Weddings and drinks are almost a match made in heaven and doing drinks right is an important aspect of the wedding arrangements. It’s your D-Day and drinks on the menu must reflect the spirit of celebration. We speak to chefs who weigh in with their thoughts and recipes.
Banana Kaapi Martini courtesy Chef Feruzan Bilimoria, Corporate Mixologist, PAN India, True Palate Hospitality, one8 Commune Bangalore
A twist on the classic Espresso Martini, with a South Indian influence. “The flavours are bold and vibrant, and the addition of bananas offers a comforting, familiar taste that we often take for granted. This version is perfect for something more elegant and uplifting like a wedding and is sure to stand out. The best part is that you can easily prepare everything a day in advance which makes this an easy, yet truly delicious and memorable cocktail,” says Chef Feruzan Bilimoria, Corporate Mixologist, PAN India, True Palate Hospitality, one8 Commune Bangalore.
Ingredients
- Short Story Vodka 45 ml
- Homemade Banana Syrup 20 ml
- Decoction Coffee 15 ml
- Fresh Espresso 15 ml
- Ice for shaking
- Banana Slice for garnish
Method
- Build up all the ingredients (vodka, banana syrup, decoction coffee, and fresh espresso) in a cocktail shaker.
- Add lots of ice to the shaker.
- Give the mix a strong, short shake to combine and chill the ingredients.
- Double strain the mixture into a pre-chilled coupe glass to remove any ice shards or froth.
- Garnish the drink with a fresh slice of banana on the rim of the glass.
- Serve the Banana Kaapi Martini immediately while chilled for a perfect coffee-infused cocktail experience.
Blueberry Basil Jaljeera Delight courtesy Lokesh Sharma, Executive Chef, Ananta Spa & Resort, Jaipur
The Blueberry Basil Jaljeera Delight is a refreshing fusion mocktail that blends the sweetness of fresh blueberries with the herbaceous notes of basil and the tangy, spicy kick of jaljeera. “This unique drink offers a balance of sweet, savory, and zesty flavors, making it a perfect refreshing sip for any occasion. The sparkling soda and lemon juice add a bright, fizzy finish, while the cumin garnish provides an aromatic twist. It is a delightful and innovative mocktail that celebrates both tradition and modern flair,” says Lokesh Sharma, Executive Chef, Ananta Spa & Resort, Jaipur
Ingredients
- Fresh blueberries: 40 grams
- Fresh basil leaves: 5-6
- Jaljeera powder: 4 grams
- Lemon juice: 10 ml
- Honey (optional): 5 grams
- Soda water: 118.5 grams
- Chilled water (optional): 60 ml
- Ice cubes: 3-4
- Pinch of cumin powder (optional garnish)
Method
- Prepare Blueberry Basil Mixture. In a cocktail shaker or glass, add the fresh blueberries and basil leaves. Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, gently mash the blueberries and basil together to release their flavors.
- Mix Jaljeera and Lemon. Add the jaljeera powder and lemon juice to the muddled mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Sweeten (Optional). If you like a sweeter taste, stir in a teaspoon of honey at this stage.
- Add Soda and Water. Pour in the soda water and, if needed, a little chilled water to balance the flavors. Stir gently to mix.
- Serve. Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the mocktail mixture over the ice. Garnish with a sprig of basil and a pinch of cumin powder for an extra burst of flavor.
Peruwalla Cocktail courtesy Chef Feruzan Bilimoria, Corporate Mixologist, PAN India, True Palate Hospitality, one8 Commune Bangalore
The Peruwala is a sour cocktail that has a very nostalgic flavor of guavas and spice. “A sip of the drink is reminiscent of biting into a fresh guava. The cocktail is also very simple to make with just one day’s notice. The resulting drink is quick and refreshing, making it a great choice for any occasion, especially a wedding,” says Chef Feruzan Bilimoria, Corporate Mixologist, PAN India, True Palate Hospitality, one8 Commune Bangalore.
Ingredients
- Gin 60 ml
- Guava Saccharum (Fresh Guava Syrup) 17 ml (prepared a day in advance with no added water)
- Fresh Lime Juice (undiluted) 20 ml
- Ice (for shaking)
- Rim Mix: Castor Sugar, Kashmiri Chilli Powder, and Salt (to taste)
Method
- Prepare the rim of an old-fashioned glass by dipping it in a mixture of castor sugar, Kashmiri chilli powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a shaker, add Gin, guava saccharum, and fresh lime juice.
- Add plenty of ice to the shaker and give it a quick, short shake to chill the ingredients and achieve the right dilution.
- Double strain the mixture into the prepared old-fashioned glass.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing, spicy-sweet kick of the Peruwalla cocktail.
