5 Vodka Cocktail Recipes That Highlight Indian Flavours

Kala khatta, imli, gulab and paan are all flavours that are extremely familiar to the Indian palate. When they're infused into vodka cocktails, they make for delicious and flavourfully complex drinks. 

Read on for some vodka cocktail recipes that highlight these typically Indian flavours.

Imli Vodka Sour

Imli is a very common ingredient in Indian cooking that's known for its sour and tangy flavour. 

To craft an imli vodka sour, combine 60 ml of vodka, 30 ml of tamarind pulp, 20 ml of fresh lime juice and 20 ml of sugar syrup in a cocktail shaker that's filled with ice. Shake thoroughly and strain the mix into a cocktail glass that's filled with ice. 

Garnish the finished drink with a lime wedge or wheel or a tamarind pod.

Paan Vodka Martini Cocktail

In India, Paan or betel leaf, is eaten after meals and is known for its palate-cleansing and bitter taste. Utilising paan in a vodka cocktail will give you an aromatic and richly flavoured drink. 

To make a paan vodka martini cocktail, take one or two betel leaves, shred them and muddle them with 10 ml of gulkand (sweet rose preserve), and 15 ml of fresh lime juice in a cocktail shaker. Add 60 ml of vodka and ice, then shake the mixture well and strain it into a chilled martini cocktail glass, garnishing the drink with a small piece of a betel leaf.

Kala Khatta Vodka Fizz

Kala khatta, a beloved syrup made from black jamun (Indian blackberry), is tangy, sweet, and slightly salty, making it an ideal ingredient for a vodka cocktail. 

To concoct a kala khatta vodka fizz, mix 60ml of vodka, 30ml of kala khatta syrup, 20 ml of fresh lime juice, and a pinch of black salt in a cocktail shaker that's filled with ice. Mix the ingredients thoroughly then strain the mixture into a cocktail glass that's filled with ice. Top off with soda and stir the drink gently. 

Garnish with a slice of lime or a jamun. 

This cocktail’s tangy sweetness, balanced by a touch of salt, brings a taste that pairs well with spicy Indian snacks like chaat or pakoras.

Gulab Saffron Vodka Cooler

Gulab (rose) and saffron, both commonly used in Indian sweets and beverages, are popular flavours across India. Combining them in a vodka cocktail will make for an fragrant drink that's loaded with Indian flavours. 

Dissolve a few strands of saffron in 15 ml of warm water, allowing the flavours of the spice to release.  Mix 60 ml of vodka, 15 ml of rose syrup, the saffron mix and 20 ml of fresh lime juice. Add in some ice and mix everything thoroughly. 

Strain the mixture into a cocktail glass that's filled with ice, top it off with soda and garnish your cocktail with rose petals and a few strands of saffron.

Nimbu Mirchi Vodka Spritz

The nimbu mirchi (lemon and chilli) combination is a popular condiment in Indian street food. When it is used in a vodka cocktail, it adds flavour to the drink. 

To make a nimbu mirchi vodka spritz, muddle 1-2 green chillies with 30ml of fresh lemon juice and 10 ml of sugar syrup in a cocktail shaker. Next, add 60 ml of vodka and ice, then shake all the ingredients thoroughly until the drink is chilled. Strain the mix into a highball glass that's filled with ice and top it off with soda or sparkling water. 

Garnish the drink with a chilli or a wedge of lemon.