World Whisky Day: Light up the weekend with smoky blends and Indian spices
This World Whisky Day, stir up a cocktail or two with these recipes from some of India's leading bartenders and mixologists
Shutterstock
In India, one of the largest whisky-consuming nations in the world, not just Indian whisky but whisky cocktails too are having a moment. As more and more millennials are willing to experiment with their drinks, bartenders and mixologists are creating whisky cocktails with Indian spices, coffee, tea and chocolate. “We see people experimenting with fruity flavours and even sugar-free, organic alternatives in cocktails are in demand,” says Tony Fernandes, mixologist, JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu.
Related stories
The demand for smoky whiskies such as Lagavulin, Laphroaig and Ardmore for cocktails has also gone up. “A smoky whisky tends to blend better with various types of mixers and herbs which add to the fragrance and aftertaste of the cocktail,” says Raghav Wanchoo, beverage manager, ITC, Gardenia, Bengaluru.
Besides, in the lockdown, as more and more people are trying out new whisky cocktail recipes at home, they are also choosing/making the right ice to chill their whisky, says bartender Yangdup Lama, co-owner of Sidecar bar in Delhi, ranked 16 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2021 list. “Most ice tends to melt fast, and you definitely don’t want your expensive drink to be watered down,” says Lama. “Crystal clear, hard ice also adds to the way your whisky looks when poured in a glass,” he adds.
On World Whisky Day, here are some whisky cocktail recipes that can be made at home, from some of the top bars in the country–Harbour Bar, The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai; Reflections, JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu; The Piano Bar and Cigar Lounge, The Oberoi, Gurgaon; Highland Nectar, ITC Gardenia Bengaluru, and Sidecar, Delhi.
