No, we haven’t gone crazy. There’s an innovative way to incorporate vinegar as a key element in cocktails, and today we want to show you how. In this blog post, we’ll discover how this age-old product, already a kitchen staple, can take your drinks to the next level.
Although vinegar is known for its acidity and flavour in dishes, it can also be ideal for providing cocktails and mocktails with a distinctive touch. In case you’re not familiar with the term, a mocktail is a non-alcoholic drink that maintains the sophistication and creativity of a classic cocktail. What many don’t know is that vinegar can add that refreshing acidic kick that transforms your drinks, with or without alcohol.
A bold, creative and healthy gamble!
Using vinegar in cocktails may seem unusual, but it really adds a unique depth of flavour. This practice, which is gaining popularity among mixologists the world over, represents an innovative and refreshing option.
Plus, replacing sugary drinks with mocktails made with artisanal vinegars has health benefits. Vinegar contributes to good digestion, regulates blood sugar levels and provides antioxidants. Its refreshing acidity enhances the flavour of drinks without the need to add sugars or artificial sweeteners.
Reinventing the classics
At Badia Vinegars, not only have we reinvented classics like Cabernet Sauvignon balsamic vinegar and Chardonnay balsamic vinegar, but we’ve brought this innovation to cocktails, putting a new spin on two classic cocktails.
One of the cocktails we’ve reinvented is the Negroni (recipe here), an Italian benchmark famous for its balance between sweet and bitter. It’s usually made with gin, rosé vermouth and Campari, but in our version, we’ve replaced the vermouth and gin with our Cabernet Sauvignon balsamic vinegar, keeping just a subtle touch of Campari, which adds a splash of alcohol (approximately 1% of the total volume). The result is a fresher and more vibrant version, ideal for the aperitif we’ve named Vinegar Negroni.
We’ve also reinvented the classic Gin and Tonic (recipe here), giving it our particular stamp and calling it Vinegar Tonic. This version combines tonic with a touch of Chardonnay balsamic vinegar, creating a refreshing and delicately acidic drink, perfect for relaxing moments or long after-dinner relaxation. It’s a sophisticated and surprising proposal, with the freshness of the vinegar providing a relaxing effect.
With these reinterpretations, we continue to explore the possibilities of vinegar as a versatile ingredient, capable of enriching both dishes and drinks. We encourage you to discover these creations in your kitchen or cocktail bar.