"THE LATEST COCKTAIL TRENDS - RECIPES AND TECHNIQUES FOR MIXOLOGY": DE MODE GLOBAL

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE | FOOD

Article Published on: 17TH JUNE 2024 | www.demodemagazine.com

Cocktail culture has evolved significantly in recent years, with mixologists around the world pushing the boundaries of creativity and flavor. From incorporating exotic ingredients to utilizing innovative techniques, the art of mixology is constantly reinventing itself. In this article, we will explore the latest trends in cocktail making and provide three recipes that embody these contemporary techniques and flavors.

1. Trend: Sustainability and Local Sourcing

Sustainability is a significant trend in the culinary world, and it has naturally extended to mixology. Bartenders are increasingly focusing on minimizing waste and sourcing local, seasonal ingredients. This not only supports local agriculture but also ensures that the drinks are as fresh and flavorful as possible.

Recipe: Garden-to-Glass Mojito

Ingredients:

• 2 oz white rum

• 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice

• 1 oz simple syrup (made with organic sugar)

• 8 fresh mint leaves (locally sourced)

• 1/2 cup soda water

• Ice cubes

• Lime wheel and mint sprig, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Muddle the Mint: In a glass, gently muddle the mint leaves with the lime juice and simple syrup to release the mint's essential oils.

2. Add Rum and Ice: Add the white rum and fill the glass with ice cubes.

3. Top with Soda: Pour soda water over the mixture and stir gently to combine.

4. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of mint.

By using locally-sourced mint and lime, this mojito emphasizes the garden-to-glass concept, enhancing both sustainability and flavor.

Photo by Karolina Kaboompics | Source: www.pexels.com

2. Trend: Unique Flavored Spirits and Infusions

Experimentation with flavored spirits and infusions is another exciting trend. Bartenders are creating their own infusions using herbs, fruits, and spices, offering a personalized touch to classic cocktails and new creations alike.

Recipe: Lavender-Infused Gin and Tonic

Ingredients:

• 2 oz lavender-infused gin (see infusion recipe below)

• 4 oz tonic water

• Ice cubes

• Lemon twist and sprig of lavender, for garnish

Lavender Infusion:

• 1 bottle of gin

• 2 tablespoons dried lavender flowers

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Infusion: Add the dried lavender flowers to the gin bottle. Seal and let it sit for 24-48 hours, tasting occasionally until desired flavor is achieved. Strain the gin to remove the lavender flowers.

2. Mix the Drink: In a glass filled with ice cubes, pour the lavender-infused gin.

3. Add Tonic Water: Top with tonic water and stir gently.

4. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a lemon twist and a sprig of lavender.

Lavender-infused gin adds a floral note to the classic gin and tonic, creating a sophisticated and aromatic experience.

Photo by Charlotte May | Source: www.pexels.com

3. Trend: Craft Cocktails with Health-Conscious Ingredients

With an increasing focus on health and wellness, mixologists are incorporating superfoods, fresh juices, and herbal ingredients into their cocktails. These drinks not only offer a burst of flavor but also provide a healthful twist, aligning with the growing trend of mindful drinking.

Recipe: Turmeric and Ginger Spiked Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka

• 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1 oz turmeric and ginger syrup (see recipe below)

• 4 oz sparkling water

• Ice cubes

• Lemon wheel and mint sprig, for garnish

Turmeric and Ginger Syrup:

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup honey or organic sugar

• 1 tablespoon fresh turmeric, grated

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Syrup: In a saucepan, combine water, honey or sugar, turmeric, and ginger. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the honey or sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let steep for 30 minutes. Strain to remove solids and let cool.

2. Mix the Drink: In a shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, lemon juice, and turmeric and ginger syrup. Shake well.

3. Serve: Fill a glass with ice cubes, strain the mixture into the glass, and top with sparkling water.

4. Garnish: Garnish with a lemon wheel and a mint sprig.

This vibrant cocktail combines the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric and ginger with the refreshing zing of lemon and sparkling water, making it a delicious and health-conscious choice.

Photo by Geraud pfeiffer | Source: www.pexels.com

Techniques for Modern Mixology

1. Clarification

Clarification is a technique used to create clear cocktails with a smooth texture and refined flavor. It involves removing solids from the liquid to achieve a crystal-clear appearance, often using methods like agar clarification or milk washing.

Example Technique: Milk Washing

Milk washing can soften the acidity and bitterness of cocktails while clarifying them. It involves adding milk to a cocktail, allowing the milk proteins to bind with impurities, and then straining the mixture.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cocktail: Mix the cocktail ingredients in a bowl.

2. Add Milk: Add a small amount of whole milk and stir.

3. Strain: After letting the mixture sit for a few hours, strain through a fine mesh or cheesecloth. The result is a clarified, smooth cocktail.

2. Fat Washing

Fat washing is a technique used to infuse spirits with the flavors of fats, such as bacon, butter, or coconut oil. This method adds a rich, savory dimension to cocktails.

Example Technique: Bacon Fat-Washed Bourbon

Instructions:

1. Infuse the Bourbon: Combine cooked bacon fat with bourbon in a jar. Let it infuse at room temperature for a few hours.

2. Freeze and Strain: Freeze the mixture until the fat solidifies. Strain the bourbon through a fine mesh to remove the fat solids, leaving a bourbon with a subtle bacon flavor.

3. Sous-Vide Infusions

Sous-vide infusions use controlled, low-temperature water baths to quickly and consistently infuse flavors into spirits. This method allows for precise temperature control, resulting in clean, vibrant flavors.

Example Technique: Sous-Vide Citrus Vodka

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: Place citrus peels and vodka in a sealed bag.

2. Sous-Vide: Cook in a water bath at 135°F (57°C) for 2 hours.

3. Strain and Serve: Strain the vodka to remove the peels, resulting in a bright, citrus-infused spirit.

Conclusion

The world of mixology is ever-evolving, driven by trends such as sustainability, innovative infusions, and health-conscious ingredients. By exploring these trends and mastering modern techniques, you can create cocktails that are not only delicious but also reflective of the latest advancements in the craft. Whether you're muddling fresh herbs for a garden-to-glass mojito, infusing gin with lavender, or spiking lemonade with turmeric and ginger, these recipes and techniques will elevate your cocktail game and impress your guests. Cheers to the art of modern mixology!