Cilantro is one of those herbs you either love or hate—but for those who love it, it adds a fresh, zippy flavor that’s totally unique in cocktails. For those of you who hate it because it tastes like soap or metal, just move along to another fabulous herb like tarragon or thyme.
With its peppery bite and citrusy brightness, cilantro pairs especially well with lime, chili, and tropical fruits, making it perfect for margaritas, mojitos, and adventurous drink recipes.
For those of you trying to grow cilantro at home, remember to plant your seeds in row, sowing one row (or more) each week to have a continuous stream of cilantro throughout the season. This is another delicate herb, like chervil, so make sure your plant is in indirect sunlight, especially in the summer months when the sun can blast and burn your cilantro leaves.
Flavor Profile:
Fresh, green, citrusy, slightly peppery, with a bold herbal edge. (Some people taste it as “soapy” due to a genetic trait.)
Types of Cilantro to Use in Cocktails:
- Coriandrum sativum (Standard Cilantro)
This is the common culinary variety used in most recipes. Use the leaves and tender stems for cocktails—avoid the thicker base stalks. Buy seeds here. - Slow-Bolt Cilantro Varieties
If you grow your own, these are bred to last longer in hot weather. Flavor is the same—just more usable in summer months. Buy seeds here. - Cilantro Flowers
Edible and delicately flavored—great for garnishing upscale cocktails. More floral and less punchy than the leaves.
Bonus: The seeds of the plant are coriander—which can also be used in cocktails, especially in spice blends or infusions!
Best Ways to Use Cilantro in Cocktails:
- Muddling: Muddle with lime juice, cucumber, or tropical fruit for a bold, bright base.
- Shaking: Add a few leaves to your shaker—let the motion gently bruise the herb without bitterness.
- Cilantro Syrup: Make a quick syrup by steeping fresh cilantro in a 1:1 sugar-water mix (do not place in boiling sugar water). Strain well!
- Garnish: Float a small sprig or a single leaf for flair—especially with bold, savory, or spicy drinks.
Perfect Spirit Pairings:
- Tequila (Blanco or Reposado) – A natural match, especially in margaritas
- Mezcal – Smoky mezcal balances cilantro’s brightness
- Vodka – Clean base that lets cilantro stand out
- Gin – Try with cucumber and lime-forward profiles
- Rum – Especially good with tropical fruit like pineapple or mango
Flavor Pairings:
- Lime or lemon
- Pineapple or mango
- Cucumber
- Chili or jalapeño
- Coconut
- Ginger
- Agave syrup
- Grapefruit
- Tajín or salt
Cilantro Cocktail Ideas:
- Cilantro Lime Margarita – Tequila, muddled cilantro, lime, triple sec, agave
- Spicy Cilantro Smash – Vodka or tequila, jalapeño, cilantro, pineapple juice
- Cilantro Cucumber Cooler – Gin or vodka, cucumber, cilantro, lime, soda
- Cilantro Mojito – White rum, lime, cilantro, sugar, mint, soda
- Cilantro Ginger Spritzer – Cilantro syrup, ginger beer, lime (add vodka or enjoy as a mocktail)
Cilantro Tips & Warnings:
- Taste before you serve. Cilantro can be polarizing—some guests might not enjoy it, even in small amounts.
- Use fresh cilantro only. Dried cilantro is flavorless and dusty—never use it in drinks.
- Don’t over-muddle. Too much bruising can make the drink bitter.
- Strain carefully. Cilantro bits can float and cling—use a fine mesh strainer for a clean finish.
Cilantro isn’t for everyone, but if you love bold, citrusy herbs, it can become your cocktail MVP—especially in tropical, spicy, or Latin-inspired drinks. It adds zing, color, and complexity with just a few leaves.
