Trendsetters of the table

Our country is on the forefront when it comes to planning, especially on the legs of food and beverages. There has been an underlying rule about drinks — be it beer, vodka, gin, brandy, rum or wine. The first three are considered as summer alcohols and the following two suitable to consume as winter beverages, while wine has always been considered as an all-time companion. But, the rules are meant to be bent or so it seems in the recent trends (not always, though).

International mixologist Richard Hargroves from London, who was in India  recently shared his view about the existing stereotype in the beverage affair. He mused, “In the tropical and sub-tropical regions, change in weather and climate is evidently visible. Whereas from where I come, it is always colder and most of the year it’s wintry. Thus choosing a drink becomes an absolutely personal choice there.” He also adds, “Cinnamon is one of those ingredients that go well with most of the ingredients and also helps you to keep your body warm.”

As winter is upon us, people have already started running after brandy and rum. Whereas Richard suggests, apart from gin, tequila and vodka can also do wonders during the ongoing chilly season.

The Perennial Martini

Vodka 50ml
Campari 10ml
Vetiver syrup 10ml
Dry white wine    20ml

Method
In a mixing glass filled with ice pour the above ingredients and stir for a long time. Strain into a chilled Nick and Nora glass and garnish with dried vetiver root and serve

Apple Winter Toddy

Ingredients
Gin 45ml
Cloudy apple juice     125ml
dash of Port
Lemon juice              20ml
Caster sugar              2 tsp
Angostura Bitters      2 dashes
Garnish
Clove studded orange, grated nutmeg Glass
Toddy glass or large coffee glass
Method
Build it in the glass

Camac Street

Vodka            60ml
Mango puree        30ml
Fresh lime juice    15ml
Kafir lime leaves    3 nos
Palm sugar syrup    10ml

Method
In a shaker glass filled with ice, measure the above ingredients and shake well. Strain into a fancy old fashioned glass filled with ice. Garnish with dried kafir lime leaves and mango candy and serve.

Black Mist

Vodka         60ml
Dried Cranberries    2 tsp
Orange wedge squeeze    1 nos
Orange bitters        3 drops

Method
l In an old fashioned glass pour smoke vodka and dried cranberries and muddle until flavors are released. Add three drops of orange bitters and squeeze a fresh wedge of orange and drop. Fill the glass with crushed ice. Garnish with dried cranberries and orange and serve.

Almond Gin Fizz

Ingredients
Gin 40 ml
Violet liqueur 15 ml  (Bitter truth)
Lemon juice 25ml
Orgeat syrup 15 ml
Cardamom pods 2
Egg white

Garnish
Orange Zest
Glass
Collins Glass or Highball
Method
Muddle cardamom and add remaining ingredients then dry shake and wet shake.
Serve in the glass and top with soda.