Cloudy At A Cocktail Party: 5 Drinks For The Indian Monsoon
Monsoons arrive with much pomp across the Indian subcontinent. Cloudy weather and rolling thunder are witnessed first, before rain starts falling in sheets, covering the ground with its wet, humid yet cool countenance. Rains in Indian regions spell slightly chilled breezes and dark, cloudy climes. Undoubtedly, the cocktails that are prepared during this weather contain those quintessential sharp, spicy and citrusy ingredients which are well-suited to this weather.
These drinks are also complete with spirits that carry smoky, caramelised flavours matching the depth of the monsoon weather. Smoky whiskies, caramelised rums and slightly aged reposado tequilas are among the liquors which can be incorporated into these mixes along with elements like citrus fruits, spicy masalas and fresh herbs which lend their complex touches to monsoon-time blends. If you are planning a cocktail gathering at home, these monsoon-themed drinks can be rather well-suited to the cloudy weather the season brings.
Read on below to know more about some of the smoky, spicy and citrusy mixes that can be concocted at a house party you host during monsoons:
Monsoon Hot Toddy
A rather well-known drink prepared during cool climes, the hot toddy can be given a bit of a monsoon twist with the addition of warm, freshly brewed tea to the classic recipe. Bring this drink together by blending 30 ml Captain Morgan Dark Rum or any other premium rum of choice with a teaspoon full of masala-infused black tea as well as a slice of ginger for garnish. The slightly earthy profile of the rum, coupled with the spiciness of the masalas will build much depth into this drink served warm, for slow-sipping in monsoons.
Curry Leaf And Gin Gimlet
Another flavour note which works well in Indian humid and rainy climes is a mix of savoury and sour ingredients. This combination comes together in a curry leaf infused gimlet made using 30 ml Tanqueray No. 10 Gin or any other premium gin of choice coupled with a dash of freshly squeezed lime juice – in a mix of tangy and savoury, curry-like, earthy flavours that pair well with the herbaceous, botanical qualities of the gin.
Smoky Tamarind Sour
Smoky flavours in monsoon weather is quite the no-brainer. Adding tamarind to a whisky sour introduces a tangy touch in a cocktail which contains this earthy, smoky, peaty depth emanating out of 30 ml Johnnie Walker Black Label or any other premium blended Scotch whisky of choice. A spoonful of tamarind chutney also infuses a regional touch into this recipe, and coupled with a pinch of black salt and a dash of chilli powder, the cocktail becomes an excellent masala-infused, vibrant fit for an Indian monsoon gathering hosted indoors.
Rum Masala Highball
Another monsoon time drink made using 30 Captain Morgan Dark Rum or any other premium rum of choice, a dash of chaat masala and about 45 ml Black Dog Soda or any other soda of choice, is a rum and masala highball. A touch of lime juice added to the drink lends it a citrusy finish which accentuates the monsoon theme of the drink, already highlighted by the caramelised finish of dark rum and the bright flavours of the chaat masala.
Ginger-Cumin Vodka Smash
Smoky, spicy and filled with a zingy character, this vodka smash can be crafted using 30 ml Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka or any other premium vodka of choice, about 20 ml lime juice, 15 ml fresh ginger syrup and a dash of cumin powder. A drink with complex, earthy flavours and a distinct aroma, it throws off a zesty effect coupled with a light spice, which makes it an interesting addition to your cocktail roster at a monsoon-time house party.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
