Cocktails
Unique Flavors to Elevate Your Experience
India is a country of rich traditions, vibrant culture, and bold flavors—and this extends to its cocktail scene. Over the years, mixologists and bartenders in India have combined international cocktail techniques with local ingredients, spices, and herbs to create drinks that are truly unique. Whether you're seeking a refreshing beverage or something bold and spicy, Indian cocktails are designed to elevate your drinking experience to the next level. On this page, we explore some of the most famous and unique cocktails in India, blending local flavors and international styles to offer an unforgettable drink experience.
Gin (or vodka)
A blend of spices (black pepper, cumin, coriander, fennel seeds, and more)
Fresh lime juice
A dash of salt
A sprig of fresh mint or coriander for garnish
The Masala Martini is a bold twist on the classic Martini. This cocktail is infused with traditional Indian spices that take your taste buds on an aromatic journey. It’s the perfect blend of heat, citrus, and herbal freshness—making it a popular drink at upscale bars and restaurants across India. This drink will surprise you with its unusual, yet delightful mix of flavors.
The spices used in this cocktail are staples of Indian cuisine, giving the Masala Martini an unexpected yet captivating complexity that adds layers of flavor with every sip.
Vodka
Fresh ginger juice or ginger syrup
Lime juice
Club soda
Fresh mint leaves and lime wedges for garnish
A unique twist on the classic Moscow Mule, the Mumbai Mule infuses the zesty flavor of fresh ginger, a spice beloved in Indian cooking. Served in a traditional copper mug, the drink combines the refreshing bite of ginger with the tanginess of lime and the smoothness of vodka, creating a drink that's both refreshing and invigorating.t
The Mumbai Mule is especially beloved in India for its use of fresh ginger, which not only gives the drink a distinctive sharpness but also brings with it the health benefits that ginger is known for, such as aiding digestion.
Whiskey (usually blended Scotch or Indian whiskey)
Tamarind paste or fresh tamarind pulp
Fresh lemon juice
Simple syrup
A dash of bitters
Tamarind or lemon slice for garnish
This tangy and sweet cocktail brings together the rich flavors of whiskey with the tartness of tamarind, a fruit that’s central to Indian cuisine. The result is a refreshing take on the classic Whiskey Sour, with a uniquely Indian twist that perfectly balances the sweetness of the syrup, the citrusy tartness, and the depth of the whiskey.
Why It's Unique: The tamarind infusion offers an exotic and tangy flavor profile that’s distinctly Indian, making this cocktail stand out from the traditional Whiskey Sour. It offers the perfect mix of sweet, sour, and smoky notes, making it ideal for those who enjoy experimenting with bold flavors.
Fresh mint leaves
Aam Panna (raw mango concentrate)
Lime juice
Soda water
Crushed ice
Aam Panna, a traditional Indian drink made from raw mangoes, is often served in the summer to cool off from the heat. In this cocktail, the tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor of Aam Panna is combined with the refreshing mint and rum to create a Mojito like no other. This drink is particularly popular in the summer months, offering a cool, rejuvenating sensation with every sip.
The fusion of raw mango and mint in the Aam Panna Mojito brings a local summer drink into the world of cocktails. The tartness of the mango concentrate and the refreshing taste of mint offer an exciting departure from the standard mojito, with a true taste of India in every sip.
Vodka or rum
Fresh paan (betel leaf)
Gulkand (rose petal jam)
A touch of sweetened condensed milk or coconut milk
Inspired by the popular post-meal treat of paan (a betel leaf wrapped with various fillings), the Paan Shot is a playful and innovative cocktail that combines the refreshing and aromatic flavors of paan with alcohol. The drink often incorporates the floral sweetness of gulkand (rose petal jam) and the creamy smoothness of coconut milk, creating a smooth yet unique shot that delivers the essence of paan.
This cocktail takes the flavors of an iconic Indian tradition and turns them into an unexpected yet delightful shot. It’s perfect for those looking for a taste of India’s iconic street food culture in liquid form.
Tequila
Fresh lime juice
Saffron syrup
Rose water
Salt for rimming the glass
Saffron strands and rose petals for garnish
This cocktail takes the beloved Margarita and infuses it with the exotic essence of saffron and rose, both of which are staples in Indian cuisine and culture. The floral notes of rose water combined with the luxurious warmth of saffron elevate the margarita to a whole new level. It’s a sophisticated and aromatic cocktail that’s perfect for special occasions.
Saffron, often referred to as "the spice of the gods," adds an opulent flavor and vibrant color to the Margarita, making it both a visual and sensory treat. The subtle fragrance of rose water further enhances the drink, creating a truly unique and luxurious cocktail.
Vodka
Kesar (saffron) syrup
Pistachio paste or crushed pistachios
A splash of cream
A pinch of cardamom powder for garnish
A nod to traditional Indian sweets, the Kesar Pista Martini blends the rich flavors of saffron and pistachios with the smoothness of vodka and a touch of cream. This indulgent cocktail is sweet, creamy, and nutty, offering a taste of India's iconic flavors in a sophisticated drink.
The combination of saffron and pistachio is an iconic one in Indian desserts, and this cocktail brings those flavors into the world of spirits. The rich, creamy texture, combined with the aromatic spice of cardamom, makes this drink a luxurious treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Feni (Goan cashew spirit)
Coconut cream
Pineapple juice
Fresh lime juice
Crushed ice
Feni, a traditional spirit from Goa made from either cashew apples or coconut sap, is the star of this tropical twist on the Pina Colada. The richness of coconut cream and pineapple juice creates a creamy, fruity concoction, while the distinct flavor of Feni gives the drink an authentic Goan vibe.
Feni brings a distinctly Indian, yet tropical flair to the classic Pina Colada, offering a local touch with a familiar international twist. This cocktail is perfect for those looking to experience Goa’s famous spirit in a refreshing and indulgent way.
Gin or vodka
Lychee syrup
Fresh rose petal syrup
Soda water
Crushed ice
The Rose & Lychee Fizz is a floral, fruity, and refreshing cocktail that captures the delicate and aromatic flavors of rose and lychee. It’s a light and sparkling drink that’s perfect for a summer evening or a special occasion. The natural sweetness of lychee combined with the fragrant rose creates a beautifully balanced cocktail.
Lychee is a beloved fruit in India, often used in desserts and cocktails, and pairing it with the delicate floral notes of rose gives this drink a luxurious, exotic touch. It's perfect for anyone looking for a light, fragrant cocktail that offers a burst of floral and fruity flavors.
India’s Unique Cocktail Culture
Indian cocktails are a beautiful blend of local flavors, herbs, and spices with global techniques, offering a refreshing and innovative drinking experience. Whether you’re in the mood for something tangy and spicy or sweet and floral, these cocktails are designed to take your drinking experience to new heights. Explore these unique creations and let your taste buds travel through the bold, vibrant flavors that define India’s cocktail culture. Drink responsibly, and enjoy the delightful twists that Indian mixologists have to offer!
