Is Agave’s Presence In Indian Bars More Than Just A Margarita Moment?
Across Indian bars, a new scene is gradually unfolding. It features cocktails – complete with citrusy, fruity, earthy flavours – made using a smoky agave spirit such as mezcal or its slightly lighter close cousin, tequila. While margaritas were always present in the cocktail repository of Indian bartenders, the presence of these agave spirits seems to be expanding as newer and more inventive blends are being concocted in mixology cultures.
Effectively, agave spirits are becoming more and more visible across Indian bars and it seems like this is more than just the quintessential margarita having its moment. Indian patrons seem to be curious about this earthy, versatile spirit and the mixology possibilities it opens up for the cocktail curioso. Here’s more on why the attention on agave spirits feels like it is here to stay, and is not just a trend passing by:
Flavour And Spice
In an ever-growing flavour-forward mixology space, agave spirits are finding a place of prominence precisely because of their tasting notes which complement spicy and savoury ingredients, now a big part of contemporary mixology. Inventive cocktails made in Indian bars are all about experimenting with tangy, spicy flavours and lightly briny tasting notes mingled with the smoky sophistication of a spirit like mezcal.
So, tequila is now being seen with pickled chilli brine, mezcal with a mix of kokum syrup and cumin powder and both agave spirits tend to blend exceedingly well with black salt or kala namak. Tropical fruits like pineapples, mangoes, jamuns and coconuts are of course, excellent additions to agave spirits and are found in abundance in Indian regions. Undoubtedly, agave spirits seem to be the go-to preference for blending drinks rich in this fruity, spicy, tropical flavour composition.
Aesthetic Intent
One of the other reasons that agave spirits seem to be welcomed in Indian bars is because they can be used in blending drinks which have much artistic potential. This directly translates into content energy, social media-worthy reel moments which are definitely here to stay.
This aesthetic potential comes through concoctions such as mezcal infused with butterfly pea flower which exudes a deep purple hue or bright palomas with orangish and reddish hues served in pastel cups or even minimalist drinks like a tequila and tonic served in a sleek glass with a lone curry leaf for garnish.
Also Read: Margarita Cocktail: Unique Recipes You’ve Never Tried Before
Locally-Inspired Flavours
Whether it is because agave spirits come from faraway Mexico, delivering the region’s local flavours to India’s tropical coasts or whether it is because these flavours seem to blend well with regional ingredients – the reason notwithstanding, agave spirits are making bartenders turn to local and more sustainable options for blending cocktails. This remains one of the enduring reasons that agave spirits can stay on Indian rosters in a bartending revolution of sorts that brings forth a fusion of two vibrant regions.
Bartenders are reimagining cocktails by introducing them with local fruits and spices, local masalas and flavours to lend them this desi flair. Mezcal cocktails garnished with smoked mustard oil foam or even with a curry leaf tincture are only among some of the sophisticated mixology contraptions that are conceptualised around hyperlocal, regional produce.
Indian Collectors And Premium Agave Spirits
What spells a real revolution for agave spirits in Indian bars is the attention of the Indian connoisseur which is turning more towards the premium options available in the retail space. Curiosos in metros, witnessing the presence of agave spirits in trendy bars are more keen to source premium-grade reposados and blancos for making cocktails as well as small-batch añejos for tasteful sipping experiences.
As this trend of organising tequila tasting sessions and experiencing the flavours of artisanal spirits is on the rise, so too, agave spirits are carving a prominent, enduring spot for themselves on the bar shelves of connoisseurs sourcing exquisite, premium-grade tequilas and mezcals.
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