Paan Cocktails To Freshen Your Mouth And Soul

Paan or betel leaves have always been an icon in Indian culture. We see it everywhere, in the hands of many Indians, irrespective of where they come from. It is generally treated as an after-dinner titbit to end the night on a sweeter note. It is made of betel leaves, gulkand, desiccated coconut, herbs, and dried fruits. Paan has been a part of Indian food habits for more than 5000 years!

It has been mentioned in different historical stories on multiple occasions as well. It’s so significant in our heritage, then why not sprinkle a little history into our cocktails and make something epic? Here’s a list of some of the coolest cocktails that aim to refresh you from within.

Cocktail Recipes With Paan

1. Paan Martini
2. Paan Cordial
3. Paan Mojito
4. Paan Delight
5. Paan Ki Dukaan
6. Paan Shot

1. Paan Martini

The infamous martini has come a long way since its debut and has seen multiple twists to the original recipe. Paan Martini offers an Indian take on this classic drink. This recipe focuses more on the leaves than the paan as a whole. So gather your strength, this one requires a lot of muddling.

This martini is going to get a little dirty. We have come to realize that vermouth pairs well with the taste of paan. Add a little bit of lemon, and you’ve got a perfect balance between sweet, sour, and iconic.

Ingredients

• 1 oz. gin
• ⅓ oz. vermouth
• ⅓ oz. lime juice
• 2 tbsp. paan flavor
• 1 tbsp. finely chopped betel leaves
• Betel leaves for garnish

How To Make Paan Martini

1. Add lime juice, paan flavor, and betel leaves in a cocktail shaker and muddle them together.
2. Add ice, gin, and vermouth and shake well. The shaker should feel cold.
3. Strain the mixture in a martini glass.
4. Garnish with a decorative betel leaf and serve.

2. Paan Cordial

This drink uses paan’s peppery flavor to enhance the taste. The inventor of the drink says that she designed this drink to remind herself of her childhood. Specifically of the time her grandmother would make (child-friendly) paan for her and this drink formed a nostalgic connection.

We came to realize that paan has a special place in Indian households and we are hoping to awaken some of your memories as you make this cocktail.

Ingredients 

For paan syrup:

• 8 oz. vodka
• 3 oz. sugar
• 3 oz. water
• 5 betel leaves
• ¼ tbsp. dried rose petals
• ½ tsp. fennel candy
• 2 cardamom pods
• 5 saffron strands
• 1 clove

For the cocktail:

• 1 oz. paan syrup
• 3 oz. soda
• Betel leaves for garnish

How To Make Paan Cordial

1. Clean the paan leaves and chop them into ½ inch pieces.
2. In a saucepan, add sugar and water over medium heat. Do not burn the sugar, just melt it.
3. Once the sugar-water mixture has cooled, add it to a mason jar. Add vodka, betel leaves, fennel candy, cardamom, saffron strands, and clove to the jar.
4. Seal it tight and store it in a cool, dark place for 30 days. You may have to stir the mix every couple of days for even flavor.
5. Finally, after 30 days, sieve the liquid in another container.
6. When making the drink, use this syrup and top it with soda.
7. Garnish with some betel leaves and serve this refreshing drink.

Also Read: Top Coffee Liqueurs You Should Try

3. Paan Mojito

Paan mojito is determined to unite two ends of the world in one drink. Traditional Cuban mojito harbors the essence of Western culture and has always flourished in India. In fact, it is one of the most popular choices.

Now imagine combining this with paan. Betel leaves have a bittersweet mint flavor which provides the mojito with a much stronger character, without straying too far from the original.

Ingredients 

• 2 oz. white rum
• 4 oz. club soda
• 2 tbsp. sugar
• 8 mint leaves
• 4 lime wedges
• 2 betel leaves
• Betel leaves for garnish

How To Make Paan Mojito

1. In a highball glass, muddle together betel leaves, lime wedges, mint leaves, and sugar.
2. Fill the glass with crushed ice.
3. Slowly pour the rum over the ice.
4. Top the glass with soda and stir slowly.
5. Garnish with some betel leaves and it’s ready!

Also Read: Country Liquor (Desi Daru): A Cheap Drink or a Priceless Blessing?

4. Paan Delight

This drink bows towards the sweet side due to the addition of pineapple juice. Paan delight plays on the balance between bitter, sweet, and sour. It’s honestly difficult to believe that simple ingredients can make a drink like this, but combinations play a major role in this. So, follow along.

Ingredients 

• 1 oz. vodka
• 2 tbsp. sugar
• ½ oz. lime juice
• 2 oz. pineapple juice
• A pinch of salt
• 2 betel leaves
• Lemon wheels for garnish

How To Make Paan Delight

1. In a cocktail shaker, add betel leaves, pineapple juice, lime juice, sugar, and salt.
2. Muddle it all together till it’s all blended.
3. Add vodka and ice. Shake well.
4. In a tall glass, pour the mixture and garnish with a lemon wheel.

5. Paan Ki Dukaan

Have you noticed that there is always a paan ki dukaan near a food restaurant or dhaba? That’s how significant paan is to Indians. We love a little treat after dinner. This drink promises to be just that. It’s got all the flavors of a traditional paan along with an uplifting hit of alcohol.

This drink is perfect with spicy food and roasted meats. Enjoy with some chicken tikka or dal makhani. It’s a vibe!

Ingredients 

• 2 oz. vodka
• 1 oz. paan liqueur (paan flavored syrup also works)
• 3 oz. club soda
• Betel leaf for garnish 

How To Make Paan Ki Dukaan

1. In a highball glass, add ice, vodka, and paan liqueur and stir slowly.
2. Top it with club soda and keep stirring slowly.
3. Add a betel leaf on the edge of the glass and serve.

Also Read: Limoncello Cocktails To Make At Home

6. Paan Shot

Got a quick second as we introduce you to a fan favorite? Paan shots are a concoction of paan flavors in ice cream, mixed with alcohol. Who would’ve thought that paan shots could be this creative? They are creamy, light, and much sweeter. Usually served in 2-ounce shots, these are a perfect way to end a dinner party. Next time you plan, consider swapping dessert with this fun digestif.

Ingredients 

• 2 oz. vanilla vodka
• 10 oz. vanilla ice cream
• 3 betel leaves
• 8 oz. water
• 1 tbsp. fennel seeds
• 1 tbsp. gulkand (rose jam)
• 1 tbsp. shredded unsweetened coconut
• 3 whole green cardamom pods
• Green food coloring (optional)
• Desiccated coconut for garnish

How To Make Paan Shot

1. Tear the betel leaves and add it to a blender. Also add fennel seeds, gulkand, coconut, cardamom pods and blend into a smooth mixture.
2. Soften vanilla ice cream and pour this mixture over it.
3. Add food coloring and keep mixing until it looks like a green milkshake.
4. Prepare 4 shot glasses and cover the rims with desiccated coconut.
5. Add ½ oz. vodka in each glass and pour this mixture on top.
6. Mix slowly and serve! 

Also Read: Three Ingredient Cocktails For Everyone

Summing Up

Paan cocktails are like adding Indian culture and childhood memories to a glass. It’s a staple food and it’s a shame that this category remains within a niche group. It’s time we respect the enticing bouquet and strong flavors paan has to offer. If you’re a person who loves meetha pan, seriously, what are you waiting for?

FAQs

How Do You Drink Paan Liqueur?

Depending on the brand and flavor strength, paan liqueur can be enjoyed straight or mixed with club soda. They also make great cocktails.

What Do They Put In Paan?

Paan is packed with different flavors and spices, wrapped with betel leaves. It includes gulkand, tutti frutti, herbs, fennel seeds, desiccated coconut, and dried fruits.

What Happens After Eating Paan?

Paan has a minty aftertaste and can help ease the digestion process and add an ending note to meals. Betel leaves are also said to help prevent cold, cough, and mouth ulcers.

What Is The Red Liquid In Paan?

The red liquid is a specific red herb called catechu (katha). It is generally applied on the surface of the betel leaf.

Can Kids Eat Paan?

Though there aren’t any major side effects of paan, it is not advised for children since it can cause acidity.