It’s the season of ‘jalti dhoop’ (burning heat) and we all know how hot Indian summers can get! If you wish to replenish and rejuvenate in a unique way, here are our top recommendations for refreshing Indian cocktails that you must absolutely try! These Indian-inspired drinks aren’t just refreshing, but also pack all the punch.
Summer Drinking Guide: 5 Refreshing Indian-Inspired Cocktails You Must Try!
Jaljeera Mojito
Mojitos and Jaljeera are two drinks that instantly paint a refreshing picture in your mind. So, why not combine these summer favorites into one drink? To make a Jaljeera Mojito, you need not do anything fancy — just a few ingredients and you’ll be getting your hands on delicious, minty goodness!
First, muddle a few mint leaves and a lime wedge, preferably in a highball glass. Then add a spoonful of Jaljeera mix — its easily available in general stores. Then pour club soda and stir it and adjust the sweetness/tanginess as per your taste. You can then add white rum, lemon juice, and ice to concoct a refreshing Jaljeera Mojito!
Bengal Tiger
Who knew India’s National Animal would also give way for a cool summer drink? The Bengal Tiger is a drink combining the robust taste of brandy with fruity flavors of pineapple and cherry liqueur.
To make a Bengal Tiger, simply combine brandy with cherry liqueur, orange liqueur, and pineapple juice in a cocktail shaker. Fill it with ice and shake well to combine the liquor with the citrusy flavors of the fruit juices and liqueurs. Strain the drink into a cocktail glass and serve chilled! The Bengal Tiger is a great drink for a breezy afternoon brunch or a lively sundowner with friends. We didn’t realize how badly we need a Bengal Tiger, and we bet you won’t be able to resist it too!
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Rum Lassi
What’s that one staple Indian drink synonymous with Indian summers? It has to be the ever-so-popular lassi. This milk-based drink is, in fact, even more popular beyond Indian borders. While having lassi in itself is a good option for a summer treat, why not take things up a notch by adding rum to it?
For those unfamiliar with this, let us tell you that Rum Lassi has to be one of the tastiest and most irresistible Indian-inspired cocktails! All you need is mangoes, yogurt, buttermilk, kaffir lime syrup, and lime juice. Blend it all in and add white rum to it. The classic rum flavor blends well with the creamy texture of the yogurt and mangoes, lending a unique (and boozy) feel to the drink. You can thank us later or send a few glasses across!
Jamuntini
We all have fond memories of climbing trees to pluck the plumpest jamuns and guavas, don’t we? Well, you can relive your childhood nostalgia by concocting this unique Martini – a Jamun Martini or Jamuntini!
The subtle, tart, yet sweet taste of Jamuns is nothing less than refreshing and when you combine it in a Martini, you are basically adding an exotic twist to the beloved Martini! You need to first muddle about 7 to 8 jamuns in a cocktail shaker with their skin on. You can remove their skin but that’s a tedious process! Fill the shaker with ice, add gin, simple syrup, and lime juice and shake well. Then, double strain the jamun mixture and serve chilled in a cocktail glass. To make it extra fancy, you can rim the lip of the glass with a blend of salt and chilli powder and garnish with a slit jamun!
Also Read: Drinks Options If You’re Going Light Or Sober This Holi
Cucumber Gimlet
No meal in an Indian household is complete without a cucumber salad served on the side. In the summers, the humble vegetable gains more prominence as you find it selling like hot cakes on the streetside — cucumber slices served with a spice mix of salt, amchur, and red chilli powder. Thinking of this classic summer snack got us drooling already!
To make a Cucumber Gimlet, simply slice cucumber into medium-thick slices. Then, muddle these slices and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add gin, lime juice, and ice into the cocktail shaker and shake well until chilled. Strain this mixture into a coupe glass and serve chilled. You can go a little fancy-schmancy and garnish the drink with a well-carved cucumber wheel. Time for a refreshing, chilled cucumber drink!
Summing Up
These refreshing and easy-to-make Indian cocktails prove that you can easily beat the summer heat with just a hint of booze. Gather up these ingredients, note down the processes, and concoct delicious cocktails for yourself and your loved ones this summer!
FAQs
What Alcoholic Drink Is From India?
India is home to several alcoholic drinks, such as Feni, Toddy, Mahua liquor, Handia, Lugdi, etc.
Why Is The Bengal Tiger So Famous?
The Bengal Tiger is known for its sheer strength, size, and its striped appearance. It is the national animal of India and has significance in local folklore and Hindu mythology.
What Is A Lassi Made Of?
Lassi is a drink made by combining water, yogurt, buttermilk, and a few spices or sugar. Lassi can also be made by combining fruit extracts such as mango pulp.
