15 Best Savoury Cocktail Recipes: Gin, Tequila, Vodka, and More

November 04, 2024 by

What makes a cocktail savoury?

A savoury cocktail comes to the party with flavours we don’t typically associate with drinks. Instead, these drinks shine the spotlight on ingredients like herbs, spices, vegetables, and rich umami elements.

Rather than using fruity ingredients that inspire drinks like the classic Daiquiri or Margarita, savoury cocktails are packed with salty, bitter, and earthy flavours, making way for a totally different taste experience.

What makes these drinks stand out is their use of unexpected ingredients. A touch of olive brine in a Martini adds a salty, savoury note, while fresh herbs like basil or coriander can bring in a layer of complexity that keeps will keep your taste buds guessing. Jalapeño, basil, celery, and even bacon can all be used to give a cocktail that savoury edge.

For fearless cocktail fans, these savoury profiles present a fun challenge, offering something that’s more than just your normal cocktail. Instead, salty, bitter, and earthy flavours come together in intriguing ways that make these drinks memorable, perfect for foodies who want to try something truly unique.

Essential ingredients for savoury cocktails

Savoury cocktails come to life thanks to a singular combination of ingredients that bring bold, rich flavours to the table. These key elements often include herbs, spices, vegetables, and umami-rich components. Let’s break down the essentials.

Herbs

Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, rosemary, and coriander add bright, fragrant notes to cocktails. Rosemary pairs beautifully with gin, while basil brings a subtle pepperiness that can balance more earthy or spicy flavours. Thyme works well in vodka or bourbon-based drinks, lending a woody, savoury depth.

Spices

For those who like a little heat, spices are a game-changer. Ingredients like black pepper, jalapeño, cayenne, and smoked paprika provide a bit of heat and smokiness. A Spicy Margarita with jalapeño and cayenne delivers a bold, fiery flavour that pairs well with tequila, while pink peppercorn can elevate a Bloody Mary to a new level of complexity.

Vegetables

Vegetables play a huge role in savoury cocktails. Celery, cucumber, peppers, and tomato are some of the most common. Celery in a Bloody Mary or cucumber in a Gin and Tonic offers a gorgeous crunch while peppers or tomatoes can be muddled or blitzed to bring earthiness and richness to the mix. These ingredients often enhance a base spirit’s natural flavours, ensuring that the drink feels well-rounded.

Umami ingredients

Umami lies at the heart of many of the best savoury cocktails. Ingredients like soy sauce, miso, and bacon can bring a salty, hearty element to a drink. Worcestershire sauce is a must in a Bloody Mary, while soy sauce can bring an unexpected depth to a whiskey or bourbon cocktail. Miso adds a rich, umami-packed punch, while bacon-washed spirits add smokiness to classic and new-fangled clinkers.

Also see: Exploring Umami Cocktails

5 Classic savoury cocktails to try

Ready to mix up some deeply delicious drinks? Here are a few of our favourite savoury cocktail recipes to make when you’re feeling adventurous behind the cocktail shaker:

1. Dirty Martini

A Dirty Martini is one of the most famous savoury cocktails, and it’s undeniably glamorous. This unique Martini has a lovely saltiness that draws the flavours of vodka and dry vermouth into a fresh, firm focus. It’s a total classic and easy to whip up, making it ideal for those occasions that call for something a little different.

TOP TIP: Serve it with pizza bianco topped with blue cheese and sliced green olives to echo the base flavours of this sensational sipper.

Make it with: Cinzano Bianco

Get schooled: What is a Dirty Cocktail?

2. Parmesan Espresso Martini

Looking for creative Espresso Martini recipes with an umami kick? Then you’ve got to try the Parmesan Espresso Martini. Adding a grating of Parmesan cheese to a cocktail might sound like a wild idea, but cheese and coffee are the ultimate power couple. Go on, give it a go!

Make it with: SKYY Vodka

Cheers! 9 Creative Espresso Martini Variations

3. Pickle Juice Whiskey Sour

The Pickle Juice Whiskey Sour, a tantalising blend of tangy pickle juice, smooth whiskey, and zesty citrus, is a captivating drink that takes a delightful detour. If you enjoy going off the beaten track, this one’s for you.

Make it with: Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon

4. Kimchi Bloody Mary

Give your brunch a spicy Korean twist with our mouth-watering Kimchi Bloody Mary. Savoury, slightly sweet, and packed with spicy, zingy flavours, it’s an acquired taste, but if you love a fermented vibe, it will blow your socks off!

5. Michelada

The Michelada is also similar in style to the traditional Bloody Mary, with fizzy beer, lime juice, assorted sauces, spices, and chilli peppers in the mix. Some recipes add tomato juice, but we prefer it without. And our secret ingredient? Adding a splash of soy sauce for a deep umami taste. This is the perfect drink to kick off your next Taco Tuesday.

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Savoury gin cocktails

6. Red Snapper

Our fiery Red Snapper cocktail is a zesty clinker that offers a burst of fresh flavour in every sip. This invigorating tall drink is a perfect companion for lively gatherings, making it an ideal choice for everything from brunchtime gatherings to summery picnics.

Make it with: Bulldog Gin

7. Grin & Carrot

The Grin & Carrot cocktail delivers a refreshing blend of earthy carrot juice, zesty citrus, and a touch of savoury spice, balanced by the warmth of gin and caraway. To make one, start by using a muddler to crack 5 caraway seeds in a cocktail shaker. Add 45 ml gin, 30 ml carrot juice, 15 ml sugar syrup, 15 ml lemon juice, and 10 ml dry vermouth. Shake well, and double strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a fennel frond and serve.

8. Savoury Hunter

This Savoury Hunter cocktail combines bold Thai-inspired flavours with lemongrass-infused gin for a unique, fragrant experience. To make it, muddle a few coriander leaves and a Thai chilli slice with 20 ml lime juice and 20 ml cream of coconut in a cocktail shaker. Add 60 ml lemongrass-infused gin and ice and shake until frosty. Strain into a glass with crushed ice, garnish with a Thai chilli, and enjoy!

To make the infused gin, steep chopped lemongrass in gin for 48 hours, strain, and refrigerate.

Savoury tequila cocktails

9. Spicy Margarita

The Margarita has given birth to a massive number of variations, and they are dominating cocktail menus across the globe. If life’s given you a few limes and you have a forgotten jar of jalapeños in your fridge, then it’s time to learn how to make a Spicy Margarita with just the right amount of heat.

Make it with: Espolón Tequila Blanco

10. Chinese Hot Mustard

The Chinese Hot Mustard cocktail delivers a bold, tangy kick with an intriguing balance of zingy citrus, leaving a warm, spicy finish that’s both unexpected and delightful. To make one, add 45 ml blanco tequila, 15 ml fresh lime juice, 20 ml grenadine, 30 ml orange juice, and 20 ml hot mustard to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake, and strain into a chilled coupe glass.

Make it with: Espolòn Tequila Blanco

Savoury vodka cocktails

11. Tomato Martini

The Tomato Martini is a savoury twist on the classic Martini, offering a bright, earthy, and slightly tangy flavour with a hint of spice. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a bolder, more robust sip. This drink shines at brunch or summer gatherings, pairing well with canapés like bruschetta or Mediterranean small plates on warm days.

12. Everything Bagel Martini

The Everything Bagel Martini blends savoury and briny flavours with a clever twist. To make one, stir 90 ml gin and 20 ml olive juice in a mixing glass filled with ice. Coat half of a Martini glass rim with 30 ml of sugar syrup and dip in everything bagel spice. Add 15 ml dry vermouth to the glass, swirl, and discard. Strain the gin mix into the glass and garnish with one or two blue cheese-stuffed olives.

Savoury mezcal cocktails

13. Spicy Negroni

The Spicy Negroni is sultry and smoky with the warming hum of sun-ripened ancho chiles. Its flavour is revealed sip by sip as you delve deeper into layers that are bitter, smoky, and spicy. It’s a cocktail that ignites the senses and leaves a lingering impression long after your glass is empty.

Make it with: Ancho Reyes Original

14. Salsa Sunset

The Salsa Sunset Margarita boasts a beautiful blend of red bell pepper and jalapeño heat, balanced with earthy mezcal and fresh coriander. To make one, muddle a few coriander leaves (stems removed) with 45 ml red bell pepper juice. Add 90 ml mezcal, the juice of half a lime, 45 ml agave nectar, and a pinch of smoked salt. Shake with ice and strain into a frosted serving glass.

To make spicy bell pepper juice, puree a red bell pepper (stemmed, seeded and cut into pieces) and a jalapeño until smooth. Press the purée through a fine mesh sieve with a spatula. This will make about 120 ml of juice.

Make it with: Montelobos Mezcal

Savoury bourbon cocktails

15. Bacon Old Fashioned

Ever heard of fat-washing? If not, check out this guide to see how to pull it off. Fat-washing changes the texture of a drink by infusing it with the flavours and aromas of the chosen fat source. Try an Old Fashioned made with bacon-infused bourbon to experience pure umami bliss.

Tips for creating your own savoury cocktails at home

Crafting your own savory cocktails at home can be a fun, creative process. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can turn a simple drink into something bold and memorable. Here are a few practical tips to get you started:

Start with a compelling base spirit: Choose a spirit with a strong flavour profile. Gin, mezcal, and bourbon are great options because their inherent flavours—botanical, earthy, or rich—stand up well to savoury ingredients.

Add layers of savoury flavours: Once you have your liquor, start adding layers with fresh herbs, spices, or vegetables. Think basil, coriander, black pepper, or celery, but don’t be scared to push the boundaries — experiment with creative flavours.

Balance the drink: While you’re aiming for savoury, balance is key. A hint of citrus (like lemon or lime) or a subtle sweetener like agave or honey can help to even out the flavours, keeping the drink from becoming too intense.

Garnish for extra flavour: Garnishes do more than just make your drink look pretty—they add an extra layer of flavour. Celery, olives, and even bacon are all great choices, depending on the drink. Play around and turn your next cocktail party into delicious, snackable experience.

Food pairings

Savoury cocktails really shine when paired with the right kind of snacky bits. They’re a perfect match for canapés, small plates and tapas. The salty, herbal notes in the drink complement rich or spicy bites, creating a satisfying combination. For instance:

Dirty Martini: Charcuterie board with olives, marinated artichokes, and sharp cheeses such as aged cheddar or Parmigiano Reggiano.

Parmesan Espresso Martini: Truffle fries or a cheese platter with hard cheeses like Parmesan or Pecorino.

Kimchi Bloody Mary: Korean-inspired brunch bites, like kimchi pancakes or spicy scrambled eggs with sausage.

Pickle Juice Whiskey Sour: Fried pickles or deviled eggs with a pickle garnish.

Michelada: Pulled pork tacos or shrimp ceviche.

Well, what are you waiting for, foodies? Go whip up some savoury deliciousness and remember to tag us when you post those tasty pics to Instagram. In the meantime, sign up for our newsletter, and visit the SKYY Vodka, Wild Turkey Bourbon, and Montelobos Mezcal websites if you need more recipe inspiration.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A savoury cocktail emphasises flavours like herbs, spices, vegetables, and umami-rich ingredients rather than sweetness. These drinks feature bold elements such as olive brine, jalapeños, and even bacon, yielding a complex, salty, and earthy profile. They offer a unique alternative to the typical fruity or sweet cocktails, perfect for adventurous drinkers who enjoy deeper flavours.

Savoury cocktails use ingredients that enhance salty, bitter, or earthy flavours. Common components include herbs like basil and rosemary, spices like black pepper and jalapeño, and vegetables like celery and tomato. Umami ingredients like soy sauce, miso, Worcestershire sauce, and bacon also contribute, adding richness and depth that balance the sweetness in the drink.

Absolutely! Tequila works beautifully in savoury cocktails. Its robust character pairs well with ingredients like jalapeño, tomato, or coriander. A Spicy Margarita is a great example, balancing the spirit’s bold flavours with savoury elements like chilli and lime for a perfectly layered drink.

Yes, savoury cocktails are versatile enough for every season. While richer, umami-driven drinks like the Bloody Mary or Bacon Old Fashioned are perfect for autumn and winter, lighter savoury cocktails such as a Cucumber Gin & Tonic or a Michelada are lovely to serve during spring and summer. It's all about finding the right balance for the occasion.

To make a savoury cocktail, start by choosing a bold spirit like gin, mezcal, or bourbon. Add layers of flavour with herbs, spices, and vegetables, and balance it with a hint of citrus or a subtle sweetener like honey. Don't forget garnishes like olives or bacon to elevate the drink. Experiment, have fun, and find what works best for your palate!