Before we get into the Top 10 Vegan Cocktails, the question is to first ask if each of the key spirits are vegan.
Most tequila is vegan, as it is made from the blue agave plant. The process of making tequila involves cooking and crushing the agave plant to extract its juice, which is then fermented and distilled to produce the finished spirit. There are no animal products used in the production of tequila.
Most rum is vegan, as it is made from sugarcane or molasses, which are both plant-based ingredients. The process of making rum involves fermenting and distilling these ingredients to produce the finished spirit. There are no animal products used in the production of rum.
Most vodka is vegan, as it is made from a variety of plant-based ingredients such as grains, potatoes, or corn. The process of making vodka involves fermenting and distilling these ingredients to produce the finished spirit. There are no animal products used in the production of vodka.
Most gin is vegan, as it is made from a variety of plant-based ingredients such as juniper berries, coriander, and other botanicals. The process of making gin involves infusing these ingredients into a neutral spirit, which is then distilled to produce the finished product. There are no animal products used in the production of gin.
That being said, it is always a good idea to check the labels of any alcoholic beverages that you are considering consuming to ensure that they are vegan. Some gin brands may use animal-derived ingredients in their other products, or they may produce their gin in facilities that also process animal products, so it is always best to check the labels to be sure.
Here are ten vegan cocktail recipes that you might enjoy:
- Vegan Paloma: To make a vegan paloma, combine 2 ounces of blanco tequila, 1 ounce of lime juice, 1 ounce of agave syrup, and 4 ounces of grapefruit soda in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain the mixture into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
- Vegan Margarita: To make a vegan margarita, combine 2 ounces of blanco tequila, 1 ounce of lime juice, 1 ounce of agave syrup, and a splash of orange liqueur in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain the mixture into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.
- Vegan Mojito: To make a vegan mojito, combine 2 ounces of white rum, 1 ounce of lime juice, 1 teaspoon of sugar, a few mint leaves, and 4 ounces of soda water in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a mint sprig and a lime wedge.
- Vegan Pina Colada: To make a vegan pina colada, combine 2 ounces of white rum, 1 cup of coconut milk, 1 cup of pineapple juice, 1 banana, and a few ice cubes in a blender. Blend until smooth and pour the mixture into a glass. Garnish with a pineapple wedge.
- Vegan Dark and Stormy: To make a vegan dark and stormy, combine 2 ounces of dark rum, 1 ounce of lime juice, and 4 ounces of ginger beer in a glass filled with ice. Stir well and garnish with a lime wedge.
- Vegan Old Fashioned: To make a vegan old fashioned, combine 2 ounces of bourbon, 1 teaspoon of sugar, a few dashes of bitters, and a splash of water in a mixing glass. Fill the glass with ice and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice and garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.
- Vegan Cosmopolitan: To make a vegan cosmopolitan, combine 2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of cranberry juice, 1 ounce of lime juice, and 1/2 ounce of orange liqueur in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.
- Vegan Gin and Tonic: To make a vegan gin and tonic, fill a highball glass with ice and add 2 ounces of gin. Top off the glass with tonic water and stir gently. Garnish with a slice of lime.
- Vegan Daiquiri: To make a vegan daiquiri, combine 2 ounces of white rum, 1 ounce of lime juice, 1 ounce of simple syrup, and a few ice cubes in a blender. Blend until smooth and pour the mixture into a glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.
- Vegan Strawberry Margarita: To make a vegan strawberry margarita, combine 2 ounces of blanco tequila, 1 ounce of lime juice, 1 ounce of agave syrup, 4 fresh strawberries, and a splash of orange liqueur in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain the mixture into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.