Elevate your Diwali celebrations with these Indian-inspired cocktails

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

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

1. In a cocktail shaker, pour the whisky combined with tamarind paste, lime juice, and simple syrup.
2. Add ice to the shaker and shake well for about 10 to 15 seconds to chill and mix the ingredients well.
3. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with a lemon slice and a sprig of mint.

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

1. Place the coffee powder in the upper chamber of a South Indian filter. Gently press the coffee grounds down with the pressing disc.
2. Pour 240 ml hot water (just off the boil) over the coffee powder in the upper chamber.
3. Cover the top and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the decoction to drip into the lower chamber.
4. Muddle fresh curry leaves to release their aromatic oils.
5. Add pineapple juice for a tropical kick.
6. Pour in a 30 ml South Indian filter coffee decoction for a bold flavour infusion.
7. Mix in vodka and passion fruit syrup.
8. Shake everything in a cocktail shaker until well blended and chilled.
9. Strain into a coupe glass for a smooth presentation.

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

1. Put chaat masala on the rim of the cocktail glass.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add the tequila, orange juice, tamarind syrup, and chaat masala to the shaker.
4. Shake the shaker vigorously for about 15 to 20 seconds to chill the ingredients and combine the flavours.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared cocktail glass.

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

1. Gather a cocktail shaker, a martini glass, and a bar spoon.
2. Pour the gin, honey-cardamom infused water, lemon juice, and sugar syrup into the cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
4. Close the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for about 15 to 20 seconds to chill the ingredients and blend the flavours.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
6. Garnish the drink with a few saffron threads for a touch of colour and additional flavour. For a truly refreshing drink, chill the martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving.

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.

Also Read: Diwali 2024: Indian chefs share healthier ways to prepare festive sweets