Food - July 31, 2017

Get Cultured: 6 Yogurt Cocktails for a Bit of Fermentation in Your Glass

Yogurt is a common ingredient in smoothies, not so much in cocktails. That’s changing thanks to bartenders who love its tang, creamy smoothness, and power to mellow out the sharpness of other ingredients. Here are six yummy yogurt cocktails – no spoon required.

Proédros at Harvest Table, St. Helena, California
Proedros is Greek for ‘president,’ a nod to the fact that this drink riffs on a classic El Presidente. Cachaça is subbed in for the usual rum, though the vermouth and grenadine stay the same. Calamansi limes add a touch of tartness, while yogurt creates a silky mouthfeel. Make a reservation at Harvest Table.

yogurt cocktails

Balm.Com at Ēma, Chicago, Illinois
A mix of vodka, cachaça, blueberry, coconut, and lemon balm gets a touch of tang from some yogurt. TheBalm.com is TheBomb.com. You can quote us on that. Make a reservation at Ēma.

yogurt cocktails

Breakfast Time at All Set, Silver Spring, Maryland
Greek yogurt plays nicely with amaretto, spiced rum, maple syrup, and lemon juice. It’s creamy and zippy with an earthy sweetness. Everything you want in a well-balanced breakfast. Make a reservation at All Set.

yogurt cocktails

Lion’s Milk at Kapnos, Washington, D.C.
Don’t worry, there’s not actually lion’s milk in this dessert cocktail. Instead, you’ll find mastiha (mastic liqueur), lemon, lime, yogurt liqueur, egg white, heavy cream, rose water and soda. Guaranteed to make you roar with delight. Make a reservation at Kapnos.

yogurt cocktails

10th Wonder at 312 Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
Banana yogurt stars in this inventive tipple. The sweetness from its presence is balanced out by a pinch of black pepper. It’s fortified with 12-year-old scotch and Drambuie, making it far stronger than your average container of Dannon. Make a reservation at 312 Chicago.

yogurt cocktails

Lotus Blossom at Makoto, Bal Harbour, Florida
Trust the Japanese to create Calpico, a yogurt-inspired soft drink. Here it’s coupled with shōchū, vodka, and a splash of yuzu. Light, refreshing, and easy to quaff. Make a reservation at Makoto.

yogurt cocktails

Have you encountered yogurt cocktails at your favorite restaurants? Let us know where here or over on FacebookG+InstagramPinterest, or Twitter. And, remember to snap + share your #dishpics with us on Instagram for a chance to win in our weekly giveaway.

Nevin Martell is a Washington, D.C.-based food and travel writer and the author of several books, including Freak Show Without A Tent: Swimming with Piranhas, Getting Stoned in Fiji and Other Family Vacations. Find him on Twitter @nevinmartell and Instagram @nevinmartell.

Photo credits: Greg Powers (Kapnos).

Lake Nona Golf & Country Club