Pairing Herbal Spritz with Indian Aromatics To Savour The Whiff of a Spice Market
Do you remember the last time you went to a spice market? Well, with this selection of cocktails, you can create a glimpse of it in your shaker. Crafted with the finesse of Indian aromatics, these drinks bring indulgence to your cocktail-making experience.
Cardamom Citrus Gin Fizz
Cardamom has a sweet and spicy aroma, making it a perfect partner to the crisp base of Tanqueray Gin. To create this spritz, start by crushing a few cardamom pods to release their essence. In a shaker, combine 45 ml of Tanqueray Gin with 15 ml of fresh lime juice, a teaspoon of honey (to balance the tartness), and the crushed cardamom. Shake it up with ice, strain into a highball glass filled with ice, and top off with soda water. Garnish with a slice of lime and a sprig of mint. This Cardamom Citrus Gin Fizz is floral and deliciously complex—a perfect start to an evening.
Basil and Rosemary Vodka Spritzer
Next up is a cocktail that features basil and its peppery, clove-like taste. Combine this with rosemary, and you have an herbaceous drink ready to become a favourite. Muddle fresh basil leaves and a small sprig of rosemary in a shaker. Add 60 ml of Smirnoff Vodka, 30 ml of fresh grapefruit juice, and a dash of simple syrup. Shake well and strain into an ice-filled glass, topping it with sparkling water and a grapefruit slice. This Basil and Rosemary Vodka Spritzer is not only a treat to the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes.
Saffron and Lemon Balm Whisky Cooler
Saffron, the golden spice of India, imparts a luxurious aroma and an earthy depth to any drink. Pair it with lemon balm for a cocktail that’s both soothing and sophisticated. Steep a pinch of saffron threads and a few lemon balm leaves in 50 ml of hot water, just enough to create a concentrated infusion. Allow this to cool, then mix with 45 ml of Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky and 15 ml of lemon juice. Shake well with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Top with a splash of tonic water, and garnish with a twist of lemon peel and a few saffron threads.
Cumin Tamarind Gin and Tonic
This cocktail features a homemade cumin and tamarind syrup, giving it a distinctive Indian flavour. Mix 45 ml of Tanqueray No. Ten gin with 25 ml of cumin-tamarind syrup and the juice of one lime. Shake all the ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Top it with tonic water, and garnish with a twist of lime and a sprinkle of roasted cumin powder. You have a multi-dimensional summer cooler that will remind you of your grandma’s backyard.
