5 Unexpected Ingredients to Elevate Your Cocktails

Great cocktails are more than just a blend of spirits and mixers—they’re an opportunity to surprise and delight the senses. Introducing unexpected ingredients into your drinks can add bold flavors, unique textures, and visual intrigue, turning a simple cocktail into an unforgettable experience. Here are five unconventional ingredients to try in your next creation.

1. Kombucha

Kombucha, a fizzy, fermented tea, brings a tangy complexity and subtle sweetness to cocktails. Its natural effervescence makes it an excellent substitute for soda or tonic water, and the probiotic benefits are a bonus.

Try It In: A Kombucha Mule

• 2 oz vodka

• 4 oz ginger-flavored kombucha

• 0.5 oz lime juice

• Garnish: Lime wedge and fresh mint

2. Edible Flowers

Add a touch of elegance and a hint of floral flavor with edible flowers like lavender, hibiscus, or pansies. These delicate blooms can be used as garnishes or infused into syrups to create a fragrant, visually stunning cocktail.

Try It In: Lavender Lemonade Martini

• 2 oz gin

• 1 oz lemon juice

• 1 oz lavender simple syrup

• Garnish: Edible lavender sprig

3. Aquafaba

Aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, is a vegan alternative to egg whites that creates a creamy foam in cocktails. It’s neutral in flavor, making it ideal for sours and other frothy drinks.

Try It In: Vegan Whiskey Sour

• 2 oz whiskey

• 1 oz lemon juice

• 0.75 oz simple syrup

• 1 oz aquafaba

• Garnish: Lemon wheel and bitters

4. Charcoal

Activated charcoal is a trendy ingredient that adds a dramatic black hue to cocktails while boasting detoxifying properties. Use sparingly to avoid altering the flavor too much.

Try It In: Black Magic Margarita

• 2 oz tequila

• 1 oz lime juice

• 1 oz simple syrup

• 0.5 tsp activated charcoal powder

• Garnish: Salt rim

5. Herbal Shrubs

Shrubs are vinegar-based syrups infused with fruits, herbs, and spices. They add a tangy, aromatic complexity that balances sweetness in cocktails. Experiment with herbs like basil, rosemary, or thyme for a savory twist.

Try It In: Basil Berry Shrub Spritz

• 1 oz berry shrub (made with fresh berries, basil, sugar, and vinegar)

• 3 oz sparkling water

• 1 oz vodka (optional)

• Garnish: Fresh basil leaves

Experiment with Bold Flavors at Art of the Cocktail

At Art of the Cocktail, we’re passionate about pushing the boundaries of mixology. Join our classes in Midtown Manhattan to learn how to incorporate bold ingredients like kombucha, edible flowers, and shrubs into your cocktails. Our expert mixologists will guide you in crafting drinks that impress and delight every time.

Step outside the ordinary and elevate your cocktail game with creative ingredients that spark conversation and showcase your skills.