In the world of mixology, there is no limitation to experiments. You can continue mixing up a variety of ingredients until you find the right drink that suits your palate. But if you are bored of the regular cocktails and looking for a complex sweet taste with a mellow tartness then balsamic vinegar is the right ingredient for you.
Made using a process which crushes grapes along with the skin, seeds and stems to make a thick juice, the vinegar is not just limited to making dressings. Balsamic vinegar has the potential to elevate any kind of boozy concoction and is best paired with gin, whiskey, tequila and vodka. The intense flavour of this dark liquid when combined with several fruit juices can give you a life-changing cocktail recipe. Just remember to use it in a modest way as its sweet undertones goes a long way. Blackberries, strawberries, tea, and herbs like basil, and mint are some complementary ingredients that work well with balsamic vinegar.
Balsamic Cooler
This is an ideal recipe for drinkers who are looking for a refreshing hint of herbs with undertones of the intense citrusy flavour. It has the perfect symphony of sweet and tart taste which goes well for brunch and evening parties.
Ingredients
- 90 ml chilled hibiscus tea
- 20 ml tea syrup
- 15 ml balsamic Vinegar
- Sparkling rosé wine
Method
- Build the drink over ice in a wine glass.
- Top with sparkling rosé wine.
- Give a light stir and garnish with a grapefruit slice.
Strawberry Spark
This cocktail combines the tartness of lemon juice and sweetness of honey with the intense depth flavour of balsamic vinegar resulting in an incredibly exotic cocktail. You can also muddle a bunch of mint or basil leaves to add a herbal coolness to the cocktail.
Ingredients
- 60 ml vodka
- 15 ml lemon juice
- 15 ml honey
- 1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 2–3 diced strawberries
- 1 small bunch mint or basil
Method
- Add diced strawberries to a cocktail shaker and muddle well.
- Then add the rest of the ingredients to the shaker and shake for a few seconds.
- Pour the cocktail into a glass filled with ice and garnish with a slice of lemon, strawberry, and mint. Enjoy.
Balsamic Sour
This delicious sour cocktail is ideal for people looking for an adventurous drink with a sophisticated touch. It is perfect to sip post dinner or as an evening cocktail. You can also add any of your favourite syrup to amp up the flavour of balsamic cocktail.
Ingredients
- 45 ml gin
- 20 ml fresh lemon juice
- 15 ml celery seed syrup
- 15 ml grapefruit sherbet
- 15 ml balsamic vinegar
- 1 dash chocolate bitters
Method
- Add all ingredients into the shaker. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 20 seconds.
- Fine strain the liquid using a mesh strainer into a cocktail glass. Enjoy chilled.
New York Shrub
It has a fresh and tart flavour that perfectly suits people with bold palates. You can also serve it with the garnishing of cherry. To give it a summer vibe add your favourite berries to the shaker while combining the ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 45 ml whiskey
- 20 ml fresh lemon juice
- 15 ml simple syrup
Method
- Pour balsamic vinegar into small saucepan, bring to a boil. Let simmer until reduced by half. Let it cool to room temperature.
- To make cocktail, pour whiskey, lemon, simple syrup, and 1 barspoon of balsamic liquid into a cocktail shaker.
- Fill with ice and shake until well chilled, about 15 seconds.
- Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Serve immediately.
Cherry Balsamic Manhattan
This unique and exciting variation of the classic Manhattan is a crowd pleaser. Made with whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters, it uses maraschino cherry syrup for texture and richness along with the orange bitters for complementing the taste.
Ingredients
- 60 ml whiskey
- 30 ml sweet vermouth
- 1 barspoon maraschino cherry syrup
- 1 barspoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- 2 dashes orange bitters
Method
- Add whiskey, vermouth, cherry syrup, balsamic, and bitters to a mixing glass.
- Fill it with ice and stir until well-chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and an orange peel. Serve.
Balsamic Negroni Cocktail
This unusual variation of negroni combines the bitter notes of aperitif with the sweet richness of vermouth along with a splash of balsamic vinegar. This fusion when combined with gin creates a delightful drink with a tangy finish.
Ingredients
- 60 ml gin
- 30 ml aperitif
- 30 ml sweet vermouth
- 1 bar spoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 orange wedge
Method
- Add all ingredients over ice and stir until chilled.
- Strain into glass with ice.
- Add orange wedge and squeeze a little juice from it. Serve immediately.