Nadia George
October 15, 2024
There’s something about sesame that's been quietly revolutionizing our cocktail experiences; the little seed, known for its robust nuttiness, is evolving from its traditional role — beyond the realms of sushi and burger buns — and now jazzing up drinks in the most unexpected ways.
Sesame adds a nutty, sweetly, subtle flair to drinks, turning their ordinary taste into something extraordinarily unique.
Adding sesame to your cocktail isn’t just about following a recipe. For example, a splash of toasted sesame oil can add depth and complexity to a simple drink while also enhancing the rich mouthfeel.
Picture a martini cocktail smoothed out with tahini — a smooth, creamy counterpart that plays off of against the crispness of vodka. Take 30 ml of vodka and blend it with 15 ml of dry vermouth and a teaspoon of tahini. Sweeten this mix with 15 ml of simple syrup and pour over ice.
The trick of working with sesame lies in striking the perfect balance. Pair it with sweet syrups, a little lift from salt and make it shine by combining it with bright notes of citrus.
Enhance the drink’s character, do not overshadow it. The right amount can be transformative, but too much, and it’s all you will be able to taste.