Desi is the new cool

Cocktails do not stop with the choices that are influenced from the West. One can enjoy the booze with Indian spices as well. Just you have to kow your preference and the group of alcohol that can be played with.

The concept of cocktails come from the West. Thus, the picture of alcoholic beverages seem to be stuck in one of those Margaritas and Mojitos. Whereas, Indian spices can do wonders when it comes to experimenting with alcoholic beverages. Who would have thought that  Imli can be a good mix with dark rum where the common concept states that any tangy fruit or vegetable can induce vomitting after consuming alcohol.
Varun Bansal, a restaurateur and food enthusiast, spoke very differently about the whole concept. According to him, Indian gastronomy is explored minimally when it comes to beverage section. One of his signature drink Talli Frappe originated while he was visiting Goa and fekt that there should be a light beverage like drink that can be tried out anytime of the day. Whereas, the mixologists from another Dhaba themed restaurant would say that it is as simple as making a sharbat. You can go one step ahead and mix the stipulated amount of alcohol and your desi cocktail is ready. You just have to know which type of alcohol you need to use for the particular type of taste preference.

— Recipes of Demon in the Melon, Imli ka boota and Banarasiya are shared by mixologist from Andhadhun. Whereas, the recipes of Balram Desi and Khatti Meethi Chulbuli are shared by mixologist Sanjay Sharma, Garam Dharam

Imli ka boota

Ingredients

Dark rum     60ml
Tamarind syrup     15ml
Lime juice     10ml
Cumin powder     1 pinch
Coke top up

Method
Put all the ingredients in a shaker and shake it well over ice.
Pour the drink in cocktail glass and top up with coke.

KHATTI MEETHI CHULBULI

Ingredients
Kokum syrup    15 ml
Vodka    15 ml
Lemon syrup    10 ml
teaspoon of chaat masala

Method
Combine all ingredients in Shaker
Top with muddled ice
Pour in banta bottle and relish it

Balram Desi

Ingredients
Narangi Lemon favoured     15 ml
White Rum         15 ml
Soda         20 ml
Ice

Method
Combine all ingredients in Shaker
Top with muddled ice
Pour in banta bottle and relish it

Banarasia

Ingredients
Betelnut gulkand     1 tsp
Bacardi white     60ml
Juice orange     90ml

Method
Put all the ingredient in a shaker and shake it well over ice.
Strain the drink in cocktail glass and garnish it with betel leaves and it is ready to serve.