NOW EXPERIENCING:Not a sweet-tooth? Try these 10 savoury cocktails
Cocktails|Dry|Sweet|Tequila & Mezcal

Not a sweet-tooth? Try these 10 savoury cocktails

Read time 3 Mins

Posted 27 Mar 2025

By
Emily Reed

Holding a Spicy Pickle Margarita on top of a big jar of pickles

If you go for tangy, salty and spicy every time, these recipes are made for you.  

It’s a debate as old as time: sweet or savoury? We’re not here to settle it once and for all because, honestly, we can’t pick a side. But, for now, when it comes to cocktails, we’re shining a light on some deliciously savoury recipes to satisfy your cravings.

If you’re the type who chooses cheese over dessert, we see you – and we think you’ll love these cocktails. Better yet, many of these can be quickly made to order or prepped ahead in batches if you’re entertaining friends who also love things on the savoury side.

10 of the best savoury cocktails to make at home
4 MINS READ
1. Pickletini
If this drink isn’t an ode to pickles, we don’t know what is. You’re not imagining it, there’s been a recent pickle revolution that’s seen the rise of picklebacks (a shot of bourbon or Irish whiskey followed by a shot of pickle brine), pickle beers, pickle-infused gin, pickle vodka and even a hard pickle seltzer. Who knew a cucumber could be so damn versatile? The perfect savoury recipe, the Pickletini essentially takes a traditional Dirty Martini and swaps the olive brine for pickle juice.
4 MINS READ
2. Bloody Mary
A brunch-time icon and a go-to for good reason, the Bloody Mary is as legendary as it is delicious. Don’t let the ginormous stick of celery put you off, the classic mix of tomato juice, vodka, Worcestershire and Tabasco is bold, savoury and seriously satisfying. Now, we like our Bloody Mary spicy as hell, but the great thing about this is you can choose your level of spice. Dial the Tabasco down (or up!) according to your preference. And trust us, this classic is great for any occasion.
3 MINS READ
3. Cucumber Wasabi Gimlet
As it turns out, wasabi works well as a sushi condiment and in a cocktail. This spicy tipple will blow your mind and take your tastebuds on a ride. This cocktail is unique and easy to make, perfect for the wasabi-curious and diehard fans alike. All you need is a good gin, lemon juice, cucumber, a dash of sugar syrup and a quarter-teaspoon of wasabi – or however much you like. That’s hot.
2 MINS READ
4. Spicy Pickle Margarita
For those who love a bold twist, the Spicy Pickle Margarita takes the classic tequila cocktail and dials up the flavour. Dill pickle brine brings a savoury edge, while pickled jalapeños (trust us, add them) deliver a fiery kick. It’s the perfect balance of tang, spice and a flavour adventure – all shaken up with reposado tequila, agave and fresh lime.
3 MINS READ
5. Umami Old Fashioned
For ages, we thought all flavours could be boiled down to sweet, sour, salty or bitter – until Dr Kikunae Ikeda introduced the fifth taste: umami. In this twist on the classic Old Fashioned, soy sauce brings a savoury umami kick that pairs perfectly with dark rum, maple syrup and Amontillado sherry. Served cold, this unique cocktail will leave you craving more, especially with a tasty snack like yakitori skewers on hand. Kanpai!
2 MINS READ
6. Kombucha Spagliato
Move over, Negroni Sbagliato – there’s a new aperitivo in town. Just like the OG, this version is best enjoyed with a generous serve of Sicilian olives, cured meats and a handful of toasted almonds. Surprisingly dry and savoury, the Komucha Sbagliato comes in at one standard drink per serve, so it’s a great lighter-in-alcohol cocktail. Kombucha might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to cocktail ingredients, but it offers just enough fruity complexity to carry the bitter, botanical qualities of the vermouth and Campari. Give it a whirl!
3 MINS READ
7. Lao Gan Martini
Chilli fans, this one’s for you. Inspired by the viral crispy chilli oil craze (and the unshakable love for Lao Gan Ma), we’ve turned it into a cocktail – enter the Lao Gan Martini. Instead of soft-serve, we’ve gone for a zingy lemon sorbet, shaken with yuzu liqueur, vodka and honey for balance. The final touch? A spoonful (or more) of crispy chilli oil, depending on your spice tolerance.
3 MINS READ
8. Rocket Gimlet
Yes, we mean the salad leaf, not the spaceship – but trust us, it works. A twist on the classic Gimlet, this modern version brings herbaceous, savoury notes that complement gin’s botanical flavours. Also shaken with lime and sugar, it’s a fresh take on the classic Southside, trading mint for a fiery green twist. Delicate yet punchy, this drink proves rocket belongs in more than just your salad.
3 MINS READ
9. Tomatini
Vodka, dry vermouth… and tomato? Absolutely. Tomatoes aren’t just for Bloody Marys – when they’re at their peak in summer (or anytime throughout the year, really), a Tomatini is a no-brainer. It may not be a classic, but with its sweet, savoury and sour balance, it’s made its mark. Simply infuse vodka with tomato (it keeps for 14 days), then stir with ice, strain and finish with a drizzle of olive oil. Nice!
2 MINS READ
10. So-Miso
We’re on a roll with popular Japanese ingredients that prove they’re darn adaptable. Miso is a fermented soybean paste from Japan that’s sweet, toasty, salty and packed with umami, making it a complex cocktail ingredient. In this So-Miso cocktail, it brings a round, salty mouthfeel – and when paired with the sourness of lemon and the sweetness of the apple, the combo is a flavourful journey for your tastebuds.
For more ideas on what to mix up at home, check out our collection of cocktail recipes that are written and tested by our team of experts.  
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image credits: Top image, Spicy Pickle Margarita
Authour image
Emily ReedEmily is a Melbourne-based writer partial to a good pét nat. Her hobbies include lining up songs on Spotify at house parties and hovering near cheese platters.
Tags
CocktailsAperitifs & VermouthWhisk(e)ySummerSourEasyLiqueursDryWinterSavourySweetEntertaining'Best of' listsSpicyGinBitterTequila & MezcalVodka
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