Why would we even think about adding Ariston Balsamic Vinegar to our drinks?
- Flavor: Balsamic vinegar has a rich, dark, and velvety flavor profile with notes of fig, molasses, cherry, chocolate, or prune. It can add a sophisticated twist to your cocktails.
- Pairs well with dark spirits: Balsamic vinegar pairs well with dark spirits like bourbon and brandy.
- A Citrus Infused Balsamic Pairs with Gin: It brings additional flavor to the table and can highlight flavors of other ingredients in the drink, such as citrusy fruit.
- Natural Sweetness Without Being Overpowering: Balsamic Vinegar has a sweetness without the added sugar of simple syrup!
- It's fun! Not many people do it, so be different and pick your favorite Ariston Infused Balsamic Vinegar and create your own signature drink!
Balsamic Bourbon Cocktail Recipes:
1. Bourbon Balsamic Mule
- 5oz bourbon
- .25 oz balsamic vinegar (try apple, lemon, traditional)
- 1 Can ginger beer
Shake with ice, top with ginger beer.
2. Big Apple Bourbon Cocktail
- 2.5 oz. apple juice or cider
- 1.5 oz. bourbon
- 0.5 oz. calvados (apple brandy)
- 1 tsp. balsamic vinegar (Ariston Apple Infused Balsamic)
- fresh mint
- apple slice (thin, to garnish, optional)
- cinnamon sugar (for rim)
Instructions
- Rim glass with a small amount of apple balsamic vinegar and dip into cinnamon sugar. Place in refrigerator and chill for 10 minutes.
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add apple juice, bourbon, calvados, balsamic vinegar and fresh mint. Shake to blend well, then strain into prepared glass that has been filled with crushed ice. Garnish with fresh mint and an apple slice.
3. Fig Bourbon Cider Smash
- 1/4 cup apple cider or juice
- 1 tsp. orange zest
- 2 Tbsp. juice
- 1 Tbsp. Trappist fig preserves
- 2 oz. bourbon
- 1 tsp. balsamic vinegar (also try the Apple Balsamic)
- sparkling water (for topping)
In a cocktail shaker, combine the apple cider, orange zest, orange juice, fig preserves, bourbon, and balsamic vinegar. Shake to combine.
Strain into a glass filled with ice. Top off with sparkling water
Balsamic Gin Cocktail Recipes:
1. Balsamic Gin Fizz
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz Ariston Infused Balsamic Vinegar (try lemon, apple or traditional)
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup (or use a small amount of Trappist Orange or Trappist Lemon marmalade)
- Soda water
- Ice
- Rosemary Sprig
In a cocktail shaker, add gin, balsamic vinegar, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if you want extra foam).
Dry shake (without ice) vigorously for about 20 seconds to froth the egg white. Skip this step if you are omitting the egg white.
Add ice to the shaker and shake again for about 15 seconds to chill the drink.
Strain the cocktail into a glass of your choosing filled with ice.
Top off the glass with soda water.
Garnish with your rosemary sprig.
2. Balsamic Gin and tonic
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz Ariston Infused Balsamic Vinegar (try apple, lemon or Traditional)
- Tonic Water
- Ice
Add in glass and enjoy!
3. Strawberry Balsamic Smash
- 4 fresh strawberries (or try Trappist Strawberry Preserves)
- 2 oz gin or vodka
- ½ oz balsamic vinegar (preferably aged)
- Club soda
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Muddle the strawberries or preserves with gin or vodka in a cocktail shaker.
- Add balsamic vinegar, and ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass over ice.
- Top with a splash of club soda and garnish with fresh basil.
4. Balsamic Martini
- 2 oz vodka or gin
- ½ oz dry vermouth
- ¼ oz balsamic vinegar (could add an additional twist with Lemon Balsamic)
- Olive or lemon twist (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Combine vodka or gin, dry vermouth, and balsamic vinegar in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with an olive or a lemon twist.
Balsamic Prosecco Cocktail Recipe:
1. Balsamic Berry Spritz
- 1 oz balsamic vinegar
- 2 oz prosecco
- 2 oz club soda
- Handful of mixed berries (or try Trappist Boysenberry Jam)
- Mint leaves (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Muddle the berries (or boysenberry jam) in a glass.
- Add balsamic vinegar and stir.
- Top with prosecco and club soda, and gently mix.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing finish.
Conclusion:
Balsamic vinegar might seem like an unexpected addition to your cocktail-making fun, but its versatility, rich flavor, and unique balance of sweet and sour make it a perfect match for modern day mixology. Whether you’re looking to add a gourmet twist to a classic drink or explore new flavor combinations, balsamic vinegar can be your secret ingredient for crafting truly memorable cocktails. The next time you feel like mixing up a drink, don’t be afraid to reach for that bottle of balsamic. Don't forget to experiment with Ariston Balsamic Vinegars and Trappist Preserves - your taste buds will thank you!