The Savory Side of Cocktails & Garnishes

Welcome to the bold and innovative world of savory cocktails. While we love a good drink for dessert, these unique beverages offer a refreshing alternative to sweet, fruity drinks. By incorporating savory ingredients such as herbs, spices and even vegetables, savory cocktails deliver a complex taste experience that delights the palate. Join us as we delve into what makes a cocktail savory, highlight some of our favorite recipes and provide tips for crafting the perfect drink.

What are savory cocktails?

Savory cocktails offer a refined alternative to traditionally sweet or sour drinks, embracing earthy, herbaceous, salty and umami-rich flavors. Umami is one of the five basic tastes and it can mean meaty or brothy. With their food-like, complex profiles, it’s not surprising that savory cocktails can pair perfectly with fine cuisine. Unlike sugary cocktails, savory drinks balance boldness and depth, inviting a sophisticated exploration of flavor.

Top savory cocktails to try

The best way to understand a savory cocktail is to experience it yourself. Perhaps the most iconic savory cocktail to try would be the Dirty Martini Cocktail. It features olive brine for a salty taste — and you can ask for it extra dirty for even more olive flavor. And if you like a little heat, try making the Dirty & Spicy Martini Cocktail.

The Bloody Mary and Bloody Caesar are also classics, typically served at brunch, and often with an abundance of savory garnishes, which we’ll dive into next.

Garnishes that enhance savory cocktails

The right garnishes can enhance any savory or even non-savory drink, boosting their visual appeal and flavor profile. Some of our favorites are ones that you could put atop a martini cocktail, such as:

• Olives (including stuffed ones)
• Pickled onions (or other pickled veggies)
• Cornichons
• Peppers (spicy or otherwise)

And then of course there are all the traditional toppings for a Bloody Mary, which you could experiment with adding to other drinks as well:

• Celery
• Olives
• Aromatic herbs
• Black pepper
• Bacon
• Cheese cubes
• Pickles

There of course are nearly endless options for your cocktail. Get creative and think about what your favorite savory tastes are — there’s probably a way to use it as a garnish.

Tips for creating the perfect savory drink

Crafting a savory cocktail is an art of balance, layering herbs, spices and umami notes with a spirit that plays well with others, like vodka. A drink is only as good as its ingredients, so that’s why we recommend using a premium vodka and fresh produce for garnishes. 

To take your skills to another level, you can also play around with pairing brunch or dinner food with savory cocktails. With the right elements, every sip becomes a sensory experience. Enjoy savoring the savory.