Whether you’re somewhere out enjoying the outdoors or curled up at home, especially today, this golden nectar of Whisky deserves a special toast!
The world of whisky is expanding with blenders perfecting and innovating constantly. It’s been a decade since the first world whisky day was celebrated. Their increased nuance has called for more bar lounges, mixologists to recreate whisky drinks.
“Whisky infusions are in trends. Mixologist does many infusions at the bars with locally procured ingredients for cocktails,” explains Mohit Madaan, Manager, Rick’s at Taj Mahal, New Delhi. The millennials are open to trying different combinations and spirits. “People are paying more attention to the taste rather than the years, sipping them almost reverentially,” he adds.
The quest for whisky cocktails has increased in manifold with exploring various ingredients – from fruity flavours to fiery spicy tastes. However, Mr Mohit points to another growing trend, “I would say single malt whisky is on the rise more and more mixologists are preparing drinks with malt whiskies and the customers are happy to experiment.
Stuck at homes, how do you pour the perfect whisky cocktails? “From an appreciation point of view, whisky served with 1/3rd water is the perfect serve as it brings out the maximum flavour and a beautiful aroma. However, the versatility of whisky can be further explored. This includes some of the most popular whisky cocktails that have been enjoyed by enthusiasts for decades or longer.” explains the team at Beam Suntory India.
Particularly today on World Whisky Day, it is about making whisky fun for all, drawing in enthusiasts from around the world. And if you need a little inspiration to have fun with whisky, these recipes from some of the top bar lounges, hotels, premium brands of India will do the trick.
Recipes By Ravish Mishra, Executive Chef, The Westin Goa
World Whisky Day
1. Old-Fashioned
Ingredients:
- Bourbon whiskey – 60ml
- Angostura bitter – 3 dash
- Sugar cube/sugar sachet – 1
Method:
- Stir well all ingredients and pour into a rock glass with ice cubes.
- Garnish with orange zest
2. Manhattan
Ingredients:
- Bourbon whiskey – 45ml
- Sweet vermouth – 15 ml
- Angostura bitter – 2 dash
Method:
- Stir well with ice, and pour into a chilled coupette glass.
- Garnish with orange zest.
Recipes By Mohit Madaan, Manager, Rick’s Taj Mahal, New Delhi World Whisky day
1.Pickle & Malt Shake
Ingredients:
- Talisker single malt whisky – 50 ml
- Fresh lime – 15 ml
- Honey – 10 ml
- Homemade Indian pickle – 10 ml
- Cointreau – 10 ml
Method:
- Shaken and served over Iceball
- Garnish with Mandarin Peel
2. The Red Scot
Ingredients:
- Monkey shoulder – 50 ml
- Cointreau – 15 ml
- Cardamom and apple chunks – 5 each
- Blueberry syrup – 5 ml
Method:
- Muddle the cardamom and apple with gold label and then shake with the rest of the ingredients
- Garnish with lemon slice or green apple fan
3. The Bourbon Smash
Ingredients:
- Woodford reserve – 40 ml
- Tio pepe – 10ml
- Dry vermouth – 10 ml
- Fresh lime – 5ml
- Simple syrup – 5ml
- South African shiraz – 15ml
Method :
- Shaken and served in a coupe.
- Garnish with zest of Italian lime
Recipe By Gautam Rathod, Head of Operations, The Sassy Spoon & House of Mandarin, Mumbai World Whisky day
1. Tropical Bourbon
Ingredients –
- Basil leaves- 2 to 3
- Bourbon whiskey – 60 ml
- Pineapple juice- 60 ml
- Grenadine syrup- 10 ml
- Sour mix-30 ml
Method –
- In a cocktail mixer, take two to three basil leaves and muddle them. Add the bourbon whiskey, pineapple juice, grenadine syrup, sour mix, and ice cubes, and shake well.
- Double strain the mixture into a short glass filled with ice and garnish with basil leaves.
Recipes By Beam Suntory, India World Whisky Day
1. Bebinca Flip
Ingredients:
- Oaksmith gold -m50ml
- Coconut cream – 25ml
- Small egg whole – 1no
- Jaggery syrup – 25ml
- Vanilla essence – 2drops
- A pinch of nutmeg powder for garnish
Method:
- Add all the ingredients, except the Oaksmith Gold and the nutmeg powder, to the shaker and shake it hard, without ice, to emulsify the ingredients and create a froth. This is known as a dry shake.
- Now add ice, the measure of Oaksmith Gold and shake the drink once again. Fine strain into a chilled coupe glass.
2.Patrao’s Siesta
Ingredients:
- Oaksmith gold – 50ml
- Goan port wine – 10ml
- Passion fruit pulp – 20ml
- Orange juice – 30ml
- Ice
Method:
- Shake all the ingredients except the port wine, together in a shaker full of ice and strain over one big piece of ice in old fashioned glass.
- Now gently pour the port wine over the drink so that it floats, creating a red layer on top.
Recipes By Moët Hennessy, India World Whisky day
1. Glenmorangie Ginger Lemon
Ingredients:
- 50 ml – Glenmorangie original
- 7.5 ml – Sweet vermouth
- 7.5 ml – Ginger syrup
- 2 Dashes – Angostura bitters
- 1 Dash – Orange bitters
Method:
- Add all ingredients to the mixing glass filled with ice. Stir until well chilled, strain into an old-fashioned glass with a block of ice.
- Garnish with a lemon twist and crystallised ginger.
2. Shortie’s Dirty Daiquiri
Ingredients:
- 50 ml – Ardbeg 10 years old
- 20 ml – Cloudy apple juice
- 20 ml – Fresh lime juice
- 10 ml – Vanilla syrup
Method:
- Shake all ingredients over ice before straining into a chilled coupe glass.
