Indian Mint Variety: How Pudina Differs From Global Mint Variations In Cocktails

Mint has a distinctly sharp flavour and an equally stark aroma that is introduced into cocktails to build pronounced tasting notes in blends. From garnishes to infusions, mint has a variety of uses in cocktail craft. In Indian kitchens, the pudina or mentha arvensis is often found as an ingredient added to chutneys, sauces, dips and certain curries and rice varieties for its peppery flavour and herbal finish. Within mixology too, pudina has a role to play as it is an essential ingredient in building mocktails like jaljeera and cocktails like the masala gin and tonic.  

However, the Indian variation of mint differs from its global counterparts in several areas. This is one of the reasons it is incorporated in drinks which contain masala-like, robust herbal flavours. A pro mixology tip would then be to use pudina instead of peppermint or spearmint to prepare certain cocktails containing tasting notes that carry a touch of Indian flavours.  

Here are some of the ways in which pudina differs from global mint variations and why it is used in making cocktails which contain a mix of spicy, sweet and acidic flavours:  

Earthy And Peppery Flavour  

The classic pudina or Indian mint has a more pronounced peppery flavour than a global rendition of spearmint or peppermint. This peppery note signifies higher proportions of menthol which means more amount of flavour when the herb is muddled into cocktails. As the pudina leaves release their oils into drinks, so too the flavour of the cocktail can be more well-formed. The earthiness of the herb gives it a more pungent quality too, that contrasts the milder and sweeter notes in other global mint variations.  

More Menthol Content  

More menthol content in pudina means a sharp taste. This is different from the lighter and delicate flavours of peppermint. The additional menthol gives pudina a more robust spice so that it can be used as a garnish to infuse complexity into cocktails. Prepare a jaljeera fizz using 30 ml Tanqueray No. 10 Gin and garnish it with pudina leaves to incorporate this sharp menthol flavour into the cocktail.   

Herbal Undertones  

Another reason why pudina is an effective addition to cocktails is because of its herbaceous undertone. It is here that the mint differs from many global variations which lack this savoury touch. These herbal notes not only make pudina an interesting addition to citrus-forward or sweet drinks but they also play a role in building into the savoury and botanical notes in drinks crafted out of gin or vodka. This makes the pudina a sought after herb in the making of both cocktails like the citrusy gin and lime spritzer and other savoury drinks such as a vodka and cucumber fizz made using 30 ml Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka.   

Effective Aroma  

Pudina or the Indian mint variation has a recognisable aroma which builds into the overall finish of any cocktail. This herbal fragrance is complete with hints of pepper and a slight grassiness that lends the olfactory feel of the mint a savoury touch. Where spearmint might be suitable for milder teas or sweet cocktails, pudina can be added to herby cocktails like a mojito or a minty moscow mule so its aroma contributes to shaping the complexity of spiced or citrus-forward beverages.   

Suitable For Infusions  

Another aspect of the pudina’s robust flavours and aromas that distinguish it from global mint variations is that it is well-suited for infusions. Boiling pudina leaves in water will lead to the creation of an aromatic herbal tea infusion that can be turned into flavoured simple syrup used in making cocktails. Globally too, pudina is sometimes preferred for brewing teas and making spirit infusions because the pronounced flavours of the herb can seep more smoothly into beverages.