5 Sugarcane Cocktails That You Must Definitely Try

While making cocktails, one often wonders what could possibly be the base for the concoction. It shouldn't be too bland or too robust. Often sweeter drinks are used as bases for some of the most-loved cocktails. To get that sweetness, mostly syrups using artificial sweeteners or sugar are used. However, what if one told you there’s an alternative to these syrups, something Indians have preferred for centuries? Sweet and juicy, it makes for a nice drink, especially during the summer months. Yes, the sugarcane!

The sweetness of the sugarcane acts as a nice base for the spirit and makes the concoction taste better. Here are some cocktails that use sugarcane juice as their primary base:

1. The Classic Mojito Cocktail

Often the most preferred cocktail among people, Mojito cocktail is also the easiest to put together.

Ingredients (Serves 1)

30 ml white rum 15 ml sugarcane juice 15 ml fresh lime juice 15 ml Soda water Fresh mint leaves Ice, cubes or crushed - as per choice

Method

In a highball glass, muddle the mint leaves with lime juice. Then add the rum and the sugarcane juice. Top it with soda water and the ice cubes, and stir gently.

2. Mr Cane

The robust flavours of whisky get balanced with the sweetness of the sugarcane juice, similarly, the tanginess of the lemon juice gets accentuated by the depth of the ginger juice. And the result: a nice blend of flavours.

Ingredients (Serves 1)

30 ml Black and White whisky (or any other whisky of choice) 45 ml sugarcane juice 15 ml fresh lemon juice 10 ml ginger juice 15-20 fresh mint leaves Lemon wheel or mint sprig, for garnish Crushed ice

Method

In a shaker, muddle the mint leaves with lemon juice and ginger juice. Then add whisky and sugarcane juice and shake well. Then strain the concoction into an old-fashioned glass and top it with crushed ice. Use a lemon wheel or a mint sprig to garnish. Serve cold.

Also Read: Sugarcane Cocktails That Pair Like A Dream With Caribbean Food

3. Sweet Sunrise

A drink for any event. You can make this in batches and serve your guests along with a range of sizzlers or barbeques. This drink is light and flavourful.

Ingredients (Serves 1)

15 ml Don Julio tequila (or any other tequila of choice) 90 ml orange juice 30 ml sugarcane juice 15 ml Grenadine Orange slice for garnish Ice cubes, as required

Method

Fill a martini cocktail glass with ice. Pour tequila, orange juice, and sugarcane juice over the ice. Slowly pour grenadine over the back of a spoon to form layers. Garnish with an orange slice and some more ice.

4. Pineapple Punch

This cocktail is packed with flavours and is yet again another nice topical cocktail. This could also make for a nice mocktail if one were to remove the dark rum and instead use a cola or lime soda.

Ingredients (Serves 1)

30 ml Captain Morgan dark rum (or any other dark rum of choice) 30 ml sugarcane juice 60 ml pineapple juice 15 ml grenadine Pineapple slice, for garnish Ice cubes

Method

In a shaker, add the rum, sugarcane juice and pineapple juice with plenty of ice. Shake well until chilled, then pour in the grenadine slowly and then strain into a glass filled with some more ice. Garnish with a pineapple slice.

5. Berry Mojito Cocktail

Packed with the flavours of berries and the sweetness of sugarcane juice, this is nothing less than a sweet daiquir cocktail served on summer days. It goes best with some salad or cheese spread.

Ingredients (Serves 1)

30 ml Smirnoff vodka 30 ml sugarcane juice Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) 3-4 Fresh mint leaves 60 ml Soda water Crushed ice

Method

In a highball glass, muddle the berries with mint. Add the vodka, sugarcane juice, and ice. Top with soda water and stir gently. Use some mint leaves for garnish.