Beyond The Classic Whisky Sour: 5 Desi Twists To Try This Weekend
A cocktail that brings together the robust notes of whisky with the citrusy effect of lime juice, the whisky sour is an iconic drink known more so for the egg white foam which rests atop the blend. What makes the cocktail stand out is this velvety, smooth texture that blends into its tangy flavours to lend it a zesty, fresh and complex character. At its core, the cocktail features the 2:1:1 ingredient ratio, that is, two parts whisky to one part sour and one part sweet mixers.
And over time, mixologists have come up with several variations that lend the cocktail subtle, flavourful twists. In fact, whisky sour is actually a rather versatile blend and can embody these flavour additions to create some inspired mixes. What’s more, a lot of desi twists can also be introduced into the cocktail in the form of saffron syrup or tamarind chutney to lend it more complexity, even as the ingredient ratios remain relatively unchanged. Turn your desi whisky sour into a showstopper with these additions to the classic.
Read on below to know more about such twists that can be given to the classic whisky sour recipe to lend the all-time favourite a desi touch:
Aam Panna Whisky Sour
A tropical take on the classic drink, this variation involves adding a touch of aam panna syrup – a sweet and tangy concentrate made using raw mangoes and seasoned with just a little bit of cardamom. Prepare this drink using 30 ml Johnnie Walker Black Label or any other premium whisky of choice such that its smoky notes blend into the sour flavours of the aam panna syrup to produce a flavourfully layered drink. Adding a teaspoon of lime juice accentuates the sour qualities of the drink, finished off with the earthy aromas of a cumin powder and pink salt garnish.
Tamarind-Chilli Whisky Sour
Bringing together contrasting notes of a sweet and sour tamarind chutney and the spiciness of red chilli, the tamarind-chilli whisky sour carries a lot of deep, robust flavours. This can be an interesting blend to prepare for a weekend gathering hosted during the rainy season. The slightly sweet notes of about 30 ml of good quality bourbon play into the tangy flavours of the tamarind syrup to build a sour cocktail complete with a balance of sweet, tangy and tart flavours.
Also Read: Whisky Sour Cocktail Meets Margherita Pizza - The Mid-Week Dinner Combo You Need
Kala Khatta Whisky Sour
Another flavour accent that lends the classic drink a thoroughly desi twist is kala khatta. This purple-ish, dark syrup has a very sour flavour which can seep into the cocktail to lend it a very tangy-forward quality. Blended with 30 ml Johnnie Walker Gold Label or any other premium whisky of choice, the kala khatta syrup and lime juice mixture invokes the popular icy gola – in cocktail form. Garnish this drink with chaat masala to finish off the gola cart feel, especially while hosting a weekend gathering for your millennial friends and siblings.
Saffron-Honey Whisky Sour
What becomes a rather luxe take on the classic cocktail, this variation involves adding the sweet accent of a saffron and honey syrup to the blend. This lends the drink a deep, golden hue which has a simultaneously elegant and rich appeal. Prepare the cocktail using 30 ml of good quality bourbon whose slightly sweet notes accompany the floral flavours of saffron strands rather exquisitely.
Ginger-Lemon Whisky Sour
Introduce a zesty, zingy, spicy and fresh element into your whisky sour variation with the addition of a ginger and lime syrup. The spiciness of the ginger will cut through the peatiness of the 30 ml Talisker Single Malt Scotch or any other premium single malt of choice to craft a drink with a smoky touch offset by a spicy brightness. Moreover, the addition of the quintessential egg white foam will heighten the velvety texture and the creamy complexity of the blend, deepening its flavours.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
