Meghana HarikumarBengaluru: The clink of ice in a glass, the sizzle of the grill and splashes of water. Now, the days are long, and you find yourself lounging by the poolside with friends, thirsting for something refreshing. That means it’s time to whip up some summer cocktail recipes. So, grab your shaker, summon your inner mixologist, and let The Balcony Stories toast to lazy afternoons, starlit evenings, and the sheer joy of sipping something cool!
East India Julep
Ingredients:
- Signature premier Whisky -45ml
- Kaffir lime leaves 3 numbers (Gondoraj Lime – 3 chunks)
- Mint cordial – 10ml
- Fresh lime juice- 10 ml
- Soda – 90ml
Method:
- Muddled and built over ice in a tall hi ball glass.
- Garnish with kaffir lime leaf
Known for its esoteric ability to push people into a paroxysm of happy memories. From livening up an insipid, watery dal to complimenting a flavourful helping of fish or meat, or even the world-famous Phuchka, Gondhoraj lebu, eastern India’s best kept culinary secret, has constantly been pushing Bengali cuisine to newer heights—transforming a gastronomic experience into something much more than taste. Here’s to the East India Julep!
Chicago Smash
Ingredients:
- Royal Challenge American Pride Bourbon: 50ml
- Orange juice: 30ml
- Lime juice: 15ml
- Sugar Syrup: 15ml
- Orange Chucks
- Basil Leaves
Method:
- Crush orange chunks and basil leaves in a glass
- Add Bourbon, orange juice, lime juice, sugar syrup and ice.
- Top with soda and crushed ice
Chicago Smash, a vibrant cocktail that captures the essence of the Windy City in every sip. Crafted with Royal Challenge American Pride Bourbon, orange juice, lime juice, and a hint of sugar syrup, this libation balances rich bourbon depth with citrusy zest. Muddled orange chunks and basil leaves add a fresh, herbaceous touch, elevating the experience. Topped with soda and crushed ice, it’s a refreshing indulgence perfect for any occasion. Whether as a prelude to revelry or a leisurely sip on a sunny day, the Chicago Smash embodies the artistry of mixology and the vibrant spirit of Chicago. Cheers to its timeless allure!
Rangpur Mogra Martini
Ingredients:
- 60ml Tanqueray Rangpur Lime
- 30ml Mogra syrup
- 20ml lime juice
Garnish: Cherry
Method: Shake all the ingredients well.
Rangpur Mogra Martini, a harmonious symphony of flavors that tantalizes the senses and transports you to a world of exotic indulgence. This enchanting cocktail combines the zesty allure of Tanqueray Rangpur Lime with the delicate essence of Mogra and the bright tang of citrus. With each sip, you’re whisked away on a sensory journey, where fragrant blooms mingle with vibrant citrus notes, creating a melody of taste that dances on your palate. Shaken to perfection, this martini embodies elegance and sophistication, while a garnish of cherry adds a final flourish of indulgence. Step into a realm of opulence and delight with the Rangpur Mogra Martini.
Cheers to love
Ingredients:
- 60ml Singleton12/15
- 2 dashes of aromatic bitters
- 2 dashes of chocolate bitters
- 1 sugar cube
Garnish: Dark chocolate cube
Method: In a tall glass, build up all the ingredients over ice cube
Raise your glass to “Cheers to Love,” a tantalizing elixir that embodies the essence of romance and indulgence. Crafted with the finest Singleton 12/15, this cocktail is a symphony of flavours, enriched with aromatic bitters and a hint of chocolate bitters, all infused overnight in a terracotta jar, allowing the ingredients to intertwine and deepen in complexity. As you take each sip, you’re greeted with a melody of rich, nuanced notes, a perfect balance of sweetness and depth. Served over ice in a tall glass, it’s a tribute to love’s enduring allure. Garnished with a decadent dark chocolate cube, every moment spent savouring this cocktail is a celebration of love’s sweetness and complexity. Cheers to love!
Malt & Malta
Ingredients:
- 60 ml Johnnie Walker Blonde
- 20 ml Malta orange Marmalade
- 20 ml Fresh lime juice
- Few mint leaves
Garnish: Orange peel on the rim of the glass with the spring of mint interested in it
Method: Shake all the ingredients well
“Malt & Malta,” a spirited concoction that marries the bold character of Johnnie Walker Blonde with the zesty allure of orange marmalade and the refreshing tang of lime mint. This vibrant libation is a symphony of flavours, each ingredient harmonizing to create a memorable drinking experience. Crafted with 60ml of Johnnie Walker Blonde, infused with 20ml of Malta orange marmalade and a splash of fresh lime juice, it’s a celebration of boldness and zest. Shaken to perfection, the cocktail is elevated by the addition of fresh mint leaves, imparting a delightful aroma and invigorating freshness. Garnished with an orange peel adorning the rim of the glass, accented by a sprig of mint, “Malt & Malta” is a true embodiment of sophistication and indulgence. Cheers to the perfect blend of flavours!
Salter Melon Spiritz
Ingredients:
- 60 ml Black & White
- 20ml Melon Syrup
- 15ml Fresh Lime Juice
- 2gm Salt
- 120ml Soda Water
Garnish: Muskmelon Slice
Method: In a high ball, build up all the ingredients over a few ice cubes
“Salter Melon Spiritz,” a tantalizing blend that captures the essence of summer in every sip. Crafted with 60ml of Black & White whisky, infused with the refreshing sweetness of melon syrup and the zesty kick of fresh lime juice, this spirited concoction is elevated by a touch of salt, adding depth and complexity to the flavour profile. Topped with effervescent soda water, it’s a celebration of bold contrasts and vibrant flavours. Served in a highball glass over ice cubes and garnished with a luscious muskmelon slice, “Salter Melon Spiritz” is a refreshing indulgence that invigorates the senses and transports you to sun-kissed days by the beach.
Berry Ginger Dash
Ingredients:
- Smirnoff 45ml
- 8 pieces Fresh Mulberry
- 15ml Fresh lime juice
- 25ml Honey Syrup
- 10ml Fresh Ginger juice
- 60ml Soda water
- 60 ml Ginger ale
Garnish: Mint springs, fresh mulberries
Method: Add mulberries to the glass and muddle them. Then add rest of the ingredients and ice cubes and then add crushed ice to build the cocktail.
“Berry Ginger Dash,” a burst of fruity freshness with a spicy twist. Muddle 8 pieces of fresh mulberry in a glass to release their juicy essence, then infuse with 15ml of fresh lime juice, 25ml of honey syrup, and 10ml of zesty fresh ginger juice. Add 60ml of soda water and 60ml of ginger ale for a delightful fizz. Garnish with a flourish of mint springs and plump, ripe mulberries for a visual treat. Served over ice cubes and crushed ice, this vibrant libation is a symphony of flavours, perfect for sipping on lazy summer afternoons or sharing with friends at festive gatherings. Cheers to the invigorating allure of the “Berry Ginger Dash”!
Beat The Heat
Ingredients:
- 50 ml Gordons
- 150 ml Italian Lemonade
Garnish: Italian Lemon Wedges
In a high ball, build up all the ingredients over a few ice cubes.
“Beat The Heat,” a refreshing elixir designed to quench your thirst and invigorate your senses. Crafted with 50ml of Gordon’s gin and 150ml of Italian lemonade, this cocktail is a symphony of citrusy refreshment. Served over ice cubes in a highball glass and garnished with Italian lemon wedges, each sip offers a cool respite from the sweltering heat. With lively effervescence and juniper-infused elegance, “Beat The Heat” is not just a drink—it’s a celebration of sunshine and relaxation. Cheers to lazy afternoons, cool breezes, and the joy of sipping on something truly refreshing.
In a world where every sip tells a story, these meticulously crafted cocktails transcend mere libations, becoming portals to moments of bliss and indulgence. From the vibrant streets of Chicago to the exotic allure of Eastern India, each drink weaves a narrative of flavour, culture, and tradition. Whether it’s the citrusy zest of the Rangpur Mogra Martini or the bold sophistication of the Malt & Malta, every cocktail is a testament to the artistry and creativity of mixology. So, raise your glass and embark on a sensory journey, where every sip is a celebration of life’s rich tapestry. Here’s to love, laughter, and the timeless allure of the perfect cocktail. Cheers!
Meghana Harikumar
Editor
