The Grand Raan Affair: These Luxe, Lavish Drinks Deserve An Invite Too

One of the most luxurious, lavish and extravagant parties across several cultures in the Indian subcontinent, a grand raan affair is nothing but a coming together of guests at your home as you slow-cook a leg of lamb marinated in a number of different spices and masalas. The centrepiece of the raan party is this piece of lamb, which is cooked until it falls off the bone. Marinated in a mixture of herbs like coriander, mint, garlic and spices like ginger, cinnamon and even saffron, this slow-cooked meat is a very luxe dish often prepared at a celebratory or festive house party.

And undoubtedly, what goes well with such a grand raan meal is different cocktail blends which spell such elegance and luxury. The drinks served at the raan party should be such that they compliment the umami and spicy notes of the meat that is either grilled or roasted and which build into the overall flavour profile of these Indian flavours without overwhelming the palate.

Read on below to know more about some of the luxurious and lavish cocktails that can be blended exclusively while hosting a grand raan party at home:

Nawabi Smoked Old Fashioned

A royal take on the classic old fashioned cocktail, this drink is sheer luxury that befits a grand raan party. Prepare the nawabi smoked old fashioned by bringing together 30 ml of premium quality bourbon with a tablespoon of syrup that is a blend of aromatic saffron and jaggery. Add a dash of clove syrup to the recipe too, and serve the drink on a bed of ice. Robust, spicy flavours of the umami old fashioned go well with the earthy and meaty notes of the roasted lamb often served with a side of fragrant rice cooked in aromatic spices and herbs.

Put a luxurious twist on the French 75 recipe by blending a thoroughly exquisite 30 ml bubbly champagne with saffron syrup. The drink will acquire a rich, yellowish golden hue which is symbolic of grandeur and opulence. The zaffran 75 can be finished off with just a hint of lime juice that builds a citrusy and tangy effect into the recipe. Introduce the herbaceous notes of about 20 ml Tanqueray No. 10 Gin or any other premium gin of choice in the drink for that subtle savoury edge.

One of the finest fruits popularly incorporated into drinks during summer weather, kokum can be an interesting addition to grand cocktails which pair with slow-cooked, succulent lamb. The acidity and tang of kokum syrup coupled with the tart and fizzy note of 30 ml good quality brut champagne will introduce complex tasting notes into a blend which is accentuated further with a rose petal and gold leaf garnish. Delicate and lightly tart, this drink cuts through the lamb fat with sheer elegance and heightens the grand raan theme.

Dates are one of the most exquisite ingredients that can be used to prepare cocktails at such a themed affair. The deep, earthy sweetness of this dried fruit syrup coupled with the spicy, zingy flavours of 15 ml fizzy ginger beer go well with the caramelised notes of 30 ml Captain Morgan Dark Rum or any other premium rum of choice. Build this drink on a bed of ice so all these varied flavours become more pronounced.

Another interesting offering at a grand raan party could be the spice route sangria prepared by bringing together 30 ml good quality Indian made red wine with fruits such as pomegranate and a mix of spices including saffron, cinnamon, cardamom and more. The sweet, spicy and tangy notes of this fruity sangria are thoroughly suited to a meal featuring contrasting umami and earthy notes of slow-cooked meat.

Also Read: Hacks To Properly Chill Your Cocktails And Glasses For Your Next Party