Texture with a Twist: Why Thickened Cocktails are the next trend

What are Thickened Cocktails and why are they the next trend?

You may have heard of Dalgona or Whipped Coffee. It took the internet by storm in 2020 and has been the star of countless TikTok videos. So why was this twist on an everyday beverage so successful? The answer is texture! That’s right, TEXTURE plays a key role in how we perceive our food and drink.

We have all heard of classic cocktails such as the Manhattan, Old-Fashioned, Cosmopolitan, and we can probably find endless recipes and inspiration in a quick Google search. One thing these recipes often omit is texture. Texture is important when making cocktails and allows you to reinvent your favorite cocktail with an enhanced mouthfeel. Texture is also important when making mocktails with non-alcoholic spirits. Often the texture is “too thin” when using non-alcoholic spirits, and a slightly thicker texture is preferred.

We’ve tested out SimplyThick® EasyMix™, a xanthan gum thickener, on your favorite cocktails and the results were incredible. SimplyThick® EasyMix™ is a thickener that can be used in a variety of beverages - hot, cold, alcohol, and even milk-based! It will create a silky-smooth texture and add complexity to your drink. If you’re looking to reconstruct a classic cocktail, you’ve come to the right place. Check out our recipes below and experiment with a modified texture in your next drink. Cheers!

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Texturally Complex Manhattan

Texturally Complex Manhattan made with SimplyThick® EasyMix™.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 oz. Rye Whiskey

• 1 oz. Sweet (Dark) Vermouth

• 1/2 oz. Cherry Juice

• 1 dash Angostura Bitters

• 1 Pump of SimplyThick® EasyMix™

• Ice (Thickened with SimplyThick® EasyMix™)

Directions:

Combine Whiskey, Vermouth, Cherry Juice, and Bitters into glass and stir. Add SimplyThick® and stir for 30 seconds, until thickened. Serve on the rocks using ice cubes thickened with SimplyThick®.

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Reconstructed Old-Fashioned

Reconstructed Old-Fashioned made with SimplyThick® EasyMix™

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 oz. Rye Whiskey

• 1/2 oz. Simple Syrup

• 1/2 oz. Orange Juice

• 1/2 oz. Cherry Juice

• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters

• 1 Pump of SimplyThick® EasyMix™

• Ice (Thickened with SimplyThick® EasyMix™)

Directions:

Combine Whiskey, Simple Syrup, Orange Juice, Cherry Juice, and Bitters into glass and stir. Add SimplyThick® and stir for 30 seconds, until thickened. Add 1 large ice cube thickened with SimplyThick®.

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Silky-Smooth Cosmopolitan

Silky-Smooth Cosmopolitan Cocktail made SimplyThick® EasyMix™

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Vodka

• 1/2 oz. Grand Marnier or Triple Sec

• 3/4 oz. Cranberry Juice or Cherry Juice

• 1/4 oz. Lime Juice

• 1 Pump of SimplyThick® EasyMix™

Directions:

Pour all ingredients into a mixer and shake until ice cold.

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Thickened Gimlet

The Perfect Gimlet Recipe made with SimplyThick® EasyMix™

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Gin (or Gin alternative)

• 1 oz. Lime Juice

• 1 oz. Simple Syrup

• 1 Pump of SimplyThick® EasyMix™

• Ice (Thickened with SimplyThick® EasyMix™)

Directions:

Combine all ingredients into a mixer and shake until thickened and ice-cold, just like a martini.

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