Bhutta and Booze: Four Corn and Cocktail Pairings You Must Try This Monsoon Season
Monsoons are here, and let’s face it: if there’s rain, then bhuttas aren’t far behind.
This year, endless rain, muddy shoes and frizzy hair does not have to be your monsoon story. Instead, let’s turn those gloomy days upside down and host some fancy fiestas instead!
We’re sensing… a bhutta cocktail party!
Bhutta isn’t just any corn on the cob—this is the diva of your monsoon bash. Imagine juicy, charred kernels with that perfect smoky flavour, ready to be dressed up in all sorts of delicious ways. Taking this delicious perfection one step further is pairing the bold bhutta with even bolder cocktails.
Grilled Masala Bhutta & Spicy Tamarind Margarita
Picture a juicy corn on the cob, charred to perfection, then rubbed with a zesty mix of lime juice, salt, chilli powder and chaat masala. It’s tangy, spicy and bursting with flavour. It’s a classic.
To complement this, pair it with a Spicy Imli Margarita Cocktail. Combine 50 ml of tequila, 20 ml of fresh lime juice, 15 ml of tamarind pulp and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Shake with ice and strain into a salt-rimmed glass. The tangy tamarind and spicy kick of cayenne pair perfectly with the smoky, tangy bhutta, creating a match made in monsoon heaven.
Herbed Bhutta & Cilantro Gin Cooler
For those with a taste for the finer things in life, Herbed Bhutta is the way to go. This is the NRI cousin of our desi bhutta.
Brush your grilled corn with a mixture of melted butter, fresh cilantro, parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. The fresh, fragrant herbs make this a sophisticated take on street food. Pair it with a Cilantro Gin Cooler for the ultimate flavour combo.
Muddle a handful of fresh cilantro in a shaker, then add 50 ml of gin, 20 ml of fresh lime juice and 15 ml of simple syrup. Shake with ice, strain into a chilled glass, and top with a splash of soda water.
The herbal notes in the drink mirror the herbed corn beautifully, making each bite and sip a refreshing experience.
Nimbu-Mirchi Bhutta & Jalapeño Martini Cocktail
If you’re in the mood for something with a bit of a kick, try the Nimbu-Mirchi Bhutta. Grill your corn, then slather it with a mix of lime juice, salt and finely chopped green chillies. It’s spicy, zesty, and oh-so-delicious. Pair it with a Jalapeño Martini Cocktail for an extra punch.
In a shaker, muddle a few slices of jalapeño, then add 50 ml of vodka, 20 ml of fresh lime juice and 15 ml of simple syrup. Shake with ice, strain into a martini cocktail glass and garnish with a slice of jalapeño. Nimbu, mirchi and jalapeño: the perfect threesome.
Sweet Corn & Coconut Rum Punch
Last but not least, we have to end on a sweet note with the...drumbeats...Sweet Corn. Brush this bhutta with a mixture of honey and butter for a sweet, caramelised treat. To keep the tropical vibes going, pair it with a Coconut Rum Punch. Mix 50 ml of rum, 25 ml of coconut cream, 20 ml of pineapple juice and a splash of lime juice in a shaker with ice.
Shake well, strain into a glass filled with ice, and garnish with a pineapple slice. This bhutta-cocktail pairing can be categorised as the dessert course of the night as you go out serving a hit!