Liquor can do so much more than complement a meal. It can also provide some health benefits if you\u2019re using alcohol infused with herbs.<\/h2>\n
Learn more about medicinal botanicals in spirits to understand your craft better. Whether you make cocktails as a profession or consider yourself a mixology hobbyist, you\u2019ll keep up with the health-conscious trend and sharpen your skills.<\/p>\n
1. Cardamom<\/h3>\n
People often order drinks featuring garnished mint sprigs, but cardamom creates an intensified flavor that can be more appealing. It lends a sweet herbal zest with notes of pine and citrus. The Italians famously use it to brew amaro, which can be an excellent addition to lighter cocktails. Anyone taking a sip could benefit from its antimicrobial properties<\/a> that may improve a person\u2019s dental health over time.<\/p>\n \u201cDarkness Becomes Her is meant to be a luxurious nightcap after a decadent meal. The soothing cardamom and rich dark chocolate soothe and invigorate, while the chocolate and Angostura bitters balance the richness of the demerara syrup. It\u2019s an indulgence designed for savoring. The rumored aphrodisiac qualities of rich dark chocolate mingle with the digestive benefits of cardamom, creating the perfect, sensual cocktail to create a soothe and awaken the body and mind. The goal? A sexy, memorable cocktail that highlights cardamom in an approachable yet unforgettable way.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n
by Augustina Elizabeth \/ @spellcraftpdx<\/p>\n
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Herbal and medicinal botanicals steep in liquor to infuse the spirits with beneficial properties. Lavender is a popular choice, especially for those who want to sip on herbal gin. Its floral notes don\u2019t detract from gin\u2019s clean, citrusy tang. Lavender also has soothing properties that reduce stress<\/a>, which might be what people need when they order a cocktail after a long day.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a cocktail currently available at Granger\u2019s, a concept I consulted on in Houston\u2019s Museum district with a cocktail menu inspired by birds. Here is where the Side Pear takes flight. It is inspired by the Lavender Finch\u2014a delicate bird drawn to pear trees and lavender fields. This cocktail blends the sweetness of ripe pear, the botanical touch of lavender, and the timeless elegance of a sidecar. A sip of the Side Pear is like a moment of grace in nature, capturing the essence of spring in every glass. Lavender plays a key part in the flavor of this creation and elevates the pear sidecar to a new level\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n
by Jess Householder \/ ‘@j_uicyj \/ @grangershouston<\/p>\n
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Soups and teas aren\u2019t the only ways to add more ginseng to your life. You can also stock it among your cocktail ingredients. Mixologists in South Korea use it to make Insam-ju before adding it to mixed beverages or wine. Ginseng-based cocktails may strengthen your immune system<\/a> with its anti-inflammatory properties. It depends on how your body reacts and how much of this herb is present in each glass.<\/p>\n \u201cGinseng is known to improve overall health and enhance your immune system which is something we all could use! I wanted to create a cocktail using ginseng which is light, herbal refreshing and flavorful.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n
by Paula Lukas \/ @paulalukas27 \/ @penguinbar67<\/p>\n
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Carrots have a long-distance cousin that pairs well with cocktails. Fennel is an herb people use as one of the many botanical ingredients in absinthe. Mix the liquor with soda water and a fruit-based simple syrup when someone requests something bubbly. The organic herb may ease menopause symptoms<\/a> like hot flashes for some individuals. Try it in your next cocktail to enjoy a flavor profile you may have never experienced before.<\/p>\n \u201cCrafted with homemade ingredients chosen with intention, this N\/A cocktail weaves the earthy magic of SpellCraftPDX Ginseng & Yuzu Lemon Bitters, the fiery fizz of house-made Ginger Soda, and the gentle sweetness of Honey Fennel Syrup into a harmonious drink. It\u2019s made to comfort and awaken, a tonic for both body and spirit. The ginseng\u2019s vibrant energy dances with the soothing whispers of orris root, while the ginger and Angelica root settle and calm.\u00a0 Fennel honey lends its support to skin and digestion, making this potion both refreshing and renewing. My desire was to create a beverage that marries the mystical properties of these botanicals with their potential health benefits, offering a truly inspiring and transcendent experience. At SpellCraftPDX, every creation is conjured to elevate the spirit.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n
by Augustina Elizabeth \/ @spellcraftpdx<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t <\/ol>\n<\/div>\n (All measurements are by weight unless otherwise indicated)<\/em><\/p>\n Make the Ginger Bug:<\/strong> In a clean glass jar (a quart-sized mason jar works great)<\/em>, combine the grated ginger, sugar, and filtered water. Stir well to dissolve the sugar. Cover the jar loosely with a lid or cloth (to allow airflow but prevent debris from falling in)<\/em>. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 5-7 days. Stir it once a day, and you should see bubbles forming after a few days, which means your ginger bug is ready. If you notice any scum or mold, discard and start fresh. When the ginger bug has developed a strong fermentation smell, it\u2019s ready to use.<\/p>\n Step 2:<\/strong> Make the Ginger Soda In a saucepan, combine 1\/2 cup of fresh grated ginger, sugar, and 2 cups of water. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is fragrant (about 5 minutes)<\/em>. Add the remaining 4 cups of water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to extract more ginger flavor. If you like a spicier soda, simmer for longer. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the ginger syrup cool to room temperature.<\/p>\n Once cooled, strain out the ginger solids. Add the ginger bug liquid to the cooled ginger syrup and stir well. Pour the mixture into clean glass bottles (swing-top bottles or other airtight containers work best)<\/em>. Leave some room at the top of the bottles for the gas to expand.\u00a0Seal the bottles tightly and leave them at room temperature for 1-3 days, depending on how fizzy you like your soda.<\/p>\n After a day, check for carbonation by opening the bottle slightly\u2014be careful, as it may be fizzy!\u00a0Once the soda reaches your desired level of carbonation, refrigerate the bottles to stop the fermentation process.<\/p>\n Step 3:<\/strong> Enjoy. Chill the soda before serving and enjoy it cold! You can serve it over ice or just enjoy it straight from the bottle.<\/p>\n Honey Fennel Syrup (step 1)<\/em> Ingredients:<\/strong><\/p>\n Preparation:<\/strong> Put Honey in 2-quart Saucepan attach candy thermometer to side of the pan. Heat Honey on low heat until it reaches 100 degrees. Add Water. Heat mixture to 110 degrees. When mixture reaches 110 degrees add Fennel seeds and reduce heat to low.<\/p>\n Cover and allow entire mixture to simmer for 20-30 min (to taste)<\/em> intermittently remove cover and stir to evenly distribute the seeds through the syrup. Keep temperature below 110 degrees. Pull from heat and strain seeds from liquid into sterilized glass container. Cover and allow to cool to room temperature. Store in sealed glass container in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Add ginger to a bottle of brandy or rum when you\u2019re thinking about infusing a new liquor for your at-home collection. The medicinal botanical could delay the progression of diabetes<\/a> due to its antioxidants. You can treat yourself to mojitos or mai tais with ginger\u2019s warm, peppery zing. It\u2019s an easy way to put a new spin on classic cocktails.<\/p>\n \u201cA Hot Toddy can be considered a type of -wari cocktail due to its inherent characteristics of mixing an alcoholic base with a diluting agent. In Japanese cocktail terminology, \u201d-wari\u201d refers to the act of diluting or mixing a spirit with water, tea, or other ingredients to soften the drink\u2019s intensity and create a harmonious balance.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThe Hot Toddy follows this principle by combining a base spirit (often whiskey)<\/em> with hot water, honey, lemon, and various spices, such as cloves or cinnamon. This combination effectively \u201cdilutes\u201d the alcohol while infusing the drink with warmth and complexity, much like how a -wari cocktail blends spirits with mixers to achieve a smoother and more integrated flavor profile.\u00a0With that being said, Hot Toddy can be viewed as an example of a -wari cocktail, utilizing the technique of mixing and diluting spirits to create a balanced, flavorful drink designed for both comfort and warmth.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Additional Notes<\/h3>\n
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*Ginseng & Yuzu Lemon Bitters<\/h3>\n
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