February represents a confusing time for many. You walk into a shopping centre and are immediately assaulted by a sea of red balloons, heart shaped boxes of chocolates and teddy bears holding synthetic roses. It is enough to make anyone crave a stiff drink. While the rest of the world is busy stressing over dinner reservations and overpriced set menus, there is a growing movement of people who prefer to sit back, relax and toast to their own independence. This is where the concept of the Anti Valentine comes into play. It is not about being bitter or angry. It is simply about rejecting the forced commercialism of the holiday and choosing to enjoy flavours that are complex, bold and perhaps a little bit spicy. We are no longer satisfied with overly sweet fruit juices masked as cocktails. We want savoury notes, heat from local spices and the tartness of indigenous fruits. The recipes below reflect this shift. They move away from the cloying sweetness of strawberry syrups and embrace the dark, the sour and the fiery. These drinks are designed to be sipped slowly while you laugh with friends or enjoy a quiet evening of solitude. They are sophisticated, easy to make at home and unapologetically bold.
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1. The Kala Khatta Ghosting
There is something undeniably nostalgic about the flavour of Kala Khatta. It reminds us of hot summers and school days, but here it gets a grown up twist. This cocktail mimics the feeling of being ghosted. It happens to everyone and instead of fighting it, it's time to lean into it. It is dark, icy and leaves a lingering sensation that is both sweet and salty. The deep purple hue comes from Jamun, a fruit that is naturally astringent and perfect for balancing out sweetness. Think of this as a tribute to that text message you never received.
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Ingredients
60ml Vodka
30ml Jamun juice (fresh or high quality bottled)
15ml Lime juice
10ml Sugar syrup
Pinch of Black Salt (Kala Namak)
Ice cubes
Lime wheel for garnish
Method
Start by chilling your glassware. A martini glass or a coupe works best for this elegant drink. In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, jamun juice, lime juice and sugar syrup. Add a generous pinch of black salt. This is the secret ingredient that cuts through the fruitiness and adds that distinct Indian edge. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about ten seconds. You want the drink to be ice cold. Strain the liquid into your chilled glass. The colour should be a deep, moody purple. Garnish with a simple lime wheel on the rim. It is a complex drink that changes as you sip it, much like navigating modern dating.
2. The Imli Sour Affair
Relationships can be sweet, but they often end on a sour note. The Imli Sour plays with this duality. Tamarind is a staple in Indian kitchens, usually reserved for chutneys and curries, but it makes for a phenomenal cocktail base. This drink is a variation of the classic Whiskey Sour but swaps the lemon for the earthy tang of tamarind and the white sugar for the depth of jaggery. This is a drink for sipping whilst contemplating life choices or enjoying a deep conversation with your best friend.
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Ingredients
60ml Bourbon or Indian Single Malt Whisky
20ml Tamarind paste (freshly squeezed is best)
15ml Jaggery syrup (dissolve jaggery in warm water)
1 Egg white or 20ml Aquafaba (chickpea water) for foam
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange peel for garnish
Method
This drink requires a technique called the dry shake. Combine the whisky, tamarind paste, jaggery syrup and egg white (or aquafaba) in your shaker without any ice. Shake hard for fifteen seconds. This aerates the egg white and creates a beautiful velvety foam. Open the shaker and add ice. Shake again for another ten seconds to chill the drink. Double strain into a rocks glass filled with a large ice cube. Express the oils from the orange peel over the top of the foam and drop it in.
3. The Mirchi Breakup
Sometimes you need a little heat to feel alive. The Mirchi Breakup is a spicy take on the margarita, utilising the beloved Indian green chilli. It is fiery, grassy and wakes up your palate instantly. This drink is not for the faint hearted. It packs a punch and demands your attention, much like a sudden breakup. This is the perfect party starter if you are hosting an Anti Valentines gathering. It pairs brilliantly with bar snacks and greasy food.
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Ingredients
50ml Tequila Blanco
20ml Cointreau or Triple Sec
25ml Fresh lime juice
1 Fresh green chilli (slit lengthwise)
Salt and red chilli powder for the rim
Slice of cucumber for garnish
Method
Prepare your glass by rubbing a lime wedge around the rim. Dip the rim into a plate containing a mixture of salt and red chilli powder. In your shaker, gently muddle the green chilli with the lime juice. You do not want to destroy the chilli, just release the oils and heat. Add the tequila and orange liqueur. Fill with ice and shake well. Strain into your prepared glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a slice of cucumber to offer a cooling contrast to the spice.
4. The Kadak Goodbye
For those who believe coffee is better than a partner, this is your drink. It draws inspiration from the strong, sweet coffee found in Indian weddings and street stalls, but transforms it into a potent cocktail. It uses dark rum instead of vodka for a richer profile and includes cardamom for that authentic aromatic touch. It is the perfect nightcap or a pick me up if you are planning a long night out.
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Ingredients
50ml Dark Rum (an Indian brand works well here)
30ml Freshly brewed espresso or strong cold brew
15ml Coffee liqueur
10ml Cardamom syrup (simmer crushed pods with sugar and water)
3 Coffee beans for garnish
Method
Make sure your espresso is fresh and hot, or your cold brew is concentrated. Combine the rum, coffee, liqueur and cardamom syrup in a shaker with plenty of ice. Shake extremely hard. You want to create a nice crema or foam on top of the drink. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass. Place the three coffee beans on top of the foam in a flower pattern.
5. The Cold Shoulder Gin
Finally, we have a drink that is as cool as your ex. This is a crisp, herbaceous cocktail that focuses on fresh ingredients. It uses cucumber and coriander, two ingredients that are staples in Indian salads, to create a drink that is hydrating and incredibly easy to drink. It is a spa day in a glass. Perfect for cleansing the palate and the mind.
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Ingredients
60ml Gin (preferably a London Dry or a floral Indian gin)
4 Slices of fresh cucumber
Fresh coriander leaves (a small handful)
20ml Lime juice
15ml Sugar syrup
Soda water to top
Method
In the bottom of a highball glass, muddle the cucumber slices and coriander leaves with the lime juice and sugar syrup. You want to crush them enough to release the juices and aroma. Fill the glass to the top with ice cubes. Pour over the gin. Stir gently to mix the ingredients. Top up with soda water and give it one final stir. Garnish with a long strip of cucumber peel or a sprig of coriander.
So this year, do not feel pressured to conform to the hearts and flowers routine. Gather your friends, or just your own company, and mix up one of these drinks.