4 Ways To Use Buzz Buttons in Cocktail Recipes

Edible flowers for drinks and cocktails are being used to create an interesting point of difference. Using Buzz Buttons or Szechuan button flowers is a fun and exciting way to elevate your mixology game and surprise your guests with a unique and unforgettable drinking experience. I will show you 4 ways you can use Buzz Buttons in cocktail recipes.

What You Can Learn Below:

What is a Buzz Button?

The Buzz Button (Acmella oleracea) is an edible flower that is very easy to grow if you live in a warm climate. Find out here how you can grow your own Buzz Buttons.

This great little flower has gained popularity in trendy cocktail bars due to its unusual ability to create a buzzy experience for cocktail drinkers. Its also known as Szechuan button or Sichuan button and is an edible flower that creates a numbing or tingling sensation in the mouth when consumed.

This is caused by the flower’s active ingredient, spilanthol, which is delivered when the flower is eaten.

The Fun Use of Buzz Buttons In Cocktail Recipes

So, what is the effect of spilanthol on cocktail drinkers? Let’s just say that it can be quite an adventure! Imagine taking a sip of your favorite cocktail and feeling a sudden wave of tingling, buzzing heat wash over your tongue and lips. It’s like a tiny electrical storm in your mouth, and it’s both surprising and entertaining especially when you’re not expecting it!

The Buzz Button is the cocktail garnish that makes your lips and tongue tingle. It is quite a unique experience!

4 Different Ways To Use Buzz Buttons in Cocktails

1. Cocktail ingredient - for a mild, intermittent tingle or buzz that won’t overpower the drink.

Grate the flower head and add to cocktail mix. Shake, muddle or blend with other cocktail ingredients. Alternatively sprinkle on the top of the cocktail.

2. Cocktail Garnish - for a stronger and longer lasting effect

Use whole Buzz button flower as cocktail garnishes, either floating on top of the drink or skewered onto a cocktail stick.

The flower should be chewed on by the drinker and this is when the real magic happens! It will take a couple of seconds for the spilanthol to take effect and then the zinging will start.

Try adding grated or blended buzz button into the drink for a more prolonged experience.

3. Cocktail Infusion -for an evenly distributed sensation

Infuse grated or mashed buzz buttons into gin or chosen spirit. Steep for a day then include the liquid as a cocktail base. Ginger or simple syrup works well with the infusion of buzz buttons.

4. On the rim of a cocktail glass - for an unexpected quick sensation

Use ground Buzz Buttons to cover the rim of the cocktail glass. This will give the drinker a delightful tingling sensation on their lips and tongue as soon as they take a sip! Grind the flowers using either a blender or a pestle and mortar and then pour it onto a plate. Wet the rim of the glass with a lime or lemon wedge, then dip the rim into the ground flowers to coat the edge.

So are you ready to give your unsuspecting friends or guests a little surprise?

Cocktail recipe using a buzz button garnish

Try this Buzz Button Margarita

If you wanted to get real serious about your mixology skills then try out a cocktail shaker kit. This has all the utensils you need to do some serious cocktails making!

Ingredients:

60mls (2 oz) tequila
30mls (1 oz) lime juice
15mls (1/2 oz) Buzz button or Szechuan button-infused simple syrup
Salt
Lime wedge
1 Buzz button or Szechuan button

Directions:

Rim a rocks glass with salt by rubbing the lime wedge around the rim and dipping it in a shallow dish of salt. You could replace the salt with ground up buzz buttons (as detailed above).
In a shaker filled with ice, combine tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake well and strain into the prepared glass. For extra sensation you could add additional grated buzz button onto the top of the drink (as detailed above)
Skewer a buzz button or Szechuan button onto a cocktail pick and place it on top of the drink. To experience the full sensation this flower must be chewed!
Take a sip and enjoy the tingly, buzzy sensation!

Despite its unassuming and uninspiring looks, the Buzz Button is a fun and intriguing ingredient to use. Its use isn’t limited to cocktails, and many chefs also use it in culinary dishes to enhance the flavor experience of a diner.

Try this fascinating recipe using another edible flower that has an interesting effect on cocktails and mocktails:

Fancy Cocktails Made Naturally