Ready to shake up your cocktail game? Drinks like seaweed gimlet and bone broth bloody marys are at the forefront of a wild and crazy cocktail craze. Whether a cocktail connoisseur or just curious about the latest trends, these bold creations are impossible to ignore.
You’ll find unexpected flavors in the newest cocktail trends, from pickle-flavored vodka to bacon-infused whiskey and cheesy gin fizzes. Rest assured, your taste buds are in for a surprise. Read on to discover new, adventurous cocktails and how you can make them at home.
Briny and pickled drinks
Pickled flavors have made their way from charcuterie boards to cocktail glasses, becoming a surprising hit among adventurous drinkers. The tangy taste of brine creates cocktails with a palate-cleansing flavor that cuts through the richness of heavy meals.
The pickleback shot is a fan favorite that has carved out its place in bar culture. Starting with a shot of whiskey, the drinker follows it with a shot of pickle brine. Though seemingly jarring, this unusual pairing has a playful and rebellious charm. For those who enjoy a classic cocktail, the pickle Martini takes the familiar and gives it an unexpected twist. By swapping olive brine for pickle juice, this cocktail delivers a sharp and acidic punch that will impress anyone who enjoys briny flavors with a side of sophistication.
You can make pickle-inspired drinks at home by creating a simple pickle-infused vodka. Start by slicing pickles and leaving them to steep in a bottle of vodka for two to three days. Once the infusion is complete, strain the solids and you’ll have a versatile base for briny cocktails at home.
Smokey and salty sips
The combination of smoky and salty flavors taps into a primal sense of comfort. While the smoky notes evoke warmth and coziness, the salty undertones bring out the drink’s complexity, making each sip of these crazy cocktails a journey.
The bacon old fashioned upgrades one of the most iconic whiskey cocktails with the smoky essence of bacon fat. The resulting cocktail is robust and indulgent with a light umami flavor that is balanced without feeling overwhelming. For a sweeter option, the maple bacon Manhattan offers a tasteful mix of smoky and sugar with bacon-washed whiskey and a touch of maple syrup. The vermouth adds a herbal depth, creating a delicious, sweet and savory cocktail.
To recreate the magic of these cocktails, you can fat-wash your spirits in less than two days. Add a small amount of rendered bacon fat to your whiskey and let the mixture sit for 24 hours at room temperature. After this, freeze your mixture until the fat solidifies and strain out the solids for a smooth and smoky whiskey.
Umami-forward beverages
Umami, the savory fifth taste, is making waves in the cocktail world, bringing a surprising and complex depth to beverages. Umami cocktails are a creative and unexpected sensory experience, perfect for drinkers who appreciate bold and layered flavors.
The Parmesan gin fizz upgrades the classic cocktail with a generous dose of umami. Grated Parmesan cheese creates a cream base that pairs beautifully with the herbaceous gin, resulting in a smooth, luxurious and unique cocktail. To create this cocktail at home, whisk finely grated Parmesan into heavy cream till it thickens into a light, frothy foam to be spooned on top of your cocktail.
Similarly, the bone broth bloody mary takes this iconic brunch cocktail to a new level by using chilled bone broth for the base. This gives the drink a rich and full-bodied flavor that complements the spiciness of traditional bloody mary seasonings. Packed with protein and depth, this easy-to-make cocktail just needs chilled bone broth that can be homemade or even store bought.
Sweet and savory crossovers
Sweet and savory cocktails offer a delicious balance of opposing flavors. For those who appreciate complexity and surprise, these drinks deliver a wonderful twist on the traditional cocktail experience.
The herbaceous margarita transforms this beloved tequila-based drink with rosemary, thyme or basil infusions. This earthy and aromatic drink is refreshing, intriguing and perfect for outdoor gatherings. To make this drink at home, infuse simple syrups with fresh herbs by simmering them with sugar and water. Strain out the solids and experiment with different proportions of the herbs to curate your personalized flavor.
The smoked honey whiskey sour is another bold take on a classic. With tangy lemon juice and the smoky sweetness of honey, this whiskey cocktail is a must try for chilly evenings or sophisticated nights out. Bringing these flavors to life is as simple as lightly heating honey over wood chips or adding a few drops of liquid smoke to your drink.
Wild and whimsical mixology
Combining quirky ingredients with playful presentations, drinks like the candy floss Martini are perfect for drinkers who enjoy the unexpected. These whimsical beverages are a delicious treat for both your taste buds and eyes.
The candy floss Martini is a drinkable spectacle served with a tuft of cotton candy perched on the glass. As the candy melts, it adds a subtle and whimsical sweetness to the drink. This quick garnish can transform any drink into a delicious, multi-sensory experience.
Taking it a step further, the seaweed gimlet features a seaweed-infused gin that combines the traditional gimlet’s crispness with the saline notes of the ocean. This salty yet balanced flavor profile appeals to adventurous palates and can be made at home by steeping dried seaweed in gin for 24 hours. When the infusion is done, strain out the solids for this interesting spirit with a subtle, briny kick.
Savour new flavors
The evolution of mixology has led to the creation of curious combinations that challenge the palate. With distinct and varied flavor profiles offering endless options fit for any taste, these experimental trends tempt you to have fun with your drinks. Step out of your comfort zone, grab a shaker and try out the wild world of weird cocktails.
Zuzana Paar is the visionary behind four inspiring websites: Amazing Travel Life, Low Carb No Carb, Best Clean Eating and Sustainable Life Idea. As a content creator, recipe developer, blogger and photographer, Zuzana shares her diverse skills through breathtaking travel adventures, healthy recipes and eco-friendly living tips. Her work inspires readers to live their best, healthiest and most sustainable lives.