When it comes to Asian alcoholic beverages, more often than not people straight away think of sake.
However, you will find that there are a number of Asian cocktails that do not even include this type of rice wine.
Even so, Asian cocktails include some very interesting ingredients. If this is something you are interested in, then you have definitely come to the right place.
In this article we show you how to create some delicious and fun Asian inspired cocktails.
So, whether you are just making these for fun or are looking for cocktails to get you into the spirit of your Asian vacation, let’s jump right in!
1. A Toji Moon Cocktail With Yuzu And Marmalade
We thought we would start off with this very interesting Japanese cocktail. It takes its inspiration from a tradition that takes place during the winter solstice.
People thought that bathing in hot water infused with the fruit yuzu would help them to get rid of colds. Did it work? Who knows!
The cocktail includes both marmalade and yuzu which makes the taste on the sour end. However, add red bean syrup to take it down a notch.
For the alcohol you can go with either sake or benedictine.
2. Classic Cocktail: Singapore Sling
If you are interested in tasting new flavors, then this one’s for you. It was first created in 1915 in the Raffles Hotel in Singapore.
Since then it has become a popular cocktail that includes gin, cherry liqueur, and benedictine.
However, it may be a drink that is a little too complicated for cocktail making newbies, but it is so worth drinking for the delicious sourness.
Even so, it does have a unique flavor, so give it a try at a bar before making it yourself.
3. Lime Korean Margarita
This Korean margarita is delicious, and is perfect for a party or small gathering. It tastes both sweet and sour, as well as having a bit of heat.
So, what is the secret ingredient? Gochujang. This red chili paste is loved by many Koreans and is often served within food dishes.
While the chili paste works well to bring out the flavor of the alcohol, the triple sec helps to balance everything out by bringing its own zesty appeal to the beverage.
4. Tokyo Inspired Bloody Mary
The Bloody Mary is a classic cocktail drunk by many, especially when a person is suffering from a hangover. Whether it works as a hangover cure is debatable, but what we do know is that it is popular.
So, how does the Tokyo version differ? With the use of wasabi of course. This Japanese favorite adds heat to the cocktail, along with lime juice and pickled ginger.
5. Soju Cocktail With Watermelon
Watermelon is one of the most popular types of fruit eaten in East Asia, so it is no surprise that a cocktail has been created to mix it with soju.
Watermelon is known for being both refreshing and sweet, which makes it a great antidote to a really hot summer.
While watermelon is great on its own, it is even better when put alongside the rice wine of South Korea, soju.
The cocktail is very simple too, as it only contains a sweet syrup of your choice, soju and watermelon. Add some ice for a cooler hit.
6. Highball Japanese Cocktail
While it looks like you just have a glass of water, the Japanese highball cocktail has more than what meets the eye.
Not only is it delicious, but it is very quick to make as well. All you need is a Japanese whisky and whatever club soda you have available. It makes the whisky easier to drink if you usually find it too strong.
It then needs to be served in a tall glass with ice, hence its name.
7. Saketini With Ginger
With an obvious reference to the martini cocktail, this saketini is a delightful drink that features sake, gin, and ginger.
Once you take a sip the heat of the ginger will hit you alongside the strong flavors of the alcohol. You will also want to add lime juice to give the overall flavor some sourness.
It truly is a delicious cocktail that has lots of flavored layers to keep you excited with every mouthful.
While James Bond preferred the original, we like this one better.
8. Sake With Grapefruit Cocktail
This cocktail not only looks beautiful, but is perfect to drink on a summer’s evening. It is wonderfully refreshing and includes sake, honey and grapefruit juice.
You can add extra sugar too if you want it sweeter, though you will be adding sugar to the rim of the glass too.
9. Soju Cocktail With Mango
While mango cocktails are associated with Thailand, it does not mean you cannot mix inspirations. If you take the time to research, you will find other Asian countries that use mango within their alcoholic beverages.
For example, South Korea. However, instead of using mangoes, the base is mango ice cream. You also will need some kind of lemon-lime flavored soda and soju. It tastes creamy and fizzy!
10. Autumn Delight Cocktail
As soon as you start noticing the first signs of autumn, you will be wanting to make this delicious cocktail to warm you up inside.
Because Japan promotes having a balanced life for yourself, this cocktail has been created with that in mind. Take a sip, and enjoy the present moment that you are in.
The warming sensation comes from the use of cinnamon, while the Japanese whisky and apple cider gives it a fruity and alcoholic touch.
11. Lychee Gin Cocktail
Lychee is a fruit that is associated with Asia. It is deliciously sweet and can work great within a cocktail.
This cocktail uses a gin along with cranberry juice and lychee juice. It is then finished off with soda water and put over ice for a refreshing and sweet cocktail.
It is bright red too and looks absolutely beautiful.
12. Lemongrass Thai Margarita
If you want new ways to make a margarita, then this cocktail recipe is for you. The flavors are far from traditional because it includes lemongrass and ginger.
You will find once mixed with tequila and a squeeze of lime juice, it will have a sweet and peppery flavor that feels a little hot in the mouth – though it is not unpleasant.
It also includes some club soda too, and the rim is finished with curry powder and salt. It is a very interesting cocktail to try.
13. Thai Inspired Mango Cocktail
Who does not love to drink mango when they are feeling the vibes of summer? This South Thailand inspired cocktail is sure to bring summer to your door, even in the dead of winter.
It includes blending some cut up mango, adding lime juice, vodka and a sprinkle of salt, with the option of then adding a syrup or sugar to sweeten it up.
You then add either sparkling water or champagne to create a fizz.
Are there any chartreuse cocktails that are popular in Asia?
Asian cocktail enthusiasts are embracing the unique flavors of chartreuse with a growing interest in the best chartreuse cocktails. While the spicy and herbal liqueur has its roots in France, its popularity in Asia is on the rise. From Tokyo to Shanghai, mixologists are crafting innovative chartreuse-infused concoctions that add a delightful twist to the vibrant cocktail scene in the region.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have seen the full list of 13 popular and simple Asian cocktails, hopefully you have found some that have caught your eye.
We won’t be surprised if you have decided to make quite a few of the cocktails, just hopefully not all at once – though we won’t judge!
If you enjoyed this article, then take a look at the rest of the website for more cocktail inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
The beverage which is the most well known in Japan is sake. The alcoholic rice wine is served often with particular preparation. For example, it can be warmed in a tokkuri bottle which is often made from porcelain.
It is then sipped from a small porcelain cup called a sakazuki. However, it can also be served cold over ice.
China is known for its baijiu drink which has been made within the country for over 5,000 years.
This drink outsells the likes of whisky, gin, rum and vodka and is said to be the highest consumed distilled spirit in the entire world.
The national drink of South Korea is known as soju. It is quite high in alcohol and is the best selling liquor within the country.
It is made by using rice as its base and is neutral with its flavor and clear in color. This is why it is often referred to as being a Korean vodka.
Alcohol has existed for a very long time across Asia. This means that the countries which make up Asia have been able to develop their own wines and spirits which are distinctive to their country.
For example, Japan is known for sake, while China is known for baijiu and South Korea has soju. However, then there is the other side of Asian culture where India is known for feni.
13 Popular And Simple Asian Cocktails
In this article we take a look at 13 popular and simple Asian cocktails that will both delight and excite you. Be prepared for interesting flavor combinations.
Ingredients
Directions
- Pick a recipe from above
- Click the recipe name and visit the website
- Collect the ingredients and the food
- Enjoy – don’t forget to leave a review
Recipe Video
Cooking is great for your mental, physical, and emotional health. What’s the worst that could happen? Find a recipe that you like the sound of and cook it along with me. You might even unlock a new passion!
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