Mixology at Home: How to Spend Your Ramadan with Creative Culinary Trend

13 hours ago 9

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesians are seeing a shift in Ramadan tradition. Where once people broke their fast with classic dishes like kolak (sweet snack made with palm sugar and coconut milk), es buah (cut-up fruit in icy syrupy sweet liquid), or gorengan (fritters), now more and more people are turning iftar (evening meal during Ramadan) into a space for creative culinary exploration.

One of the increasingly visible trends is the growing interest in at-home mixology, where people mix drinks using techniques and concepts similar to a bartender or barista, but done in one's own kitchen.

This phenomenon reflects a change in lifestyle, especially among the younger generation and urban families who are seeking a more personal and interactive iftar experience. In addition to quenching thirst, drinks have now become a medium for creative expression, from flavor experiments to visually appealing presentations.

Chef and entrepreneur Putri Miranti has observed this trend growing rapidly alongside the increasingly accessible culinary references through social media. According to her, many people seek to present not only delicious, but also aesthetically pleasing beverages that are easy to make.

"People now want a cafe-like experience at home. In fact, the techniques are not difficult," Putri said in mid-February 2026 in Jakarta.

Mixology Mix-Perience activity by Fanta/Tempo-Ghaeiza Kay Rasuffi

Techniques and Visuals of At-Home Mixology

One of the popular techniques is layering, which involves arranging layers of drinks based on the density of the liquid to create a visually layered appearance with contrasting colors. This technique is often seen in modern drinks popular in cafes or on social media content.

According to Putri, the principle of layering is quite simple. Liquids with higher density are placed at the bottom, while lighter liquids are added slowly on top. The use of an inverted spoon when pouring can also help maintain the separation of the layers.

In addition to technique, the visual aspect also plays a crucial role in the popularity of creative beverages. Vibrant and contrasting colors considerably enhance the appeal, especially for a generation accustomed to sharing culinary experiences through digital platforms.

However, behind the attractive appearance, balancing flavors remains the key. Putri suggests that the exploration should not be excessive. "Ideally, use only four to five ingredients. If there are too many mixtures, the flavor profile can be lost," she said.

She also encourages the use of themed flavor concepts, such as tropical or citrus, to ensure each component remains harmonious. Fresh fruit, for example, can provide different flavor dimensions as well as texture.

Interestingly, the trend of at-home mixology is also linked to an increasing awareness of health. Many consumers are beginning to add ingredients that provide additional nutritional value, such as fresh fruits or fiber-rich chia seeds.

This shift in behavior also affects the marketing strategies of beverage brands, especially during Ramadan.

Beyond encouraging consumption, brands are now inviting people to get creative with their products, such as by participating in at-home mixology.

Amidst these changes, mixology at home has become a symbol of how the new generation is redefining the tradition by combining iftar nostalgia with more contemporary taste exploration.