10 Cumin-Based Cocktails And Mocktails For Indian Summers
The Indian subcontinent is known for its rich diversity of spices that are used widely in preparing savoury and sweet delicacies. One such spice often found in Indian kitchens is cumin, or jeera. While cumin is added to a tempering of oil or ghee in the preparation of culinary fares, it is often roasted and turned into a fine powder when utilised in making cocktails and mocktails.
During summers, cumin is incorporated in several drinks across the Indian subcontinent ranging from the cumin-infused masala chaas to the famous jaljeera. A staple spice useful for blending drinks, cumin powder adds a tasty touch to a number of alcoholic and non-alcoholic mixes.
Read on below to know more about some of the cumin-based cocktails and mocktails that can be prepared during Indian summers:
Cumin-Infused Kokum Sherbet
This one is a no brainer. Kokum is a dried fruit whose syrup is popularly used to make sherbets during Indian summers. Add a pinch of cumin powder to the kokum sherbet while preparing this drink to bring a savoury and tasty touch into the drink. Serve with ice in a tall glass with an added sprinkling of cumin powder as a garnish.
Jaljeera
One of the core ingredients used to prepare jaljeera is cumin powder. This drink, generally served cold, is a mix of lots of sour, tangy and salty flavours coming from black salt, tamarind and chaat masala. What adds an earthiness to the recipe is cumin, which balances out the sour and acidic ingredients in the mix.
Masala Chaas
In summers, buttermilk is often served as a finisher after a hearty meal. To this freshly churned chaas, add half a spoonful of jeera powder and a pinch of salt. The resulting mocktail contains a simple yet tasty flavour that is well-suited to a post-lunch drink.
Cumin Tea
Cumin tea or jeera kadha is made in many homes across the Indian subcontinent during summers. Prepare this easy-to-make sipping drink by adding cumin to boiling water until the flavours of the spice are infused into the hot water. Add to this a spoonful of jaggery and sip on the drink early morning during summers.
Cumin Lemonade
Make cumin lemonade or jeera shikanji, one of the easiest mocktails to prepare for summertime gatherings while hosting a house party. The acidity in the lemons is undercut by the addition of a large spoonful of cumin powder, crafting a balanced mix of flavours.
Jeera Gin And Tonic Cocktail
A cumin-forward drink that can be prepared during summers, the jeera gin and tonic is complete with the flavours of this spice. Prepare this cocktail by adding 90 ml sparkling water or tonic water to 30 ml quality Tanqueray No. Ten Gin along with a spoonful of roasted cumin powder. Garnish with cumin seeds to give the drink more chewy, earthy flavours.
Cumin Whisky Sour Cocktail
Introduce the flavours of cumin in a classic whisky sour recipe to build umami notes into this tart and tangy drink. A whisky sour prepared using 30 ml premium Johnny Walker Black Label coupled with 15 ml cumin-honey syrup and 45 ml lemon juice would give a spiced and toasty touch to a signature cocktail offering.
Smoky Cumin Margarita Cocktail
Use 45 ml good quality Don Julio Tequila Blanco to prepare a smoky cumin margarita cocktail complete with the savoury finish of roasted cumin powder and the tanginess of lemon juice. Add a pinch of smoked paprika to this recipe which will complement the savoury notes of the toasted cumin powder.
Cumin Paloma Cocktail
Take about 30 ml of premium Don Julio Tequila Blanco and shake it with grapefruit juice and cumin-honey syrup syrup to craft a cumin paloma. This is an interesting drink to prepare for a brunch during summers because the savoury notes of the cumin paloma will go well with summertime brunch recipes like a plateful of puffed rice or poha and a fresh tropical fruit spread.
Spiced Cumin Mule Cocktail
A variation of the moscow mule, this spiced cocktail brings together cumin powder with 15 ml lime juice and 30 ml Ketel One Premium Distilled Vodka. The cocktail highlights the earthy notes of cumin complemented by the clear vodka and the fizz of 45 ml ginger beer.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
