Spring is here and alas, winter is gone, so one must change the cocktails one is sipping or serving. With Holi round the corner and the weather in India getting warmer, I am already craving light refreshing drinks. Of course Holi means bhang and thandai, but one can have fun with some feisty cocktails too.
I am planning some exciting ones for my Holi party. A lemon basil Martini sounds inviting enough to begin with. Or maybe a Kiwi Margarita? Actually, vodka, gin, fruits, herbs, are what I would strongly recommend for such cocktails. No whiskey for me on Holi. Somehow it does not go with the spirit of the festival. No pun intended. Gin is generally a smooth drinking liquor, making it perfect for mixing into cocktails. No
matter what the proportions bartenders recommend, I prefer my martini three parts gin to one part vermouth. The only exception I make, is when I make a Caramel Apple Martini, containing Butterscotch schnapps, Sour Apple Pucker and vodka. It is a class apart. Another refreshing variant is a pomegranate martini. And of course a watermelon and mint martini, is one of its kind. Try a variant with watermelon, vodka, sugar and basil leaves. It is aromatic and fresh. Vodka shots served innovatively in coloured tests tubes can be fun and enticing too. Rum is perfect for those who want something a bit more heady on Holi. Try dark and rich Jamaican rum, passion fruit syrup, and lemon juice. A simple combination of a full-flavoured rum with lime juice, sugar, some form of spice and plenty of ice too can be a thirst quencher. For those who want milk in their drink to remind them of thandai, the quintessential Holi drink, combine mashed strawberries, milk, rum and crushed ice and you have a winning drink ready.
Another favourite of mine is a cocktail with tequila. But yes, lots of fruits too. Purée watermelon, tequila, simple syrup, lime juice, a jalapeño slice, and three cups ice in a blender until smooth and very thick. Pour into glasses and garnish with watermelon wedges and jalapeño slices. Make use of Goafeni as a base for some tangy and tart cocktails. There can be nothing more intoxicating than that and it’s perfect for this weather too.
I recollect having a zingy cocktail at Le Meridien Delhi once on Holi. Peach puree, lime juice, home-made vanilla syrup and topped with Prosecco. It was light, flavourful and rejuvenated me instantly. Having a variety of drinks certainly helps. But serve them attractively too. An interesting way to jazz up drinks for your Holi party is to have fruit ice cubes. Yes, these are so simple to make and add a special touch to your drinks, visually.
Make use of pineapples, strawberries, lemons and watermelons for garnish, depending on the drink you’re serving. I love to use these innovatively. So spark the appetite of your guests this Holi party with some DIY unusual aperitifs and drinks that will be fun and yet, not overwhelm the senses.
— Mini Ribeiro is a food writer
