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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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).