Hosting A Monsoon Soiree? Here Are 3-Ingredient Cocktails To Have On The Menu
Although the thought of throwing a party during the monsoon season might seem unusual at first, hosts can jump at the opportunity to make these indoor get-togethers feel as welcome as one would be expected to during any other time of year. Think warm lighting, candles for a sense of comfort, earthy fragrances, seasonal-themed menus and lots of food and drink to pass around. In India, monsoon rituals involve evenings centred around cups of chai and plates of crispy pakoras, watching the downpour and cooking meals that are synonymous with a sense of familiarity.
Keeping this in mind, it is only fair that a cocktail menu reflect the season’s ingredients, traditions and flavours – all of which is possible even with the use of minimal elements. Imagine a setting with your loved ones, old Hindi music, warm food to pick on and drinks that span varying temperatures – hot or cold. While everything might feel synonymous with pampering, a cocktail menu has the scope to be the highlight of the party – simply by offering a range of flavours and combinations that pair well with a variety of monsoon-specific dishes.
Masala Chai Twist
While a good rainy day might feel incomplete without a serving of piping hot chai and pakoras, some might still feel the need to sip on a warm cuppa even at monsoon-themed parties. Keep the ritual of it intact, albeit with a little help from a top-shelf dark rum or whisky and some condensed milk to substitute for the milk and sugar that are otherwise used in Indian tea.
Ingredients [Serves 1]
85 ml hot brewed tea
5 ml condensed milk
30 ml dark rum/whisky
Method
Pour the hot tea into a serving cup containing the condensed milk and stir gently to combine.
Add your spirit of choice and stir again to evenly distribute flavours before serving warm.
Check this out: Chai Cocktails For Summer: Infusing Classic Indian Tea Into Modern Mixology
Hot Chocolate For Grown-Ups
Some of your guests might enjoy their chai and some might not. Here’s where a steaming cup of hot chocolate comes to the rescue! Whether you opt to use a pre-mix or make your own ganache at home, this versatile drink is as reliable as it is delicious. If you have the space, create a hot chocolate station with dark, milk and white options for guests to choose from, along with a host of garnishes.
Ingredients [Serves 1]
130 ml freshly made hot chocolate
30 ml whisky
Whipped cream/marshmallows, for topping
Method
Stir the whisky into a cup of hot chocolate and allow it to sit for a couple of minutes for the flavours to deepen.
Top up with a handful of marshmallows or swirl of whipped cream before serving.
Check this out: How To Pair Hot Chocolate With Iconic Winter Snacks And Desserts
Whisky Honey Toddy
A hot toddy might be great to sip on a chilly monsoon day but let’s be honest, it is predictable! If time isn’t a constraint and some drama is amiss in your monsoon gathering, assemble this deliciously layered honey version that swaps brandy for whisky. Experiment with whole spices or infused whiskies for depth of flavour (or if you’re an amateur mixology enthusiast) – since it also offers the host a chance to show of their skills behind the bar.
Ingredients [Serves 1]
30 ml whisky
2 tablespoons honey + 2 tablespoons water
Juice of ½ lemon
Method
Combine the honey and water over low heat to make a syrup and set aside.
When warm, add the whisky and lemon juice before stirring well to combine.
Garnish with a stick of cinnamon or piece of star anise before serving warm.
Optionally, use a cinnamon-infused whisky to avoid using whole spices.
Check this Recipe: Virgin Toddy Cocktail
Ginger Rum Storm
Stormy weather = storm in a cup; and this combination of ingredients is inspired by the cocktail classic known as the dark ‘n’ stormy. As an ode to the weather and also as a way to incorporate the season’s key spice – ginger – into drinks, this cold concoction is sweet and spicy. Elevate the visual appeal of your drink by using a sugar rim where dry ginger powder is mixed in, as a way to draw focus on the key flavour of your drink.
Ingredients [Serves 1]
30 ml dark rum
50 ml ginger beer
5 ml lime juice
Method
Pour the rum and lime juice into an ice-filled shaker and shake vigorously to combine.
Strain into a serving glass (rimmed, if using) and top up with ginger beer before serving.
Check this Recipe: Johnnie Ginger Cocktail
Coconut Coffee Fusion
Tropical flavours do not have to be restricted to the summers – especially if the ingredient combinations are timeless. This plant-based version of an iced coffee uses creamy coconut milk and doubles down on the coconut-y flavour with the addition of coconut rum. Depending on what suits your palate, you could also substitute the spirit with a dark rum base for an accentuated sweetness and mellow caramel notes.
Ingredients [Serves 1]
30 ml coconut rum
60 ml cold brew coffee
30 ml coconut milk
Method
Combine the ingredients in an ice-filled shaker and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds to combine until frothy.
Pour into a highball glass over new ice and serve with a few shavings of dark chocolate or a dusting of coffee powder.
Also Read: Bhutta and Drinks: Four Corn and Cocktail Pairings You Must Try This Monsoon Season
*Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
