As a bartender, I've always been fascinated by the art of mixology. The world of cocktails is a vast and ever-changing landscape, with new trends and flavors emerging all the time.
But for me, there's always been something special about aromatic cocktails.
Aromatic cocktails are all about the senses. They're drinks that are designed to be smelled as much as they're meant to be sipped. These cocktails are often made with herbs, spices, and other ingredients that give off a strong, distinct aroma.
When you take a sip of an aromatic cocktail, the scent wafts up to your nose and enhances the flavors on your tongue. It's a truly immersive experience.
What I love about aromatic cocktails is that they're not just about taste, they're about the whole package.
They're about the way the drink looks in the glass, the way it smells, and the way it feels in your hand. They're drinks that are meant to be savored, not rushed.
In this blog post, I'm going to share some of my favorite aromatic cocktail recipes.
From classic drinks that have been around for decades to modern creations that push the boundaries of mixology, these cocktails are sure to please even the most discerning palates. So sit back, relax, and get ready to indulge in the world of aromatic cocktails.
1. Raspberry Italian Soda Champagne Cocktail
The Raspberry Italian Soda Champagne Cocktail is a delightful addition to any celebratory occasion. Made with homemade raspberry vanilla syrup, champagne, and an option to make it creamy, this aromatic cocktail is a treat for the senses. The addition of vanilla to the syrup adds an extra layer of flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cocktail.
The creamy version of the cocktail is a surprising delight that will leave you wanting more. The recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to your liking. Overall, the Raspberry Italian Soda Champagne Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a unique and flavorful cocktail to impress their guests.
2. Kaffir Lime Summer Sipper With Peppermint Foam
The Kaffir Lime Summer Sipper with Peppermint Foam is a complex and refreshing cocktail that engages all senses. The aroma of Kaffir Lime Leaves, mixed with fresh lime juice, agave nectar, and orange bitters, creates a rich and flavorful base. The addition of fresh arugula adds a slightly herbal and spicy note to the drink.
But what makes this cocktail stand out is the homemade peppermint-gin flavored foam made with fresh lemonade and egg whites, which adds a silky texture and an element of surprise to the drinking experience. Topped with Angostura bitters, this cocktail is perfect for sunny afternoons by the pool. Overall, the Kaffir Lime Summer Sipper with Peppermint Foam is a must-try for cocktail enthusiasts looking for a unique and delicious drink.
3. Italicus Cocktail
The Italicus Cocktail is a unique and exotic drink that combines the flavors of bergamot and chamomile. This Italian-inspired cocktail is a refreshing twist on the classic gin sour, with a beautiful aroma and taste that is sure to impress. Italicus Rosolio Di Bergamotto is the star of this cocktail, a lesser-known liqueur that adds a citrusy kick to the drink.
The dehydrated lemon wheels make for a stunning garnish, adding a visual wow-factor to the cocktail. This cocktail is perfect for those who love to try new and exciting flavors in their drinks. If you're looking for a refreshing and aromatic cocktail that will impress your guests, the Italicus Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
4. Meyer Lemon Martini
The Meyer Lemon Martini is a perfect way to welcome the spring season. This cocktail is infused with vanilla simple syrup and fresh-squeezed Meyer lemons, creating a slightly sweet and aromatic flavor.
The vanilla sugar rim adds a delightful touch to the cocktail. It is a unique and refreshing take on the classic lemon martini. The Meyer Lemon Martini is a must-try for anyone who loves a good cocktail.
5. Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for generations. It's a simple yet sophisticated drink made with bourbon, aromatic bitters, and simple syrup.
The cocktail is typically stirred in a mixing glass and strained into a rocks glass over a big cube of ice. It's a perfect balance of flavors and a must-try for anyone looking for a classic cocktail with a rich history.
6. Gin Sour With Butterfly Pea
The Gin Sour with Butterfly Pea is a visually stunning and aromatic cocktail that is sure to impress your guests. Made with Malfy Gin Rosa, grapefruit, pink peppercorn, and a butterfly pea flower simple syrup, this cocktail is a twist on the classic gin sour. The addition of lavender bitters intensifies the floral undertones in the grapefruit gin, while the freshly cracked pink peppercorn adds a bright, citrusy spice.
The butterfly pea flower simple syrup not only adds a beautiful blue color to the cocktail, but also a subtle sweetness. Topped with a pink carnation, this cocktail is a true work of art. If you're looking to impress your guests with a visually stunning and aromatic cocktail, the Gin Sour with Butterfly Pea is a must-try.
7. Manhattan Cocktail
The Manhattan Cocktail is a classic and elegant cocktail that has been around since the late 1800s. Made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, it has a smooth and aromatic blend of flavors with a touch of sweetness.
The cocktail is a perfect choice for those who prefer a classic and easy-to-make cocktail with a perfect balance of spicy and sweet flavors.
8. Rose Water Lemon Drop Martini
The Rose Water Lemon Drop Martini is a refreshing and aromatic cocktail that combines the subtle floral aroma of rose water with tangy and bright lemon juice.
The combination of rose and lemon creates a unique and indulgent experience for your taste buds. The best part? You don't have to break the bank to make it, as rose water is an inexpensive addition that can transform any cocktail from blasé to woohoo!
9. Pink Gin Martini
The Pink Gin Martini is a classic cocktail made with gin and Angostura bitters. It has a slight pink hue and is perfect for those who love a simple yet flavorful drink.
The cocktail originated from the British Royal Navy and is a must-try for those who enjoy a classic cocktail with a twist. It's a refreshing and aromatic cocktail that is sure to impress your guests.
10. Pomegranate Martini
The Pomegranate Martini is a signature cocktail with citrus vodka, fresh lime juice, and orange blossom water. It has a bright, crisp flavor and a gorgeous deep red color. The pomegranate seeds at the bottom of the glass are a delectable treat.
It's perfect for those who want to celebrate the start of the harvest season or enjoy a nod to the past with an ancient fruit. Overall, it's a must-try for those looking for a delicious and aromatic cocktail.
11. The Black Manhattan Cocktail
The Black Manhattan Cocktail is a twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail that features bittersweet Averna amaro in place of sweet vermouth. Created by a bartender at the famous Bourbon & Branch bar in San Francisco, it incorporates a second type of bitters and can be made with either bourbon or rye.
This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy sipping on a strong whiskey drink and want to try something new. It's easy to make and has a grown-up feel that makes it perfect for entertaining friends.
12. Maple Old Fashioned
The Maple Old Fashioned is a perfect cocktail for holiday gatherings or a relaxing Friday night. This aromatic cocktail takes the classic Old-Fashioned ingredients of bourbon, orange, cherry, and bitters and adds a sweet twist with maple and cinnamon.
It's a perfect drink for those who enjoy a little bit of sweetness in their cocktails. The cocktail is easy to make and can be a great signature cocktail for any event. If you're a fan of Old-Fashioned, this drink is definitely worth a try.
13. Cucumber Gin and Elderflower Martini
The Cucumber Gin and Elderflower Martini is a refreshing and aromatic cocktail that is perfect for summer sipping. Made with gin, elderflower liqueur, and fresh cucumber, this cocktail is a match made in heaven in terms of flavor profile. The subtle cucumber notes in every sip make the drink complex and refreshing. The elderflower liqueur adds a sweet and floral touch that compliments the botanical characteristics of gin.
This cocktail is best made with Hendrick's gin, which is infused with subtle cucumber and rose flavors. However, other dry gins can also be used. For a twist, adding fresh basil can give the cocktail an earthy flavor. Overall, the Cucumber Gin and Elderflower Martini is a must-try for anyone who loves a refreshing and aromatic cocktail.
14. Martinez Cocktail
The Martinez Cocktail is a classic and sophisticated drink that combines gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitters. It's part martini, part Manhattan, and has a unique blend of ingredients that create a cozy and balanced drink.
The gin and sweet vermouth make a smooth base, while the maraschino liqueur adds a subtle sweetness that is perfectly balanced by the bitterness of the bitters. It's a must-try for anyone looking for an approachable yet impressive cocktail.
15. Savory Gin Cocktail With Cynar and Beet Juice
The Savory Gin Cocktail with Cynar and Beet Juice is a unique and flavorful twist on a classic gin cocktail. With its intense red hue and savory flavor, this cocktail is perfect for those who prefer their drinks on the less sweet side.
The combination of gin, Cynar, and 100% beet juice creates a complex and aromatic flavor profile that is sure to impress. The addition of aromatic bitters adds a finishing touch to this already delicious cocktail. If you're looking for a new and exciting cocktail to try, the Savory Gin Cocktail with Cynar and Beet Juice is definitely worth a try.
16. Peach Lavender Old Fashioned
The Peach Lavender Old Fashioned is a refreshing and aromatic cocktail that perfectly captures the essence of summer. Made with fresh peaches and bourbon, this cocktail is simple to construct and tastes amazing. The addition of lavender adds a floral note that complements the sweetness of the peaches and the richness of the bourbon.
The peach simple syrup is the star of the show, drawing out the natural tartness of the peaches and infusing the bourbon with a subtle fruitiness. The cocktail is served over a large ice cube and garnished with a peach rose and a sprig of lavender. If you're looking for a cocktail that's both easy to make and delicious, the Peach Lavender Old Fashioned is definitely worth a try.
17. Army & Navy Classic Gin Cocktail
The Army & Navy Classic Gin Cocktail is a timeless drink that combines the tartness of fresh lemon juice with the sweet and creamy orgeat syrup. The addition of Angostura bitters adds depth and complexity to the drink.
Originally created to celebrate a football game between the army and navy, this cocktail has been reimagined over time to suit modern taste preferences. The cocktail is perfect for springtime and can be made even more fresh and floral by using a floral gin or adding a dash of floral bitters.
18. Strawberry Campari Gin Spritz
The Strawberry Campari Gin Spritz is a delightful cocktail that is perfect for any occasion, especially Mother's Day brunch. This aromatic cocktail combines the sweetness of homemade strawberry simple syrup with the bitterness of Campari and the aromatic gin.
The addition of orange juice adds a tangy twist to the cocktail, while the champagne topper gives it a bubbly finish. The combination of flavors in this cocktail is well-balanced, making it a refreshing and satisfying drink. The Strawberry Campari Gin Spritz is definitely one of the best aromatic cocktails out there, and it is sure to impress anyone who tries it.
19. Japanese Roku Gin Cocktail
The Japanese Roku Gin Cocktail with Orange Blossom Syrup is a must-try for anyone looking for a refreshing and light pre-dinner cocktail. The highly fragrant gin is made with six Japanese herbs and florals, including sakura flowers, Gyokuro tea, and Yuzu peel. The resulting botanical flavors are out of this world, especially the citrus notes.
The addition of orange blossom syrup adds a subtle sweetness to the drink, making it perfect for the cozy holiday season. Garnish options include dried chrysanthemum, dried oranges, lime, lemon, or grapefruit peel, and in the summertime, fresh mint leaves and ginger. This cocktail is a true delight for the senses and a must-have for any cocktail lover.
20. Strawberry Margarita
Looking for a refreshing and fruity cocktail to enjoy during the summer? Look no further than the Strawberry Margarita! This classic cocktail combines fresh strawberries, reposado tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar for a touch of sweetness. The use of all-natural ingredients, including agave nectar as a sweetener, makes this cocktail stand out from others that rely on artificial syrups and sweeteners.
The reposado tequila adds a smooth finish and hints of vanilla and toasty, earthy notes from the barrel. While this cocktail is delicious on the rocks, it can also be easily made frozen by blending with ice. Whether you're lounging by the pool or enjoying a night out, the Strawberry Margarita is the perfect choice for a refreshing and flavorful cocktail.
