Ramen-Inspired Cocktails: 5 Customised Korean And Japanese Fusion Drinks For Guests

Savoury, sweet, spicy, smoky, and umami all at once, ramen is a Japanese and Korean-inspired broth prepared by extracting the flavours of different meats, vegetables and sauces into a clear soup. Undoubtedly, ramen brims with robust flavours and layered tasting notes which have made it a culinary favourite across the globe. When home hosting a party constituting ramen and cocktails, certain drinks can be produced which borrow from the flavour profile of this dish.  

Ramen inspired cocktails would then comprise spicy richness and a depth that is characteristic of this broth completed with vegetables, meats and noodles. These well-balanced fusion cocktails will combine classic ramen ingredients and flavours with mixology techniques and premium spirits, and in effect embody the tasting notes of different ramen variations.  

Read on below to know more about some of the ramen-inspired fusion cocktails, complete with Japanese flavours, that can be prepared for guests: 

Tonkotsu Old Fashioned  

A drink that features the flavours of the ramen variety hailing from the Kyushu region in Japan, this old fashioned can be prepared by bringing together 30 ml sesame washed whisky such as a Johnnie Walker Black Label or any other premium whisky of choice, with 10 ml black garlic syrup, a dash of smoked salt and 30 ml umami bitters. Such a drink containing ramen flavours will carry the rich, smoky, and garlicky touch of tonkotsu where a nori strip garnish will finish off the umami notes present in the cocktail. The drink can be served with a side of uramaki at a home hosting event. 

Miso Martini Cocktail  

Miso soup or miso ramen is one of the more popular broth varieties from Japanese cuisine. The rich, silky and slightly acidic flavour of white miso can be extracted into a classic martini cocktail recipe to arrive at a mix that highlights these umami and sour tasting notes. Bring together 30 ml Tanqueray No. 10 Gin or any other premium gin of choice with 10 ml dry sake and half a tablespoon of white miso paste and stir all the ingredients well before adding them to a martini cocktail glass. Garnish with pickled ginger for a mildly spicy taste. 

Shoyo Highball  

Anyone fond of a good ramen bowl would be familiar with the light and sweet taste of shoyu. This warm broth contains the acidic yet mild flavour of a light soy which can be incorporated into a simple highball cocktail prepared using 30 ml shoyu infused whisky. Use a Johnnie Walker Black Label or any other premium whisky of choice to prepare the infusion and build the cocktail using 15 ml yuzu juice and 90 ml soda water. Garnish with a grated daikon to add sharp, peppery notes into the savoury mix. 

Curry Ramen Negroni  

Another well-balanced alternative inspired by ramen flavours, this version contains a mix of 30 ml Gordon’s Original London Dry Gin or any other premium gin of choice infused with curry broth, 15 ml sweet vermouth and a dash of coconut-washed Italian aperitif liqueur. A fusion of multiple flavour notes, this negroni will contain a slightly spicy flavour that comes from the curry, undercut by the subtle, tart hints of the aperitif to create a well-balanced mix. Garnish the drink with a lemon peel for a hint of sourness. 

Spicy Tantanmen Mule  

A twist on the classic moscow mule recipe, this spicy Tantanmen cocktail brings together 30 ml sesame-washed vodka and 10 ml chili honey with 15 ml ginger syrup. The Sichuan flavours of the spicy cocktail come through the chili honey and ginger mix, whereas its slightly toasted notes are brought forth by the infused spirit prepared using Ketel One Premium Distilled Vodka or any other premium vodka of choice. Garnish this drink with crushed peanuts to highlight the nutty and earthy flavours in the recipe.