Pandan Cocktails: Elegant, Exotic Recipes Made with Pandan 🍸

Pandan is fast becoming the signature ingredient of modern cocktails. Used for centuries in Southeast Asia, its subtle aroma — somewhere between vanilla, almond and green notes — brings a unique aromatic depth to drinks, without ever being cloying.

Thanks to pandan powder, you can now create elegant, original cocktails at home, as well as in a coffee shop, bar or restaurant. In this guide, we’ve gathered the best pandan cocktail recipes, designed to be simple, balanced and suited to European tastes.

👉 Whether you’re a mixology enthusiast or a pro, this page will help you master pandan in cocktails, from how much to use to the best pairings.

Why use pandan in cocktails? 🌿

Pandan is especially popular in mixology for several reasons:

• it adds natural fragrance without artificial flavoring
• it brings a soft, elegant green tint
• it pairs perfectly with citrus, coffee and clear spirits
• it works just as well in cocktails with or without alcohol

💡 Pandan acts as a background aroma that elevates the drink without overpowering it.

The best pandan cocktail recipes 🍹

Pandan Margarita 🍸

Ingredients (1 glass)

• 50 ml blanco tequila
• 25 ml triple sec
• 20 ml lime juice
• ½ teaspoon pandan (syrup or dissolved powder)
• Ice cubes
• Salt for the rim

Method

1. Rim the glass with salt.
2. Dissolve the pandan in the lime juice.
3. Add the spirits and ice to a shaker.
4. Shake hard and strain into the glass.

Mixology tip
👉 Use a smooth blanco tequila to preserve pandan’s subtle aromas.
👉 For a frozen version, blend with ice.

Pandan Daiquiri 🍹

Ingredients (1 glass)

• 5 cl white rum
• 2 cl lime juice
• 2 cl simple syrup
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon pandan (syrup or dissolved powder)
• Ice cubes

Method

1. Dissolve the pandan in a little liquid.
2. Add all the ingredients to a shaker with ice.
3. Shake hard for 10 seconds.
4. Strain into a well-chilled coupe.

Mixology tip
👉 A white rhum agricole adds a grassy dimension that pairs perfectly with pandan.
👉 For a more indulgent twist, add a touch of coconut or serve it frozen.

Pandan Colada 🥥

Ingredients (1 glass)

• 6 cl pineapple juice
• 4 cl coconut milk or coconut cream
• 4 cl white rum
• ½ to 1 teaspoon pandan (dissolved powder or infusion)
• Ice cubes
• Sugar (optional)

Method

1. Dissolve the pandan in the coconut milk.
2. Add the pineapple juice, rum and ice to a shaker.
3. Shake hard for 10 seconds.
4. Serve in a glass filled with crushed ice.

Mixology tip
👉 Pandan is potent: start with a small amount.
👉 For an alcohol-free version, skip the rum and top up lightly with sparkling water.

Pandan Sour 🍋

Ingredients (1 glass)

• 5 cl whiskey (bourbon or Japanese whisky)
• 3 cl fresh lemon juice
• 2 cl simple syrup
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon pandan (dissolved powder)
• 1 egg white (optional)
• Ice cubes

Method

1. Pour all the ingredients into a shaker (no ice if using egg white).
2. Dry shake for 10 seconds to build the foam.
3. Add ice and shake hard for 15 seconds.
4. Strain into a well-chilled glass.

Mixology tip
👉 The dry shake is key to a fine, stable foam.
👉 For a softer, more tropical version, swap the simple syrup for coconut syrup.

Pandan Espresso Martini ☕

Ingredients (1 glass)

• 4 cl vodka
• 3 cl coffee liqueur
• 3 cl hot espresso
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon pandan (dissolved powder)
• 1 cl simple syrup
• Ice cubes

Method

1. Dissolve the pandan in the simple syrup.
2. Add the vodka, coffee liqueur and hot espresso.
3. Add ice and shake hard for 10–15 seconds.
4. Strain into a well-chilled coupe.

Mixology tip
👉 Use a freshly pulled espresso: the temperature contrast creates a dense, silky foam.
👉 For an alcohol-free version, replace the spirits with concentrated coffee and a splash of coconut water.

Pandan Highball 🥃

Ingredients (1 glass)

• 4 cl light whisky (ideally Japanese)
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon pandan (syrup or dissolved powder)
• 1 cl lime juice
• Well-chilled sparkling water
• Ice cubes

Method

1. Fill a tall glass to the top with ice.
2. Pour in the whisky and stir briefly to chill it.
3. Add the pandan and lime juice.
4. Gently top up with sparkling water, without stirring too much.

Mixology tip
👉 Use highly carbonated water and add it last to keep the bubbles.
👉 For an alcohol-free version, replace the whisky with well-chilled green tea or a non-alcoholic spirit.

Pandan Painkiller

Ingredients (1 glass)

• 6 cl amber or dark rum
• 9 cl pineapple juice
• 3 cl orange juice
• 3 cl coconut milk or coconut cream
• ½ teaspoon pandan (dissolved powder)
• Ice cubes

Method

1. Dissolve the pandan in the coconut milk or cream.
2. Add the juices, rum and ice to a shaker.
3. Shake hard for 10 seconds.
4. Serve in a tall glass filled with crushed ice.

Mixology tip
👉 Coconut cream gives a richer, more indulgent texture.
👉 For an alcohol-free version, replace the rum with extra pineapple juice and a dash of vanilla syrup.

How much pandan to use in a cocktail ⚖️

Getting the amount right is essential for a balanced cocktail.

Recommended amounts

Single cocktail: ¼ to ½ teaspoon

• Creamy cocktails: use less
• Always dissolve the powder before adding the alcohol

❌ Too much pandan → overly grassy taste
✅ Just right → subtle, refined aroma

Which pandan powder should you choose for cocktails? 🛒

For mixology, go for a powder that is:

• 100% natural
• free from coloring and artificial flavorings
• finely ground
• easy to dissolve

👉 Our pandan powder is especially well suited to cocktails, drinks and desserts.

🔗 Discover our pandan powder

FAQ about pandan cocktails ❓

Does pandan contain alcohol?

No. Pandan is an aromatic plant that can be used with or without alcohol.

Can you replace pandan syrup with powder?

Yes. The powder is more natural and has no added sugar.

Does pandan pair well with coffee?

Yes, it’s one of the best pairings, especially in an espresso martini.

Does pandan naturally color cocktails?

Yes, it gives a soft, natural green tint.

Elevate your cocktails with pandan 🌱

Pandan is a modern, natural and elegant ingredient, perfectly suited to contemporary mixology. Used in the right amount, it turns classic cocktails into unique aromatic experiences.

🌿 Want to try it at home or at your venue?
Discover our pandan powder, ideal for cocktails and drinks.

👉 Discover our pandan powder

Keep exploring 🌿

• pandan dessert recipes
• alcohol-free pandan drinks
• alcohol-free pandan latte
• how to use pandan powder