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Most cocktails are made for flavour, and very few offer anything beyond enjoyment. However, many Indian ingredients already come with natural benefits. When used in drinks, they bring familiar taste along with gentle support for things like digestion, hydration, immunity, and even mental calm. While these are still cocktails and meant for enjoyment, they include additions like ginger, tulsi, amla, and even plant-based protein to give you something extra in each sip. The recipes listed here are not complicated, and all of them can be made with basic ingredients. These are not health drinks, but they are slightly better choices when you want to enjoy a drink that does more than just taste good.
Ginger-Lime Vodka Cooler For Digestion
Ginger has always been used in Indian kitchens to support digestion. It helps relieve bloating and is often served after meals. Lime adds sharpness and balances the drink well. This cooler is ideal for light dinners or when you feel too full after a heavy meal.
Grate a small piece of ginger and let it sit in warm water for a few minutes. After straining, let the water cool completely. Mix in fresh lime juice, a small pinch of black salt, and a shot of vodka. Add chilled soda and serve with ice and a lime wedge. This is a simple drink that feels fresh and clean on the palate. It helps you feel less sluggish after a rich meal.
Tulsi Gin Fizz For Immunity Support
Tulsi, also called holy basil, has been used for immunity and general well-being in Indian homes for generations. Its strong aroma and slightly spicy taste work well with light spirits like gin. When mixed with lemon and a bit of honey, it becomes a soothing drink.
Crush a few tulsi leaves and stir them into lemon juice with a spoon of honey. Add gin and a few cubes of ice. Shake well and pour into a glass. You can top it with tonic or chilled water. This drink has a soft herbal tone, which many people find calming. It feels especially good during cooler months or after a tiring day. You can also serve it warm, without ice, if the weather calls for it.
Coconut Water Rum Punch For Hydration
Coconut water is known for its cooling and hydrating effects. It contains natural salts and minerals that support the body, especially in hot weather. This drink is ideal after long outdoor days or any time you feel slightly drained.
Mix cold coconut water with a splash of pineapple juice and a squeeze of lime. Add a shot of white rum and stir. Pour over ice in a tall glass. You can garnish with mint or a thin slice of pineapple. Coconut water helps with hydration and balances out the alcohol, so this drink feels lighter on the system. It is also a good option for people who do not enjoy strong flavours in their drinks.
Amla Whisky Sour For Vitamin C Boost
Amla is rich in vitamin C and is widely used in Indian households to support the immune system. Its taste is sharp, slightly sour, and works well in drinks when combined with sweet elements like jaggery or honey.
Take a few tablespoons of amla juice, mix it with lemon juice, and add jaggery syrup. Shake this with a shot of whisky and a few ice cubes. Strain into a small glass. The result is a strong drink with a sharp kick, softened by the natural sweetness of jaggery. You can also use bottled amla juice or dissolve amla powder in water if you do not have fresh amla. This drink is best enjoyed slowly, especially in the evening.
Kokum Tequila Sparkler For Cooling Relief
Kokum is known in the coastal regions of India for its cooling properties. It is used in solkadhi and summer drinks and helps reduce heat in the body. The tangy taste also goes well with tequila, making it a good option for warm evenings.
Mix kokum syrup with a small pinch of roasted cumin and a few mint leaves. Add a shot of tequila and pour chilled soda on top. Serve with ice and a lemon slice. The drink feels cooling and slightly tangy, which makes it easy to enjoy even in peak summer. Kokum is also good for digestion, so this cocktail works well after a meal.
Chickpea Protein Bloody Mary For A Satisfying Sip
Adding protein to a cocktail may sound unusual, but it can be done in simple ways. Chickpea brine, also called aquafaba, is often used in vegan cocktails to add body and texture. It also contains plant protein. This version of a Bloody Mary uses aquafaba to make the drink more filling and smooth.
In a shaker, mix tomato juice, lemon juice, crushed pepper, salt, and a few spoons of chickpea brine from boiled chana or canned chickpeas. Add a shot of vodka and shake well. Pour into a tall glass with ice. The drink becomes creamy without any dairy or eggs and leaves you feeling fuller than usual. It is a good option if you want a cocktail that does not feel too light and includes something nourishing.
Ashwagandha Mule For Stress Support
Ashwagandha is a well-known adaptogen used in Indian Ayurvedic traditions. It may help reduce stress and improve overall balance in the body. When used in small amounts, it blends well with spices like cinnamon and ginger.
To make this drink, mix a small pinch of ashwagandha powder with a spoon of honey and warm water. Let it cool. Add ginger juice and a splash of lime. Mix this with a shot of dark rum or vodka and pour over ice. Top with soda and serve with a thin cinnamon stick for added warmth. This drink feels grounding and works well at the end of a long day. The adaptogen element gives it a calming effect without dulling the taste.
