Cocktail Calendar For 2018

Twelve months, 12 drinks — this is what you should be looking forward to this year.

February 12, 2018

JANUARY

It’s been a crazy year-end, and I’m sure you’re in the mood to detox and unwind. That doesn’t mean you need to ditch the tipple, though. Here’s something easy and smooth, with a delicious wine kick.

Upper East Side Wine Cup (The Benedict Bistro & Bar)

Ingredients:

Red Wine

Berry Syrup

Mint Leaves

Cranberry Juice

Angostura Bitters

Method:

Add mint and other ingredients to a hurricane glass. top with crushed ice and garnish with mint sprigs and a slice of orange.

FEBRUARY

This Valentine’s Day, ditch the common red for 50 shades of black. This deliciously complex cocktail is a perfect introduction to the wicked things you will line up for the rest of the month.

Black Scandinavian (Tappa)

Ingredients:

Aquavit

Squid Ink Cream

White Cocoa Syrup

Egg White

Sea Salt Water

Citrus Soda

Method:

Mix all the ingredients except the egg white and sea salt water. Top the mixture with them and shake well. Strain and pour in a glass over ice. Top with citrus soda.

MARCH

As winter slowly recedes, it’s time to bring out the fruits and start enjoying tropical gifts.

Wood and Smoke (POH)

Ingredients:

Vodka

Litchi Juice

Pineapple Juice

Lemongrass

Fresh Pineapple

Kaffir Lime

Method:

Mix the vodka with the pineapple and litchi juices. Grind and add the lemongrass, and add the kaffir lime and pineapple separately into the mix. Strain and pour into a margarita glass.

APRIL

A perfect concoction to welcome spring, this cocktail looks as poetic as a haiku – and promises to be equally swift as a drink.

Butterfly Pea (Nara Thai)

Ingredients:

Pisco

Butterfly Pea-infused Vodka

Lime Juice

Sugar Syrup

Egg White

Method:

Shake all the ingredients together and pour into a champagne saucer. Garnish with dried butterfly pea.

MAY

The summer descends on us hot and heavy, and there’s nothing more soothing than enjoying the breeze in an open garden, with the trees rustling above a cocktail.

Sitting In An English Garden Waiting For The Sun (Slink and Bardot)

Ingredients:

Dry Gin

Elderflower

Cucumber Juice

Lime

Egg White

Lavender Bitters

Method:

Mix All The Ingredients Well And Pour Into A Martini Glass.

JUNE

As the monsoon sets in, driving away the last dregs of summer heat, you need your favourite book and a light, easy drink.

Life of Pie (Kode)

Ingredients:

Gin Mixed With Aperol

Grapefruit And Orange Decoction

Passionfruit Syrup

Lemon Juice

Bitters

Passionfruit Soda

Method:

Mix all the ingredients and top it up with homemade passionfruit soda.

JULY

Soaked to the bone, coffee or soup might not always be the best solution. How about a spicy kick to heat up all those homebound weekends?

Wasabi Martini (Conrad Pune)

Ingredients:

Vodka

Sugar Syrup

Lime Juice

Wasabi Paste

Cucumber Slice

Mint Leaves

Method:

In a shaker, muddle cucumber slices along with mint leaves, and add lime juice, sugar syrup, wasabi paste and vodka. Shake well and double-strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with cucumber flower and mint sprigs.

AUGUST

As the year moves into its more happening half, here’s an excuse to start the celebrations early.

La Caina (Xico)

Ingredients:

Tequila

Triple Sec

Chartreuse

Orgeat Syrup

Lime

Method:

Shake all the ingredients well and pour into a stemless wine glass.

SEPTEMBER

It is the month of the country’s biggest festivals, and here’s a desi addition to all the binge-eating and taash parties.

Punch Buggy (Sassy Spoon)

Ingredients:

Gin

Citrus Vodka

Sour Mix

Betel Leaves

Method:

Muddle one betel leaf in a boston shaker and add the rest of the ingredients, along with ice. Shake and strain into a martini glass.

OCTOBER

As the first hint of autumn settles into the city, you need the perfect concoction to accompany the humid evenings.

Jin Gin (Pa Pa Ya)

Ingredients:

Gin •Capsicum •Coriander Leaves •Thai Chilli Reduction •A Hint of Togarashi

Method:

Muddle and strain all the ingredients into a rock glass on ice.

NOVEMBER

Need the perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving vibe? Look no further.

Pumpkin Pie (Woodside Inn)

Ingredients:

Whisky

Roasted Pumpkin Purée

Honeycomb

Method:

Mix the ingredients well and pour into a stem glass. Finish off with a honeycomb rim.

DECEMBER

Let’s make Christmas a little interesting, shall we? Chuck the rum and the mulled wine and enjoy the company of a whisky cocktail, with heady hints of anise and kaffir lime, along with coffee and orange, for that final hallelujah.