From Gulab Gin Fizz To Elaichi Cosmos: 5 Diwali Drinks With A Twist

What a spectacular sight it is when tiny earthen diyas light up the scene and the aroma of mithai and marigolds wafts through the air. In such a festive atmosphere, it is only fitting that your drink menu too shines just as bright. Diwali, after all, is no longer just about exchanging sweets and snacks – it’s also about exchanging sips and playful banter with your favorite Diwali-inspired drinks by your side. Luckily, we’re here ready with our top five picks for Diwali drinks with a twist. Time to ditch the usual rum and coke and raise a toast to these five amazing drinks!

Sparkle, Celebration, And Endless Sips: 5 Diwali Drinks With A Twist

1. Gulab Gin Fizz: Floral And Fizzy

If Diwali and flower bouquets had a ‘cocktail’ lovechild – it would definitely be this cocktail! Gulab Gin Fizz is bubbly, sparkly, and bursting with floral elegance. A refreshing take on the classic Gin Fizz, each sip in the drink is infused with the subtle aroma and sweetness of rose and the zesty flavor of lemon. The rose brings a familiar festive fragrance while the lemon makes it perfectly refreshing for a nostalgic sundowner party – just before the fireworks begin!

Ingredients:

• Gin (preferably a floral-forward one)
• Rose syrup
• Lemon juice
• Egg white (for froth, is optional)
• Soda water
• Dried rose petals for garnish

Process:

• In a cocktail shaker, add gin, rose syrup, lemon juice, and egg white (if you prefer froth).
• Shake for about 10 seconds, add ice, and then shake again until chilled.
• Strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
• Add a splash of soda water.
• Garnish with dried rose petals and serve!

2. Kesariya Mule: Royal Remix

If mango is the ‘king of fruits’, this cocktail might just be the ‘king of cocktails’ this Diwali season! Inspired by Indian mangoes and saffron, this is one of the easiest Diwali drinks with a twist, perfect for when you’re on a time crunch and the guest list is arriving faster than you had expected. It is vibrant, creamy, and full of that festive hue! Plus, the addition of ginger beer adds a nice, chilly, and refreshing touch to the drink. Serve it in copper mugs to make the experience a bit more festive and ‘extra’ – after all, it's Diwali!

Ingredients:

• Vodka
• Mango pulp, either fresh or canned
• A pinch of saffron soaked in 1 tablespoon warm water
• Fresh lime juice
• Ginger beer
• Mint sprig and a saffron strand for garnish

Process:

• In a cocktail shaker, combine mango pulp, saffron water, lime juice, and vodka.
• Shake well for about 20 to 30 seconds.
• Pour the mixture into a copper mug filled with ice.
• Top the mixture with chilled ginger beer and give it a gentle stir.
• Garnish the cocktail with a mint sprig and a saffron strand.

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3. Masala Old Fashioned: Desi Twist

An Old Fashioned will never go out of style – be it a casual business meeting or a full-blown festive party. However, this Diwali season, let’s add a desi twist to this classic cocktail, shall we? The Masala Old Fashioned, just as the name suggests, is robust and packs a spicy kick. Imagine smoky whisky infused with a homemade masala syrup. That drink would definitely be the perfect companion on a chilly winter night, especially as you sit down with your friends and family after a long day of festivities!

Ingredients:

• Bourbon or whisky
• Masala syrup made with sugar, water, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, and star anise
• Angostura bitters
• Orange peel

Process:

• Add masala syrup and angostura bitters into a mixing glass.
• Add whisky and a few ice cubes into the glass.
• Stir gently for about 30 seconds.
• Strain the contents into an Old Fashioned glass over a large ice cube.
• Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink and drop it in.

4. Elaichi Cosmos: The Desi Diva

Meet the cocktail that makes head turn and brings in the sultry charm in a room full of not-so-appealing cocktails. Elaichi Cosmos is subtle, bold, yet elegant in each sip, reminding you of a classic Cosmopolitan. This is a drink that adds an earthy, festive aroma to your festive cocktails and pairs beautifully with desi Indian meals. Just like Diwali, Elaichi Cosmos is elegant yet grounded – perfect to make for a special someone this festive season.

Ingredients:

• Vodka
• Cranberry juice
• Triple sec
• Fresh lime juice
• Cardamom syrup – made by boiling water, sugar, and crushed cardamom pods, straining, and cooling the mixture.
• Orange peel

Process:

• Combine vodka, cardamom syrup, lime juice, triple sec, and cranberry juice in a cocktail shaker with ice.
• Shake well until chilled.
• Strain the contents into a chilled Martini glass.
• Garnish with a twist of orange and serve with style!

Also Read: Top 7 Cocktails To Try At Your iPhone 17 Launch Party

5. Coconut Ladoo Martini: Tropical Fiesta

Ladoos are some of Diwali’s most beloved sweets – made of different ingredients like gram flour, peanuts, dried fruits, and even coconuts! This Coconut Ladoo Martini pays homage to classic coconut ladoos – crumbly, sweet, and nostalgic. It is a creamy concoction that combines coconut milk, vanilla vodka, and a gentle hint of cardamom. It’s literally a tropical-inspired vodka cocktail that’s just the right amount of indulgent and comforting. So, if you’re in the mood for something indulgent and looking for a concoction that’s a certified crowd-pleaser, Coconut Ladoo Martini is just for you!

Ingredients:

• Coconut milk
• Vanilla vodka
• Condensed milk
• Cardamom powder
• Dessicated coconut

Process:

• Combine vanilla vodka, coconut milk, condensed milk, and cardamom powder in a cocktail shaker.
• Fill it with ice and shake well until smooth and frothy.
• Rim a Martini glass with desiccated coconut.
• Strain the contents into the chilled Martini glass and serve it!

Summing Up

These decadent and irresistible cocktails are proof that making Diwali drinks with a twist isn’t too difficult! Sometimes, the most flavorful fusion drinks only require a few Indian ingredients and just a little effort. So this Diwali, let your home bar shimmer with style just as much as your home. Experiment with these unique cocktails and share them with your friends. Happy Diwali!