One of the more recent trends in beverages is botanical infused drinks. One of my favorites is gin, which is alcohol that is often infused with flavors like juniper and citrus. I much prefer it to vodka, the most popular spirit, because to me a great, plain vodka has no flavor. But gin has a lot of complexity due to the flavors that are instilled.
Outside of bars, the same situation is occurring with non-alcoholic beverages. Customers are asking us to create unusually flavored syrups to add to traditional drinks like iced tea and lemonade. Recently, we worked with one customer, developing fruit and botanical combinations like strawberry basil and coconut rosemary.
These simple syrup combinations enhanced the base tea and helped bring forth flavor and complexity in the finished iced drink. Too often, iced tea is like vodka—popular, but uninspired. I hope that these new flavors will allow new drinks that are more interesting and taste different. Like gin.
Have you noticed the rise of Botanicals, as well? What's been your favorite combination to date?
