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Rimming salts with a kick
Osmo Rimming Salts, from $16.99 at Osmo
Vladymyr Buryanov, a pro mixologist and bartending content creator, frequently reaches for these salts to enhance the flavors of sweet and sour cocktails.
Buryanov recommends using the grapefruit lime salt for palomas, and strawberry lime salt for margaritas and daiquiris. If you don’t drink alcohol, Buryanov says these salts pair nicely with nonalcoholic drinks. You can make your own mocktail by combining fresh lime juice with agave nectar and sparkling water, finishing the glass with OSMO’s mango chili rimming salt.
Flavored bitters from a classic brand
Fee Brothers Lemon Bitters, from $7.99 at Amazon and Total Wine
Vikki Elliott, bar manager at Yellow Door Taqueria in Boston, depends on Fee Brothers’ legendary bitters line to balance the flavors of any cocktail.
Specifically, Elliott loves adding a dash or two of lemon bitters to any drink with a bright citrusy profile, like a Bee’s Knees or lemon drop. Bitters can also lend some zest to a simple vodka martini or level up a lemonade.
Amarena cherries to make any drink luxe
Fabbri Amarena Cherries, $23.74 at Amazon
Amarena cherries should be on everyone’s home bar cart, according to Erin Miller, owner of Urban Hearth. “The cherries and syrup can be muddled into drinks and also used as garnish,” she says.
For Urban Hearth’s “Say Anything” cocktail — featuring bourbon, angostura bitters, amaro, and orange bitters — mixologists add a spoonful of syrup for a touch of sweetness, and garnish the drink with a single Amarena cherry on a spear.
Tangy shrubs made from vinegar and fruit
The Twisted Shrub Strawberry Lime, $14.99 at Amazon
Shrubs are concentrated syrups usually made from fruit, vinegar, sugar, and aromatics. “The vinegar is the key ingredient that differentiates it from a simple syrup,” says Arpit Patel, owner of Baramor. “It not only preserves the fruits, extending its usable life, but also adds a bold tangy taste to the cocktail without overburdening the sweetness.”
When you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party, Patel recommends giving margaritas a little extra flair by adding some strawberry lime shrub, a couple of fresh jalapeño slices, and Aperol.
Citrus-infused honey
Pick & Squeeze Calamansi With Honey, $12.59 at Umami Cart
Also known as Philippine lime or Philippine lemon, calamansi is a hybrid citrus fruit cultivated in Southeast Asia; its characteristic tartness perfectly offsets the sweetness of honey.
According to Lisa Fernandes, a mixologist with Mace and Rule of Thirds, calamansi-infused honey is surprisingly versatile: you can use it as a substitution for lemon or lime juice, or even for agave syrup.
For a simple yet refreshing summer beverage, Fernandes suggests combining gin, calamansi honey, and sparkling water. It also works well in a hot toddy with bourbon and in citrus-heavy white wine sangrias.
Mexican seasoning that goes with everything
Tajín Clásico Seasoning, $9.52 at Amazon
It is no surprise that this ultra-flavorful Mexican seasoning has exploded onto many cocktail menus across the country: made with ground red chilies, dehydrated lime juice, and salt, it offers a nice tang to a variety of beverages.
“Our bartenders use a Tajín rim on margaritas, mezcal cocktails, and palomas,” says Carmen Grau, general manager of Cosmica. “The seasoning is the perfect balance of salty, citrus, and mildly spicy flavors that compliments vacation-inspired cocktails perfectly.” Spice up your next bloody mary, mango margarita, or Mexican mule with a Tajín rim.
Glitter that you can drink
Sandalita Silver Shimmer, $15 at Sugar Mama Shimmer
When Chef Guo is looking to take his cocktails to the next level, he relies on edible glitter. It’s ideal for celebratory and festive occasions.
According to Guo, edible glitter works best in bubbly cocktails — think mimosas, Bellinis, prosecco punch, or a St. Germain Spritz. Just add a pinch to champagne or sparkling rosé for an extra special toast.
Stuffed olives for a savory twist
Filthy Food Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives, $24.99 at Amazon
When your drink needs a savory garnish, Gui Jaroschy, co-founder of Unfiltered Hospitality, highly recommends looking to Filthy Food’s extensive lineup — which also includes pimento-, pickle-, and pepper-stuffed olives.
These blue-cheese stuffed olives are a no-brainer for bloody marys and dirty martinis alike. They also work nicely in an herbaceous gin gimlet with cucumber and dill. Just thread two onto a cocktail spear for a tasty garnish.
Boozy boba that adds flavor and texture
Strawberry Cocktail Caviar, $19.99 at Total Wine
Think of this quirky ingredient as boozy boba, says Tao Group Hospitality beverage director Craig Schoettler, who frequently uses it as a martini garnish. “It’s a great way to add an element of surprise and a burst of flavor to your cocktail,” he says.
Schoettler suggests spooning cocktail caviar into homemade cosmopolitans and daiquiris. It also livens up glasses of champagne, rosé, and dry white wines.
Insider’s takeaway
Just one unexpected ingredient can liven up any homemade cocktails, making them both look and taste more interesting.
Whether you’re trying to save money by drinking at home, or just looking to step up your mixology game for entertaining, there are lots of fun ingredients to try from boozy boba and stuffed olives to fruit-infused syrups and salts.
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