Top 10 Cocktails with Homemade Fermented Drinks – Mastering Mixology
Mixology is more than just a craft—it’s an art that allows you to experiment and create unique flavors. One of the most exciting trends in mixology today is the use of homemade fermented drinks in cocktails.
Fermentation, a process that has been used for centuries to preserve food and enhance flavors, is now making its way into the world of cocktails, offering a fresh twist on classic drinks. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a home bartender looking to try something new, these DIY fermented cocktails will elevate your cocktail game to the next level.
The Basics of Homemade Fermented Drinks in Cocktails
Fermentation is the process where natural bacteria and yeast break down sugars in food and drinks, creating complex flavors and natural carbonation. In the realm of cocktails, using homemade fermented drinks like kombucha, kefir, and ginger beer can add a unique twist to your favorite recipes. Not only do these drinks bring depth and complexity to the cocktail, but they also offer added health benefits thanks to their probiotic content.
Types of Fermented Drinks Used in Cocktails
Kombucha: A tangy, effervescent tea that’s fermented with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY).
Kefir: A creamy, fermented milk drink with a slightly sour taste.
Ginger Beer: A spicy, naturally carbonated drink made from fermented ginger.
Tepache: A lightly fermented pineapple drink with a sweet, tropical flavor.
Fruit Shrubs: Vinegar-based syrups infused with fruits, offering a sweet and tangy base for cocktails.
Top 10 Cocktails with Homemade Fermented Drinks
1. Kombucha Mule
A refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule, this cocktail uses homemade ginger kombucha instead of ginger beer.
- Flavor Profile: The kombucha adds a tangy, slightly sour note that complements the lime and vodka perfectly, making the drink more complex and refreshing than the original.
- How to Make:
- Mix 2 oz of vodka, 4 oz of ginger kombucha, and the juice of half a lime in a copper mug filled with ice. Stir well and garnish with a lime wedge.
2. Kefir Colada
A tropical escape in a glass, the Kefir Colada replaces coconut milk with kefir for a probiotic-rich version of the Piña Colada.
- Flavor Profile: The kefir’s creaminess and slight tang balance the sweetness of the pineapple, creating a smoother, less sugary cocktail.
- How to Make: Blend 2 oz of white rum, 4 oz of kefir, 2 oz of pineapple juice, and 1 oz of coconut cream with ice. Serve in a chilled glass with a pineapple slice and cherry.
3. Ginger Beer Dark and Stormy
A bold and spicy cocktail, the Ginger Beer Dark and Stormy is enhanced with homemade ginger beer for an extra kick.
- Flavor Profile: The homemade ginger beer offers a more intense ginger flavor and natural carbonation, creating a more robust and flavorful drink.
- How to Make: Fill a highball glass with ice, pour in 2 oz of dark rum, and top with 5 oz of ginger beer. Add a splash of lime juice and garnish with a lime wedge.
4. Tepache Margarita
A Mexican-inspired cocktail that blends the earthy sweetness of tepache with the tartness of lime in a Margarita.
- Flavor Profile: The tepache’s funky, fermented pineapple flavor contrasts beautifully with the bright lime and smooth tequila, creating a complex and refreshing cocktail.
- How to Make: Shake 2 oz of tequila, 1 oz of lime juice, and 3 oz of tepache with ice. Strain into a salt-rimmed glass and garnish with a lime wheel.
5. Shrub Spritz
A light and fizzy cocktail featuring a homemade fruit shrub, perfect for a refreshing summer drink.
- Flavor Profile: The shrub’s sweet-tart flavor, combined with sparkling water or prosecco, creates a balanced and effervescent cocktail.
- How to Make: Combine 2 oz of fruit shrub, 3 oz of sparkling water or prosecco, and ice in a glass. Stir gently and garnish with fresh fruit or herbs.
6. Fermented Fruit Sangria
This Sangria recipe uses fermented fruit juices as the base, adding a depth of flavor that’s both fruity and slightly tangy.
- Flavor Profile: The fermented fruit juices enhance the wine’s natural flavors, adding complexity and a subtle effervescence to the Sangria.
- How to Make: Mix 1 bottle of red wine, 1 cup of fermented fruit juice, 1/2 cup of brandy, and 2 tablespoons of sugar in a pitcher. Add sliced fruits and refrigerate for a few hours before serving over ice.
7. Kombucha Whiskey Sour
A modern take on the classic Whiskey Sour, this version uses kombucha instead of lemon juice for a tangy twist.
- Flavor Profile: The kombucha adds a tart, effervescent quality that balances the sweetness of the simple syrup and the boldness of the whiskey.
- How to Make: Shake 2 oz of whiskey, 1 oz of kombucha, and 3/4 oz of simple syrup with ice. Strain into a glass and garnish with a cherry.
8. Fermented Berry Mojito
This vibrant Mojito features fermented berry juice, offering a more complex and fruity flavor.
- Flavor Profile: The fermented berries add depth and a slight tartness, enhancing the traditional mint and lime flavors.
- How to Make: Muddle 10 fresh mint leaves with 1 oz of lime juice in a glass. Add 2 oz of fermented berry juice, 2 oz of white rum, and ice. Top with club soda and garnish with fresh berries and a mint sprig.
9. Hard Apple Cider Old Fashioned
A fall-inspired twist on the classic Old Fashioned, using homemade hard apple cider for a rich and seasonal flavor.
- Flavor Profile: The hard cider adds a sweet, apple-forward flavor that pairs perfectly with the warmth of the bourbon.
- How to Make: Stir 2 oz of bourbon, 1 oz of hard apple cider, 1/2 oz of simple syrup, and a few dashes of bitters with ice. Strain into a glass over a large ice cube and garnish with an apple slice.
10. Kefir Gin Fizz
A creamy and tangy version of the Gin Fizz, using kefir for a probiotic punch.
- Flavor Profile: The kefir’s tanginess complements the gin’s botanical notes, creating a smooth and refreshing cocktail.
- How to Make: Shake 2 oz of gin, 1 oz of kefir, 1/2 oz of lemon juice, and 1/2 oz of simple syrup with ice. Strain into a glass and top with club soda.
Comparing and Contrasting the Cocktails
When exploring these DIY fermented cocktails, it’s clear that each drink offers a unique flavor profile influenced by the type of fermented drink used.
Kombucha cocktails tend to have a tangy and effervescent quality, while kefir brings creaminess and a slight tang.
Ginger beer adds spice and natural carbonation, making it ideal for bold, refreshing cocktails like the Dark and Stormy.
Tepache and fruit shrubs contribute earthy, funky, and sweet-tart notes, perfect for tropical or light, spritz-style drinks.
Occasion Suitability
- Brunch: Kombucha Mule, Kefir Colada, Shrub Spritz
- Evening Gatherings: Tepache Margarita, Ginger Beer Dark and Stormy, Hard Apple Cider Old Fashioned
- Summer Parties: Fermented Fruit Sangria, Fermented Berry Mojito, Kefir Gin Fizz
Difficulty Level
- Easiest: Kombucha Mule, Shrub Spritz
- Intermediate: Ginger Beer Dark and Stormy, Kefir Colada, Tepache Margarita
- Advanced: Fermented Fruit Sangria, Hard Apple Cider Old Fashioned, Kefir Gin Fizz
Tips for Making the Perfect Fermented Cocktail at Home
- Choosing the Right Fermented Drink: When selecting a fermented drink, consider the cocktail’s flavor profile. Kombucha pairs well with light spirits like vodka and gin, while kefir and ginger beer are great for rum and whiskey-based cocktails.
- Balancing Flavors: Fermented drinks can have strong flavors, so balance them with complementary ingredients. For example, add sweetness with simple syrup or fruit juices, or enhance acidity with citrus.
- Experimentation Encouraged: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try different homemade fermented drinks in various cocktails to discover new flavor combinations.
