Try These 5 Indian-Style Tequila Cocktails This Monsoon
With origins in Mexican regions, tequila has journeyed from these vibrant coasts to reach the bright and gastronomically rich cultures of the Indian subcontinent. The spirit’s clear finish, slightly aged quality and a bit of citrusy depth are what make tequila versatile enough to be added to numerous cocktail blends. As Indian mixology witnesses a rise in the incorporation of local and regional ingredients in concocting drinks, tequila finds itself in the spotlight as a spirit which can embody these complex flavours.
Come monsoons, diverse cocktail blends are concocted using Indian-style masalas, fruits, souring agents and other ingredients that build a regional and local flair in these mixes. Coupled with the clean finish of agave, these desi flavours in cocktail blends make for utterly seasonal, inventive drinks that are rooted in the Indian palate.
Read on below to know more about some of the Indian-style monsoon margaritas, palomas and other tequila-infused cocktails that can be prepared come the rainy season:
Imli Or Tamarind Margarita
Tamarind or imli is a staple across Indian kitchens. It is thoroughly tangy and slightly sweet and is often used as a souring agent in curries. Tamarind chutney is one of the principle ingredients in Indian chaat, which lends this street food its signature zing. During monsoons, tamarind is used widely in Indian regions and it has found its way into mixology too. A tamarind margarita crafted using 30 ml Don Julio Blanco Tequila or any other premium tequila blanco of choice is a fusion of its tangy flavours with the crisp finish of the spirit balanced out by just a hint of jaggery syrup and a bit of black salt that unifies all flavours.
Coriander And Cumin Margarita
Another margarita variation which is well-suited for monsoon climes is a masala-infused coriander and cumin version. This drink combines the earthy depth of cumin powder with the fresh, herbaceous quality of coriander, producing an umami flavour in the drink. The slightly aged effect of 30 ml Don Julio Reposado Tequila or any other premium tequila reposado of choice added to the drink compliments these complex flavours, balanced by a chilli salt rim for garnish.
Also Read: 3 Best Tequila Cocktails To Serve At A Themed Event; Recipes Inside
Spicy Paloma
One of the ways to infuse an Indian-inspired touch into cocktails is to curate drinks with those spices that often go into the making of masalas. A spicy paloma prepared by blending 30 ml Don Julio Blanco Tequila or any other premium tequila blanco of choice with green chilli pieces muddled into the cocktail, a tablespoon of lime juice, a pinch of black salt and a dash of honey is one such blend. With the citrusy tang of lime and the fresh, spicy notes of chillies, the drink carries a masala-like quality well-suited to the monsoon weather.
Turmeric-Lime Tequila Sour
Two ingredients that are often used in Indian kitchens are turmeric and lime. During monsoons, they are added more than ever to curries and beverages. Turmeric and lime is also an interesting mixology pairing as the tangy notes of the latter seem to blend well with the deep and savoury notes of the former. A tequila sour prepared by mixing 30 ml Don Julio Reposado Tequila or any other premium tequila reposado of choice with lime juice and turmeric finely balances tequila’s slightly vanilla-like, oaky quality, the tanginess of lime and the robust notes of turmeric.
Tequila Bhutta Highball
Charred corn or bhutta is a very popular streetside snack in Indian monsoons. Take this quintessential Indian monsoon element to the bar with a tequila bhutta highball brought together by mixing 30 ml Don Julio Blanco Tequila or any other premium blanco tequila of choice with a splash of corn water and a spiced charred corn that acts as a crispy garnish. Topped off with about 45 ml soda water, the drink will acquire a slight fizz in tune with a cocktail meant for the rainy season.
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