A talented New York-based mixologist is taking inspiration from international cuisine to create savoury cocktails like you’ve never seen (or tasted) before.
Jarbae‘s savoury cocktail recipes are as unique as they are fascinating, and if the classic cocktails you see year after year are getting a wee bit tired, these inventive concoctions are sure to tantalise your tastebuds.
Many of Jarbae’s drinks are a nod to traditional Asian flavours and they really allow the flavours of the hero ingredients to shine. Think earthy sesame seeds, the delicate flavour of persimmons or the boldness of pork-infused tequila. Herbs, fish sauce, ginger – even red curry paste make an appearance here – and trust us, you’ll be hooked the second you start watching.
Each creation is an expert balancing act layered with creative talent. These aren’t just cocktails – they’re art.

Jarbae’s genius doesn’t end with cocktail recipes, either. He’s also full of insanely welcome tips for any avid mixologist. This includes little tricks that will save you money while impressive your guests no end (like making your own garnishes! – thank you, Jarbae!).
An Actual Bowl Of Pho
One of our favourite Jarbae creations is “An Actual Bowl Of Pho.” Just like the famous Vietnamese soup dish, it packs some complex flavours … in a cocktail.
@realjarbae This drink is called “an actual bowl of pho” I had so much fun with this one because my favorite recipes are the ones that leave me so confused, I have to keep tasting to see whether I like it or not. 😭 The flavors in this are so complex (it gives kombucha girl when you try it) but oddly addicting. If you like the warmth of a spiced drink, and the fun of a margarita, you’ll love this one (unless you hate viet people I guess but that’s on you pookie 🇻🇳✊🏼 Recipe: 2 oz pho-spiced tequila (recipe below) 3/4 oz lime juice 1/2 oz ginger simple syrup Dash of saline (or pinch of sea salt lol) Muddled cilantro Slice of Thai chili Pho spiced tequila: infuse tequila with star of anise, cinnamon sticks, cardamom, whole cloves, and coriander seeds. Either 1hour in a sous vide OR in a mason jar in the fridge for 3-5 days. #cocktails #spiceddrinks #asianrecipes #vietfood #asiandrinks ♬ Trendsetter – Connor Price & Haviah Mighty
And that’s just the start …
Some of Jarbae’s other creations include Clarified Mango Sticky Rice, Hong Kong Egg Tart, Pani Puri Shooters and Lemon and Calamansi Cheong to name just a few.
Find Jarbae on Instagram and TikTok to follow along with new inventions as they drop. We sure will be!
Top image via TikTok/@realjarbae
Do savoury cocktails sound like your cup of tea? Share your thoughts below!