World Cocktail Day 2026: Follow these easy recipes to make 4 innovative summer cocktails without mangoes

The summer heat is at its peak and while the world is enjoying different kinds of coolers and cocktails many of them inspired by mangoes there is more to the season than the King of Fruits and you could start with cooling cocktailsEvery year World Cocktail Day is observed on May 13 to celebrate the unique creations that have become very popular in India over the yearsAmid Indias booming cocktail culture there is a lot that diners can explore with flavours especially during summer when every single menu is all about mangoesIndian bartenders and mixologists share four recipes for innovative cocktails that go beyond the King of Fruits for you to try out this summer or at the next house party They not only explore blackberries but also other refreshing flavours that will quench your thirst and help you beat the heatCarpe diemAt Royal China mixologist Tushar Biswas inspired by the summer wants you to go beyond mangoes to enjoy a cocktail with blackberries He shares Carpe Diem is a cocktail that feels bold yet refreshing The sweetness of blackberry the heat from jalapeno and the crisp sparkle of wine come together beautifully to create a drink thatrsquos vibrant playful and perfect for long eveningsIngredientsBlackberry 78 nosJalapeno diced 56 nosMint leaves 34 nosVodka 30 mlTequila 15 mlSugar syrup 10 mlLime juice 15 mlSparkling wine 60 mlMethod1 In a pitcher add jalapeno mint and blackberries Muddle to extract juices2 Add vodka tequila lime juice and sugar syrup and stir well3 Pour into a saltrimmed icefilled glass4 Top up with sparkling wine5 Garnish with mint leaves blackberry and jalapenoWhat the FuzzHarish Chhimwal who is the head mixologist at Olive Cafe and Bar in BKC and Borivali wants you to celebrate summer through more than one ingredient He explains For this summer menu we wanted to move beyond just using seasonal fruits and ingredients The new summer cocktail menu explores not just seasonal flavours but also the emotions visuals and experiences associated with summer The idea was to translate familiar summer memories like bubbles cotton candies fizzy refreshments playful textures and nostalgic summer moments into immersive cocktail experiences Highlighting what makes the cocktail unique he says ldquoWhat the Fuzz is my favourite because it brings together bright citrus cooling homemade peppermint fizz and aromatic pandan in a cocktail that is both nostalgic and refreshing Served in a jade tiki mug with a cocktail umbrella and finished with edible bubbles the drink captures the fun visual drama and light hearted energy of summer beyond the usual fruit forward servesIngredientsVodka 30 mlOrange Liqueur 30 mlFresh Grapefruit Juice 30 mlSaline 2 dropsPandan Tincture 15 dashesInhouse Peppermint Soda 60 mlMethod1 Build all ingredients except the peppermint soda in a shaker tin with ice and use the throwing technique to aerate and lightly chill the cocktail while maintaining texture and brightness2 Pour into a jade tiki mug filled with fresh ice and top up with peppermint soda3 Garnish with a Pandan leaf grapefruit wedge cocktail umbrella and edible bubblesPicanteAt Tikitii in Goa Jagdish Thakur who is the head bartender wants you to sip on the Picante but its not your traditional flavours He shares This version of the cocktail goes beyond the usual mangoforward flavour profiles typically associated with the season The combination of jalapeno coriander lime and agave delivers a balance of heat citrus and herbaceous notes that feels incredibly refreshing in warm weatherIngredientsTequila 60 mlJalapeno 4 to 5 nosCorianderLime juice 15 mlAgave syrup 15 mlMethod1 In a shaker muddle fresh jalapeno slices and coriander gently to release their flavours2 Add tequila lime juice agave syrup and ice Shake well until chilled3 Double strain into an icefilled rocks glass4 Garnish with a coriander sprig or jalapentildeo slicePassion Fruit ColadaAt Millo in Nagpur mixologist Raj Chaurasia wants you to fall in love with the Colada all over again by making the Passion Fruit Colada He explains The Passion Fruit Colada brings a lighter more layered tropical profile that goes beyond the usual mangoforward drinks The freshness of pineapple and passionfruit balanced with delicate lychee and creamy coconut creates something vibrant juicy and easy to sip perfect for guests seeking a refreshing tropical escape with a more elevated flavour profileIngredientsVodka 60 mlPineapple juice 60 ml Lychee juice 60 ml Coconut puree 15 ml Passionfruit half Method1 Add vodka pineapple juice lychee juice coconut pureacutee and fresh passionfruit into a shaker with ice Shake well to aerate and chill the cocktail2 Dump the entire mix into a bamboo glass over fresh ice for a textured tropical finish3 Garnish with a bamboo leaf and edible flowers