Desi is the new cool

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 felt 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.

Banarasia

Ingredients
Betelnut gulkand     1 tsp
Bacardi white          60ml
Juice orange           90ml
Method
Put all the ingredients in a shaker and shake it well over ice.
Strain the drink in a cocktail glass and garnish it with betel leaves and it is ready to serve.

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

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

Demon in the melon

Ingredients
Green apple                240ml
vodka
Triple sec                    60ml
Coconut syrup            60ml
Watermelon                60ml
Syrup
Lemon juice               60ml
Method
Cut the watermelon and scoop out the pulp
Fix a tap on the bottom of watermelon.
Put all the ingredients in watermelon and stir it well with ice and its ready to serve.