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The festive season is almost here, and with it comes a calendar that is packed with house parties, family get-togethers and evenings that are spent playing cards with a mouthful of snacks and hearty conversation. While a bowl of namkeen and a plate of samosas and pakoras are familiar choices, the drinks that are served alongside can also make the gathering feel a little more impressive. Rather than mixing individual cocktails every time someone wants a refill, pitcher drinks are an easy way to serve a large group without spending the evening behind the counter.
Indian spices, seasonal fruits and familiar sharbat tastes offer an abundance of inspiration for these easy drinks. Think nimbu paani with a peppery kick, a pineapple cocktail infused with ginger or pomegranate with a zest of chilli. Each can be made in a large batch before guests come, leaving you free to join in with them for the card game. Try these five desi-inspired pitcher drinks that bring a mix of sweet, tangy, spicy and refreshing tastes to your festive table, leaving your guests asking for one more pour.
Masala Nimbu Vodka Pitcher
Give classic nimbu paani a cocktail twist by mixing vodka, fresh lemon juice, chilled water and sugar syrup. Add some roasted cumin powder, black salt and a little crushed black pepper and mix until the flavours are fully blended. Taste the mixture before adding the spices, as the lemon has to be the star of the drink.
Pour the drink into glasses filled with ice and garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves. The drink feels citrusy, a bit savoury with peppery notes, making it a good match to pair with masala peanuts, aloo tikki and crispy mathri. Make the base ahead and chill until guests arrive for easy serving.
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Pomegranate Chilli Tequila Pitcher
Pomegranate juice gives this tequila cocktail a tart, fruity taste and a deep red shade that lights up the festive spread. In a pitcher, mix pomegranate juice, tequila, fresh lime juice and sugar syrup. Add a small pinch of roasted cumin powder and black salt to give it a desi twist, then mix everything well. Taste and adjust the sweetness before serving over ice.
Garnish the drink with pomegranate arils and lime slices, and add a splash of soda for a lighter taste. Its sweet-sour notes pair pleasingly with paneer tikka, dahi kebabs and crispy corn chaat.
Ginger Chai Rum Punch
Ever thought a chai could be your next party cocktail? Bring the familiar taste of masala chai to a party cocktail by mixing dark rum with strongly brewed black tea, ginger syrup, a touch of cardamom and fresh lemon juice. Let the tea cool down thoroughly before mixing, then stir everything together in a pitcher and adjust the sweetness to taste.
Chill until it's serving time and pour over ice, garnishing with thin ginger juliennes or a light dusting of cinnamon powder. The drink has malty depth, gentle warmth and a citrusy finish with a bit of peppery punch. Serve it along with onion pakoras, tandoori mushrooms or spiced cashews for a pleasing appetiser for the party.
Pineapple Chilli Margarita Pitcher
Pineapple adds natural sweetness to this margarita, while lime and chilli keep it from tasting too sugary. Combine pineapple juice, tequila, fresh lime juice and a little sugar syrup in a pitcher. Add a small pinch of red chilli powder, stir thoroughly and taste before adding more.
Chill the mixture until guests arrive, then pour into ice-filled glasses and garnish with some pineapple wedges or a few lime slices. Each sip brings a taste of tropical fruitiness which is followed by a gentle chilli kick. Pair this cocktail with chilli paneer, chicken tikka or crisp nachos served with a spicy dip on the side.
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Jamun Kala Khatta Gin Pitcher
Kala khatta makes everything better. To make a party cocktail out of it, mix jamun juice or jamun syrup diluted to taste with gin, fresh lime juice and a pinch of black salt on top. Add a little roasted cumin powder for that earthy note, then mix until well combined. Chill the mixture before serving and add soda just before serving to maintain its fizz.
Pour over ice and garnish with lime wheels or fresh mint for extra freshness. The drink has a fruity, sweet-sour taste with a savoury bite, pairing nicely with dahi kebabs, papdi chaat and masala potato wedges. Keep extra syrup handy for those who like a sweeter drink.
