As a bartender, I have seen my fair share of cocktail trends come and go. Some are just fads that quickly fade away, while others become classics that stand the test of time.
However, there is one ingredient that has recently been gaining popularity and has the potential to become a staple in cocktail menus everywhere – Calamansi.
Calamansi is a small citrus fruit that is native to Southeast Asia. It is a cross between a mandarin orange and a kumquat, and has a unique flavor that is both sweet and sour.
It is commonly used in Filipino cuisine, but has recently been making its way into the cocktail world.
What makes Calamansi so special is its versatility. It can be used in a variety of cocktails, from refreshing spritzes to bold and complex tiki drinks.
Its bright acidity and fragrant aroma make it a perfect complement to a wide range of spirits.
In this blog post, I will be sharing some of my favorite Calamansi cocktail recipes.
Whether you are a seasoned bartender or just someone who enjoys a good drink, these recipes are sure to impress. So, grab your shaker and let’s get mixing!
1. Calamansi Margaritas
Calamansi Margaritas are a tropical twist on the classic margarita cocktail. Made with fresh calamansi, this cocktail is easy to make and requires just a few ingredients. The calamansi adds a unique citrus flavor to the drink, making it a refreshing and delicious option for any occasion.
Whether you're looking to impress your guests or just want to enjoy a refreshing drink on a hot day, Calamansi Margaritas are the perfect choice. So, if you're looking for a new and exciting cocktail to try, be sure to give this one a shot!
2. Calamansi Hard Lemonade
If you're looking for a refreshing and unique cocktail to try this summer, look no further than the Calamansi Hard Lemonade. This cocktail features the tart and sweet flavors of calamansi, a fruit that's a cross between lime and orange. Mixed with vodka and a touch of honey, this drink is the perfect balance of boozy and refreshing.
Topped off with calamansi slices and shiso leaves, it's a visually stunning drink that's sure to impress your guests. Whether you're a fan of traditional lemonade or looking for something new and exciting, the Calamansi Hard Lemonade is a must-try cocktail this summer.
3. Calamansi Cocktail
The Calamansi Cocktail is a refreshing drink made with the juice of the Calamansi lime, a variety of lime tree found in Southeast Asian countries.
It has an intense citrusy fragrance unlike other varieties of limes, making it a key ingredient in many Malaysian recipes. The cocktail is low in calories, with only 93 calories per serving, and is perfect to enjoy with classic Malaysian dishes like Nasi Lemak or Satay.
4. Calamansi Highball
The Calamansi Highball is a refreshing and citrusy cocktail that is perfect for those who love a tangy twist in their drinks. Made with Nankai Shochu, soda water, and calamansi juice, this cocktail is a simple yet delicious take on the classic highball structure.
Calamansi, a small citrus fruit that is commonly used in Filipino cuisine, gives this cocktail its tart and sour flavor, while the sweet peel adds a hint of sweetness. The Calamansi Highball is perfect for summer, brunch, or for enjoying with seafood and grilled chicken dishes. If you're looking for a new and exciting cocktail to try, the Calamansi Highball is definitely worth a shot.
5. Calamansi Lime Margaritas
The Calamansi Lime Margarita is a refreshing and unique twist on the classic margarita. Made with fresh calamansi juice, tequila, and a sweet and salty garnish of li hing mui salt, this cocktail is a must-try for margarita lovers. Calamansi limes, a citrus fruit commonly grown in Southeast Asian countries, offer a sour and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the li hing mui salt.
This cocktail is not only delicious but also offers health benefits such as antioxidants and immunity-boosting properties. If you're looking to try a new and exciting cocktail, the Calamansi Lime Margarita is definitely worth a taste.
6. Calamansi Margarita
The Calamansi Margarita is a tropical twist on the classic margarita, featuring the tiny citrus fruits popular in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. This cocktail is perfect for those who love fresh lime margaritas and are looking for a new and exciting flavor. The combination of silver or blanco tequila, orange liqueur, calamansi juice, and simple syrup creates a well-balanced and refreshing drink.
The calamansi fruit adds a bright, tart flavor that is reminiscent of a cross between lemon and lime. The cocktail is best served in a salt-rimmed glass with a large ice cube to prevent dilution. If you're looking for a fun and unique cocktail to try, the Calamansi Margarita is definitely worth a taste!
7. Dark and Stormy
The Dark and Stormy is a Caribbean cocktail that has gained popularity in recent years. This spicy cocktail is made with dark rum, lime, and ginger beer. The addition of calamansi lime juice in this recipe adds a unique twist to the classic cocktail. The recipe also calls for Koloa Rum Company's spiced and dark rums, which add a touch of warmth and sweetness to the drink.
The author's personal experience with calamansi limes and Koloa Rum Company's rum make this recipe even more enticing. The Dark and Stormy is a simple yet flavorful cocktail that is perfect for rum lovers who want a little spice in their drink.
8. Roasted Pineapple Hawaiian Mule Cocktail
The Roasted Pineapple Hawaiian Mule Cocktail is a delicious variation of the classic Moscow Mule. The recipe uses Koloa Kaua'i Gold rum instead of vodka, which gives it a sweet and caramelly taste with notes of sugar cane, banana, and pineapple.
The pineapple is roasted with a bit of lime and raw sugar, and then caramelized with a kitchen torch, adding a smoky flavor to the drink. The Calamansi juice used instead of lime adds a sweet-tart taste to the cocktail. This drink is perfect for summer and is sure to be a hit at any party or gathering.
