31 October,2024 10:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Maitrai Agarwal
Casablanca Highball (L); Hibiscus Collins (R)
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If you are planning a Diwali party, and worried endlessly about the decor, menu, and entertainment. We've got you (partially)! While traditional Indian sweet dishes take centrestage, why not elevate your Diwali celebrations with some festive cocktails? From the fiery spice of clove to the floral notes of marigold, mixologists have drawn inspiration from the rich tapestry of Indian flavours. Whether they're seasoned patrons or casual drinkers, these innovative twists on classic cocktails are sure to impress your guests. So, as you gather with loved ones to celebrate Diwali, raise a glass to the occasion and embrace the spirit of the festival of lights with these exquisite cocktails.
Casablanca Highball
Have you ever thought of using marigold flowers in your cocktails? Rishabh Mehrotra, mixologist at Cosy Box (Delhi and Gurugram) has reimagined the timeless whisky highball with the iconic flower. He shares, "With every sip of the Casablanca Highball, the warmth of whisky blooms like marigolds." Mehrotra also shares tips to perfect his concoction: "Remember to adjust citrus to taste, experiment with different whisky types, and try substituting peach syrup with other fruit flavours."
Ingredients for Marigold infusion
Marigold petals (without green parts) 100 gm
Whisky 750 ml
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Peach syrup 15ml
Citrus 10 ml
Seltzer, for topping up
Peach slice, for garnish
Method
1. Wash, rinse, and dry marigold petals
2. Soak petals in whisky for 24 hours in an airtight container
3. Strain whisky into a clear bottle
4. Fill a Highball glass with ice
5. Pour in 60 ml of marigold-infused whisky, peach syrup, and citrus
6. Top with seltzer
7. Stir gently
8. Garnish with peach slice
Tamarind Whisky Sour
Adding an Indian flair to a global staple, the Tamarind whisky Sour can be a major hit at your Diwali party. "This cocktail brings a bold, tangy twist to the traditional cocktail, blending the rich depth of whisky with the unique tartness of tamarind and a burst of fresh lime. It's a perfect fusion of familiar and exotic flavours that delivers a refreshing and vibrant experience," explains Vijay Prakash, creator of this signature drink at Smoke House Deli, and beverage head (north and east) at Impresario Entertainment and Hospitality pvt. ltd.
Ingredients
Bourbon or whisky 60 ml
Tamarind paste (or tamarind concentrate) 30 ml
Fresh lime juice 30 ml
Simple syrup 15 ml
Lemon slice and mint sprig, for garnish
Instructions
Hibiscus Collins
For those who prefer gin, this floral twist to the classic Tom Collins is incredibly easy to prepare and requires minimal effort. "The build-up method allows you to layer the ingredients directly into the glass, eliminating the need for shaking or stirring. Indulge yourself in the captivating fusion of floral and spicy notes with the utmost ease," says Manoj Joshi, senior bartender at Ophelia.
Ingredients
Gin 60 ml
Hibiscus tea 15 ml
Lime juice 15 ml
Ginger honey syrup 20 ml
Soda water, for topping up
Dehydrated hibiscus, for rimming
Mint sprig, for garnish
Method
1. Rim a highball glass with dehydrated hibiscus. To do this, moisten the rim with a lime wedge and dip it into a plate of dehydrated hibiscus.
2. Fill the prepared glass with ice cubes.
3. Add gin, hibiscus tea, lime juice, and ginger honey syrup.
4. Top up the glass with soda water.
5. Garnish with a mint sprig.
Spiced Lantern
What would a celebration be without tequila? "This cocktail is one of my favourite festive creations - each sip captures the warmth of celebration, blending rich flavours," poses Aryaan Sundaram, beverage operations executive at Monika Alcobev. Showcasing the versatility of tequila and the power of spices to elevate a drink, the Spiced Lantern may offer a fiery twist to your festivities.
Ingredients
Jose Cuervo Reposado 60 ml
Cointreau 10 ml
Spice syrup (clove, nutmeg, star anise) 10 ml
Fresh lime juice 20 ml
Marigold flower, for garnish
Method
1. In a shaker, combine the Jose Cuervo Reposado, Cointreau, spice syrup, and fresh lime juice.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 to 20 seconds until well chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass.
4. Pour in a coupe glass, and garnish with a marigold flower for a festive touch.
Madras Cafe
Inspired by the legendary Espresso Martini, this South Indian twist will surely illicit intrigue from your guests. "We've infused it with flavours that pay homage to Southern India using regional staples like passion fruit, pineapple, and coffee. The addition of curry leaves, a dominant element in South Indian cuisine, brings a unique aromatic touch to the cocktail, blending tradition with innovation," shares Shivram Verma, assistant food and beverage manager, Merlin's 99 - The Whisky Lounge, The Orchid Hotel Mumbai.
Ingredients
Vodka 45 ml
Pineapple juice 60 ml
Curry leaves 4-5 fresh leaves
Coarsely ground coffee powder (preferably South Indian coffee beans) 3-4 tablespoons
Passion fruit syrup 10 ml
Hot water 1 cup
Method
Imli ka Boota
An exciting fusion of tequila with tangy tamarind, this cocktail can be whipped up in no time with commonly found ingredients in your kitchen. "The Imli ka Boota is a refreshing and tangy cocktail that captures the essence of traditional Indian flavours. The tequila provides a smooth base, while the orange juice adds a touch of citrussy sweetness. The tamarind syrup lends a unique and complex depth, complemented by the aromatic chaat masala," says Sonali Mullick, mixologist at Hitchki India.
Ingredients
Tequila 60 ml
Orange juice 30 ml
Tamarind syrup 15 ml
Chaat masala 1 gm
Method
Kesar Infusion
Combining flavours of saffron with honey and cardamom in a cocktail can yield an elegant concoction. "Designed to be a refreshing mix of gin with the sweet and spicy flavours of honey-cardamom water and a splash of lemon, this balanced cocktail elevates traditional flavours into a sophisticated, modern Martini," poses Akshay Singh, bartender at Deltin.
Ingredients
Gin 45 ml
Honey cardamom-infused water 30 ml
Lemon juice 10 ml
Sugar syrup 5 ml
Saffron threads, for garnish
Method
Tamarind Old Fashioned
Another intriguing twist on a classic cocktail, the Tamarind Old Fashioned marries traditional flavours with innovative. The tamarind adds a tangy, fruity depth that complements the smokiness of the whisky, according to Vikram Ku, Head of World Class India and HNI Advocacy, Diageo India. Whisky enthusiasts can experiment with different types of whisky and tamarind syrups, as they can lead to a wide range of flavour profiles.
Ingredients
Johnnie Walker Black Label 60 ml
Tamarind paste 10 ml
Jaggery syrup 10 ml
Angostura bitters 2 dashes
Orange peel, for garnish
Method
1. In a mixing glass, combine Johnnie Walker, tamarind paste, jaggery syrup, and bitters.
2. Add ice and stir for 15 to 20 seconds.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
4. Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink and drop it into the glass.
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