If you are an aspiring mixologist getting tired of simple syrup, standard bitters, and lime wedges, we feel you. Thankfully, dozens of unusual cocktail ingredients fit every type of alcohol and set of taste buds. Here are 15 of our favorite unique cocktails ingredients, from vinegar to squid ink:
Carrot juice
If you want to branch out into using vegetable juices in cocktails, but beet juice is a little too out there for you, carrot juice might be a good introductory step. Carrot juice has a milder but still fresh flavor and lends a fun orange color to any cocktails you mix it into. It makes a great addition to a wide range of cocktails, such as margaritas, bloody marys, and more.
Matcha
Matcha has been in the culinary spotlight in the past few years, and we are not mad about it. While the powder is traditionally served as a non-alcoholic tea, it can also be a fun addition to alcoholic drinks such as mint juleps and white Russians. It adds a mellow grassy flavor and a fun green color to beverages without added dyes or food coloring.
Flavored vinegar
If you want a refreshing summer cocktail, look no further than a drink made with flavored vinegar. Lighter options such as champagne vinegar are perfect for cocktails, and you can even make more robust options such as balsamic vinegar work as long as you pair them with the right liquor.
Egg whites
If you have ever had a bubbly cocktail that seemed slightly thicker than usual, that was almost certainly due to egg whites. Egg whites are a must-have ingredient in sours but can also feature in other cocktails. Usually, you will not taste the egg white (which has much less flavor than the yolk), but you will notice the difference in texture.
Xanthan gum
Xanthan gum is a vegan alternative to egg whites that serves the same purpose in cocktails — it adds frothiness and slightly thickens the drink. If you want to try it at home, you can usually find it in the baking aisle because it provides elasticity and stiffness to the dough in gluten-free recipes.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus has a sharp, slightly medicinal taste that is almost instantly identifiable, even when mixed into a cocktail. Most people do not use the eucalyptus plant directly in their drinks but rather transform it into a simple syrup first. The sugar helps tone down the edge and keeps it from overwhelming the drink.
By Cabeca de Marmore / Shutterstock.com
Beet juice
If you want to create a ruby red cocktail without dyes, beet juice is the answer you have been looking for. Beet juice has a sweet, earthy taste that belies its jewel-tone coloring. It is not for everyone, but if you want a unique cocktail ingredient that will surprise guests, it will fit the bill.
Kale
Nope, you will not be mixing kale leaves directly into your drink. You will need kale juice for this instead. If you do not own a juicer, kale juice has become popular enough that you can usually find it bottled in health food stores and other specialty retailers. Kale pairs well with ginger beer and clear liquors such as white rum, tequila, and vodka (including certain fruit-flavored vodkas).
Peas
Sugar snap peas do not just make a springy cocktail garnish, although that is also true. Peas also make a refreshing and unusual cocktail ingredient for those looking to expand their palates. The peas are usually pureed first to make the texture as fine as possible before they are shaken or stirred into the drink.
By santypan / Shutterstock.com
Chia seeds
Chia seeds are not only confined to your morning smoothie or yogurt. They are now making appearances at cocktail bars after hours, too. Since the chia seeds will eventually sink, most drink recipes call for either shaking the seeds into the drink to promote even mixing or layering a spoonful on top of an extra large ice cube.
Peppercorns
Peppercorns will definitely deliver if you want to add a kick to your cocktails. Just do not bite down on one unless you are prepared for the rush! Spicy, numbing peppercorns make for an easy garnish, and they can also be turned into a tincture if you want to mix the flavor through the drink more evenly.
Bacon
If you are a huge fan of meats, you will want to try a bacon cocktail. We are in the era of bacon everything (did we need bacon soap? probably not), so it is no surprise that bacon has made its way into cocktails. Mixologists are not just using bacon as a garnish, but they are also using it to make simple syrup and even to infuse vodka.
By Aleksandrs Muiznieks / Shutterstock.com
Butterfly pea flowers
You may have seen a viral video of butterfly pea flowers, which cause any liquid they are steeped into to cycle through a host of neon colors, depending on the acidity. The drinks may be pink, purple, or blue depending on the pH of the ingredients — or they form a gorgeous gradient all in one drink if you layer your ingredients correctly!
Squid ink
You have heard of squid ink pasta. Now, get ready for squid ink cocktails! Squid ink will turn any drink it is added to jet black; no food dye is required. It will also add a salt-like taste to the glass, which can be a real benefit to certain beverages. Use it very sparingly to keep from accidentally overwhelming the drink.
Pine needles
Pine needles are not just for Christmas trees. They are edible and make a fun garnish for a winter cocktail as long as you first wash them properly. If you are feeling adventurous, you can even use them to make a pine needle-infused simple syrup to mix a bourbon or whiskey cocktail that will warm you.
