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Monsoon is here in all its glory, and we are all gearing up to bring in the rainy season in our own ways. On one hand, we have people who think of chai and pakoras the moment the pitter-patter of raindrops reaches our windows, then there are people who run for their corn cobs first thing, and then there are people who hit the bar.
Yes, cocktails are also one of the popular ways to celebrate rain. After all, the cold winds and the stormy rain make for perfect weather to whip up some snacks and pair with some refreshing drinks to warm our soul. Don’t you think?
Be it the classic G&T or a spin to the classics with berries, lemon and spices, one can experiment to the heart’s content. Gin, which is often considered a drink for the ‘old people’, has gone through several experiments, and has reinvented itself as a top choice for many spirit enthusiasts. Known for its premium quality, aromatic composition and soft flavour, gin is considered to be the perfect drink for a sombre rainy evening.
So, if you are someone looking to mix up some drinks for a beautiful rainy evening post work, we’ve got just the perfect concoctions for you, straight from the bar of Stranger & Sons.
1. Trading Tides G&T
A vibrant G&T beautifully complemented by a wedge of pink grapefruit, which highlights the Australian citrus flavours.
Ingredients:
60 ml gin
120 ml light tonic water
1 pink grapefruit wedge
Method:
. Keep a tall/highball glass in the freezer to chill (can be done a few hours prior).
. Pour 60 ml of Trading Tides Gin.
. Add ice and top with 120ml light tonic water.
. Give it a light stir, garnish with a wedge of pink grapefruit and serve immediately.
2. Flora Dora
A tall, refreshing cocktail, citrusy flavours are balanced by a touch of zest and spice.
Ingredients:
60 ml gin
5 fresh raspberries
10 ml fresh lime juice
120 ml dry ginger ale
Method:
. Place 3 raspberries in a highball glass and add gin.
. Fill the glass with ice and add dry ginger ale.
. Gently stir so that the raspberries do not float to the top.
. Garnish with 2 raspberries and serve immediately.
3. Spice Trade G&T
A bright, savoury G&T balanced by a twist of lime and a pinch of salt.
Ingredients:
45ml gin
90ml tonic water
Sea salt
1 green lime wedge
Method:
. Keep a tall/highball glass in the freezer to chill (can be done a few hours prior).
. Pour 45 ml of gin.
. Add ice and top with 90ml tonic water and add a pinch of sea salt.
. Give it a light stir, garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.
4. Give It A Goa
A long, cooling cocktail; the fresh lime and watermelon provide a savoury contrast to the curry leaves.
Ingredients:
50 ml gin
15 ml fresh lime juice
15 ml sugar syrup
Two one-inch cubes plus one wedge of watermelon
6 curry leaves
Method:
. Place watermelon cubes in the base of a highball glass and gently press with a bar spoon.
. Add a small amount of crushed ice, then add the gin, lime juice, sugar syrup, four curry leaves and churn with a bar spoon.
. Top up with more crushed ice.
. Garnish with a watermelon wedge and remaining curry leaves.
. Note: To crush ice, place cubes in a dry tea towel and break with a rolling pin. Ice should be flaky, but not wet.