Why Bacon In Cocktails Work So Well (Yes, We're Serious)
The case is easily made that bacon improves nearly everything it touches. We're sure there's an exception to that rule, but one doesn't come to mind. That said, there are some venues that bacon doesn't often appear in and cocktails are one of them. The initial thought of a bacon beverage may seem weird, but we're not talking about slapping a slab of bacon in your margarita and calling it a day. The truth is bacon has a lot to offer mixed drinks thanks to its umami smokiness and sweet varieties. It shouldn't be missed.
Bacon works so well with cocktails because it has a rich and nuanced flavor profile itself. It can have deep smoky notes or sweeter flavors when things like maple get involved. It's always got a healthy dose of salt, and the fat content means it's luxuriously rich. Those are all flavors that work well behind the bar — you just need to know how to unleash them.
Bacon is a nuanced and versatile addition to cocktails
If you're looking to really experiment, there's no better way than infusing your alcohol with bacon flavor via the process of fat washing. It may have a funny name, but it's ideal for bringing the best of bacon to your liquor and it's fairly easy to do. Fat washing means taking the rendered fat from, in this case, bacon, and adding it to alcohol to infuse the liquor with flavor. After resting, the infusion is frozen so that the hardened fat can be removed.
Freddie Sarkas, Chief Cocktail Officer at Nashville's Liquor Lab told InsideHook that fat washing "leaves behind the flavor and a silky texture when done properly." Doing it properly is important and there are a few things to keep in mind. Since rendered fat is hot, you'll want to use a container that is heat-safe for your infusion. It's also important to strain the cold fat out well so the alcohol is infused, but not full of fat. Bacon washed liquors are a great base for rich cocktails like a smoky Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
Other ways to incorporate bacon into your cocktails
Of course, fat washing your own alcohol isn't the only way to get in on the bacon game. Bacon syrup offers another fun ingredient that can take your drinks to the next level. There are a number of bacon syrups on the market, but it's quick to make at home. All it requires is adding bacon (and maple syrup, if it suits your fancy) to a basic simple syrup. There's no reason to stop there — feel free to play with flavors like jalapeño for extra spice.
You can always keep it simple and just go for a bacon salt rim on a margarita. Or reconnect with our old friend the Bloody Mary and let bacon take a supporting role as a tasty accent. Bacon cocktails don't have to be complicated; they just need to be delicious and indulgent. Whether it's infusing a favorite liquor or using a bacon syrup, there's a way to include the smoky, salty favorite in your next cocktail.