Whether you're a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or just starting out, understanding the right combination of spirits and mixers can elevate your drink game. Some flavours naturally complement each other, while others offer unexpected and delightful contrasts. In this blog, we'll explore popular spirits and their ideal mixers, offering some classic combinations and creative pairings from Dry Drinker.
Vodka: The Versatile Spirit
Vodka is known for its neutrality, making it one of the most versatile spirits. Its clean, smooth taste acts as a blank canvas, making it perfect for a wide variety of mixers. Seedlip Garden 108 is the perfect alcohol-free vodka alternative!
Tonic Water: A vodka tonic is a refreshing and light cocktail. Adding a squeeze of lime enhances the drink by bringing out the crispness of the vodka.
Our mixers: Instead of using tonic water, discover beautifully flavoured and carbonated drinks that will spice up your vodka cocktail Trip CBD Drinks, HOLOS, or Jarr Kombucha.
Gin: The Botanical Wonder
Gin is beloved for its complex flavours, often boasting notes of juniper, citrus, and spices. This makes gin an exciting spirit to pair with mixers that enhance or contrast its herbal qualities. CleanCo Gin, Warner's Double Dry, Lyre's Dry London, Gordons 0.0, or Tanqueray.
Tonic Water (G & T): Perhaps the most iconic of gin drinks, the gin and tonic is a sophisticated combination. The bitterness of tonic water complements the gin’s botanicals, especially with a garnish of lime, lemon, or even cucumber.
Our mixers: Citizen Spritz has changed the game when it comes to making cocktails and used as mixers. Their flavours are exquisite and elevate the botanical notes of the gin.
Rum: Sweet & Spicy
Rum, often made from sugarcane or molasses, can be sweet, spicy, or somewhere in between, depending on its origin and aging process. Light rums tend to be milder, while dark rums have a more intense flavour, perfect for cocktails with rich, bold mixers. Here are some amazing Rum alcohol-free alternatives: Caleno Dark & Spicy, CleanCo Rum, Lyre's Dark Cane Spirit, Lyre's White Can Spirit, and Captain Morgan 0.0.
Coke (Rum & Coke): This pairing has been a staple for decades, with the sweetness of the cola balancing the rum's caramel undertones.
Mint & Lime (Mojito): The mojito is a refreshing cocktail that blends white rum, fresh mint, lime, sugar, and soda water. It’s perfect for a hot day, with the mint adding a cool and refreshing element. Here is a
Our Mixers: We have the perfect candidates for being mixers with your choice of rum. A ready-to-drink Twisst Moijto and Citizen Spritz Cool Lime that will pairs smoothly with a rum
Whiskey: Rich and Robust
Whiskey is known for its deep, rich flavours, often with notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and spice. Because of its complexity, whiskey pairs well with mixers that can either enhance or mellow its intensity. Here are some fabulous whiskey alternatives: CleanCo Whiskey, Lyre's American Malt, and Three Spirit Nightcap.
Ginger Ale: Whiskey and ginger ale is a classic combination that lightens the whiskey’s intensity while adding a subtle sweetness and spice. It’s a great introduction to whiskey for those who might find it too strong on its own.
Our Mixers: The sweetness and spice of Trip Peach & Ginger. If you're looking for something that is more ginger forward with lively carbonation we recommend LA Brewery Ginger Kombucha.
Tequila: Bold & Earthy
Tequila, made from the blue agave plant, has a distinct flavour that can range from earthy to citrusy, depending on its aging process. Tequila is most commonly associated with margaritas, but there are many other mixers that complement its unique taste. Here is our tequila alcohol-free alternative: CleanCo Tequila.
Lime Juice (Margarita): The classic margarita is a combination of tequila, lime juice, and triple sec, offering a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. Salt on the rim adds an extra layer of flavour.
Grapefruit Soda (Paloma): A refreshing Mexican cocktail, the Paloma mixes tequila with grapefruit soda. The tanginess of the soda complements the earthiness of the tequila for a crisp, refreshing drink.
Our mixers: We have exactly what you need. Here are choices of mixers we recommended to pair beautifully with Tequila: Citizen Spritz Grapefruit, Citizen Spritz Cool Lime, and Mocktails Mockarita.
Aperitifs: Unique and Complex
Aperitifs are often mixed with tonic or soda water for a refreshing cocktail. The complex flavour profiles make it fantastic for created layered drinks. Here are our top Aperitifs we recommended for you.
Pentire Coastal Spritz, Botivo, Lyre's Italian Orange, Lyre's Italian Spritz, Martini Vibrante
Any of these pair beautifully with classic mixers, or if you're feeling creative, give our mixers above a try!
Conclusion
Pairing spirits with the right mixers is about finding balance—whether it’s enhancing the flavours of the spirit or adding contrast. From the classic gin and tonic to creative pairings like tequila with jalapeño, there are endless possibilities to explore. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your taste and occasion.
