15 Savory Cocktails: Bold and Flavorful Drinks to Try at Home

November 04, 2024 by

What makes a cocktail savory?

A savory cocktail comes to the party with flavors 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, savory cocktails are packed with salty, bitter and earthy flavors 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, savory note, while fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can bring in a layer of complexity that will keep your taste buds guessing. Jalapeño, basil, celery, and even bacon can all be used to give a cocktail that savory edge.

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

Essential ingredients for savory cocktails

Savory cocktails come to life thanks to a singular combination of ingredients that bring bold, rich flavors 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 cilantro add bright, fragrant notes to cocktails. Rosemary pairs beautifully with gin, while basil brings a subtle pepperiness that can balance more earthy or spicy flavors. Thyme works well in vodka or bourbon-based drinks, lending a woody, savory 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 flavor 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 savory cocktails. Celery, cucumber, bell 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 bell peppers or tomatoes can be muddled or blitzed to bring earthiness and richness to the mix. These ingredients often enhance a base liquor’s natural flavors, ensuring that the drink feels well-rounded.

Umami ingredients

Umami lies at the heart of many of the best savory 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 liquors add smokiness to classic and new-fangled clinkers.

Also see: Exploring Umami Cocktails

5 Classic savory cocktails to try

Ready to mix up some deeply delicious drinks? Here are a few of our favorite savory 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 savory cocktails, and it’s undeniably glamorous. This unique Martini has a lovely saltiness that draws the flavors 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 flavors 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 tantalizing 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. Savory, slightly sweet, and packed with spicy, zingy flavors, 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 chili 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.

Deck the Halls: 15 Perfect Holiday Food & Cocktail Pairings to Impress Your Guests

Savory gin cocktails

6. Red Snapper

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

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 savory 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 1.5 oz gin, 1 oz carrot juice, 0.5 oz simple syrup, 0.5 oz lemon juice, and 0.25 oz dry vermouth. Shake well, and double strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a fennel frond and serve.

8. Savory Hunter

This Savory Hunter cocktail combines bold Thai-inspired flavors with lemongrass-infused gin for a unique, fragrant experience. To make it, muddle a few cilantro leaves and a Thai chili slice with 0.75 oz lime juice and 0.75 oz cream of coconut in a cocktail shaker. Add 2 oz lemongrass-infused gin and ice and shake until frosty. Strain into a glass with crushed ice, garnish with a Thai chili, and enjoy!

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

Savory tequila cocktails

9. Spicy Margarita

The classic 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 1.5 oz blanco tequila, 0.5 oz fresh lime juice, 0.75 oz grenadine, 1 oz orange juice, and 0.25 oz hot mustard to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake, and strain into a chilled coupe glass.

Make it with: Espolòn Tequila Blanco

Savory vodka cocktails

11. Tomato Martini

The Tomato Martini is a savory twist on the classic Martini, offering a bright, earthy, and slightly tangy flavor 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 appetizers like bruschetta or Mediterranean small plates on warm days.

12. Everything Bagel Martini

The Everything Bagel Martini blends savory and briny flavors with a clever twist. To make one, stir 3 oz gin and 0.75 oz olive juice in a mixing glass filled with ice. Coat half of a Martini glass rim with 1 oz of simple syrup and dip in everything bagel spice. Add 0.5 oz 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.

Savory mezcal cocktails

13. Spicy Negroni

The Spicy Negroni is sultry and smoky with the warming hum of sun-ripened ancho chiles. Its flavor 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 cilantro. To make one, muddle a few cilantro leaves (stems removed) with 1.5 oz red bell pepper juice. Add 3 oz mezcal, the juice of half a lime, 1.5 oz 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 6 oz of juice.

Make it with: Montelobos Mezcal

Savory bourbon cocktails

15. Bacon Old Fashioned

Ever heard of fat-washing? If not, check out this guide to see how to pull it off like a pro. Fat-washing changes the texture of a drink by infusing it with the flavors 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 savory 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 liquor: Choose a liquor with a strong flavor profile. Gin, mezcal, and bourbon are great options because their inherent flavors—botanical, earthy, or rich—stand up well to savory ingredients.

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

Balance the drink: While you’re aiming for savory, 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 flavors, keeping the drink from becoming too intense.

Garnish for extra flavor: Garnishes do more than just make your drink look pretty—they add an extra layer of flavor. 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

Savory cocktails really shine when paired with the right kind of snacky bits. They’re a perfect match for appetizers, 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 savory 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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A savory cocktail emphasizes flavors 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 flavors.

Savory cocktails use ingredients that enhance salty, bitter, or earthy flavors. 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 savory cocktails. Its robust character pairs well with ingredients like jalapeño, tomato, or cilantro. A Spicy Margarita is a great example, balancing the liquor's bold flavors with savory elements like chili and lime for a perfectly layered drink.

Yes, savory cocktails are versatile enough for every season. While richer, umami-driven drinks like the Bloody Mary or Bacon Old Fashioned are perfect for fall and winter, lighter savory 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 savory cocktail, start by choosing a bold liquor like gin, mezcal, or bourbon. Add layers of flavor 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!