Kick up your Cocktail with Bold Spices

We thought it appropriate to kick off the weekend with a cocktail related post. McCormick Spice Company is a household name especially here on the East Coast. McCormick was nice enough to sponsor a recent article relating to bold spices in cocktails. Apparently there has been a lot of talk about these bold, unique flavor combinations.

Cardamom is an aromatic spice (great on pork) that traditionally has been used in Turkish coffee. It sits on the fence in terms of the sweet and savory worlds of flavor and has slight analgesic qualities. These days smashed Cardamom pods are showing up on the bar scene being mixed with gin, simple syrup and fresh fruit juices.

The Eastern Standard in Boston serves up a mixture of cardamom syrup, lemon juice and blueberry gin, shaken together with ice and strained into a martini glass for their Blueberry Thrill.

Cinnamon and cloves are being used in sangrias, rum punches and martinis.

Try vanilla vodka, pineapple juice and simple syrup steeped overnight with cinnamon, cloves and star anise for a tasty cocktail.

It is said that spices are enhanced by heating them to release their flavors. This can be done by toasting or briefly warming (or filtering) them through hot water and adding sugar. Ginger is also favorite  muddled with kaffir lime leaves, lemon grass and Thai chilies, shaken with vodka, coconut liqueur and lime juice. Try a Ginger Margaritas rimmed with ginger salt for a cocktail with a nice kick to it.

Who thought that Saffron would make it into the cocktail scene? The world’s most expensive spice, derived from the stigmas of a particular type of crocus flower.  “The Apology”, a drink at Summit Bar in New York City, is more complicated. It’s made with gin, chardonnay, apricot cordial, a dash of elderflower liqueur and house made saffron orange bitters. It’s garnished with a whiskey-soaked dried apricot.

"The Apology"

Who’s ready for Happy Hour?

Tags: bold spices, cardamom spice, cocktail recipes, cocktails, saffron spice, spices, unique cocktails