“You can eat it,” Maharlika Erickson assures a bar patron inquiring about the pansy flower floating in the co*cktail he just served up. “Tastes like a flower,” was the post-nibble response. Sure, but it added beauty. And that’s part of the craft co*cktail experience — where botanicals and herbs play an essential role in creating flavors, aromas, colors and drama that make every sip a special occasion.
Erickson works behind the bar at Chicago’s Table, Donkey and Stick, a cozy gathering spot (and Michelin Bib Gourmand Award winner) serving Alpine-inspired goodness. Though not defined by its craft co*cktails, this neighborhood gem has a specialty co*cktail program that encourages Erickson to express his passion for flavor experimentation. And that makes sense, since most of his customers — he estimates 90% — favor creative concoctions over classic, sans-botanical co*cktails.
THYME, MINT, ROSEMARY, STAR ANISE AND LAVENDER ARE AMONG THE MOST POPULAR co*ckTAIL BOTANICALS THESE DAYS.
Turmeric, ginger root, hibiscus and rose petals rank as well. Really, anything is fair game if it works. A mixologist’s imagination is the limit. Add to that the various ways herbs and botanicals can be used — dried, candied, as infusions, as garnishes — and you can’t help but wonder: Where does one even start? So, we asked.
The term mixologist suggests there’s a science to it. Erickson jokingly suggests a “science of failure,” referring to the sometimes seemingly endless trial-and-error loop that precedes finding that winning combination. Nevertheless, if not a science, there’s for sure an art to what he does with an ever-expanding toolbox of ingredients, botanicals included.
Take, for example, the “dealer’s choice” special at Table, Donkey and Stick, where the patron picks the spirit(s) and entrusts the rest to Erickson. He starts by scanning his mental Rolodex of the 77 official International Bartenders Association co*cktails. With a rough outline in mind, he then adds a unique spin based on his expertise (that trial-and-error thing), along with what’s available to him at that time.
SEASONALITY IS KEY, ACCORDING TO ERICKSON, BOTH FOR INGREDIENT FRESHNESS AND IN APPEALING TO WHAT WE TEND TO CRAVE AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF THE YEAR.
While lighter flavors like mint may satisfy in hotter months, baking spices like cinnamon and clove can warm the soul on a chilly winter night.
“You have to use your palate intelligently,” notes Erickson. “Like a chef.” In fact, he often works with the kitchen to create co*cktail flavors that complement Table, Donkey and Stick’s seasonal food menu. When the menu featured pickled veggies, for example, Erickson used the brine in his co*cktails. For him, it’s about focusing on what’s adding to the experience and what’s taking away from it. Every detail matters, down to how the shape of the glass funnels an herb’s scent with each sip.
At Table, Donkey and Stick, the culmination of every painstaking detail is consistently exceptional house co*cktails that keep customers coming back. But you mustn’t have such a meticulous co*cktail program to add botanical flare to your drink menu. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started. We call it the Tropics Dealer’s Choice. Add your own spin to give it a special signature.
Tropics Dealer’s Choice Recipe
In shaker, combine:
1.5 oz vodka
½ oz Tropics Mixology Peach
½ oz Tropics Mixology Sweetened Lime Juice
½ oz Tropics Mixology Simple Syrup
2 thyme sprigs
Rhubarb or orange bitters
Shake vigorously, then fine strain to remove the thyme leaves.
Pour in a glass and top with 2 oz of sparkling wine or soda water and enjoy!
FAQs
THYME, MINT, ROSEMARY, STAR ANISE AND LAVENDER ARE AMONG THE MOST POPULAR co*ckTAIL BOTANICALS THESE DAYS. Turmeric, ginger root, hibiscus and rose petals rank as well. Really, anything is fair game if it works. A mixologist's imagination is the limit.
What does "infused with botanicals" mean? ›
If a drink has been infused with botanicals, it means that botanicals have been added to the liquid and steeped for a period of time to impart their flavor.
What is botanical drink? ›
Botanical drinks are those delightful beverages infused with all things plant-based – herbs, spices, flowers, fruits, veggies, and even tree bark! We're talking about the whole package here, whether they're fresh or dried, these plant goodies team up to create amazing flavours and even health benefits.
How do you incorporate herbs into co*cktails? ›
Shaking- This is as easy as adding herbs to your mixing tin with your other co*cktail ingredients and shaking with ice. The ice will bruise the herbs and incorporate flavor without using additional tools! We recommend only shaking with healthy leaves to avoid bitter stem flavors.
Is gin just vodka with botanicals? ›
Gin can be classified as a botanically infused vodka. Vodka is called the “conception spirit” as it can be seen as the base from which other spirits are derived. So if you add traditional gin botanicals, like juniper, you can make gin from vodka. But not all botanically infused vodkas are gin.
What are the most used herbs for co*cktails? ›
Essential herbs for your co*cktail garden
- Mint. A classic for a reason, mint adds an invigorating touch to many co*cktails, including the quintessential Mojito and the time-honored Hugo Spritz. ...
- Rosemary. ...
- Basil. ...
- Lavender. ...
- Dill. ...
- Lemon verbena. ...
- Thyme. ...
- Sage.
Botanical supplements containing toxic constituents, such as liver toxins or carcinogens (chemicals with potential to cause cancer), do occasionally cause adverse reactions, but as a rule, these supplements are quickly withdrawn from the market once a potential problem has been identified.
Are botanicals good for you? ›
Immune-active botanicals, such as echinacea, strengthen and tone immune functions. Antioxidant botanicals, such as green tea, prevent cancer, slow aging, and maintain cardiovascular functions. Botanicals, such as St. John's wort, alleviate common psychological symptoms, such as insomnia, anxiety, or mild depression.
Are botanical supplements safe? ›
Many herbs aren't backed by strong scientific evidence showing they're safe or effective in people. And some herbal remedies can interact badly with certain medications or have unintended consequences for people living with certain conditions.
Are botanical drinks healthy? ›
These drinks provide various health benefits such as antioxidants, improved digestion, and stress relief while being low in calories and free of added sugars. They are perfect for social gatherings, and wellness routines, and as refreshing, healthy options throughout the day.
Botanicals have active ingredients, and side effects happen. You are more likely to experience reactions, though, if you consume these preparations at high doses or take several different botanicals. Reactions may also happen because of batch-to-batch variation in the composition of the preparation.
What is botanical beverage mix? ›
Botanical drinks , also known as botanical beverages are drinks that are made from botanical ingredients derived directly from plants. This could be in the form of botanical extract or liquid extract, dried leaf, and other parts of the plants.
What alcohol is best for infusing herbs? ›
If you want to add variety to your home bar, there are a number of alcohols that are excellent choices for infusing with herbs—vodka, gin, whiskey, rum, brandy, sake, and tequila are all wonderful options. Note however that the quality of the alcohol matters when infusing for co*cktails.
How to jazz up co*cktails? ›
Dress Up the Rim With Sugar, Salt & Spices
A speedy way to add a bit of flair to most any co*cktail? Dress up the rim, Anna suggests. For a co*cktail on the sweeter side, a sugared rim works perfectly; all you need is lemon or lime juice and granulated sugar.
What herbs can be mixed with alcohol? ›
Pair Herbs & Drinks Wisely
- Mix rosemary with citrusy and sweet drinks.
- Basil works well with light spirits such as gin.
- As much as some people complain that cilantro has a soapy taste, it delivers a full flavor if you do it right. ...
- Add dill to vodka to give it a wonderfully fresh taste.
The key to delicious co*cktails is balance. In early 19th century definitions, co*cktails are said to comprise four elements: spirits, sugar, water and bitters. Classic co*cktails like the Sazerac, Old Fashioned and Manhattan draw from this essential structure.
What are the types of botanical liquor? ›
Gin, absinthe, flavoured vodkas, eaux-de-vie, akvavit, arak, pastis and ouzo are all Botanical Spirits. However, there is a new wave of spirits that have proudly declared themselves "Botanical" which are made in much the same way as gin.
What are botanicals? ›
What is a botanical? A botanical is a plant or plant part valued for its medicinal or therapeutic properties, flavor, and/or scent. Herbs are a subset of botanicals. Products made from botanicals that are used to maintain or improve health are sometimes called herbal products, botanical products, or phytomedicines.
