a summer day.
Gin And Tonic
Ingredients
- 2 oz Gin
- 5 oz Tonic water
- 1 Lime
How to make it
- Pour the gin and the tonic water into a highball glass almost filled with ice cubes.
- Stir well.
- Garnish with the lime wedge.
7. Paloma
The Paloma is a cocktail that is made with tequila, grapefruit juice, and a splash of lime juice. It is typically served over ice and garnished with a slice of grapefruit. The Paloma is a popular choice in Mexico and is known for its refreshing and tart flavor. Although fruit-dominant, the grapefruit gives it a more bitter rather than sugary quality.
Paloma
Ingredients
- 3 oz Grape Soda
- 1 1/2 oz Tequila
How to make it
- Stir together and serve over ice.
8. Michelada
The Michelada is another Mexican cocktail that is made with beer, lime juice, and a variety of spices and garnishes, such as hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and chili powder. It is typically served over ice and garnished with a slice of lime or a rim of chili powder. The Michelada is a popular choice in Mexico and is known for its spicy and refreshing flavor.
Michelada
Ingredients
- 4 oz Beer
- 4 oz Tomato Juice
- 1 tblsp Lime Juice
- Dash Hot Sauce
- Dash Worcestershire Sauce
- Dash Soy Sauce
How to make it
- Mix the beer with tomato juice, freshly squeezed lime juice, and Worcestershire sauce, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, or hot sauce.
- Served In a chilled, salt-rimmed glass.
9. Caesar
The Caesar is a popular Canadian cocktail that is made with vodka, Clamato juice, Worcestershire sauce, and a variety of spices and garnishes, such as horseradish, celery, and a pickled bean (think of it a bit like a relative of the Bloody Mary). It is typically served over ice and also garnished with a celery stalk or a slice of lemon or lime. The Caesar is a popular choice in Canada and is of course known for its savory and spicy flavor.
10. Dark and Stormy
The Dark and Stormy is a rum-based cocktail that is made with dark rum and ginger beer, and garnished with a slice of lime. It is a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail. Although you might think of it as a sweet cocktail, it really all comes down to the ingredients you use. Opt for a spicy and less-sweet ginger beer and you have a much more complex flavor combination available.
Dark and Stormy
Ingredients
- 5 cl Dark Rum
- 10 cl Ginger Beer
How to make it
- In a highball glass filled with ice add 6cl dark rum and top with ginger beer.
- Garnish with lime wedge.
How Can You Modify a Cocktail to Be Less Sweet?
With any of the above options, or even many I didn't list, you always have the option to modify a cocktail to be less sweet:
- Reduce or omit the sweeteners: Many cocktails contain sweeteners such as sugar, simple syrup, or liqueurs with a sweet flavor. You can reduce the amount of these sweeteners or omit them altogether to make the cocktail less sweet.
- Use unsweetened mixers: Instead of using sweetened mixers like soda or fruit juice, try using unsweetened mixers like tonic water, club soda, or certain ginger beers. These mixers have a more neutral or slightly bitter flavor, which can help balance out the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Use citrus juices: Citrus juices like lemon, lime, and grapefruit have a natural acidity that can help cut through the sweetness of a cocktail. You can use these juices to add flavor and balance to a cocktail without adding too much sweetness.
- Experiment with savory ingredients: Adding savory ingredients like herbs, spices, or vegetables can help balance out the sweetness of a cocktail. For example, a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a few dashes of hot sauce or brine can add depth and complexity to a cocktail without adding sweetness.
- Use a simpler spirit: Some spirits, like liqueurs and fortified wines, have a higher sugar content and therefore can make a cocktail sweeter. Using a more basic spirit like vodka or gin can help reduce the sweetness of the cocktail.
It's important to keep in mind that modifying a cocktail can change its flavor profile, so it's always a good idea to experiment, and taste and adjust the ingredients until you find the balance that's just right.
Final Thoughts
Savory cocktails offer a delicious and refreshing change of pace from the usual sweet cocktails. From spicy margaritas to summery gin and tonics, there's a savory cocktail out there for everyone.
I hope that this post has introduced you to some new and exciting savory cocktail recipes and has given you the inspiration and knowledge to try making them at home. And don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs, spices, and savory garnishes to create your own unique and tasty concoctions. Cheers!
