Diwali parties are no fun if cocktails are missing. Imagine organising a taash (playing cards) party with guests only munching on food with fruit juices or water on the side. The gathering does not seem nearly as fun as cocktails and spicy finger foods gracing the spread and people around you enjoying parties with the utmost enthusiasm.
John Royerr, Founder, Ochre Spirits, shared rum cocktail recipes to spice up your Diwali celebrations. He said, “Artisanal and flavoured spirits make it very easy to churn out great tasting cocktails without the pain of finding and buying expensive and hard-to-find ingredients. Their multifaceted flavour and complex tones are transformed into unique cocktails by adding just a few simple ingredients. Their smoothness and taste elevate the whole drinking experience and make it delightful.”
Berry Basil Smash
Ingredients
- 60 ml rum
- 6 fresh basil leaves
- 30 ml fresh lime juice
- 15 ml honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
- Soda water
- Fresh berries for garnish
Instructions
- In a shaker, muddle basil leaves with lime juice and honey syrup.
- Add rum and fill with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a highball glass with ice.
- Top with soda water.
- Garnish with fresh berries and a basil leaf.
Berry Rum Spritzer
Ingredients
- 60 ml rum
- 10 ml fresh lime juice
- Club soda
- Fresh berries (blackberries, raspberries, or blueberries)
- Mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Use a shaker to combine the rum and fresh lime juice.
- Add ice and fresh berries to a glass.
- Pour the mixture over the ice and berries.
- Top off with club soda.
- Garnish with mint leaves and a few extra berries on top.
Berry Rum Ginger Fizz
Ingredients
- 60 ml rum
- 30 ml fresh orange juice
- 15 ml ginger syrup (or freshly grated ginger with a bit of water)
- Club soda
- Orange slice for garnish
Instructions
- In a shaker, prepare a concoction of rum, fresh orange juice, and ginger syrup. Shake well.
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour the mixture over the ice.
- Top off with club soda.
- Garnish with an orange slice.
Berry Rum Rosemary Cooler
Ingredients
- 60 ml rum
- 30 ml cranberry juice (unsweetened)
- 15 ml honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
- Club soda
- Rosemary sprig for garnish
Instructions
- In a shaker, mix rum, cranberry juice, and honey (if using). Shake well.
- Fill a glass with ice and a sprig of rosemary.
- Pour the mixture over the ice.
- Top off with club soda.
- Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig.