The world of Asian cocktails is a fascinating and complex one. It is a world that is steeped in tradition and culture, with each recipe having a unique story to tell.
From sweet and fruity to sour and spicy, there are countless Asian ingredients that can be used to make a delicious cocktail.
One of the most exciting things about Asian cocktails is the vast array of flavors that they offer. The use of exotic fruits, spices, and herbs creates a unique drinking experience that is unlike anything else.
Each ingredient is carefully chosen to complement the other, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors that is both refreshing and satisfying.
Asian cocktails are also known for their health benefits. Many of the ingredients used in these cocktails are packed with antioxidants and other nutrients that are beneficial to the body.
For example, ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while lemongrass is a natural diuretic. These ingredients not only add flavor to the cocktail but also provide a host of health benefits.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the best Asian cocktail recipes that you can try at home. From classic recipes that have been passed down through generations to modern twists on old favorites, we will showcase the best that Asian cocktails have to offer.
Whether you are a seasoned bartender or a cocktail enthusiast looking to try something new, this post is for you. So, sit back, relax, and let us take you on a journey through the world of Asian cocktails.
1. Peking Cocktail
The Peking Cocktail is a rum-based drink with a hint of anise flavor. The addition of Pernod, a liqueur infused with Chinese star anise, adds a unique herbal note to the drink.
The cocktail is sweet, tart, and herbal, making it a perfect drink to enjoy on a hot summer day. Even if you're not a fan of anise, the flavors blend together so well that the anise taste is not overpowering.
2. Thai Lemongrass Margarita
The Thai Lemongrass Margarita is a refreshing and unique twist on the classic margarita. Infused with fresh lemongrass, ginger, and cilantro, this cocktail is a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors. The natural agave nectar used to sweeten the cocktail gives it a healthier touch.
The lemongrass adds a mild lemony flavor that is both sour and herbal, making it a perfect addition to a Thai-inspired menu. This cocktail is versatile and can be paired with a variety of foods, making it a great choice for any occasion. If you're looking for a refreshing and exciting cocktail to impress your guests, the Thai Lemongrass Margarita is definitely worth trying.
3. Asian Persuasion Cocktail
The Asian Persuasion Cocktail is a unique blend of Canadian gin and Japanese matcha powder, resulting in a fusion drink that perfectly combines East and West. The gin used in this cocktail is Ungava Gin, made with hand-picked ingredients found in the far north reaches of Quebec, Canada.
The gin's bright yellow color comes from the Nordic Juniper, Wild Rose Hips, Cloudberry, Crowberry, Arctic Blend, and Labrador Tea that are infused in the spirit. The Asian Persuasion Cocktail is a refreshing and herbal drink that is perfect for anyone looking for a unique and exotic cocktail experience. If you're looking for a drink that will take your taste buds on a trip, the Asian Persuasion Cocktail is definitely worth trying.
4. Asian Pear Mojito
The Asian Pear Mojito is a refreshing and unique twist on the classic mojito cocktail. Made with honey simple syrup and pieces of Asian pear, this cocktail offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
The gritty texture of the pear skin adds an interesting element to the drink, while the firmness of the fruit ensures that it doesn't get too mushy. The Asian Pear Mojito is a great choice for those looking to try something new and exciting in their cocktail repertoire.
5. Yuzu Whiskey Sour
Yuzu Whiskey Sour is a Japanese twist on the classic American whiskey cocktail. Made with Japanese whiskey, yuzu juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup, it's perfectly balanced and refreshing. The addition of egg white creates a frothy layer that adds to the overall texture and taste of the cocktail.
The yuzu juice adds a citrusy and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the whiskey, while the egg white creates a smooth and creamy texture. Overall, it's a must-try for anyone looking to explore Asian-inspired cocktails.
6. Japanese Cocktail
The Japanese Cocktail is a classic cocktail that originated in New York City. It is a perfect blend of French and Caribbean ingredients, including Cognac, Curaçao, Orgeat syrup, and Angostura bitters.
The drink is named after Tateishi Onojirou Noriyuki, a member of the first Japanese mission to the United States, who may have created this original recipe for his friend. The cocktail has a smooth and balanced taste that is sure to please. If you are looking for a unique and delicious cocktail, the Japanese Cocktail is definitely worth trying.
7. The Benefit
"The Benefit" is a beautiful pink sake cocktail that is perfect for a small crowd. Made with ginger, lemongrass, and grapefruit, this cocktail is a refreshing and unique twist on traditional sake. The addition of vodka gives it an extra kick, making it perfect for those who like their cocktails with a bit of a punch.
What sets this cocktail apart is the use of a high-quality Junmai Gingo sake called Momokawa Silver, which adds a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients. If you're looking for a cocktail that is both delicious and visually stunning, "The Benefit" is definitely worth trying. So gather your friends and give it a go!
8. Singapore Sling
The Singapore Sling is a classic gin cocktail that originated in Singapore in 1915. This refreshing and fruity drink has a pink color that resembles fruit juice and packs a real punch with a fair amount of alcohol. The recipe has many variations, but a proper Sling contains gin, cherry liqueur, Cointreau, Benedictine, pineapple juice, lime juice, and soda water.
It is garnished with a cocktail cherry, slice of lemon, or a small wedge of pineapple. The drink is perfect for those who like their cocktails on the sweeter side, and it's incredibly refreshing. If you're a gin lover, the Singapore Sling is a must-try cocktail that will transport you to the tropical paradise of Singapore.
9. Strawberry Soju Cocktail With Basil and Ginger
The Strawberry Soju Cocktail With Basil and Ginger is a refreshing and easy-to-make drink that is perfect for any occasion. The cocktail features a combination of fresh or frozen strawberries, basil, ginger, and soju, which is a fizzy and smooth Korean liquor. The drink is muddled to release the flavors of the ingredients, and then shaken with ice to create a cold and refreshing beverage.
The cocktail is garnished with a sliced strawberry and a sprig of basil, making it a beautiful and delicious drink that is perfect for sipping on a warm summer day. If you're looking for a unique and flavorful Asian cocktail recipe to try, the Strawberry Soju Cocktail With Basil and Ginger is definitely worth a taste.
10. Raspberry Sweet Tea Sake Cocktail
The Raspberry Sweet Tea Sake Cocktail is a refreshing blend of fruity raspberry tea and mild Japanese fermented rice wine, sake. It's a smooth and sippable tea cocktail that's perfect for spring weather.
Sake is a versatile ingredient that's perfect for mixing in fruit-based cocktails. The Raspberry Sweet Tea Sake Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a light and fruity cocktail.
11. Lychee Mai Tai
The Lychee Mai Tai is a tropical and refreshing cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. This Asian-inspired cocktail is made with a combination of dark and light rum, amaretto, Cointreau, and fresh lime juice. The addition of lychees gives it a unique and exotic flavor that is sure to impress.
This cocktail is perfect for those who love fruity and boozy drinks. The garnishes of lychee, mint sprig, and lime shell add a festive touch to this already beautiful cocktail. If you're looking for a vacation in a glass, the Lychee Mai Tai is the perfect choice.
12. The Sake Lychee Martini
The Sake Lychee Martini is a refreshing and elegant cocktail that is perfect for any party or romantic date night. With just two simple ingredients, this signature cocktail is easy to make and impresses with its unique taste.
The sweet and juicy lychees are paired with a nice sake to create a perfect balance of flavors. The cherry blossom season inspired the addition of flowers as a garnish, making it a beautiful drink to serve. If you're looking for a simple yet impressive cocktail to serve your guests, give the Sake Lychee Martini a try.
13. Yuzu Tom Collins
The Yuzu Tom Collins is a refreshing and exotic twist on the classic Tom Collins cocktail. This Asian-inspired drink uses the fragrant citrus fruit yuzu, which is found in Japan, Korea, and China, instead of lemon. Yuzu's tart and fragrant flavor profile adds a unique dimension to the classic cocktail, making it perfect for a hot summer day.
Although the fruit is hard to find in the US, the juice can be easily sourced from Amazon, Whole Foods, or local Asian markets. The Yuzu Tom Collins is a must-try for those looking for a refreshing and unique cocktail experience.
14. Spicy Thai Basil Cucumber Cocktail
The Spicy Thai Basil Cucumber Cocktail is a refreshing and spicy drink that perfectly captures the flavors of Thai cuisine. Made with cucumber juice, Thai basil, lime, and white rum, this cocktail is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The addition of jalapeno and banana peppers adds a subtle heat that lingers on the palate.
The Chinese Five Color peppers used as a garnish are not only visually stunning but also pack a punch of heat. This cocktail is perfect for a summer evening or for impressing guests at a cocktail party. Overall, the Spicy Thai Basil Cucumber Cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves the flavors of Thai cuisine and enjoys a little bit of heat in their cocktails.
15. Yuzu Pop
If you're on the hunt for an Asian-inspired cocktail that's both refreshing and unique, then look no further than the Yuzu Pop. This cocktail takes the classic Moscow Mule and gives it a Japanese twist by using Nankai Shochu instead of vodka, ginger ale instead of ginger beer, and yuzu juice for a citrusy kick.
The result is a delicious and refreshing cocktail that's perfect for any occasion. What sets the Yuzu Pop apart from other cocktails is its lower calorie and sugar content, making it a healthier option without sacrificing taste. So why not give this Japanese Mule a try and see for yourself why it's one of the most popular cocktails at Shin-sen-gumi Restaurant in Gardena, CA?
16. Butterfly Pea Cocktail
The Butterfly Pea Cocktail is a stunning violet-colored drink that will definitely turn heads at any party. Made with butterfly pea flowers, which are cultivated and dried to be used as tea in Southeast Asia, this cocktail is caffeine-free and loaded with antioxidants.
The tea is brewed and turned into ice cubes, which are added to a mix of fresh citrus juice and vodka. As the ice melts, the cocktail changes color from blue to varying shades of purple, making it a mesmerizing drink to sip on. This cocktail is perfect for those who want to try something new and unique, and it's sure to impress your guests.
17. Lychee Lime Fizz
The Lychee Lime Fizz is a light and refreshing cocktail that's perfect for cooling off on hot summer nights. With subtle flavors of lychee and lime, this cocktail is reminiscent of a meringue, as described by the creator's husband.
The cocktail is made by muddling mint leaves and lychees with syrup, honey, vodka, and lime juice, then shaking with ice and topping with sparkling water. Garnished with a few additional lychees, this cocktail is sure to impress your guests. If you're looking for a unique and refreshing Asian-inspired cocktail, the Lychee Lime Fizz is definitely worth trying.
18. Lychee Ginger Fizz
Looking for a refreshing and unique Asian-inspired cocktail? Look no further than the Lychee Ginger Fizz. This cocktail is perfect for any season, with the sweetness of lychees and the warmth of ginger creating a perfect balance of flavors.
The ginger syrup used in the cocktail adds a touch of spice, while the lychees give it a refreshing and fruity taste. This cocktail is perfect for sipping on a warm summer evening or enjoying by the fire on a cold winter night. Trust us, you won't want to miss out on this delicious and versatile cocktail.
