5 Best pandan cocktails
Classic cocktails have stood the test of time for a reason. Whether you’re enjoying a Negroni before dinner, a Mai Tai on a sunny terrace, or a Pornstar Martini on a night out, these drinks have become favorites around the world.
At Bandoeng’22, we love taking familiar classics and giving them an Asian twist with pandan. Known for its unique aroma, often described as a combination of vanilla, toasted nuts, coconut, and fresh grass, pandan brings an entirely new dimension to classic cocktails.
Here are five popular cocktails that become even more interesting with a splash of Bandoeng’22 Pandan Liqueur.
1. Pandan Negroni
The Negroni is one of the world’s most iconic aperitif cocktails. Traditionally made with gin, sweet vermouth, and bitter aperitivo, it is known for its bold and bittersweet character.
Adding pandan softens the bitter edges while introducing subtle vanilla and tropical notes. The result is a cocktail that feels familiar, yet surprisingly different.
Why it works:
- Balances bitterness with aromatic sweetness
- Adds complexity without losing the classic Negroni character
- Perfect as an aperitif
Read the full recipe: Pandan Negroni.
2. Pandan Margarita
The Margarita is one of the most popular tequila cocktails ever created. Fresh lime juice, tequila, and orange liqueur create a bright and refreshing combination.
Pandan introduces a soft tropical layer that complements both the citrus and the earthy character of tequila. It’s a simple twist that transforms the cocktail into something entirely new.
Why it works:
- Fresh and vibrant
- Tropical without becoming overly sweet
- Great for warm weather and outdoor gatherings
Read the full recipe: Pandan Margarita.
3. Pandan Mai Tai
Few cocktails represent tiki culture better than the Mai Tai. Traditionally built around rum, citrus, and almond flavors, it is already a drink with strong tropical roots.
Pandan feels completely at home in this classic. Its aromatic character blends naturally with rum while enhancing the exotic profile of the cocktail.
Why it works:
- A natural match with aged rum
- Enhances tropical flavors
- Perfect for tiki enthusiasts
Read the full recipe: Pandan Mai Tai.
4. Pandan Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is loved for its refreshing combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime.
Adding pandan creates a more rounded flavor profile while maintaining the crisp, refreshing nature that made the cocktail famous. The herbal and vanilla-like notes work beautifully alongside spicy ginger.
Why it works:
- Easy to make
- Refreshing and approachable
- Ideal for cocktail beginners
Read the full recipe: Pandan Moscow Mule.
5. Pandan Pornstar Martini
The Pornstar Martini has become one of the most ordered cocktails in bars across Europe and beyond. Its combination of vanilla, passion fruit, and sparkling wine has made it a modern classic.
Pandan feels almost tailor-made for this cocktail. The vanilla-like aroma of pandan adds depth and complexity while complementing the tropical fruit flavors.
Why it works:
- Rich tropical profile
- Smooth and aromatic
- A crowd-pleasing cocktail for almost any occasion
Read the full recipe: Pandan Pornstar Martini.
Why pandan works so well in classic cocktails
Many classic cocktails rely on a balance between sweetness, acidity, bitterness, and alcohol. Pandan introduces an additional layer of aroma that bartenders rarely find in traditional Western ingredients.
Its notes of vanilla, toasted rice, coconut, and fresh herbs allow it to work across multiple cocktail categories, from spirit-forward classics to tropical tiki drinks and modern favorites.
That versatility is exactly why more bartenders around the world are discovering pandan and experimenting with it behind the bar.
Discover more pandan cocktails
These five cocktails are just the beginning. From highballs and spritzes to bartender creations and modern classics, there are many ways to explore the unique flavor of pandan.
Browse our complete collection of pandan cocktail recipes and discover your next favorite serve.
