India is certainly the land of flavors and colors, both artfully mixing in a beautiful fusion of cultures and rituals. From vivid cuisines to sparkling beverages, there are numerous soulful treats to fulfill your heart. And when it comes to celebrating a night with friends or simply gossiping with your best buddy, you will always find just the right cocktail to suit the vibes around.
If you wanna dance away the night or just wanna feel refreshingly good on a hot summer afternoon, here are the most popular cocktails in India to accompany you.
Check them out!
Indian Jaljeera Mojito
If you like the classic Mojito, then this one takes it a few notches ahead with a delightful Indian twist. The Indian Jaljeera Mojito is a complex dance of flavors on the palate with lovable tangy notes. It is great for the digestive system and is best served chilled during the hot summer days.
How to make Indian Jaljeera Mojito?
Mix two teaspoons of Jaljeera, lime juice, mint, sugar, and soda in a glass. Add ice cubes. Pour white rum. Stir and serve chilled.
Mango Lassi With Kaffir Lime
Mango lassi (or Creamy Mango Buttermilk) is already a favorite amongst many. Adding the twist of lime with undertones of rum or vodka takes its flavors to the next-level. This is mostly a tropical drink with refreshing character, and the tartaric taste of the lactic acid is well countered by the rum or vodka as per your taste.
How to make Mango Lassi with Kaffir Lime?
Make the kaffir lime syrup:
In a small sauce pot, combine ½ cup sugar, ½ cup water, and 16 kaffir lime leaves. Mix all the ingredients and boil over high heat. Take the pot off the heat and let the mixture steep as it cools to room temperature. Once the mixture is thoroughly cooled, strain and reserve.
Make the lassi:
In a blender, purée the mango chunks. Add the remaining ingredients and purée until smooth. Serve cold in this unique Globe Cocktail glass. Garnish with the toasted pistachios and dust with the green cardamom powder.
Watermelon Mojito
The Watermelon Mojito is one of the most popular cocktails in India. Signature variants of this cocktail are found in many restaurants and bars. Refreshing and light, Watermelon Mojitos are perfect for hot days. This version takes the classic mojito base and adds a twist with sweet, juicy watermelon. You will find it irresistibly refreshing!
How to make Watermelon Mojito?
In a pitcher, muddle chunks of fresh watermelon (about 1 cup), ten mint leaves, and the juice of 1 lime. Stir in 2 tablespoons of sugar, then add 120 ml of white rum and a large splash of soda water. Serve in the Flow Geo Crystal glass over ice, garnished with mint and watermelon slices.
Nimbu Pani Mint Julep
A common theme among popular Indian cocktails is the hearty use of lemon and seasonal fruits. For lime-based drinks, the Nimbu Pani Mint Julep stands out. It is a fusion of the Indian classic Nimbu pani(lemonade) and the Southern favorite Mint Julep. It’s a refreshing cocktail that blends the citrusy spark of lemon with the cooling effect of mint.
How to make Nimbu Pani Mint Julep?
Mix the juice of one lemon, ten mint leaves, a pinch of salt, and two teaspoons of sugar in a glass. Fill the glass with crushed ice, pour over 60 ml of bourbon, and stir thoroughly. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a slice of lemon. Serve in these Dual Martini Glasses to double the fun!
Tamarind Ginger Margarita
You will surely love this one if you like bold and intense flavors in your cocktail! The Tamarind Ginger Margarita has a bold taste profile. It introduces tamarind's tangy taste and the ginger's spicy kick to the classic margarita, making it a standout choice for those who love a cocktail with depth.
How to make Tamarind Ginger Margarita?
Shake together two tablespoons of tamarind paste, one teaspoon of ginger juice, the juice of 1 lime, 60 ml of tequila, and a tablespoon of sugar. Serve over ice in a salt-rimmed glass garnished with a lime wedge and a thin slice of ginger.
Cucumber Cooler
This cocktail sports clean and fresh flavors with undertones of gin. The cucumber cooler is a popular cocktail throughout the year, but more so during the summer season. Afterall, nothing rejuvenates and recharges the soul like the crispness of cool cucumbers muddled with some ice and gin.
How to make the Cucumber Cooler?
Put cucumber slices, lime juice, and sugar in a shaker. Crush them together. Pour in 60 ml of gin. Shake it well. Strain the mix into a glass full of ice. Decorate with cucumber slices.
Indian Winter
Sometimes, all you need is a hug. And the Indian Winter is just the right cocktail for it. It is a comforting cocktail - perfect for cooler weather or whenever you need a warm embrace. This cocktail is a fusion of whiskey accented with the rich flavors of Indian spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.
How to make the Indian Winter cocktail?
Simmer a mix of 1 stick of cinnamon, five cloves, and two cardamom pods in a small pot with half a cup of water. Add two tablespoons of sugar until reduced by half. Let the mixture cool, then mix with 60 ml of whiskey and a dash of lemon juice. Serve with ice and garnish with a cinnamon stick or a lemon twist.
Mango Mojito
If you like Mojito and Mango-based drinks, this cocktail will set the vibe for you in any weather. The Mango Mojito promises to unleash a burst of authentic fruity flavor melded with refreshing Mojito. It is a popular cocktail in India for all the right reasons.
How to make Mango Mojito?
Blend mango pulp, two tablespoons lime juice, mint, and 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Add 60 ml of rum. Stir the drink and top with soda and ice cubes. Serve in this stylish Striped Tall Cocktail Glass.
So, which cocktail will break the ice for you this summer season? Try as many of these as you can and share them with your friends.
