Seasonal Ingredients Shape Winter Cocktails In India — Here’s How
When it comes to winter cocktails, Indian mixologists often work with lots of seasonal ingredients which add spice, caramelisation and robust flavour notes to blends. In fact, winter drinks are a coming together of rather rich, seasonal produce that complement several base spirits to craft wintertime specials. These winter cocktail recipes are peppered with ingredients like cinnamon, cardamom, saffron, peppercorn and seasonal fruits like apples, oranges and guavas which make an appearance in winter weather in India. Some of the warm winter drinks prepared during this time reflect the depth and flavourful nuance of these varied seasonal ingredients. The best winter drinks can thus be shaped by seasonal ingredients, inevitably bringing more local, regional flair into them.
The Rise Of Local Citruses
Winters are marked by ripening of local citrus fruits, lots of seasonal herbs and certain dried spices that reflect regional sensibilities. Citruses shape the flavours of both warm and chilled cocktails in winter — their acidic and light sourness craft drinks with fresh, bright notes. In fact, local citruses like oranges, slightly tart kinnows and sweet limes take centre stage in winter mixology in several Indian regions. And they shape cocktails, either by introducing subtle acidic and tart notes into them or by acting as mixers which go well with spirits like whisky, rum and gin.
– fresh orange juice or sweet lime juice can be added to wintertime vodka or gin spritzers
– kinnow peels known for their tart flavours can be turned into bitters or used in syrups
– citrus peels and fruit wheels can be dehydrated to be used as aesthetic garnishes over hot toddies or other darker mixes
Seasonal Spices For The Winter Touch
Indian winter cocktails are characterised by the use of seasonal spices. Think cinnamon, star anise, cloves, cardamom and saffron as ingredients that not only add aroma and flavour depth to cocktails, but also a certain luxe, premium quality that level-up winter drinks. Spices have numerous uses in winter cocktails; from adding them whole to drinks like hot toddies to harnessing their essence into syrups — equal parts sugar and water simmered with spices — these elements bring character into cocktails.
– make spiced spirit infusions by steeping cinnamon sticks in whisky or rum so their flavours are completely extracted into the liquors used as bases for making toddies and festive punch
– while making dessert-style coffee-based drinks like Irish coffee or a mudslide cocktail, add a touch of cardamom powder or grated nutmeg for the wintry, festive effect
– garnish warmer drinks with lightly toasted spices that release an aromatic smoke into the cocktail, making for a deeper, more dramatic tasting experience
Also Read: Festival Party On A Budget To Create Premium Cocktails Using Simple Household Ingredients
Jaggery, Honey And Local Sweeteners
Winter is the time to work with syrupy sweeteners. These add layered depth to cocktails and much complexity as well, because they interact beautifully with citrus fruits or spices in classic recipes. Traditional sweeteners like jaggery or nolen gur syrup offer a caramel-like richness that complements dark rum or whiskies splendidly. Certain variations of locally sourced honey are light and floral renditions which tend to work with spirits like gin or tequila.
– make an old fashioned using jaggery syrup instead of a sugar cube to lend it a sweet but deep and caramelised effect
– bring a regional flair into a vodka and lime cocktail by adding to it a touch of locally sourced honey or make a honey lemon Collins with a desi twist
Greens And Fruits Of The Season
In certain Indian regions, winter months are an excellent period for procuring some of the brightest and freshest produce. Bartenders make the most of this abundance by opting for herbs with Indian flourishes like the aromatic local basil variations, sharply flavoured mint leaves and even regionally grown rosemary. Their fragrant oils are released by muddling the herbs to add a fresh quality into blends.
Winters are also a time when fruits including pomegranates, apples, guavas and custard apples start showing up at the local fruit seller. Bring these freshest fruits home to turn them into purées, syrups, juices and pulps that add bright, sweet flavours and thicker textures into winter cocktails. An interesting hack is to roast fruits to make baked apples or caramelised pineapples for crafting a smoky base in certain winter cocktails.
– mix fresh apple juice and whisky to craft a stunning winter highball
– tart and fresh pomegranate can be blended with vodka to make a deep red brunch time spritzer
– guavas glazed with chillies can be muddled with tequila to make a tropical wonder in winter weather
Key Takeaways:
– Indian bartenders work with lots of local, seasonal fruits, herbs and spices while putting together winter cocktails complete with flavourful depth.
– Seasonal citrus fruits like sweet limes and oranges bring acidity and bright flavours in cocktails made using local ingredients available in winter weather.
– Winter is also the time to use sweeteners like locally sourced light floral honey or a caramelised jaggery syrup which bring a regional nuance into modern seasonal mixes.
FAQs:
Which are some of the local ingredients that can be used to prepare seasonal cocktails in Indian winters?
Citrus fruits such as oranges and sweet limes, spices like cinnamon and star anise, sweeteners like jaggery and local honey, herbs like local basil and mint and fruits such as apples and pears are some ingredients that can be used to prepare seasonal cocktails in Indian winters.
How do spices shape the flavour of regional winter cocktails?
A touch of nutmeg or a sprinkling of cardamom or a tablespoon of cinnamon syrup add aroma, depth and character into regional winter cocktails like the hot toddy or the festive rum punch. They build robust tasting notes into cocktails, well-suited to winter weather.
Which are some of the winter cocktails that can be prepared using local Indian fruits that ripen in this season?
Cocktails like an apple juice and whisky highball, a pomegranate and vodka spritzer, a chilli guava and tequila smash are some of the drinks that can be prepared using local Indian fruits which ripen during winter weather.
*All cocktails listed use 30 ml liquor measurements for single serves. Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
