Embracing the adventurous spirit and weary of the same old drinks, bartenders and enthusiasts are constantly seeking unconventional ingredients to elevate cocktail culture.
In recent years, we have witnessed a fascinating fusion of innovative ingredients, leading to the emergence of mushroom cocktails.
The umami-flavored drinks and their unique earthy undertones have taken the cocktail scene by storm. This new era of mixology has already produced a superstar in the form of mushroom-infused cocktails.
This trend is not only about growing adventurousness but also reflects an increasing appreciation for natural and holistic ingredients, as well as a yearning for more nuanced and sophisticated tastes and experiences.
Curious? This article delves into the wonderful world of mushroom cocktails: their history, flavors, and health benefits. We’ll also introduce you to four mushroom cocktails to try at home and parties.
What Are Mushroom Cocktails?
Mushroom cocktails are rapidly gaining popularity. What began as an eccentric experiment has now become a staple in the world of mixology. With that said, here is a brief introduction for those who are new to mushroom cocktails and are curious to learn more about this latest trend.
In the extensive and colorful history of cocktails, numerous exciting ingredients have been utilized to concoct the perfect blend. Mushroom cocktails are crafted using the essence of various mushroom species. This essence is incorporated through muddling, syrups, or infusions into the drink, imparting its unique umami and earthy depth to create captivating flavors, ensuring a fascinating experience.
The concept of mushroom-infused cocktails likely originated in the mind of some eccentric bartender or cocktail enthusiast. Some argue that mushroom cocktails became popular in the early 2000s when bartenders like Eben Freeman began experimenting with unconventional ingredients.
However, the use of mushroom-infused beverages can be traced throughout history. In traditional Chinese medicine, mushroom extracts were combined with other ingredients to create medicinal drinks.
The emergence of mushroom cocktails signifies a new trend in mixology, reflecting an adventurous spirit, an appreciation for sustainable ingredients, and an exploration of unique flavor combinations.
Top Mushroom Cocktails to Try
Now, onto the most interesting part of the article: we reward your patience with these amazing mushroom-infused cocktails to try.
These cocktails, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, are brimming with rich flavors and the unique characteristics of mushrooms. We guarantee that every sip will be an adventure, and you’ll savor the rich taste for a long time.
- Mushroom Martini
The unique and unexpected punch of the Mushroom Martini will make you forget all classic martini cocktails.
The earthy and savory flavors of mushrooms will add sophistication to the drink. A hint of sweetness and a touch of smoke contribute to the myriad tastes you’ll experience when drinking this cocktail.
The Mushroom Martini has already made a mark on the cocktail scene and gained popularity among adventurous palates that appreciate its umami kick and surprising deliciousness.
Ingredients:
Mushroom-infused vodka: 2 oz
Dry vermouth: 1/2 oz
Dry sherry: 1/4 oz (optional)
Angostura bitters: 2-3 dashes
Ice cubes
Garnish 1: Marinated mushrooms
Garnish 2: Rosemary sprig or fresh thyme
Mushroom-infused vodka:
Vodka: 1 cup
Porcini mushrooms: 1/4 cup (dried and chopped)
Shiitake mushrooms: 1/4 cup (dried and chopped)
Marinated Mushrooms:
Button mushrooms: 4 (small, cleaned, and stemmed)
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
Balsamic vinegar: 1 tablespoon
Pepper: to taste
Salt: to taste
Step-by-step instructions to make Mushroom Martini:
Prepare the mushroom-infused vodka: In an airtight container (preferably a jar), add dried and chopped mushrooms to the vodka. Close the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for 24-120 hours. After 5 days, open the jar, mix the contents well, and strain the concoction to remove the solids.
Ready the mushroom garnish: Take a small bowl, add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, pepper, salt, and thyme, and mix them well. Add the mushrooms and toss the ingredients to ensure the mushrooms are evenly coated. Let the mixture marinate for at least an hour, preferably for 12 hours.
Chill your martini glass: Once the mushroom-infused vodka and garnish are ready, fill a cocktail glass with ice cubes and let it sit for a few minutes. Discard the ice before making the cocktail.
Mix the drink: Combine the mushroom-infused vodka, dry sherry, dry vermouth, and Angostura bitters in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well for 15-30 seconds.
Strain and garnish: Strain the cocktail into the chilled martini glass. Garnish with a marinated mushroom and a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary.
- Shiitake Old Fashioned
The Shiitake Old Fashioned reimagines the classic cocktail, infusing it with an earthy twist and the umami flavor of shiitake mushrooms.
This unique blend enhances the timeless elegance and deliciousness of bourbon, creating a smooth warmth that beautifully complements the depth of angostura bitters and demerara syrup.
The result is a wide range of flavorful experiences for the palate. The Shiitake Old Fashioned is sure to be a perfect addition to any cocktail party.
Ingredients:
Bourbon whiskey: 1 1/2 oz
Shiitake-Demerara Syrup: 1/2 oz
Sesame-washed Bourbon: 1/2 oz (optional)
Angostura bitters: 2-3 dashes
Garnish: Orange peel and Luxardo cherry (optional)
Shiitake-Demerara Syrup:
Shiitake mushrooms: 1/4 cup (dried and chopped)
Demerara sugar: 1/2 cup
Water: 1/2 cup
Step-by-step instructions to make Shiitake Old Fashioned:
Make Shiitake-Demerara Syrup: Begin by placing a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add water and demerara sugar, and allow the mixture to boil until the sugar completely dissolves. Ensure the sugar syrup reaches a consistency that is neither too watery nor too sticky. Once dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat. Incorporate dried and chopped shiitake mushrooms into the hot sugar syrup. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the mushrooms marinate in the sugar syrup for 2 to 8 hours. After marinating, mix the contents in the saucepan and strain the syrup to remove any solids. Store the shiitake-demerara syrup in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Prepare the Sesame-washed Bourbon (optional): If desired, add a tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds to an ounce of bourbon in a jar. Shake the jar vigorously for a minute, then strain the contents to remove the sesame seeds.
Make the Shiitake Old Fashioned Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon whiskey, angostura bitters, shiitake-demerara syrup, and ice cubes. Mix thoroughly to ensure proper chilling and dilution. After approximately 30-60 seconds, strain the cocktail into a chilled rocks glass. Add a few ice cubes, garnish with orange peel and a luxardo cherry, and savor the cocktail.
- Truffle-Infused Vodka Sour
A cocktail to impress people on truly special occasions, the Truffle-infused Vodka Sour adds a touch of luxury and sophistication to the traditional favorite.
It tantalizes the taste buds with earthy flavors and the bright acidity of vodka sour. This cocktail represents the perfect marriage of a gourmet cuisine favorite, truffle oil, and one of mixology’s finest products, vodka sour.
The Truffle-infused Vodka Sour guarantees a truly distinctive cocktail experience.
Ingredients:
Truffle-infused Vodka: 2 oz
Simple syrup: 1/2 oz
Fresh lemon juice: 1 oz
Egg white: 1 (optional) or Aquafaba (vegan option)
Angostura bitters: 1-2 dashes (optional)
Garnish 1: Truffle oil
Garnish 2: Lemon twist
Truffle-infused Vodka:
Black truffle oil: 1/2 teaspoon
Vodka: 750 ml
Step-by-step instructions for making Truffle-infused Vodka Sour:
Prepare the Truffle-infused Vodka: Pour both vodka and truffle oil into a jar and seal it airtight. Gently swirl to mix the contents and set it aside for 24-48 hours in a cool, dark place. Later, strain the mixture to remove any sediments from the truffle oil.
Mix the cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine truffle-infused vodka, simple syrup (adjust to your desired sweetness level), lemon juice, egg white or aquafaba (optional), and a few ice cubes. For a frothier consistency, shake without ice for 10 seconds, then with ice for 20-30 seconds. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish the cocktail with a few drops of truffle oil on the surface and express the aromatic oils from a lemon twist before serving it to your guests.
- Reishi Mushroom Mocktail
Ensure your teetotaler friends don’t feel out of place. Offer them a distinctive taste experience that is both intriguing and satisfying.
The Reishi Mushroom Mocktail expertly harmonizes the woody depths of Reishi with zesty citrus flavors and the sweetness of berries.
This sophisticated blend of flavors has established this mocktail as the preferred choice for those seeking non-alcoholic alternatives at parties.
Ingredients:
Reishi Infusion:
Reishi mushrooms: 1 tablespoon (dried and chopped)
Hot water: 1 cup
Mocktail:
Reishi infusion: 2 tablespoons
Blueberries: 1/4 cup (fresh)
Raspberries: 1/4 cup (fresh)
Lemon: 1/2 (juiced)
Apple: 1/4 cup (unsweetened)
Sparkling water: 1/4 cup
Garnish: Fresh mint
Step-by-step instructions to make Reishi Mushroom Mocktail:
Prepare the Reishi infusion: In an airtight container, combine dried and chopped Reishi mushrooms with hot water. Set the container aside for 30 to 60 minutes. Afterwards, strain the liquid and cool it in a separate container.
Muddle the berries: Use the back of a spoon or a muddler to crush the berries in a shaker or vessel, continuing until the juices are fully released.
Mix the Mocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine the chilled Reishi infusion, apple juice, lemon juice, and berry extracts. Shake well.
Garnish and serve: In a chilled glass, pour the mocktail, add a few ice cubes, top with sparkling water, and garnish with fresh mint to complete this delicious mushroom mocktail. For added fizz, you can substitute plain soda for sparkling water.
The Benefits of Mushroom Cocktails
Many argue that aside from the novelty factor, there is nothing healthy or beneficial about mushroom cocktails. We beg to differ.
Mushrooms are a nutritional powerhouse. While the nutritional composition varies among species, research indicates that all functional mushrooms are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, mushrooms contain special compounds such as immunity-boosting polysaccharides, beta-glucans, and more.
Our modern-day diet often lacks essential nutrients. Even a small amount of mushroom present in cocktails can help supply nutrients to the body. For instance, shiitake is an excellent source of vitamin D and can help counteract the deficiency of this vital vitamin in modern diets.
Cordyceps aids in boosting energy levels and enhancing stamina and endurance. Lion’s mane mushroom serves as a potent cognitive enhancer, promoting neurogenesis and neuroprotection.
We do not advocate excessive drinking solely to increase mushroom consumption. Nevertheless, even a modest addition of mushroom, in an occasional cocktail, can be beneficial to overall health.
Final Thoughts
In summary, when it comes to mushrooms, there is something for everybody. The versatility of this ingredient makes it a perfect partner for bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts.
Whether you’re seeking a non-alcoholic mocktail, a nutritious concoction, or an indulgent alcoholic drink, there is a suitable mushroom-infused cocktail to satisfy your taste buds.
With a mushroom cocktail in hand, let us raise a glass to the intriguing possibilities that mushroom varieties bring. The creative mixes you find here will tickle your fancy, push the boundaries of taste, and become part of your cocktail repertoire.
Cheers to the mushroom-fueled revolution!