Fresh lemongrass, crushed ginger, holy basil, ripe mango, ground fresh chili — Thailand’s bartenders fuel many of their best cocktails with locally grown herbs, spices, and fruits pulled straight from the country’s renowned dinner menus. Packed with antioxidants and vitamins, they’re delicious and (kind of, almost, sort of) guilt-free. From Bangkok’s hottest nightclub, sexiest restaurant, and most exquisite little cocktail bars, we bring you a drink menu guaranteed to spice up your summer.
Here are four healthy cocktails filled with delicious herbs and spices.
The Storm Cooler Cocktail
Courtesy of Ce La Vi (photo taken at the Singapore location of CÉ LA VI Bangkok)
Ingredients:
- 1.5 ounces vodka
- 0.7 ounce lime juice
- 1 ounce passion fruit puree
- 1 ounce honey syrup
Instructions: Shake the ingredients together and serve over ice, garnished with one pinch of raw Lakrids licorice powder and a section of fresh passion fruit. The bartenders at Ce La Vi describe it as “a passionate balance of sweet, sour, and spice.”
Spicy Thai-Chili Mango Mojito
Courtesy of Namsaah Bottling Trust
Ingredients:
- 1.5 ounces Havana light rum
- 0.5 ounce fresh Thai lime juice
- 2 ounces fresh mango juice
- 1-2 pieces Thai chilis
- 4 pieces lime wedges
- 0.35 ounce sugar syrup
Instructions: Muddle the lime wedges, Thai chilis, sugar syrup, and rum together. Add crushed ice and stir. Add the fresh mango juice, and top off with crushed ice and half an ounce of Singha soda water. Garnish with Thai chilis and mint leaves.
The Mori Sling
Courtesy of Bronx Liquid Parlor
Ingredients:
1.5 ounces white rum
0.7 ounce fresh lime juice
0.5 ounce syrup
0.5 ounce jasmine tea
0.7 ounce egg white
1/2 bar spoon basil oil
Garnish: white chocolate with thyme salt
Instructions: Shake all ingredients together with ice. Garnish and serve in a Martini glass.
Brunch at the Bean
Courtesy of Track 17
Ingredients:
1 ounce ginger-infused vodka
1 ounce tomato juice
0.35 ounce honey syrup
0.7 ounce lemon juice
Pinch of salt
Pinch of mustard
Instructions: Shake all ingredients together and serve over ice, garnished with halved grape tomatoes.
