15 of the Best Indian Cocktails to Pair with Your Next Indian Feast

Ladies and gentlemen, this is your Cocktail Captain speaking. We are currently flying at 30 000 feet, and we’re juuust about to begin our descent into the land of Indian cocktails. As global palates become more adventurous, Indian cocktails are making their mark, combining aromatic spices and bold flavours with modern mixology techniques. We’re talking cardamom, saffron, tamarind, and mango coming together in compelling drinks that celebrate India’s rich culinary heritage.   
  
It’s a balmy summer day down there but don’t worry; we’ve got a selection of delicious cocktails to match the mood. There are plenty of classics with an Indian twist, and a few cocktail flavours that we bet you’ve never even heard of. It’s a whole new world down there, so make sure seat belts are fastened, and your tray table is in the upright position because we’re about to reach our destination.  

1. Indian Jal Jeera Mojito

The Mojito has always been a summer classic. It’s bright and vibrant, and the cooling mint is like a fresh breeze on a humid day. This Indian-inspired cocktail does what India does best and injects a little spice into the mix. To make one, muddle a few mint leaves and a lime wedge in a highball glass. Add one teaspoon of Jal Jeera powder mix, and pour 120 ml soda water into a glass. Stir till dissolved. Add 15 ml lemon juice, a quarter teaspoon of tamarind chutney,  45 ml white rum, and ice, and stir well. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lemon wheel, and enjoy.

White rums like Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum are very popular throughout India, and often used as the base of summery drinks that can be enjoyed in balmy weather. We love pairing rum-based cocktails with Indian eats like tangy chaat, especially varieties like papdi chaat or aloo chaat, featuring intriguing flavours of tamarind, yogurt, and fresh herbs.

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2. Mango Lassi With Kaffir Lime

A boozy Mango Lassi might just be the best adult smoothie we’ve ever tasted. The yogurt lends a creamy and indulgent texture to the cocktail, and the mango adds a sweet tropical kick. The kaffir lime leaves are bright and zesty, and the turmeric and cinnamon add earthy layers to the cocktail. 

To prepare enough for two drinks, start by making the syrup. In a small saucepan, combine half a cup of sugar, half a cup of water, and 16 makrut lime leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then remove it from the heat and allow it to steep as it cools to room temperature. Once cooled, strain the syrup and set it aside.

Next, for the lassi, place 200g of roughly chopped ripe mango in a blender and purée until smooth. Add 240 ml of plain yogurt, 60 ml buttermilk, 60 ml of the prepared makrut lime leaf syrup, 60 ml vodka, 15 ml of lime juice, and a pinch of kosher salt. Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. To serve, pour the lassi into Collins glasses and garnish with a slice of fresh mango.

Make it with: SKYY Vodka

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3. Watermelon Mojitos

If you’ve ever walked the streets of India in peak summer, you’ll know just how brutal the heat can be. The average daytime temperature is always in the high 30s, and to beat the heat, you need an extra special Indian cocktail. The Watermelon Mojito is our secret weapon, and after one sip, you’ll know why. The watermelon and mint create a swirl of pure refreshment, while the lime and rum add a clean bite with every sip.

To make one, start by muddling 4 fresh mint leaves in the bottom of a Collins or other tall glass. Next, add 20 ml fresh lime juice and 20 ml ounce of sugar syrup to the glass and muddle the mixture together for a moment to blend the flavours.

Fill the glass two-thirds full with ice, then pour in 60 ml light rum and 90 ml of strained watermelon puree. Top off the drink with soda water to your desired taste and stir well to combine all the ingredients. For a finishing touch, garnish your Watermelon Mojito with a sprig of mint or a small wedge of watermelon, if desired.

4. Nimbu Pani Mint Julep

Before muddling this delicious Indian cocktail recipe, let’s unmuddle the name. Nimbu means lemon, and Pani means water, so what we’ve got is a lemonade-infused Mint Julep. Sounds good, right? But wait, it gets even better. Nimbu Pani is spiked with sulphuric black salt, which gives the drink its signature tang!

To make one, start by combining half a cup of water with half a cup of sugar, three-quarters of a teaspoon of black Indian rock salt, and half a bunch of fresh mint leaves in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until the sugar and salt dissolve, creating a sweet and salty sugar syrup. Once dissolved, strain the syrup and transfer it to the fridge to cool, discarding the mint leaves.

While the syrup cools, squeeze the juice of 2 juicy limes into a pitcher and add the chilled sugar syrup. In a julep cup, crush or muddle a few mint leaves until they form a paste. Fill the cup halfway with crushed or shaved ice, then add 2 oz of the prepared sugar syrup mixture and 2 oz of good-quality bourbon. Top off the drink with soda water and stir until the silver cup is frosted on the outside.

To serve, garnish your Mint Julep with a sprig of fresh mint. Reserve any remaining sugar syrup for additional drinks.

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5. Tamarind Ginger Margarita

If fusion flavours are your thing, then this India-meets-Mexico Tamarind Ginger Margarita will blow your tastebuds. The tamarind and lemon juice create a mouth-puckering base, and the orange liqueur and ginger syrup provide some sweet relief.

To make one, start by preparing the tamarind concentrate. Dissolve 4 tablespoons of tamarind in a third of a cup of water, mixing until well combined. Next, make a ginger simple syrup by combining half a cup of water, half a cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger root in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil and stir until the sugar dissolves completely.

Once your ingredients are ready, spread some chili salt or Tajin on a plate. Take a chilled highball glass and rub the rim with a lime wedge, then dip the rim into the Tajin to coat it.

In a shaker filled with ice cubes, combine 60 ml of tamarind concentrate, 45 ml tequila, 15 ml orange liqueur, 15 ml lemon juice, and 20 ml ginger sugar syrup. Shake the mixture vigorously to combine, strain into your prepared glass and garnish with a large lime wedge. Enjoy!

Make it with: Espolòn Tequila Blanco

6. Cucumber Cooler

The Cucumber Cooler is a traditional mocktail that’s enjoyed all over India. It’s perfect for a sweltering summer day and comes together like a snap. To make one, start by muddling 5 slices of cucumber in the bottom of a cocktail shaker along with 30 ml of agave nectar. Once the cucumber is well muddled, add 30 ml of fresh lime juice and shake the mixture with ice until chilled.

Next, pour the drink, along with the ice, into a glass. Top it off with 45 ml of soda water and stir gently to combine. Garnish your cooler with additional slices of cucumber, lime, and some mint leaves for a delightful presentation.

7. Indian Winter

Cardamom is known as the queen of spices, and in this Indian cocktail recipe, she adds exotic flavours and a touch of class. The Indian Winter is a spiced vodka take on the classic Whiskey Sour. To make one, start by preparing the honey cardamom simple syrup.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 0.5 cup of water, 0.5 cup of honey, and 4-5 lightly crushed cardamom pods. Heat the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it becomes homogenous. Once combined, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature. Using a fine mesh sieve, strain the syrup into an airtight jar. This simple syrup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.

For the cocktail, fill a lowball glass with ice water and set it aside. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 45 ml of bourbon,15 ml of honey cardamom sugar syrup, 15 ml of lemon juice, and 1 egg white. Shake vigorously for 20 to 25 seconds to combine the ingredients.

After shaking, empty the ice water from the lowball glass and strain the contents of the shaker into the glass. For garnish, add 1-2 drops of Angostura bitters and a star anise, if desired. We recommend serving the cocktail with a large sphere or square ice cube.

Make it with: Wild Turkey Bourbon 101

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8. Mango Mojito

If you’ve ever enjoyed a cool, velvety sip of a Mango Mojito, you have India to thank for the experience. It’s the birthplace of the mango and the population can’t get enough of them. They’re used in everything from curries and condiments to desserts and most importantly, Mojitos! A Mango Mojito is a fruity and fragrant fiesta, with a smooth texture that only mango can deliver. To transform your Mojito into a Mango Mojito, just muddle in some fresh mango, and add a splash of mango juice to the regular Mojito mix.    

9. Masala Chai Sour

The Masala Chai Sour is another Indian cocktail riff on the Whiskey Sour that features masala chai sugar syrup.

To make one, start by preparing a sugar syrup using equal parts sugar and water. Add multiple Irish Breakfast tea bags, crushed cardamom, fresh peeled and sliced ginger, one cinnamon stick, and a dash of bitters to the mixture. Bring it to a boil, then remove it from the heat immediately. Allow the syrup to steep for at least 48 hours to one week for maximum flavour. Once steeped, strain the syrup and refrigerate it for use in your cocktails.

To create the Masala Chai Sour, combine 60 ml whiskey, 30 ml of fresh lemon juice, 15 ml of masala sugar syrup, 1 egg white, and 3 dashes of bitters in a cocktail shaker without ice. Shake vigorously, then add ice, shake again, and strain into your serving glasses. Enjoy!

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10. Indian Hot Buttered Rum

As far as winter cocktails go, the Hot Buttered Rum might just be the king. It’s got butter in it and it’s a well-known fact that everything is better with butter. To give your buttery bomb an Indian twist, all you have to do is add some chai spice to the usual butter, sugar, and vanilla mix. Top it up with rum and hot water, and you’ve got yourself a fragrant Indian Hot Buttered Rum.   

Make it with: Appleton Estate Rum

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11. Masala Red Snapper

The lesser-known cousin of the Bloody Mary, the Red Snapper is almost identical, except it uses gin instead of vodka. It seems like a small change, but the gin makes all the difference. Where vodka blends into the background, gin is front and center in all its botanical glory. This Indian-inspired version kicks things up a few more notches with the addition of curry masala. Keep it mild and merry, or go Vindaloo hot. You decide how hard you want your Red Snapper to bite.  

Make it with: Bulldog Gin

12. The Bengal Tiger

When a cocktail is named after the apex predator of India, you know it means business. To make a Bengal Tiger cocktail, combine 45 ml brandy, 15 ml cherry liqueur, 15 ml orange liqueur, and 30 ml pineapple juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes. Shake the mixture well to combine and chill the ingredients, then strain it into a cocktail glass.

Make it with: Grand Marnier

13. Hot Toddy

The Hot Toddy might be considered a quintessential British winter drink, but the original incarnation comes from India. It started life as a beverage made from fermented palm sap called a Taddy. By the 1800s, it had evolved into the hot bourbon and lemon cocktail we know today. The beauty of a Hot Toddy is that you can spice it with whatever you like. We recommend a blend of cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom for a warming hug in a mug.   

14. Jamuntini

Jamun fruit, or the java plum, is a juicy, berry-like fruit that grows in India. It’s sweet and tart with a subtle astringent aftertaste, making it the perfect candidate for a fruity gin Martini with an exotic twist. The skin and flesh are a gorgeous purple, and when muddled for a Jamuntini, it creates a one-of-kind pink and purple cocktail with a unique taste.  

To make one, start by muddling 7 to 8 pitted jamuns (also called Indian blackberries) in a cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker with ice, then add 60 ml gin, 15 ml lime juice, and 30 ml sugar syrup. Shake the mixture well and double strain it into a chilled cocktail glass that has been rimmed with a blend of salt and chilli powder.

15. Jaljeera Gin And Tonic

If you thought the standard G&T was a delight, just wait until you try this spiced-up Indian riff. It uses a blend of tonic and jaljeera—a lemon or lime soda that’s spiked with fresh spices. Cumin is the main spice (jeera means cumin), but there are plenty of other interesting flavours, including fresh mint and sometimes coriander. The gin adds another layer of zest and herbaceous flavours that complement the overall flavor profile. It’s like a supercharged G&T, Bollywood style!   

Other traditional Indian drinks to transform into cocktails

• Aam Panna: This raw mango drink is tangy and sweet. Mix it with tequila or vodka, add some mint and lime, and you’ve got a gorgeous summer cocktail.
• Falooda: A traditional dessert drink, falooda can become a fun cocktail by blending the ingredients with vodka or gin, making it a sweet and colourful treat.
• Thandai: A traditional chilled drink made with milk, nuts, and spices, thandai can be turned into a cocktail by blending it with vodka or gin for a creamy, nutty experience.
• Bhang lassi: A version of lassi that incorporates bhang, it can be turned into a potent cocktail by mixing with rum or gin and adding flavours like rose or cardamom for a unique twist.
• Kesar badam milk: This saffron and almond milk drink can become a delightful cocktail by blending it with bourbon or whiskey, enhancing its richness and yielding a very luxurious drink.

Using Indian spices and ingredients in cocktails

When it comes to crafting cocktails, the use of spices and ingredients can take the experience from ordinary to extraordinary. Indian cuisine is rich in diverse flavours, and incorporating its unique spices and herbs into cocktails can set the scene for a very memorable sipping experience. Let’s check out some popular Indian ingredients you can use in your cocktails.

Cardamom

Cardamom comes to the party with a fragrant and slightly sweet flavour that pairs really well with a variety of spirits. Its aromatic quality can transform a simple gin and tonic into an exotic delight. Add crushed cardamom pods to your cocktail shaker or infuse it in syrup for a touch of warmth in a Cardamom Mojito or a spiced Gin Fizz.

Cumin

Cumin adds a nutty, earthy flavour and is a popular Indian ingredient. We suggest adding a few dashes of homemade cumin bitters to an Old Fashioned for a bit of intrigue and extra flavour. Try it today, thank us later.

Saffron

Saffron is a luxurious spice that adds a distinctive golden hue and a floral aroma to cocktails. Its delicate flavour can elevate any drink, particularly those with a creamy base. Add it to a Hot Toddy for a comforting winter drink or mix it into Gin Fizz for a delicious twist.

Tamarind

This tangy fruit is a staple in Indian cooking and can add a complex sweetness to cocktails. Tamarind pulp can be used to create a tangy syrup or juice, perfect for mixing into drinks like a Mexican Mule or a Gin Sour. Its tartness balances well with vodka or gin, adding a delightful contrast.

Mango

Mango, the king of fruits in India, is a beloved ingredient that brings sweetness and tropical flair to cocktails. Whether you’re using fresh mango puree or mango juice, the vibrant flavour pairs beautifully with everything from rum and vodka to tequila.

Mint

Mint is a versatile herb that is widely used in Indian beverages. You can muddle fresh mint leaves into cocktails for a burst of freshness. Try it in a Masala Mojito—the combination of mint and masala creates an exciting twist.

Coriander

Coriander, both the seeds and fresh leaves, adds a citrusy and slightly spicy flavour to cocktails. The seeds can be crushed and used in syrups or as a garnish, while the fresh leaves can be muddled into drinks for a refreshing finish. Try adding coriander to a Spicy Margarita or using it in a Gin and Tonic for an aromatic twist.

Feeling inspired to whip up some amazing Indian cocktails yet? We bet you are! Remember to tag us when you share your creations on Instagram, and sign up for our newsletter to get the freshest drinkspiration delivered straight to your inbox. In the meantime, you can also visit the SKYY Vodka, Bulldog Gin, and Appleton Estate websites for more cocktail recipes to stir up for adventurous friends and family!