cardamom
COCKTAIL HOUR
A BOOZY BOUQUET

here's a collection of

CARDAMOM COCKTAIL RECIPES

cardamom on ice

Below you will find a collection of cocktails featuring cardamom, a unique and aromatic spice well suited to mixology. Its complex flavor profile, with its floral and citrus notes and spicy zest, make it a perfect ingredient for adding a bit of exotic interest to cocktails. In this cocktail collection there's a variety of recipes that incorporate cardamom. They range from light and refreshing to rich and warming You should be able find one suitable for any season. Whether you're looking for a drink to cool down on a hot summer day or to cozy up with on a chilly winter night, cardamom is a good cocktail companion.

If you look through these recipes, you'll see that our creators all start with different forms of cardamom to make their simple syrups. Some use whole cardamom pods, lightly crushed; some use ground cardamom; and some use seeds to make an infusion. There are also examples where other spices are paired with cardamom to add more depth to the syrup.

For quick reference we're sharing our own basic cardamom simple syrup recipe here too. This simple syrup can be used in for many of the cocktails in this collection, as well as others that you might want to experiment with. It's easy to make at home so try them in your margaritas, daiquiris, mojitos, collins, and more. Grab your cocktail shaker!

BASIC SIMPLE SYRUP RECIPE with CARDAMOM
This simple syrup comes together in minutes and keeps refrigerated for up to 4 weeks. Use it to flavor not only cocktails but also teas, coffee, lattes, baked goods, and more.

Though this focuses on cardamom, simple syrups can be made with a variety of spice combinations. It is worth noting, however, that you don't want to create a syrup with so many flavors that it becomes a muddled mess versus a pleasant accent in your cocktail.
INGREDIENTS + DIRECTIONS
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • 3 whole green cardamom pods, slightly crushed

    • Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat just until the sugar is dissolved, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain into a clean glass container with a lid. Store in the refrigerator and use within a month.

    Simple syrups are an easy way to add depth and complexity to cocktails. Cardamom's floral and citrus notes make it ideal for bright drinks for the spring and summer.
    Sunshine-y Cardamom Cocktails These recipes capitalize on cardamom's citrus and floral notes. Pairings of mint, sweetener, or citrus fruit emphasize the brighter side of cardamom. These seem naturals for the sunnier weather of spring and summer.
    Blushing Gin Gimlet Cocktail
    recipe by: Karyn Maier
    photo by: Amy Carson

    This make-ahead recipe features Lillet Rosé, an aperitif that marries fruity liqueur with orange blossoms and wine made with Sémillon grapes. It is essential for the delicate pink color of this drink, but red vermouth will do in a pinch.

    GET THE RECIPE for a BLUSHING GIN GIMLET

    1. cardamom seeds, whole
    Moroccan Mule Cocktail
    recipe by: Karyn Maier
    photo by: Amy Carson

    This spicy-sweet cocktail is inspired by the Moscow Mule, a popular drink in the 1940s made with ginger beer and traditionally served in a copper mug to hold the chill. This is a two-step recipe that marries a simple ginger-infused syrup with toasted Moroccan-style spices.

    GET THE RECIPE for a MOROCCAN MULE

    1. cardamom seeds, whole
    2. coriander seed, whole
    3. allspice, whole
    4. black peppercorn (Vietnamese), whole
    5. cloves, whole
    6. ginger root, chopped
    Cardamom Vieux Carré Cocktail
    recipe by: Karyn Maier
    photo by: Risa Weaver-Enion

    This recipe is inspired by the classic vieux carré cocktail, named after the French term for “old square” and referring to the French Quarter of New Orleans. It is typically composed of rye whiskey and cognac, a sweet liquor (such as vermouth), and a dash of Peychaud's bitters, the sweeter alternative to savory Angostura bitters.

    GET THE RECIPE for a CARDAMOM VIEUX CARRÉ

    1. cardamom seeds, ground
    Cardamom Paloma Cocktail
    recipe by: Maggie Frank
    photo by: Erin Beutel

    This recipe is a spin on a classic Mexican Paloma. A cocktail that features tequila and grapefruit can so easily be elevated when you add a cardamom-infused simple syrup.

    GET THE RECIPE for a CARDAMOM PALOMA

    1. fleur de sel (gourmet sea salt), flakes
    2. black peppercorn (Vietnamese), whole
    Kali's Sour: Elixir of Empowerment
    recipe + photo by: Rachel Corbitt

    From Rachel's post: "An ICU rotation plus a COVID diagnosis means I’m sticking with echinacea tea and those Liquid IV packets for the time being (not sure if those are actually beneficial, but placebo effect has been proven to work very well). But this is a tasty one to enjoy when your taste buds are at full strength 😂."

    GET THE RECIPE for a KALI'S SOUR: ELIXIR OF EMPOWERMENT COCKTAIL

    1. hibiscus flower (dried), petals
    2. green cardamom pods, whole
    3. fennel seed, whole
    Simple syrups that mix cardamom and other warming spices can make cozy cocktails with holiday flavors and aromas.
    Cozy Cardamom Cocktails These recipes lean into cardamom's warming spiciness. When the fall/winter weather is crisp and cool, these cocktails can be paired with a chunky wool sweater and a crackling fire for maximum contentment.
    Cardamom Spiced Champagne Cocktail
    recipe + photo by: Hannah Huddleston

    A lovely cardamom spiced bubbly beverage, it has a touch of bitters, champagne, and squeeze of lemon. It is perfect for toasting in the new year but can make any day special.

    GET THE RECIPE for a CARDAMOM SPICED CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL

    1. green cardamom pods, whole
    2. cardamom seeds, ground
    Cognac and Chai Flip Cocktail
    recipe by: Karyn Maier
    photo by: Amy Carson

    This flavorful cocktail is a twist on the classic brandy “flip,” a type of drink that includes a whole egg. It is typically served in a smaller variety of martini or coupe glass affectionally known as a Nick and Nora glass, named in honor of the fictional 1930s-era husband and wife sleuths, Nick and Nora Charles.

    GET THE RECIPE for a COGNAC AND CHAI FLIP

    1. green cardamom pods, whole
    2. black peppercorn (Vietnamese), whole
    3. fennel seed, whole
    Tiki Tipple Cocktail
    recipe + photo by: Rachel Corbitt

    From Rachel's post: "Life update: I have discovered the joy of freshly ground nutmeg. Look at the pretty brown crinkles! This is a little fall-inspired tiki number here featuring a plethora of warm spices from @selefina.spices! The pumpkin spice powder is 👌."

    GET THE RECIPE for a TIKI TIPPLE COCKTAIL

    1. cinnamon sticks (cassia), 2 3/4" quills
    2. cardamom seeds, ground
    3. allspice, whole
    4. ginger root, ground
    5. orange peel, chopped
    6. nutmeg, whole
    7. pumpkin pie spice blend
    Cardamom and Orange Mulled Wine
    recipe by: Karyn Maier
    photo by: Amy Carson

    Warm and sweet with citrusy notes, this beverage provides all the best loved flavors of fall. It makes an excellent after-dinner drink served with apple crisp or pumpkin pie.

    GET THE RECIPE for CARDAMOM AND ORANGE MULLED WINE

    1. mulling spice mix
    2. nutmeg, ground
    3. cardamom green pods, whole
    4. cardamom green pods, whole
    Mulled Wine in a Minute (or So)
    recipe by: Karyn Maier

    Stoke the fire, don your slippers and select a good book before bringing this delightful concoction to your lips.

    GET THE RECIPE for MULLED WINE IN A MINUTE (OR SO)

    1. mulling spice mix
    2. crystallized ginger, small cubes
    3. nutmeg, ground
    4. cardamom green pods, whole
    5. cardamom green pods, whole
    6. star anise, whole pieces