Make Cucumber-Infused G&Ts With A Desi Twist; Recipes Inside
Cucumbers are crunchy, watery fruits: yes, cucumbers are technically ‘fruits used as culinary vegetables’ in the making of fresh mocktails and tasty juices. In fact, adding a pinch of black salt to cucumber juice can just make for a simple yet stand-out mocktail at brunch hour.
The slightly savoury notes of the cucumber, its crunchy texture as a garnish and its juicy taste make this kitchen staple a suitable ingredient in blending mocktails and cocktails.
And one such drink that can be prepared using cucumber is an infused gin and tonic. What brings in even more flavour into this recipe is the infusion of some desi flavours – be it a dash of chilli, or a sprinkle of cumin powder.
Desi flavours are known for their slightly spicy profile and complex mixes of umami and savoury notes which are useful for adding depth into cocktail concoctions. And when paired with the right ingredients, such as cucumber, they can be used to imbue a cocktail with inspired tasting notes.
Cucumber-Infused Gin And Tonic
One of the classic cocktails on a mixologist’s roster, a simple gin and tonic can be made by blending about 1 part gin to 3 parts of tonic water. Meaning 30 ml gin and 90 ml tonic water are brought together in a tall, highball glass to serve this elegant cocktail. Now, what adds more flavour into this herbaceous drink are the savoury notes emanating from 2 tablespoons of cucumber juice mixed into the drink and a cucumber wedge adorning it as a garnish.
Desi Twist To Cucumber-Infused Gin And Tonic
When an Indian or desi twist is introduced into this gin and tonic, it builds more complex tasting notes in the cocktail. This combination of sweet, spicy and savoury flavours gives the drink a broader flavour profile.
Such a gin and tonic is straightforward enough to make, it involves the addition of certain ingredients into the drink which give it that iconic desi twist. The cocktail can be prepared at any themed gathering featuring similar flavours in culinary preparations.
Read on below for recipes to prepare a cucumber-infused gin and tonic with a desi touch:
Kachumber Gin And Tonic
Also known as masala gin and tonic, this one is a blend of spicy, sour and herby flavours that are sure to bring a touch of desi tastes into the cocktail blend.
Ingredients:
60 ml Tanqueray No. Ten Gin
180 ml tonic water
3-4 muddled cucumber slices
½ teaspoon cumin powder
½ teaspoon black salt
Juice of ½ lime
5-6 fresh mint leaves
Ice (as required)
Method:
First, muddle 3-4 cucumber slices, juice of ½ lime, ½ teaspoon cumin powder and ½ teaspoon black salt in a glass. Add the 60 ml Tanqueray No. Ten Gin and stir well. Fill the glass with ice and top the drink off with 180 ml tonic water. Garnish with 5-6 mint leaves. The kachumber gin and tonic will be ready to be served.
Cucumber And Green Chilli Gin And Tonic
Cucumber and chilli are another classic flavour combination. The savoury notes of the cucumber go well with the spicy chilli in a tasty mix. This pairing added to a gin and tonic makes for a flavour filled drink.
Ingredients:
60 ml Tanqueray No. Ten Gin
180 ml tonic water
3-4 cucumber slices
1 spicy, small green chilli (remove the seeds in the chilli to tone down the heat)
½ teaspoon black salt
Juice of ½ lemon
Ice as required
Method:
In a glass, muddle 3-4 cucumber, 1 green chilli, juice of ½ lemon and ½ teaspoon black salt. To the same glass, add 60 ml Tanqueray No. Ten Gin and stir well. Fill the glass with ice and top the drink off with 180 ml tonic water. Garnish with a cucumber wedge and a sprinkle of black salt. The spicy cucumber and green chilli gin and tonic is ready to be served.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
