Easily one of the best things about working with Unsobered is that you get to drink on the company’s dime. Livin’ the dream, I know! And that’s how Janice, Yash, and I found ourselves drinking in the sights and sounds (and drinking in the literal sense as well!). When? During the World Class Cocktail Festival, held at Famous Studios, Mumbai.
The feeling we had was like that of a kid in a candy store. There were cocktails of every possible concoction, and we were totally at a loss as to where to go and what to have (the company card has a limit, sadly!).
Eventually, we decided that we’ll choose four of the best cocktails that we can get our hands on.
Also, check out The Bay Store for awesome alcohol paraphernalia!
Nitro Whiskey
Being a huge fan of Bailey’s Irish Cream, I’d promised myself that I’ll steer clear of it – only because I’ve had it perhaps one too many times and we should be trying out something new and unique. But when you see a name as exciting as Nitro Whiskey, you can’t help but wonder what it’s like. Janice gave in to the temptation and ordered herself one.
Here’s what a Nitro Whiskey exactly is: a peg of Bailey’s Irish Cream doused in liquid nitrogen. Cut to a good mixing session and when the smoke clears – a literal ice cream scoop! Served in a margarita glass and garnished with a KitKat bar, the cocktail definitely titillated our sweet tooth!
Garden 108
If I had to imagine the Garden of Eden or Shangri-la from The Lost Horizon, it would look pretty much like the decor of Tanqueray Gin: a verdant paradise. Of course, a drink from the lap of nature was a given. Yash got himself a Garden 108, which is a precise combination of Seedlip Garden 108 On The Rocks, rosemary, and a Tanqueray No. Ten perfume to tantalize the nose along with the mouth. Garnished with an orange wedge and a single ice cube with a flower in it, it was a nectar of paradise indeed!
Kombucha & Tonic
We ambled over to the Johnnie Walker bar expecting to see some whiskey cocktails. The classics were there, indeed, but the name Kombucha & Tonic sounded quirky enough that I chose it. Comprising hibiscus-pineapple kombucha, Sepoy & Co. grapefruit tonic, and the spirit served in a highball glass, the light-yellow cocktail would bring to mind sunny days on the beach. I did hope to eat a slice of the pineapple with the drink, but the dried one in the drink was better as a garnish!
Also read: 7 Easy Gin Cocktail Recipes That You Should Try – unsobered
Escapism
The World Class Cocktail Festival also had acclaimed mixologists and bartenders showcasing their skills. I was already one drink down along with the others’ cocktails and a bit buzzed (I’d definitely be the Lightweight Champion). I come across a cocktail that grabbed my attention.
Made by Kumar Mongalam, the head mixologist of Farzi Cafe, Kolkata, Escapism is a blend of Talisker 10 whiskey, sea salt, date palm jaggery, and a spritz of the Gondhoraj lemon (which literally translates to ‘King Of Fragrances’ and I could instantly see why) extract. With ingredients that are unique to the North East, I had to try it! And yes, it tasted unlike any of the cocktails I’ve tried – surprisingly sweet with the ever-slight burn of the whiskey as it went down. If you ever get a chance to taste it, go for it!
Wrapping Up
The World Class Cocktail Festival was a haven for cocktail lovers and we definitely had a blast. With so many different options to try, it was a bit overwhelming to choose what to have. But there will be other events and we’ll be there to give you the details and have ourselves a good time. Ciao!
