Indulge in these hot and cold cocktails to make the most of monsoon in Mumbai

Espresso martini

The man behind the cocktails at Khar's two-decade-old eatery Out of The Blue, Gaurav Prasad knows the importance of a tipsy weekend. So if a chilled beer isn't our calling this season, he has got us covered with monsoon cocktails. The first cocktail, love at first sight, reminisces of romances in the rain. It's a vodka-based blend with sparkling wine and the tropical flavours of passion fruit and pineapple. His second creation is the espresso martini to kick up the gloomy weather. This one has vodka, Kahlua liqueur, and a strong shot of coffee. Prasad explains the inspired pick, "Think monsoon, and you might turn to spiced rum, smoky whisky, or an infused brandy, but I wanted a challenge, and vodka is the perfect base to elevate any cocktail." If you'd like to experiment with cocktails at home, Prasad suggests adding warmer notes with star anise, clove and cinnamon: "These are good starter ingredients to infuse into a spirit for more complexity. You can also use a smoking gun to infuse a layer of depth and warmth to a cocktail."

Gaurav Prasad

At Out Of The Blue, Union Park, Road Number 4, Khar.
Call 9324839393
Cost Rs 555

The prince of cocktails

Purple rain embraces the monsoons with a pretty-hued cocktail that resembles a storm in a glass. This gin-based number comes with lime juice and blue pea tea.
At Ditas, World Crest, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel.
Cost Rs 950

Retro is hot

The garam Dharam is whipped up with whiskey, cumin, garam masala, lime and egg white and is perfect for the season. It is also inspired by the legendary cine icon Dharmendra AKA Dharam paaji, and is an ode to the spirit of his power-packed performances.
At Pritam Da Dhaba, Dadar East and Juhu Tara Road.
Cost Rs 725

Hot and sour

Mixologist Mayank Soni's cayenne maple sour balances spicy cayenne pepper and peppercorns infused with vodka and mixed with citrus juice and maple honey syrup. It is topped off with a burnt rosemary garnish.
At Geoffrey's, Hotel Marine Plaza, Marine Lines.
Cost Rs 900

Boozy latte

The tequila honey iced latte is a spiked coffee perfect for those who need that cold caffeine kick but also crave a bit of warmth.
At Smoke House Deli (all outlets).
Cost Rs 450

Twists on the classic

This classic with a warm spirit is called the tramonto, which means sundowner in Italian. It is head bartender, Akash More's spin on the classic amaretto sour and swaps whiskey for a smooth dark rum.
Ar Asilo, 40th Floor, Phoenix Mills, Lower Parel.
Cost Rs 1,000

The traditional sip

You can't miss with a hot toddy. This creation is made with an aged cognac or brandy paired with cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, star anise and a touch of apple juice.
At Nksha, ADCB Rehman Manzil, Churchgate.
Cost Rs 1,300

Spring in the monsoon

The camminata nel bosco tops our list. This number is crafted with Jim Beam bourbon, in-house thyme liqueur, and berry shrub, making for the perfect pick-me-up in the rains.
At Cin Cin, Raheja Towers, BKC, Bandra East.
Cost Rs 950