Looking to quench your thirst with something bright, refreshing, and delectably easy to sip? Look no further than these innovative Asian cocktails, expertly crafted with local herbs and spirits that will take your drinking experience to the next level. With an array of exotic flavors and ingredients, you’ll discover a world of possibilities beyond the usual suspects.
From the eccentric taste of matcha-infused gin to the sweet flavor of tomato in an Asian-inspired bloody mary, there’s something for everyone in this impressive collection. And don’t even get us started on the quirky flavors of Thailand infused with bourbon gin – it’s a game-changer! Whether you’re hosting an Asian-themed party or simply looking to mix things up, this comprehensive compilation has everything you need to elevate your cocktail game.
Best Asian Cocktails
Sake Grapefruit Cocktail
While the Sake Grapefruit Cocktail may seem innocently sweet at first glance, it’s actually a complex blend of flavors. The grapefruit flavor profile is reminiscent of pomelo and oranges, with just a hint of bitterness – making it an excellent match for sake. The subtle sweetness of the drink is further enhanced by the fruity undertones evoked by the sake, which are reminiscent of ripe bananas and crisp apples.
When combined, these flavors come together to create a refreshing and satisfying concoction that’s perfect for unwinding after a long day.
Thai Lemongrass Margarita
Kick-start your cocktail game with this Thai Lemongrass Margarita, where the zesty flavor of lemongrass takes center stage. To create this tantalizing drink, start by infusing tequila with a medley of herbs and spices – think cilantro, ginger, Thai basil, and, of course, the star of the show: lemongrass. As you sip, the slightly spicy and citrusy notes of the lemongrass will expertly balance out the boldness of the tequila and its herbal companions.
And don’t forget to add an extra layer of excitement by rimming your glass with a trio of tantalizers: spicy curry powder, kosher salt, and zesty lime wedges.
Jungle Bird
Originally a Kuala Lumpur staple in the 1970s, this iconic cocktail has since gained global popularity. Its unique combination of fresh pineapples, rum, sugar syrup, and Campari creates a refreshing taste experience, culminating in a satisfying bitter finish. For those looking to replicate this drink at home, creating the sugar syrup is as simple as mixing brown sugar with water.
To take it to the next level, garnish your cocktail with pineapple wedges, leaves, and cherries for a visually appealing presentation.
Asian Pear Mojito
Get ready to elevate your mojito game with a refreshing twist on the classic! This Asian Pear Mojito is a unique take on the traditional lime-based drink, using the sweet and crunchy Japanese pear instead. The combination of white rum, honey, soda water, mint leaves, and lime slices creates a tangy and sweet flavor profile that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
To bring out the best in this recipe, be sure to thoroughly muddle the pears until their juices are fully released, adding an extra layer of complexity to each sip.
Sarawak Cocktail
Sarawak, a state in Malaysia situated on the Northwestern coast of Borneo, is renowned for its distinct flavors. One of these is the Borneo spice, a key component in crafting a unique cocktail. To create this signature drink, you’ll need to combine several ingredients, including golden rum, demerara sugar, plum brandy, gin, cane syrup, and fresh lemon juice. The addition of Borneo spice is crucial in imbuing the drink with its characteristic taste.
For the glass rim coating, mix equal parts of Borneo spice and sugar. Chill a cocktail glass before serving to ensure an optimal drinking experience.
Matcha Gin Cocktail
Indulge in the unique flavor profile of this Matcha Gin Cocktail, perfect for brunch or dinner. The subtle vegetal and grassy notes from the matcha are balanced by the sweetness of agave syrup, while the freshness of mint and lime add a delightful contrast. As the ingredients infuse with gin and matcha, the flavors become even more intense, showcasing the nutty undertones of the green tea and the herbal notes of the gin.
Each sip is a harmonious blend of bitter and sweet, with a pleasant finish that will leave you wanting more.
Asian Pear Moscow Mule
This Asian Pear Moscow Mule is more than just its white liquid appearance. The combination of vodka, ginger beer, and club soda packs a punch that will surely leave you craving another sip. As the name suggests, Moscow mules are known for their bold blend of tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors. To preserve these exciting notes, serve this drink in a copper mug, which helps to keep the flavors fresh for a longer period.
For an added touch, garnish your glass or copper mug with slices of Asian pear and share it with friends during your weeknight gatherings.
Korean Yogurt Soju Cocktail
Imagine yourself transported to Korea with just three simple ingredients – a far cry from the complexity of Korean cuisine! The star ingredient is soju, a popular Korean spirit that’s as sweet as it is fruity. While it shares some similarities with sweet vodka, its natural sweetness and slight bitterness make it perfect for mixing with other drinks. In this recipe, we’ll balance out the flavors by combining soju with yogurt and lime soda.
Simply add all three ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice, give it a good mix until everything is well-combined, and serve to your heart’s content!
Japanese Highball
For many, the allure of a highball on a bar menu lies in its ability to transport us to a world where we can indulge in an adult beverage. In this case, however, our attention is piqued by the unexpected twist – Japanese whiskey, which shares a similar production process with its Scottish counterpart, Scotch.
This Eastern-inspired cocktail’s subtle nuances are heightened when paired with lemon wedges and a splash of club soda, resulting in a harmonious blend of oak flavors, dry smokiness, and mellow notes that will leave you wanting more.
Singapore Sling
In the 20th century, a legendary cocktail was born at Singapore’s iconic Raffles Hotel. The Long Bar, with its rich history and cultural heritage, played host to the creation of the Singapore Sling. This elaborate concoction brings together an intriguing blend of ingredients, including Grand Marnier, cherry liqueur, gin, herbal liqueur, bitters, lime, club soda, and pineapple. The resulting taste is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making it a refreshing choice for any occasion.
To add a touch of elegance to this already impressive drink, garnish with an orange slice and a cherry in the center. And the best part? You don’t need to travel to Singapore to enjoy one – simply create your own at home! Whether you’re hosting a weekday brunch or a weeknight family dinner, the Singapore Sling is sure to be a hit.
Strawberry Sake Cocktail
Escape to a refreshing oasis with our unique Japanese-inspired cocktail recipe, featuring the subtle nuances of sake and the sweetness of fresh strawberries. As you unwind after a long day, this revitalizing concoction will transport you to a state of serenity, where the fermented rice alcohol’s crispness harmonizes with the tanginess of the strawberries. Take it to the next level by garnishing with mint and slices of fresh strawberries, allowing the flavors to meld together in perfect balance.
Asian Bloody Mary
When sipping on a traditional bloody mary cocktail, you may be taken aback by the unexpected flavor profiles. The harmonious blend of savory, salty, and spicy notes, coupled with the kick from hot sauce mixed with tomato juice, can be quite a revelation. But what if we took this classic recipe and infused it with Asian-inspired flavors? The result is a fascinating concoction featuring fish sauce, soy sauce, and wasabi paste.
If you’re a thrill-seeker when it comes to spicy drinks, this unique bloody mary recipe promises to elevate your family movie nights to a whole new level of excitement.
Coconut Lychee Daiquiri Cocktail
Add some tropical flair to your girls’ night in with this Coconut Lychee Daiquiri Cocktail, a refreshing twist on the classic rum-based drink. This Asian-inspired concoction is a perfect blend of sweet and sour, with the subtle zest of lemon or lime adding depth to its watered-down rum base. The real magic happens when you combine the creamy, mild flavors of coconut with the slightly floral and acidic notes of lychee, creating a unique taste experience that’s sure to delight.
Whether you’re looking for a new way to spice up your weekend sleepovers or just want to try something different, this Coconut Lychee Daiquiri Cocktail is an excellent choice.
Thai Style Bourbon & Ginger Cocktail
Why settle for a classic Bourbon when you can give it a unique Thai twist? Infusing it with citrus, gin, and ginger creates a refreshing and slightly spicy drink that’s sure to impress. This recipe uses wild lime leaf-infused gin as the base, which is already a winner in my book. To take it to the next level, combine the gin with orange juice, fresh lime, and ginger beer for a truly unique cocktail experience.
Japanese Yuzu Whiskey Sour
For fans of frothy cocktails, look no further than this Japanese Yuzu Whiskey Sour recipe. Perfect for weekend gatherings with family or friends, this refreshing drink combines the best of both worlds – the subtle nuances of Japanese whisky, the tanginess of lemon juice, and the unique zing of yuzu. The addition of egg white gives the cocktail a delightful foam that’s as visually appealing as it is enjoyable to consume.
Calamansi Margarita
The classic margarita recipe gets an exciting makeover with the addition of calamansi, a citrus fruit renowned in the Philippines and other Asian nations. Also known as calamondin or Philippine lime, this unique ingredient combines the zesty characteristics of lime with the sweetness of orange. When unripe, calamansi is incredibly tart, but as it ripens, its flavor profile shifts to become sweeter and more palatable.
Traditionally used in savory Filipino dishes like adobo, calamansi brings a refreshing and tangy twist to this revitalized margarita recipe. The new ingredients list includes tequila, orange liqueur, calamansi juice, simple syrup, and honey, which harmonize to create a truly one-of-a-kind cocktail experience.
Cherry Blossom Sake Cocktail
In Japan, two beloved symbols – Sake and Sakura – converge in a delightful cocktail. The ephemeral beauty of Sakura, also known as cherry blossoms, transforms urban landscapes into breathtaking backdrops during the Hanami season. These delicate pink blooms have made Japan a magnet for tourists, photographers, and enthusiasts alike. In contrast, Sake is a revered fermented rice drink with an ABV of 14-16% and a naturally sweet flavor profile.
This cocktail harmoniously blends these two icons, perfect for celebrating Japan’s allure. To craft this drink, combine Nigore sake, Maraschino cherry liqueur, pink grapefruit juice, simple syrup, and a touch of cherry blossoms for an unforgettable experience.
Buddha’s Hand And Thai Basil Cocktail
The Buddha’s hand citron is a unique member of the citrus family, prized for its distinctive finger-like segments that give it its name. One of its most intriguing features is its lack of pulp or fruit inside its edible skin. Instead, the zest – the outermost layer of the peel – is where you’ll find the flavor and aroma. This makes it a popular choice for cooking and infusing flavors into dishes.
Thai basil, on the other hand, offers a bold alternative to traditional sweet basil with its subtle notes of spice and licorice. The tangy, citrusy quality of the Buddha’s hand citron pairs surprisingly well with the pungent aroma of Thai basil. When combined with Manzanilla sherry, lemon juice, sparkling water, candied lemon peel, and Thai basil flowers, the flavors come together in a harmonious blend that is both refreshing and complex.
Coco Pandan Old-Fashioned
The rich sweetness of bourbon is a result of its aging process in oak barrels. This characteristic makes it an excellent choice for incorporating into sweet treats like cakes, pies, and puddings. Additionally, the smooth flavor of bourbon pairs harmoniously with various fruits, including bananas and coconut. This combination is particularly notable in the reimagined Old-fashioned cocktail.
Pandan, a plant native to Asia, boasts aromatic leaves that evoke the flavors of coconut and vanilla, with subtle hints of floral and grassy notes. When infused into bourbon, pandan creates a unique blend that complements the addition of coconut liqueur. The combination is reminiscent of traditional desserts that pair coconut and pandan together for their complementary flavors. A touch of brûléed adds depth to the mixture, bringing forth smoky and caramel undertones.
The recipe includes pandan-infused bourbon, coconut liqueur, demerara syrup, mole, and orange bitters.
Mumbai Mule
This Indian-inspired Moscow Mule variation combines the invigorating zest of ginger with the aromatic flavors of spices commonly found in Indian cuisine. The use of lemon juice instead of traditional lime juice adds a unique twist, allowing the citrusy flavor to harmonize particularly well with the cardamom, cumin, and coriander notes. While lime is an acceptable substitute for those who prefer it, the lemon’s brighter acidity creates a refreshing balance with the spices.
The addition of ginger and saffron gives the drink a warm, golden hue that complements its savory and spicy profile. To add a touch of whimsy and freshness, consider muddling in a few sprigs of mint. With ingredients including vodka, spiced ginger syrup, lemon juice, cumin seeds, and sparkling water, this unique take on the Moscow Mule is sure to delight.
Tom Yam Bloody Mary
Tom Yam, also known as Tom Yum, is a beloved hot and sour soup originating from Thailand. Its vibrant orangey-red hue, courtesy of crushed red chilies or chili oil, bears a striking resemblance to the iconic Bloody Mary cocktail.
This unique flavor profile combines the tanginess of tomato juice with the savory notes of tamarind, lemongrass, and tom yum paste – a complex blend of ingredients that includes chilies, garlic, kaffir lime leaves, shallots, ginger, and galangal, a close relative of ginger. To create this intriguing concoction, mix together vodka, tomato juice, tom yum paste, tamarind paste, lime juice, and salt to craft an unforgettable drink that will leave you wanting more.
Vietnamese Coffee Espresso Martini
If you’re a coffee aficionado, chances are you’ve had your fair share of Vietnamese Coffee. This popular brew is renowned for its bold flavor profile, courtesy of the Robusta beans used in its preparation. Traditionally, it’s made using a phin brewer and paired with sweetened condensed milk to temper the strong taste.
While this Espresso Martini recipe may not include the creamy condiment, it still honors the authentic Vietnamese coffee-making process by incorporating the distinct flavor of Phin-brewed Robusta beans. The result is an intriguing cocktail that combines the boldness of Vietnamese Coffee with the sophistication of a classic martini. To create this unique blend, you’ll need vodka, coffee liqueur, simple syrup, and – of course – a generous amount of robusta-coffee goodness.
Sassy Lassi
In the world of South Asian cuisine, Lassi is a beloved drink that has gained international recognition. At its core, Lassi is a harmonious blend of water, yogurt, and spices – a simplicity that belies its complexity. The addition of fruit like mango, strawberries, and passionfruit not only adds natural sweetness but also an explosion of flavors.
This refreshing beverage has the unique ability to satisfy both sweet and savory cravings, making it an excellent choice when you’re torn between dessert or a drink with a kick. When paired with rum, the creamy yogurt and sweet mango create an unexpected yet tantalizing combination that will leave you wanting more. To take it to the next level, coconut water brings a tropical twist, while pistachio garnish provides a delightful textural contrast.
With ingredients like mangos, coconut water, ice cubes, plain yogurt, Kraken rum, and pistachios coming together in perfect harmony, Lassi is an experience that will leave you craving for more.
Mr. Black Sugar Boba
Taiwan’s beloved boba or milk tea has spread its popularity far beyond Asian borders, captivating taste buds worldwide. Among the many flavor combinations, black sugar and brown sugar boba remains a crowd favorite. This unique twist on the classic drink pairs sugary notes with whiskey’s rich, caramel-like undertones. Even when sipped on its own, the whiskey boasts hints of vanilla, which harmonizes beautifully with the dessert-inspired drink.
The result is a sublime blend that perfectly balances sweet and bitter flavors. The concoction consists of coffee liqueur, Japanese whiskey, whole milk, simple syrup, vanilla extract, and boba pearls.
Mango Melona Soju Cocktail
For enthusiasts of Korean drama, Soju may be a familiar name. This popular Korean liquor shares some similarities with Sake, as certain varieties are crafted using rice, while others incorporate tapioca, potato, or other starches. Its flavor profile is often likened to vodka, making it an excellent base for fruity mixers and even yogurt-based drinks.
In recent years, Soju has gained a new partner in crime – Melona, a popular Korean ice cream pop available in flavors such as melon, strawberry, mango, and more. The marriage of this sweet treat with a zesty lemon-lime soda creates a revitalizing experience. To create this refreshing concoction, you’ll need the following ingredients: Mango Soju, Sprite, ice, and a Mango Melona ice cream bar.
Sichuan Pepper + Sesame Oil Fat-washed Cocktail
While this complex cocktail may require a bit more effort to craft, its intricate flavors make it well worth the extra time. At the heart of this sophisticated entry is Sichuan pepper, an iconic spice with a unique citrusy flavor accompanied by a tingling sensation that sets it apart from other peppers. The addition of sesame oil lends a nutty and earthy note that complements the drink’s overall character.
Meanwhile, the spirits of gin, whiskey, and vermouth bring their respective personalities to the mix. A finishing touch comes in the form of lemon peels or cherries, not only elevating the visual appeal but also releasing a subtle aroma that enhances the overall experience. The recipe itself is straightforward: combine gin, tengjiaoyou, dry vermouth, whiskey, and simple syrup for a truly unique drinking experience.
The bottom line
While familiarizing ourselves with classic cocktails like the pina colada, margarita, daiquiri, or mojitos is always enjoyable, have we ever ventured beyond Western influences to explore Asian-inspired concoctions? Taking a cue from these innovative creations can breathe fresh life into our usual drink choices.
By infusing traditional flavors with Eastern nuances, we might just stumble upon novel flavor profiles that will tantalize our palates and energize us for any gathering or pre-game celebration.
More Asian Recipes
Looking to spice up your social gatherings or quiet nights in with a flavorful twist? We’ve curated an impressive array of 8 categories that showcase the vibrant world of Asian cuisine. From savory soups and ground beef recipes, to sweet treats and refreshing drinks, this comprehensive collection includes a diverse range of mouthwatering dishes that will transport your taste buds on a culinary journey across Asia.
Instructions
Experience the convenience of scrolling through a curated selection of Asian-inspired cocktails, carefully crafted to quench your thirst. With just a few clicks, you’ll have found your new favorite drink. Remember to always enjoy responsibly and don’t hesitate to share this exciting list with friends and family!
