Raising the bar

Mumbai: Easter brings with it banquet sized offerings and a free-flowing bar. One big, festive meal is given — be a brunch, a lunch or an early dinner. Whichever part of the day you choose to host your meal, it’s safe to say that the April heat will make most guests head for a refreshing drink than a warm, relaxing one. Keeping that in mind and ensure that your bar has a good selection of day spirits and fresh fruits and vegetables.

If you’re looking to be able to sip on a drink all day long, a Pimm’s Cup is a perfect fit. It’s not too strong, and it’s full of bright, fresh flavours like cucumber, mint, and lemon.

While Champagne or sparkling wine works perfectly as an afternoon drink, you could up it a few notches by using mango purée to make a mimosa or even concocting a limoncello Champagne cocktail. It is tart, refreshing, and full of flavour.

Classics like Bloody Mary or a Long Island Iced Tea would work too for those who want to keep it simple. Gin drinkers can enjoy a refreshing Gin Fizz that is not only cooling but pairs superbly with any cuisine or mix of cuisines you choose to serve.

Beer is a brunch favourite and you can experiment with it as well this festive season. Make a Shandy with wheat beer instead and add lemonade and ginger ale to it. Those with clear beer preferences can also indulge in a Snake Bite — equal parts lager and hard cider in a pint glass.

A well-stocked bar will also have a good bottle of tequila. Avoid doing shots during a meal that promises to be rich, heavy and all things decadent. Instead, use the tequila in muddled cocktails with fresh fruits. Tequila with kiwi works as well as tequila with orange or tequila with pineapples.

Keep the focus on refreshing drinks and stock up on all the white spirits. Unless someone specifies their preference for Trappist beers or Stouts, don’t offer drinks with robust flavours. Even while stocking liqueurs, keep an eye out for flavours like mint, chocolate, citrusy flavours and anise. There’s nothing more satisfying than being in the company of good drinks, good food and of course, near and dear ones.