A stable government, a soaring Sensex...is that enough reason to say 'Cheers'? Sumana B Jayanth hits the bar and discovers that exotic and expensive drinks have plenty of takers
A stable government, a soaring Sensex...is that enough reason to say 'Cheers'? Sumana B Jayanth hits the bar and discovers that exotic and expensive drinks have plenty of takers When it comes to choosing the poison of the day, Bangloreans have ample choice. A random survey revealedu00a0 that a fat wallet and a taste for the good things in life can yield a very pleasant evening.
What: KirroyalWallet factor: Rs 1,800 plus taxesWhere: Taj West End F&B manager Vinod Pandey says, "The price of the cocktail depend on the spirit we use in it.u00a0 The same drink can vary in pricing depending on the spirit used. Though we are known for our specialty martinis, Kirroyal is a champagne-based drink. Again the pricing depends on the kind of champagne we use in it. If it is Dom Perignon, it will cost around Rs 1,800 per glass. But when we use Bruts, the cost of the drink is around Rs 700."u00a0
What: Blame it on R!Wallet factor: Rs 650, inclusive of the taxesWhere: Lalit AshokBartender Tenzin Lhagoe, the man who conjured up this vodka-based cocktail, says, "I use Finland vodka as a base for this cocktail. It's vodka with the lychee juice and curry leaves, which gives the cocktail a nice sweet and sour taste." Blame it on R, he says, is a favourite with corporate executives who network over drinks and dinner.
What: Tequila MargaritaWallet factor: Rs 700 excluding taxesWhere: Dublin at the ITC WindsorRavi Nayak, captain at the bar, says, "Tequila Margarita is made of fresh lime juice, Cointreau and tequila. We sell close to 20 drinks a week to foreign guests and expats."
What: Roasted Orange MartiniWallet factor: Rs 950 Where: Leela PalaceMadhusudan, the bar manager at the Leela's Library Bar, says, "I can add the liquor of your choice and make a cocktail, which is not on the menu. But the most expensive cocktail on the menu is Roasted Orange Martini. The oranges are roasted in the tandoor, and then added to Grey Goose, Ciroc or any other premium vodka.u00a0 To give it flavour, I even add grand marnier - orange liqueur. I top it with cranberry vodka and some cranberry juice. The drink is a hit with the regulars. We sell around 15 drinks a week. People ask for it because of the unique way it is made, and for its unique taste."
What: Brutus and CaesarWallet factor: Rs 450 plus taxesWhere: Olive BeachOlive Beach is known for its frozen margaritas. Chef Manu Chandra says, "We have reduced the pricing of cocktails so that more people can enjoy them. But when you have some premium liquors like Grey Goose, Ciroc, 42below and others, then the pricing is bound to increase."
Describing Brutus and Caesar, the cocktail, he says, "Brutus and Caesar is a frozen margarita with tequila base, and mango and kiwi frozen with it. We sell around 4 to 5 drinks duringu00a0 the weekends, and there are regulars who order it unfailingly."
From the recipe file Brandy Dutch Touch1.5 parts of brandy and 0.5 parts of Cru00e8me de Cacao Brown,
shaken and served in a short glass, and filled up with coke.
Taste profile: In this drink, hints of pure dark chocolate and vanilla are evident. The sweetness of the coke goes very well with the sweetness of the grapes of brandy. It is not overpowering but in good balance with the rich floral flavours of brandy. It finishes off with a very pleasant woody, dark chocolate after taste.
Brandy Tonic1.5 to 1.75 parts of brandy, filled up with tonic, and served in a long drink glass filled with ice.
Taste profile: At first the rich sweetness of the grapes appears and slowly marries with the more tart taste of the tonic. The bubbles of the tonic awaken the rich floral flavours of brandy on your tongue. All this is followed by an appealing dry woodiness with a hint of vanilla.
Brandy Side Car 1.5 parts of brandy
1.25 parts of Triple sec
1.25 parts of lemon juice
Shake and strain
Serve in a chilled martini glass
Taste profile: This classic drink brings out the citrus flavours in a great balance with a subtle pine tree woody taste. The complexity of the brandy is a superb marriage with the lemon flavours.
Bols Brandy Sodau00a0
1.5 to 1.75 parts of Bols Brandy, filled up with soda water and served in a long drink glass with ice.
Taste profile: A variant on this drink could be to add a wedge of orange by first squeezing it into the drink and then leaving it in there. The focus on the rich bouquet of brandy will then slightly lean towards the orange flavours. It makes it refreshing and fruity.
Recipes courtesy: Bols Brandy
