If you had to choose one winter flavour that’s all about Bengal, it would have to be nolen gur. You will get it in everything – from traditional mishti like roshogolla and sandesh to contemporary dishes like nolen gur ice creams, cookies and desserts.
What exactly is nolen gur and why can’t Bengalis survive without it during winters? This natural sweet extract comes from the sap of a date palm tree. There’s an entire process that takes place to extract nolen gur. ‘Nolen’ means new; ‘nolen gur,’ basically, translates to new liquid jaggery. Expert farmers tap into the saps of the date palm tree and hang up earthen pots to collect the extract.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
After 24 hours, the pots are brought down, and the extract is put over fire and left to boil. Once it reaches a thick, sticky consistency and produces an aromatic sweet scent, the nolen gur has been produced. It’s different from regular jaggery, which is sugarcane-based.
Now, nolen gur has also made its way into cocktails that are being served in the city. Its popularity stems from the smokey sweetness and raw freshness that mingle well with alcoholic beverages that have a strong taste. Visit these 5 places that serve nolen gur cocktails in Kolkata
AMPM
AMPM is known for it's Victorian-themed decor, artisanal coffees and of course the bar scene once the sun's down. There's live music, great food to compliment your drinks such as hotdogs, fish and chips and Chicken A la Kiev. Local twists are added to classic cocktails, like the AMPM Old Fashioned, which combines Aberfeldy 12 whisky, nolen gur, citrus, and bitters. Another fun fact about AMPM is that they pride themselves in serving coffee that is freshly roasted from their in-house brand Ngarum, all the way from Nagaland. The coffee also finds its way into crafting cocktails such as the Park Street Negroni and the Before PM Martini.
Address: 5th Floor, Park Center Building, 24, Park St, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016
Timings: 11 am–12 am
Cost for two: ₹2,000
Image Credit: Unsplash
Little Bit Sober
Little Bit Sober, is considered to be the first-ever artisanal cocktail bar in Kolkata. It has a new look, new ambiance and new drinks in between the old ones. Set inside a mansion that's from the 19th century, this speak-easy style cocktail bar offers cocktails with native Bengali ingredients. The Nolen Coffee Cocktail is a new take on the classic Espresso Martini. It has peanut butter soaked in the vodka, which eliminates the extreme sweetness of the nolen gur. The cocktail menu at LBS has been curated by mixologist Nitin Tiwari using kasaundi, gondhoaj, nolen gur and more. They also offer sober sodas which pairs well with kheer or saffron in whiskey or vodka. Pair your drinks with kaffir lime chips, Gambas Pil Pil, assorted mushrooms, Shrimp in Coconut & Curry Leaf and Iskander Kebab.
Address: 2nd floor, 60, Chowringee Rd, Sreepally, Bhowanipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700020
Timings: 4 pm–12 am
Cost for two: ₹2,500
Scrapyard Brewing Co.
Do you like your drinks with lots of scrumptious food? Then Scrapyard is perfect, especially if you’re a sucker for unique cocktails. The kitschy, laid-back vibe of the place is perfect for a relaxed evening. The upper level of this bar is just the right place to be if you’re in the mood to sip on a heady drink like the Nolen Negroni. The cocktail is a mix of gin, sweet vermouth and campari alongside nolen gur. Try the vodka-based drink which is extremely popular called Heaven's Due. Its highly hydrating due to its handcrafted lime cordial, cucumber syrup, and orange bitter. The Beauty of Hibiscus is another beverage that you can try and will enjoy. It is a Himalayan dry gin created with freshly squeezed lime juice, aquafaba, and handcrafted hibiscus-ginger toffee tea. For food, order the Maharaja Platter, Scrapyard Chicken, 5 Cheese & Jalapeno Wontons and Keema Chicken Bun.
Address: Usha Kiran, 12, Camac Street, Road, Elgin, Kolkata, West Bengal 700017
Timings: 12 pm–1 am
Cost for two: ₹3,000
Image Credit: Freepik
Five & Dime
With so many new bars cropping up with their artisanal cocktails and ace mixology game, Kolkata's bar scene is evolving like never before. For the cocktail named ‘Bong Connection’, they mix dark rum, warm spices, and the sweetness of nolen gur. Five & Dime is a lively rooftop bar with the greatest sunset views in Kolkata, situated on the 15th floor of The Meridian in Sector 5. With a dedicated dance floor and live performances, the Moroccan-inspired décor offers a warm yet vibrant atmosphere. Savour international cuisine and revitalising beverages while admiring the breathtaking cityscape.
Address: E 2/4 & 2/5, 15 Floor, The Meridian Building, Block GP, Sector 5, Salt Lake, Kolkata
Timings: 12 pm–1 am
Cost for two: ₹2,000
ATM Kitchen & Bar
The Nolen Nectar is a brew featuring vanilla brown butter-washed whisky, mahua vermouth, aromatic bitter, washed with feta cheese and nolen foam. ATM is more than just a bar. The interiors with leather is incredibly silky, the hardwoods are comforting, and the brass elements ooze grandeur without being overt. Other than nolen gur cocktails, ATM offers sips like the Gondhoraj lime and Maya Pistola Reposado, Pistola Picante On Wheels and Last Tram's margarita. There are Grilled lamb chops covered in a delicious Parmesan fonduta, a Pumpkin Risotto with truffle that will make you sigh, and a Baked Brie that is so rich it almost melts in one bite. The cherry on top is a sauce made with hibiscus and raspberry. The Signature Guacamole and Choriço Hummus offer strong, robust flavours.
Address: 7, Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Camac Street Area, Kolkata
Timings: 5 pm - 12 am
Cost for two: ₹2,000
Image Credit: ATM Bar & Kitchen