The Rise of Savory Cocktails: Pushing the Flavor Boundaries

Explicit content warning

11/19/24 • 26 min

🍸 Welcome to another flavorful episode of the Cocktail Academy Podcast! Host Damian Cole dives into one of the most exciting trends shaking up the cocktail scene: savory cocktails. Forget the sugary, citrus-forward classics—this is all about bold umami, salty surprises, and earthy delights. From mushrooms and miso to parmesan and seaweed, bartenders are breaking new ground.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

What Are Savory Cocktails? How bartenders are redefining cocktail boundaries by incorporating unexpected ingredients like broth, cheese, and fermented elements.
Key Ingredients:
Mushrooms: Earthy and versatile for infusions and syrups.
Cheese: From parmesan to Pecorino, adding depth and intrigue.
Seaweed & Kelp: Oceanic flavors that bring a unique salinity.
Miso: Sweet, salty, and umami-packed syrup inspiration.
Brines: Beyond olive juice, homemade pickled vegetable brines are the new essential.
Techniques You Can Try:
Fat-Washing: From smoky bacon bourbon to coconut oil Campari, this technique adds texture and flavor.
Infusions: Master simple methods to unlock the flavor potential of savory ingredients.
Savory Cocktails Around the Globe: Discover standout drinks like the MSG Martini, Smoky Maria, Mole Negroni, and even a hot dog-inspired Weenie Martini.

Featured Drinks & Inspirations

MSG Martini - A gin martini elevated with MSG and brine, redefining umami elegance.
Mushroom Margarita - A tequila classic infused with earthy shiitake mushrooms.
Cold Pizza Cocktail (Double Chicken Please, NYC) - Tomato, parmesan, and mushroom combine for a liquid pizza experience.
Smoky Maria (Scarfes Bar, London) - Tequila, marmite, and smoked Clamato juice for a bold Bloody Mary twist.
Weenie Martini (Art in the Age, Philadelphia) - A hot dog-inspired vodka cocktail with all the savory garnishes.

Why Savory Cocktails Matter

Culinary Crossovers: The blurred lines between food and drink are opening up limitless creativity.
Elevated Palates: Today’s drinkers are more adventurous, embracing new flavor profiles.
Bartender Innovation: As mixologists explore savory flavors, they’re setting new standards for cocktail menus worldwide.

Try This at Home

Experiment with miso syrup in a margarita or sour.
Infuse your favorite spirit with seaweed or mushrooms.
Attempt a simple fat-wash using bacon or sesame oil.

Where Are Savory Cocktails Headed?

Damian predicts an even deeper integration of food and drink, with more chefs and bartenders collaborating to create bold, unexpected pairings. The possibilities for savory cocktails are endless, and this trend is here to stay!

Follow us for updates and cocktail inspiration

If you love the show, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Cheers! 🥂

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

What Are Savory Cocktails? How bartenders are redefining cocktail boundaries by incorporating unexpected ingredients like broth, cheese, and fermented elements.
Key Ingredients:
Mushrooms: Earthy and versatile for infusions and syrups.
Cheese: From parmesan to Pecorino, adding depth and intrigue.
Seaweed & Kelp: Oceanic flavors that bring a unique salinity.
Miso: Sweet, salty, and umami-packed syrup inspiration.
Brines: Beyond olive juice, homemade pickled vegetable brines are the new essential.
Techniques You Can Try:
Fat-Washing: From smoky bacon bourbon to coconut oil Campari, this technique adds texture and flavor.
Infusions: Master simple methods to unlock the flavor potential of savory ingredients.
Savory Cocktails Around the Globe: Discover standout drinks like the MSG Martini, Smoky Maria, Mole Negroni, and even a hot dog-inspired Weenie Martini.

Featured Drinks & Inspirations

MSG Martini - A gin martini elevated with MSG and brine, redefining umami elegance.
Mushroom Margarita - A tequila classic infused with earthy shiitake mushrooms.
Cold Pizza Cocktail (Double Chicken Please, NYC) - Tomato, parmesan, and mushroom combine for a liquid pizza experience.
Smoky Maria (Scarfes Bar, London) - Tequila, marmite, and smoked Clamato juice for a bold Bloody Mary twist.
Weenie Martini (Art in the Age, Philadelphia) - A hot dog-inspired vodka cocktail with all the savory garnishes.

Why Savory Cocktails Matter

Culinary Crossovers: The blurred lines between food and drink are opening up limitless creativity.
Elevated Palates: Today’s drinkers are more adventurous, embracing new flavor profiles.
Bartender Innovation: As mixologists explore savory flavors, they’re setting new standards for cocktail menus worldwide.

Try This at Home

Experiment with miso syrup in a margarita or sour.
Infuse your favorite spirit with seaweed or mushrooms.
Attempt a simple fat-wash using bacon or sesame oil.

Where Are Savory Cocktails Headed?

Follow us for updates and cocktail inspiration

If you love the show, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Cheers! 🥂

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Previous Episode

Unpacking "The Bartender's Pantry" with Jim Meehan

In this episode, Damian sits down with legendary bartender, author, and educator Jim Meehan to explore his latest book, The Bartender's Pantry. Known for his groundbreaking work at PDT and for authoring the Meehan's Bartender Manual, Jim returns with a fresh perspective, focusing on the often-overlooked but essential ingredients behind the bar: the non-alcoholic elements.

Episode Highlights:

Jim's Journey in Bartending: From college bartender to James Beard Award-winning author, Jim shares his journey through the evolving cocktail landscape, from New York City’s iconic PDT to his latest work in Portland, Oregon.
Behind The Bartender's Pantry: Jim explains his motivation for writing this new book, which focuses on the foundational, non-alcoholic elements of cocktails. Learn why he believes the ingredients behind the bar deserve as much respect as the spirits.
Ethical Food & Beverage Production: Discover how Jim’s research led him down some fascinating paths, from sustainability to the ethical considerations around ingredients, and why he believes these choices matter for bartenders and consumers alike.
The "Universal Bar" Concept: Jim dives into his idea of the "universal bar" and what that could mean for the future of cocktail culture. How does thinking globally and ethically impact what goes into our drinks?
Practical Advice for Bartenders and Enthusiasts: Whether you’re new to cocktails or a seasoned pro, Jim’s advice will resonate. Learn how to use The Bartender's Pantry to elevate your home bartending and expand your cocktail knowledge.

Key Takeaways:

Invest in Quality Ingredients: Jim emphasizes respecting each ingredient in a drink, from the spirits to the garnishes. It’s all about building an elevated drink experience from the ground up.
Embrace the Process: Jim advocates for slowing down and truly appreciating the craft of bartending and hospitality. The journey to a great cocktail doesn’t have shortcuts.
Be a Generalist: Jim suggests that bartenders thrive by being versatile, creative, and knowledgeable across a broad spectrum of skills—from ingredient selection to customer service.

How to Connect with Jim Meehan: Stay connected with Jim on social media or through his website for updates on his work, upcoming projects, and insights from his extensive bartending journey. Find Jim on Instagram or visit his website

Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or a bar industry pro, this conversation is packed with insights to inspire you and elevate your drink-making game. Dive in and see why The Bartender's Pantry is a must-have in any cocktail library!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Next Episode

World Class Bartending: Emily Doherty’s Story of Passion, Persistence, and Innovation

In this episode of the Cocktail Academy Podcast, Damian welcomes the inspiring Emily Doherty, winner of World Class Ireland 2023, and newly appointed cocktail bar manager at the Merchant Hotel in Belfast. Emily takes us through her remarkable journey from starting as a waitress at 16 to representing Ireland on the global stage in Shanghai. With insights into her challenges, triumphs, and a peek behind the curtain of the competitive world of mixology, this episode is a must-listen for cocktail enthusiasts and aspiring bartenders alike.

Key Takeaways:

Emily’s Early Beginnings:

Emily shares how her passion for hospitality started young, transitioning from breakfast service to bartending at Belfast’s iconic Burt’s Jazz Bar.

World Class Journey:

Emily details her two-year journey with the prestigious World Class competition, the lessons she learned, and how perseverance paid off when she became Ireland’s champion.

Breaking Barriers:

As one of the few female bartenders in such a high-profile competition, Emily emphasizes the importance of representation and building a supportive community in the industry.

Innovative Mixology:

Discover the creative cocktails Emily crafted for the competition, including a Ramos flip inspired by Irish traditions and a Mai Tai-inspired stirred martini with marmalade bitters.

Future of Belfast’s Cocktail Scene:

As the newly appointed manager of the Merchant Hotel’s cocktail bar, Emily shares her plans to inspire her team, launch a new menu, and mentor budding bartenders in competitions.

📸 Follow Emily for mixology magic:

Highlights from the Episode:

World Class Challenges: Insight into the intense rounds, including a speed cocktail challenge and a sustainable mixology initiative.
Community Impact: Emily’s project, "Bar whispers" fostering camaraderie in Belfast’s bar scene.
Global Stage: Emily’s experiences in Shanghai, from unexpected challenges to competing alongside the world’s best bartenders.
Bartending Techniques: Tips for innovative cocktails like fat washing, syrups, and using local ingredients.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.