Of Chillies & Cloves: Here’s How to Desi-fy That Boring Cocktail

Thought Indian spices were confined to just the kitchen? Now, add some zing to your boring ol’ cocktail.

Add some spice to your drink. (Photo: iStockphoto)

For long, Indian spices were just restricted to Indian curries and vegetables. However, just like the aroma of these spices, their popularity has travelled far and wide and found their place in cocktails too.

Spices like cinnamon, star anise, cloves, fennel seeds, etc., are now being used as party staples to spice up cocktails.

Here are a few cocktails that make use of these aromatic seasonings and which will spice up your cocktail parties.

1. Nutmeg Powder with Eggnog

Nothing says a tropical holiday like this classic eggnog. And yes, it gets better with a delicious Indian spice like the nutmeg!

As long as you have eggs, cream, milk and rum or brandy at home, you can always whip up your eggnog. This is popularly known as ‘egg punch’ and is a rich, chilled dairy beverage.

2. Hot Toddy and Cinnamon

This is like a warm hug on a cold winter day.

3. Raw Mango Cocktail and Fennel Seeds

With mango season almost upon us, you can’t go wrong with this cocktail.

You could also top it off with a dash of lime and mint leaves to take the freshness quotient a notch higher. So get stirring and sipping.

4. Green Chilli With Gimlet

This is one of the easiest cocktails to try this summer (provided you aren’t faint of heart).

As you sip, the sweet and spicy flavours run amok in your mouth making it an absolute must try!

5. Red Chilli and Guava Mary
This drink is ‘sugar and spice and all things nice’. A perfect summer cooler and a great day cocktail – just what you need to cool you down by a few degrees and brace against the hot sun.

6. Cloves and Star Anise in Mulled Wine
Of European origin, this drink is a celebration of red wine and Indian spices. Popularly had during Christmas, the mulled wine can be had all year round too when you’re feeling a little too festive!

(A freelance food and fashion blogger, Pranjali Bhonde Pethe aims at getting people and their favourite food and style closer through her blog moipalate. Email her at [e-mail] and follow her on @moipalate.)