Indian spices play an important role in Indian cuisine, adding a hint of flavor and aroma. But did you ever stop to think about using them when making cocktails? Doesn’t this sound spicylicious?! Read on to learn more about Indian spices and ingredients that’ll spice your sips up!
Indian Spices & Ingredients That Can Level Up Your Cocktails
- Cinnamon
- Coriander
- Cardamom
- Chili
- Ginger
- Saffron
- Black Pepper
Also read: Spice Route Cocktails: Infusing Indian Spices into Drinks
1. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is one of the most popular Indian spices that you can use in your cocktails. It creates a warm, earthy sweetness that you can savor in various ways; you could try to infuse it in syrup, garnish it with a cinnamon stick, or rim the cocktail glass with cinnamon powder and sugar.
You’ve heard this saying too many times to count – “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. Well, the Apple Cider cocktail can keep you “healthy” with the sweetness of apple and a pinch of cinnamon and vodka!
2. Coriander
An ingredient used in garnishing several Indian dishes, coriander releases a herbal and citrusy flavor. Once it’s muddled into a gin and tonic, it creates a classic herby combination you’re sure to enjoy. Throw in some fresh leaves for a cocktail garnish, or toast some coriander seeds for a punch of flavor. A cheat diet made up of seeds and leaves… with a side of alcohol – this is something we can all get on board with!
3. Cardamom
It adds unmistakable flavor and aroma, but bite into it, and your day is ruined. We’re talking about cardamom, of course! This versatile spice infuses its heady goodness into tea and biryani and now lends some style to cocktails. The best way to use cardamom in a cocktail would be to steep it. This way, you enjoy all that lovely flavor and aroma without the risk of biting into a pod.
4. Chili
If alcohol by itself wasn’t enough to fire up your energy levels, try adding a kick of chili to your cocktails! Drop a chili into your glass as a garnish, or rim your glass with chili powder, salt, and sugar. The flavor typically complements savory cocktails, but also pairs well with the fruitier side of things.
The key to a lip-smacking fruit chili cocktail is that it should be well-balanced to make the spice level tolerable. Try out the Mango Martini, made with fresh mangoes, vodka, and a pinch of chili. Want a different option? Make your way to Goa and try a glass of freshly brewed urak (an Indian-origin spirit) – you’ll appreciate the chili there!
Also Read: Alcohol Pairings for Indian Street Food: A Guide to the Best Combinations
5. Ginger
When you see ginger, you probably think of how it kickstarts your day when added to your tea. Well, add it to your cocktails, and watch how it kickstarts your nights! If you want a no-effort way to release all that sharp, earthy flavor into your drink, try muddling slices of ginger. For the hard-working cocktail makers, you can finely grate it and add it to your shaker. Replace ginger ale in a Moscow Mule with fresh ginger for an alt version of the cocktail; it’ll taste just as good.
6. Saffron
Known for its color and fragrance, add saffron’s dramatic dye to your cocktails to wow your guests. Of course, you could throw on a strand or two for garnish, but since it’s the world’s most expensive spice, you’re better off extracting some of its magic too. A gentle muddle works as well as a long soak; both methods use the spice to the fullest. A great pairing for saffron would be dark rum or whiskey, so think of this spice the next time you make a Rum Sour or an Old Fashioned.
Also read: Paan cocktails to freshen your mouth and soul
7. Black Pepper
Black pepper is far from just ‘peppery’ or ‘spicy’, and though most of us pick it out of our food when eating, we’d enjoy its complex flavors in a drink. Channel your inner salt bae and sprinkle some crushed black pepper into your Bloody Mary or Black Pepper Daiquiri. Or, take the long route and steep the pepper in some simple syrup overnight.
Summing up
They say variety is the spice of life… well, this variety of spicy cocktails is sure to breathe life into your next party! Poke around your kitchen spice rack, grab some friends, and blow their minds both literally and figuratively.
FAQs
What Makes A Cocktail High Quality?
A cocktail is of high quality when it has fresh ingredients, good quality alcohol, and a perfect garnish. In addition, selection of cocktail glass and proper creation method add to its perfection.
Which Are The Other Indian Spices And Ingredients That Can Be Used To Make Cocktails?
The other Indian spices and ingredients that can be used to make cocktails are cloves, cumin, fenugreek, star anise, etc.
Which Alcohols Are Native To India?
Mahua, feni, rice wine, beer, toddy, apong, etc. are some popular alcohols native to India.
Which Are The 4 Components That Balance All Cocktails?
The four components that balance all cocktails are sugar, spirits, water, and bitters.
Which Spice Is Known As The King Of Spices?
Black pepper is known as the king of spices.
Which Indian Spice Is Known As The Queen Of Spices?
Cardamom is known as the queen of spices.
What Are The Various Ways In Which Indian Spices Can Be Infused In Cocktails?
The Indian spices can be used in cocktails in the form of infusing, muddling, and garnishing.
Which Is The Most Expensive Indian Spice In The World?
Saffron is the most expensive Indian spice in the world.
