Weekday cocktail parties are generally spontaneous affairs: plans are made spur of the moment while texting friends during lunch break or while leaving the office. But impromptu gatherings means limited prep time. It can be challenging to come up with elaborate cocktail menus and go shopping for ingredients to blend complicated mixes.
However, straightforward bar staples and simple garnishes can be used to make drinks, designed to impress your guests. Think back to some classic cocktail concoctions and with slight recipe twists, lend these enduring favourites an innovative touch. Turn a last-minute party into a stunning cocktail evening with these creative spins.
Masala Mojito
The classic white-rum based cocktail is a party favourite, especially when served with lipsmacking appetisers like nachos and guacamole or spiced shredded chicken tacos. Put a spiced twist on the mojito by sprinkling a pinch of chaat masala and adding sliced ginger to the cocktail shaker while muddling lime and mint. Chaat masala brings an unexpected layer of chatpata spice into the classic mojito while pairing rather well with the muddled mint and lime juice mixture. Ginger adds a zesty touch into the cocktail, building zinginess into the soda used to finish off the drink.
Filter Coffee Martini
Even as espresso martinis take centre stage on classic cocktail rosters, head back to the coffee pot and brew some authentic southern Indian filter coffee to introduce a more regional, aromatic touch into the recipe. At your next impromptu house party, use filter coffee instead of espresso and shake it with vodka, coffee liqueur and ice to make this version of the espresso martini. Deeper, richer and more aromatic coffee notes lend this drink a distinct character that will stand out for its complexity amidst familiar flavours at your mid-week gathering.
Tamarind Whisky Sour
Infuse a chaat-like touch into the classic whisky sour cocktail with this desi twist. Shake whisky, lemon juice and simple syrup keeping to the original recipe but just add a teaspoon of tamarind pulp or tamarind purée to the concoction. This will bring a delectably tangy, sweet and sour depth into the classic cocktail that goes beyond citrusy flavours. First give all the ingredients a dry shake with the egg white addition and then a wet shake with ice, so that a nice frothy layer builds on top of the cocktail. Garnish the drink with a tamarind sprig for a bar-style effect.
Read More: 7 Tea Cocktail Recipes To Brew This Weekend
Coconut Negroni
When hosting a last-minute sundowner-style gathering, one of the cocktails that definitely has to make it onto your roster is the negroni. Meant for slow-sipping while watching the sunset, this gin and Italian liqueur-based drink is all things elegance and charm. Add a tropical nuance to the cocktail by stirring in a splash of coconut water with all the other ingredients. Coconut water softens the bitter edges of the liquors in the classic negroni recipe, while bringing its own sweet, nutty and fruity edge into the drink. It is the perfect addition to a sundowner cocktail served with bright appetisers like fritters and a garlic di
Spiced Gin And Tonic
A desi party means coming up with flavour accents that celebrate the regional spice which characterises Indian cuisine – even in the cocktail menu! Prepare a contemporary version of the classic gin and tonic with a crushed cardamom sprinkle and an orange slice. Not only will these two ingredients infuse that attractive desi touch to your impromptu cocktail but they will also pair well with the herbal and savoury notes of gin and tonic water. This twist will make for a very balanced drink, even as warm spicy tastes and citrusy nuances lift up the flavours of the classic gin and tonic.