Creating flavourful oils that lead to outstanding beverage combinations is a key part of the role of any beverage flavours manufacturer. Mixology, or the art and science of cocktails, has been around for centuries but has recently seen a resurgence in popularity. If your beverage brand needs to create an exciting mixology menu that will tantalise customers’ taste buds, it helps to know which flavour combinations work best together.

At its most basic level, mixology includes pairing drinks with complementary flavours. Common pairings include tart fruit pairs such as lemon, lime and cranberry with neutral flavours like vodka; sweet fruit like pineapple and mango with tequila; and nutty-tasting spirits like whiskey and brandy with strong coffees or berry liqueurs. A flavour combinations chart is an easy way to determine which beverage flavours go well together.

Mixology also includes pairing fruits with other natural flavours, such as nuts, herbs and spices. For example, pairing pineapple with macadamia nut liqueur creates a unique flavour match that can’t be achieved by combining the fruits alone. Similarly, adding basil to a strawberry-based beverage enhances its taste and aroma in ways that weren’t possible before.

If you’re a beverage brand searching for a beverage flavour manufacturer you can trust, Fragrance Innovation Australia is here for you. We use various fruit charts and other resources as a basis when creating flavour oils that your customers won’t be able to resist.

Understanding the Flavour Profile Chart

When it comes to understanding flavour profile charts, there are some important tips and tricks that all mixologists should be aware of. From complementary flavours to combining different liquors, here’s a comprehensive list of concepts you can use to better understand various flavours you can use in creating delicious drinks:

Malt liquor

Malt liquor is a type of beverage with a pleasant malty taste. It can often be combined with other liquors, such as whiskey or vodka, for added complexity. Typical malt liqueurs include Bailey’s Irish Cream, Drambuie, Kaluha, and Carolans Irish Cream.

Whiskey

Whiskey pairs best with sweet liqueurs and bitters like orange peel. It can also be combined with other liquors for a more complex flavour profile. Popular whiskey combinations include Irish coffee, Manhattan, Old-Fashioned and Whisky Sour.

Vodka

Vodka is the most versatile spirit and pairs well with both sweet and sour mixers. Common vodka mixers include orange juice, cranberry juice, tonic water, ginger ale and cola. Some popular vodka cocktails include Cosmopolitan, Sex on the Beach, Long Island Iced Tea and Screwdriver.

Gin

Gin is best paired with dry or tart flavours like lemon and lime juices or tonic water. Classic gin drinks include Martini, Negroni, Aviation cocktail and Tom Collins. For a sweeter twist, try combining Gin with strawberry or elderflower liqueur.

Tequila

Tequila is a Mexican spirit that pairs well with citrus-based mixers like orange and lime juices or margarita mix. Standard tequila cocktails include Margarita, Paloma, Tequila Sunrise and Long Islands Iced Tea.

Rum

Rum is best paired with tropical flavours like coconut, pineapple or mango juice to create sweet drinks like Daiquiri, Pina Colada and Mojito. For a more dry taste, rum can be combined with dry vermouth for a classic Cuban cocktail.

Brandy

Brandy is an alcoholic beverage made from grapes and other fruit. It pairs well with sweet syrups and liqueurs like Drambuie or Grand Marnier. Popular cocktails made with brandy are Sidecar, Brandy Alexander and Corpse Reviver No.2.

Beer

Beer is a type of alcoholic beverage brewed from malted cereal grains like barley and wheat. It can be combined with other liquors to add complexity and depth to cocktails like Shandy, Boilermaker and Black Velvet.

Wine

Wine is an alcoholic beverage made from grapes or other fruit juice that pairs well with various mixers, fruits and herbs. Popular wine cocktails include Sangria, Kir Royale and Bellini.

Vermouth

Vermouth is an aromatized fortified wine with a sweet or dry flavour. It can be paired with whiskeys for classic drinks like Manhattan, Martini and Negroni. For a sweeter twist, vermouth can be combined with liqueurs such as Drambuie or Grand Marnier for delicious cocktails like the Godfather and Rob Roy.

When it comes to non-alcoholic beverages, there’s much more to consider than what goes into the glass. Understanding the flavour profiles of different drinks and how they interact with each other can help you craft delicious mocktails and other beverages that will satisfy your diners and patrons. To help you get started, we have put together a list for understanding the non-alcoholic flavour profile charts.

Fruits and Juices

Fruity flavours like strawberry, mango, orange, pineapple, cranberry and raspberry pair beautifully together. For a refreshing and hydrating beverage, try blending lemon and lime with cucumber or mint for a cool, summery mocktail.

Spices and Herbs

Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cardamom can provide an interesting kick to any non-alcoholic drink. For something a bit more complex, experiment with herbal flavours like lavender, rosemary or basil.

Citrus

Citrus is always a great addition to beverages – lime, grapefruit and orange are all popular choices. Balance out the acidic tones of citrus by adding sweetness from honey or other syrups.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts such as almonds and walnuts add a rich creaminess to drinks, while seeds like chia and flax contribute a nice crunch. Blend in some peanut butter or almond milk for extra flavour and texture.

Florals

Floral flavours such as hibiscus and lavender can be added to water for subtle undertones of sweetness. Try pairing these with other fruits and juices to create your own unique mocktails.

Tea and Coffee

Tea is the perfect way to add complexity to any drink – try using green tea, black tea or herbal teas as bases for mocktail recipes. For more energy-boosting options, experiment with coffee-based beverages like frappes or cold brews.

Now that you have this information, it’s time to look for a beverage flavours manufacturer.

Work With the Industry’s Best

We hope this article has helped you understand the flavour profile chart better, so you can make incredible cocktails and mocktails with confidence! With these tips and tricks, you’ll be sure to impress your customers as well as your friends and family with your newly crafted beverages. And who better to provide you with the flavour oils you need than us, FIA, a leading flavours supplier in Australia. Talk to our team today for more details!