Black Sesame Cocktails: Nutty, Toasty & On-Trend

Black sesame cocktails feature the warm, nutty flavour of toasted black sesame seeds, blended into syrups, pastes, or infusions for rich and aromatic drinks. They’re used to create modern serves like Black Sesame Martinis, Old Fashioned variations, and espresso cocktails that offer a deep, roasted and contemporary twist.

Black sesame has been a rising trend in UK cafés, in desserts, and now it’s moved into mixology. With its rich, nutty profile, it adds a sophisticated twist and depth to modern drinks, turning familiar cocktails into something unexpectedly complex and delicious.

Read on to discover what black sesame is, how it tastes, how to use it, and several easy, approachable cocktail recipes to try. Then get ready to add a new layer of flavour to your home bartending repertoire!

What is black sesame?

Black sesame comes from the same plant as the familiar white seeds you see on burger buns, but the flavour and vibe are totally different. These tiny seeds show up across Japan, China, and Korea, where cooks use them in everything from rice cakes and sushi to ice cream.

Their dark colour is because of the hull being intact, which also gives them a stronger aroma and higher natural oil content. That richness is why they’re a favourite in Asian-inspired cocktails.

Black sesame is also often used in pastries and lattes and their rising popularity in UK cafés has now spilled into cocktails. Bartenders get creative with syrups or pastes, making sesame-infused spirits, sprinkling the seeds on top, or rimming glasses for a visually striking twist.

What does black sesame taste like?

The flavour of black sesame seeds is deeply nutty, warm, and a little earthy, with a roasted edge that lingers in a slow, cosy way. It also has a slight bitterness, like dark chocolate or strong coffee. You might be reminded of tahini, but with a darker, toastier personality.

Black sesame seeds are central to many nutty cocktails and harmonise beautifully with the sweet, citrussy, and spirit-forward profiles of classic drinks, adding depth, balance, and a modern twist.

This versatility carries effortlessly into its spirit pairings—black sesame shines alongside rum, whiskey, and vodka, as well as flavours like coffee, coconut, chocolate, caramel, vanilla, and matcha.

If you enjoy flavours that feel grounded and soulful, black sesame will hit you right in the feels.

How to use black sesame in cocktails

There are a few easy ways to bring black sesame into your mixing rotation. The simplest is black sesame syrup made from blended toasted seeds, sugar, and water, then strained for a smoother pour. Store-bought black sesame paste works well in creamy drinks or dessert-style builds where richness is the star.

You can also play with sesame-infused spirits by letting vodka or whiskey sit with lightly crushed seeds. If you’re after an almond-inspired profile, add 3 tbsp of toasted seeds to the regular orgeat recipe.

For your presentation, think seeds frozen into ice cubes, sesame brittle laid across the glass or garnishes like sesame and salt rims or edible gold flakes and black sesame seeds sprinkled on top to add texture and an elevated final touch.

A few pro tips:

• Always toast the seeds first to wake up their aroma.
• Strain syrups well.
• Use a light hand because the flavour is strong.
• Use in both hot and cold drinks.

1. Black Sesame Martini

This sleek black sesame cocktail highlights the rich, nutty depth of black sesame syrup or paste. Smooth, aromatic, and visually striking, it pairs perfectly with special occasions and dinner-party desserts.

Ingredients

• 60 ml Black sesame-infused vodka (opens in new window)
• 30 ml Cinzano Vermouth Bianco (opens in new window)
• 15 ml Sugar syrup
• Ice cubes
• Black sesame icing made with paste and sugar, for garnish (optional)
• Black sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Method

1. Chill a Martini glass in the freezer
2. Rim with frosting and sprinkled seeds (optional)
3. In a shaker filled with ice, combine the vodka, dry vermouth, and simple syrup.
4. Shake until well chilled
5. Strain into your prepared glass
6. Serve

Sip and savour: Asian-Inspired Cocktails Unveiled

2. Black Sesame Espresso Martini

Black sesame and espresso are a perfect match: the bold roasted notes in the seeds deepen the bitterness of coffee for a silky, aromatic twist on the classic Espresso Martini. This recipe is ideal as an after-dinner cocktail or a chic nightcap.

Ingredients

• 45 ml Black sesame-infused vodka
• 30 ml Fresh espresso
• 15 ml Sugar syrup
• 15 ml Coffee liqueur
• Pinch of Black sesame seeds, for garnish

Method

1. Chill a Martini glass in the freezer
2. Add the black sesame-infused vodka, fresh espresso, coffee liqueur, and sugar syrup to a shaker with ice
3. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to create a frothy texture
4. Strain into the chilled glass
5. Garnish with a sprinkle of black sesame seeds
6. Serve

3. Black Widow Cocktail

A dark, dramatic cocktail using black sesame for colour, nutty richness, and texture. Lean into its spooky, moody aesthetic that’s perfect for Halloween, themed parties, or fans of bold, theatrical cocktails.

Ingredients

• 30 ml Dark spiced rum
• 30 ml Blackcurrant liqueur
• 45 ml Black sesame seed syrup
• Few drops of Fresh lemon or lime juice
• Fresh ice

Method

1. Add the dark spiced rum, blackcurrant liqueur, black sesame seed syrup, and lemon or lime juice to a cocktail shaker with ice
2. Shake until well chilled
3. Taste and adjust with extra citrus if you prefer it less sweet
4. Strain into your serving glass
5. Serve

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4. Black Sesame Old Fashioned

A modern take on the Old Fashioned, using black sesame syrup or infused whiskey to bring a toasted, nutty complexity. Deep, aromatic, and ideal for slow sipping after dinner.

Ingredients

• 60 ml Wild Turkey 101 bourbon (opens in new window)
• 10 ml Black sesame syrup
• 2 dashes Walnut bitters
• Orange twist, for garnish

Method

1. Add the bourbon, black sesame syrup, and walnut bitters to a mixing glass with ice
2. Stir until well chilled
3. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice
4. Garnish with an orange twist
5. Serve

5. Boulevardier with Black Sesame & Averna Amaro

A bold, bittersweet toasted sesame cocktail combining the richness of black sesame with the herbal depth of Averna. This twist on the Boulevardier is a luxurious, aromatic, and perfect for autumn and winter sipping.

Ingredients

• 45 ml Bourbon
• 20 ml Campari (opens in new window)
• 20 ml Averna Amaro (opens in new window)
• 10 ml Black sesame syrup
• Orange twist, for garnish

Method

1. Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice
2. Stir until well chilled
3. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube
4. Garnish with an orange twist
5. Serve

Read next: Asian Cocktail Ingredients to Inspire Your Next Drink

6. Hong Kong–Inspired Black Sesame Whiskey Cocktail

A flavour-forward sesame cocktail inspired by Hong Kong dessert cafés and their love of black sesame. This intricate showstopper makes a great addition to themed dinner parties or other occasions where you want to make a bit of a splash.

Ingredients

• 45 ml Peanut butter whiskey
• 10 ml Black sesame syrup
• 1 tsp Lemon juice
• 1 Egg white
• Black sesame rice balls or plain rice balls (tong yuen), for garnish (optional)

Method

1. Add the peanut butter whiskey, black sesame syrup, lemon juice, and egg white to a shaker
2. Shake until well combined
3. Add ice, and shake again
4. Strain into a rocks glass
5. Garnish with rice balls or tong yuen if you like
6. Serve

How to fat-wash whiskey with peanut butter

To make your own peanut butter whiskey, stir 2 tablespoons of smooth, melted peanut butter into 1 cup of whiskey. Let it sit for 2–3 hours (or overnight), then freeze the mixture. The fat will solidify on top. Remove it and then strain the whiskey through a coffee filter. The result is a silky, naturally flavoured peanut butter whiskey with no added sugar.

Go pro: Fat-Washed Cocktails: Recipes, Tips & Techniques

7. Black Sesame Pandan Old Fashioned

A rich, aromatic twist on the classic Old-Fashioned, this version brings in toasted black sesame and fragrant pandan for a deeply layered, Southeast Asian–inspired sip. It’s a tropical, nutty combo and beautifully smooth, making it a perfect fireside drink or a standout serve for slow, after-dinner moments.

Ingredients

• 60 ml Rum (black-barrel style)
• 10 ml Black sesame pandan syrup
• 2 dashes Bitters
• Dehydrated lime wheel dipped in sugar syrup and coated with sesame seeds, for garnish

Method

1. Add the rum, black sesame pandan syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice
2. Stir until well chilled
3. Strain into a double rocks glass over a large clear ice cube
4. Garnish with the sesame-coated dehydrated lime wheel
5. Serve

Black Sesame Pandan Syrup

To make the syrup, combine 120 ml of water, 30 ml of coconut sugar, 90 ml of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of black sesame seeds, and 1 pandan leaf (torn into large pieces) in a small saucepan. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring often, until all the sugar has fully dissolved. Remove from the heat, cover the pot, and let the syrup steep overnight to extract the pandan and sesame aromatics.

8. Toasted Sesame Sour

Bright citrus notes balanced by earthy, toasted sesame make this cocktail perfect for a lunch gathering. Simple and crowd-pleasing, it’s also a great way to introduce cocktail lovers to the unique depth of black sesame syrup, especially those who enjoy classic sours.

Ingredients

• 60 ml Toasted sesame Scotch
• 15 ml Fresh lemon juice
• 15 ml Hojicha syrup*
• 2 dashes Black walnut bitters
• 1 Egg white
• Grated black sesame, for garnish (optional)

Method

1. Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice
2. Shake firmly for 20 seconds
3. Strain out the ice, then shake again for another 20 seconds to build foam
4. Fine strain into a chilled sour glass
5. Garnish with grated black sesame if you like
6. Serve

*Available at specialty tea and Japanese-tea retail shops worldwide and online.

9. Black Sesame Colada

Creamy coconut + nutty sesame = tropical sophistication. This dessert cocktail is perfect for adventurous drinkers who’ll appreciate the elevated twist on a summer classic. Serve it after lunch or poolside.

Ingredients

• 60 ml White rum (opens in new window)
• 30 ml Coconut cream
• 30 ml Heavy cream
• 120 ml Fresh pineapple juice
• 2 tbsp Black sesame paste
• 0.5 cup Crushed ice
• Whipped cream
• 1 tbsp Tahini
• Toasted black sesame seeds, for garnish

Method

1. Add the white rum, coconut cream, heavy cream, fresh pineapple juice, black sesame paste, and crushed ice to a blender
2. Blend until smooth
3. Mix whipped cream with tahini to create a drizzle
4. Pour the blended mixture into a chilled glass
5. Add a generous portion of the drizzle
6. Garnish with toasted black sesame seeds
7. Serve

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10. Sesame & Honey Highball

Light and delightful, with a delicate toasted nuttiness and cucumber freshness. Easy for beginners and great for daytime entertaining.

Ingredients

• 60 ml Vodka
• 30 ml Honey syrup
• 20 ml Fresh lemon juice
• 5 Cucumber slices
• 0.25 tsp Toasted sesame oil
• 0.125 tsp Kosher salt
• 90 ml Soda water
• Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Method

1. Muddle 3 cucumber slices with the fresh lemon juice, toasted sesame oil, and kosher salt in a cocktail shaker
2. Add the vodka, honey syrup, and ice
3. Shake vigorously until well chilled
4. Strain through a cheesecloth-lined strainer into a highball glass filled with ice
5. Top with soda water
6. Garnish with the remaining cucumber slices and sesame seeds if you like
7. Serve

11. Black Sesame White Russian

A creamy, indulgent cocktail with deep toasted flavours. Great as a dessert alternative or cosy winter sip.

Ingredients

• 60 ml Vodka
• 30 ml Coffee liqueur
• 15 ml Black sesame paste, unsweetened (Look for a paste that’s thick and creamy, not runny or oily)
• 30 ml Heavy cream
• Ice

Method

1. In a mixing glass, whisk together the vodka, coffee liqueur, and black sesame paste until smooth
2. Add ice and stir to chill
3. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice
4. Gently float the heavy cream on top
5. Serve

12. Matcha & Sesame Fizz

Herbal, aromatic, and with a stunning, soft, green-grey hue, this drink leans into Japanese-inspired flavour pairings. The matcha brings a gentle earthiness, while a touch of foam adds a silky lift that turns every sip into a moment. Perfect for brunch, daytime gatherings or Japanese-themed cocktail parties.

Ingredients

• 30 ml black sesame syrup
• 1/2 tsp matcha powder
• 22 ml fresh yuzu juice (or lemon juice)
• 30 ml gin
• 15 ml aquafaba (or 1 egg white) for foam
• 60–90 ml soda water
• Ice

Method

1. Whisk the matcha powder with a small splash of warm water until smooth and lump-free
2. In a shaker, add matcha, syrup, yuzu or lemon juice, gin and aquafaba or egg white
3. Shake vigorously without ice for 10–15 seconds to build foam
4. Add ice to the shaker and shake again until well chilled
5. Double strain into a highball or Collins glass filled with fresh ice
6. Gently pour in soda water to top
7. Serve

13. Black Sesame Hot Chocolate Cocktail

Featuring rich cocoa paired with nutty warmth from black sesame seeds, this recipe is ideal for cold-weather sipping, festive gatherings, or post-dinner comfort.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Milk (or oat milk)
• 1 tbsp Maple syrup
• 1 tbsp Cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp Black sesame paste
• 1 tbsp Dark chocolate, chopped (optional)
• Pinch of Salt
• Marshmallows or whipped cream, for topping (optional)

Method

1. Add all ingredients to a small saucepan over medium heat
2. Whisk until the mixture is smooth, and no clumps remain
3. Once it begins to bubble, reduce the heat to low and continue stirring until warmed through
4. Pour into a mug and top with marshmallows or whipped cream if you like
5. Serve

Best garnishes for black sesame cocktails

Toasted black sesame seeds add instant drama, while a black-and-white mix brings a creative moment to the rim. Lean into dessert energy by using sesame brittle shards or shaved dark chocolate on top. Coconut flakes add softness, and edible gold leaf turns any pour into a luxury moment. Black sesame seed drinks are beautiful, bright, and totally Insta-ready.

When to serve black sesame cocktails

These drinks land perfectly at dinner parties, after-dinner moments, and modern mixology nights where you want something that feels a little daring. They bring big energy to Valentine’s Day spreads, autumn and winter evenings, and any menu inspired by East Asian flavours. Whether you pour a creamy sesame paste drink or keep things light with a shaken build, black sesame seeds add a touch of drama in the best way.

Have fun making these black sesame cocktails! Stock up on your Wild Turkey (opens in new window) and SKYY Vodka (opens in new window) essentials, browse more of our recipes for inspiration, and remember to sign up for our gorgeous newsletter (opens in new window).