It has a vibrant pink hue, perfect for Valentine's Day.
Step into the enchanting world of Indian cocktails this Valentine’s Day, where vibrant spices, exotic fruits and age-old traditions come together to create a symphony of flavour and romance.
As the day of love approaches, why not infuse your celebrations with India’s rich culture.
From tantalising tamarind martinis to decadent rose-infused cosmopolitans, Indian-inspired cocktails offer a unique and unforgettable way to toast to love and companionship.
Join us on a journey as we explore an array of captivating concoctions designed to add a touch of spice to your Valentine’s Day festivities.
Get ready to raise your glass and embark on a sensory adventure that promises to delight the palate and ignite the heart.
Devil’s Love Bite
This sweet and tangy cocktail is a combination of white rum, lemon juice, sugar syrup and strawberries.
It has a vibrant pink hue, perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Before serving, make sure to rim the glass with salt.
Ingredients
- 5 Strawberries
- 30ml white rum
- 1 tsp sugar syrup
- ½ Lemon, juiced
Method
- Begin by blending fresh strawberries until smooth, then strain the juice.
- Shake the remaining ingredients vigorously in a Boston shaker.
- Complete the cocktail by garnishing with a strawberry slice and a touch of salt around the rim of the glass.
Watermelon Mojito
Believed to increase libido, Watermelon Mojito is a great cocktail option for Valentine’s Day.
The sweetness of the watermelon provides a nice balance to the sourness of the lime, also providing a little extra body and fruity fullness to the drink.
Not only is it refreshing but watermelon has several health benefits, such as helping with weight management and being high in nutrients.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces rum
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 6-8 mint leaves
- 3½ ounces watermelon, cut into small cubes
Method
- In a cocktail shaker, mix together the watermelon and mint.
- Add the rum, lime juice and simple syrup. Add ice and shake well.
- Without straining, pour into a double rocks glass.
Indian Cosmopolitan
Due to its association with romance and celebration, the Cosmopolitan is a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
This Indian version uses Rooh Afza instead of cranberry juice.
Rooh Afza adds a fruity and floral flavour to the cocktail as it is made with rose petals and rose essence, ideal for the romantic occasion.
Ingredients
- 15ml Rooh Afza
- 20ml Triple Sec
- 15ml lemon juice
- 15ml orange juice
- 15ml sugar syrup
- 35ml vodka
- Ice cubes
- Orange wedge, to garnish
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes and combine all the ingredients.
- Shake vigorously until thoroughly mixed.
- Double-strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass, ensuring a smooth pour.
- Lightly rub the rim of the glass with the orange wedge, then use it as a garnish. Serve.
Tamarind Martini
This Tamarind Martini has a nice mix of sweetness and tang.
The chilli-rimmed glass provides a kick of heat which provides a nice surprise for Valentine’s Day.
When it comes to making this Indian cocktail, use tamarind concentrate and high-quality vodka to ensure a well-balanced drink.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce tamarind concentrate
- 4 ounces cold water
- 2 ounces vodka
- 6 tbsp chilli powder-sugar mixture
- 1 Lime, cut into wedges
- Ice
Method
- In a cocktail shaker, add the tamarind concentrate, water, vodka and ice. Shake until all the ingredients have fully mixed together.
- Use a lime wedge to coat the rim of a martini glass. Dip the glass into the chilli powder-sugar mix until the rim is coated.
- Pour in the cocktail and enjoy.
Jaisalmer Negroni
Although Negroni is a classic Italian cocktail, the inclusion of Jaisalmer craft gin adds an Indian twist.
It is traditionally stirred and the use of vermouth and Campari adds mellow herbal and bittersweet flavours.
It is a simple cocktail to enjoy during Valentine’s Day celebrations.
Ingredients
- 25ml Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin
- 25ml sweet vermouth
- 25ml Campari
Method
- In a rocks glass, stir all the ingredients over ice for approximately 20 seconds until chilled.
- Top with more ice and garnish with an orange peel twist.
Red Snapper
This is effectively a Bloody Mary cocktail but with gin instead of vodka.
Nevertheless, it still offers the same spicy kick but with subtle smells of juniper.
It is warming, spicy and really enjoyable to drink.
Ingredients
- Tomato juice (as needed)
- 50ml gin
- 4 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
- 3-6 dashes of Tabasco sauce
- A squeeze of lemon juice
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of black pepper
- A sprinkle of garam masala
- Ice
- 1 Celery stick, to garnish
Method
- Place the ice into a large tumbler.
- Add the lemon juice, salt, black pepper, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce and gin.
- Mix well then top up with tomato juice. Garnish with the celery stick and sprinkle over some garam masala. Serve immediately.
Jamuntini
Jamun fruit is a berry-like fruit that grows in India.
The combination of sweetness and tartness made it the ideal cocktail option for a fruit gin martini with an Indian twist.
It has a unique purple colour, great for Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients
- 12 Jamun
- 200ml lemon soda
- 75ml vodka
- 500ml apple juice
Method
- In a cocktail shaker, mix together the soda and apple juice until thoroughly blended.
- Pour the mixture into cocktail glasses and add the jamuns.
- Allow them to steep in the liquid for a few minutes. Just before serving, top up the glasses with fizzy lime soda.
As our exploration of Indian cocktails for Valentine’s Day draws to a close, we are left with a flavorful tapestry of traditions, spices and love-infused libations.
Each cocktail tells a story of romance and adventure, inviting us to savour every moment with our loved ones.
These Indian-inspired concoctions offer an enticing glimpse into a world of culinary creativity and cultural richness.
And these recipes show just how easy it is to make them.
So as you raise your glass to toast to love and companionship, may the spirit of India infuse your celebrations with warmth, flavour and unforgettable memories.