Sweet, Salty Or Spicy: Balancing Cucumber’s Mild Flavours In Cocktails
Cucumber slices or peels are often added to different gin, vodka and tequila-based cocktails so their savoury flavours bring another layer of taste into herby, earthy beverages. The flavours introduced into a cocktail with the addition of cucumber are subtle yet crisp and add quite a bit of nuance into these summertime drinks. However, balancing the cucumber’s mild flavours while blending cocktails requires introducing other flavours into drinks to craft a well-rounded mix.
There are some effective techniques involved in bringing about a fine flavour balance to cocktails containing cucumber. These include incorporating drinks with other sweet, salty and spicy ingredients which contrast the savoury crunch of the cucumber.
Here are some of the ways in which these tasting notes can be introduced into cocktails to balance the subtle cucumber flavours:
Add A Pinch Of Salt
One of the easiest ways to undercut some of the cucumber flavours is to add salt to a cocktail. Add a pinch of salt to the cocktail shaker while preparing a classic cucumber infused gin fizz using 30 ml premium Tanqueray No. 10 Gin. Salt will not only balance the mild yet savoury notes in the drink but will also bring forth all the different flavours in the cocktail. This will add more depth into the mix so that the flavours of cucumber juice or muddled slices are pronounced, yet seldom overpowering.
Add Lime Juice
Cucumber and lime juice is a classic combination in salads. Citrusy lime juice counteracts the light umami notes in the cucumber to turn it into a tasty and crispy small bite. Such lime juice when added to cocktails performs a similar function of turning a simple recipe into a flavourful blend. Lime juice can be added to drinks like the cucumber and lemon vodka fizz made by mixing 30 ml Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka with 90 ml club soda, some muddled cucumber slices and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Garnish this drink with a fresh cucumber slice for its crispy texture.
Pair With Herbs
In drinks which contain savoury flavours of cucumbers, tomato juice or other veggie purees, one way to balance these tasting notes is by adding herbs. If preparing a green bloody mary using 30 ml Ketel One Premium Distilled Vodka and 60 ml freshly squeezed cucumber juice, add a sprinkle of herbs like basil or rosemary to undercut some of the savoury notes. Drinks containing subtle hints of crushed basil or a rosemary garnish have an herby depth which lends them more complexity even as they balance the crunchy and juicy touch of cucumbers.
Add A Hint Of Spices
For spicy drinks like the flavoured margarita cocktail or even a tropical cucumber and chilli fizz, balance can be derived with the addition of an extra touch of peppercorns, chilli powder or cumin powder to the drink. This will complement the savoury and slightly umami notes of cucumber juice in the cocktail. Crush the spices and blend into the cocktail or add a cinnamon or whole pepper garnish to the drink so their flavours seep steadily into drinks.
Mix With Mild Sweeteners
Cucumbers blend well with mild sweeteners such as agave or honey even more than heavier sweet ingredients. Balance out the flavours of a cucumber cocktail with a spoonful of these subtle sweet ingredients which will undercut some of the more pronounced cucumber notes. These sweeteners can be added to cocktails like the cucumber infused margarita mix or a spicy cucumber mule containing a hint of jalapeños.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
