Masala Soda Highball Cocktail

Yes - chat masala is widely available in Indian grocery shops and supermarkets and using it to make the syrup (as the recipe suggests) is perfectly straightforward. That said, making your own spice blend gives you more control over heat and sweetness, so it's worth trying once you're comfortable with the basic recipe.

Absolutely. If you'd like it spicier, add an extra dried chilli when making the syrup, or muddle a small slice of fresh ginger directly in the glass before building the drink. To keep it milder, simply leave the chilli out altogether.

Yes, and it's better that way. Made ahead and stored in a sealed bottle in the fridge, the syrup will keep for up to two weeks and the spice flavours will continue to develop over time.

Yes. Replace the whisky with a non-alcoholic spirit or simply increase the soda water and add a small splash of cold brew tea for body and depth. The masala syrup and lime do most of the heavy lifting here, so the drink remains interesting without the alcohol.