Diwali Cheers: Cocktail Pairings with Festive Indian Sweets

Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time when households are adorned with beautiful lamps, and sweets take centre stage. The tradition of exchanging sweets is an integral part of Diwali, and what better way to enhance the celebration than by pairing these delectable treats with carefully crafted cocktails? Here are some delightful cocktail pairings to complement your favourite festive Indian sweets by Amber Deshmukh, Certified Sommelier Court of Master Sommeliers of Monika Alcobev.

Gulab Jamun and Rose Martini

Gulab Jamun: A classic, syrup-soaked Indian sweet made from deep-fried milk-solid balls, flavoured with cardamom, and rose water.

Rose Martini: A fragrant cocktail with floral notes that perfectly complements the sweetness of Gulab Jamun.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Hayman’s Peach & Rose Cup Gin
• 1/2 oz Rose Syrup
• 1/2 oz Lime Juice
• Rose petals (Garnish)

Method:

1. In a shaker, combine Hayman’s Peach & Rose Cup Gin, rose syrup, and lime juice.
2. Shake well with ice.
3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
4. Garnish with fresh rose petals.

Jalebi and Saffron Sling

Jalebi: Crispy, coiled sweets made from deep-fried flour batter and soaked in sugar syrup, known for their vibrant orange colour and sweet syrupy goodness.

Saffron Sling: A refreshing cocktail with saffron-infused flavours that harmonize with the syrupy sweetness of Jalebi.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Russian Standard Vodka
• 1 oz Saffron-infused Simple Syrup
• 1/2 oz Lime Juice
• Soda
• Saffron threads (Garnish)

Method:

1. In a glass, combine Russian Standard Vodka, saffron syrup, and lime juice.
2. Fill the glass with ice and top it off with soda.
3. Stir gently.
4. Garnish with a few saffron threads.

Rasgulla and Coconut Colada

Rasgulla: Soft and spongy cheese balls soaked in a sugary, fragrant rosewater syrup, a beloved Bengali sweet.

Coconut Colada: A tropical cocktail with creamy coconut and pineapple flavours that balance the sweetness of Rasgulla.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Viva El Ron White Rum
• 3 oz Coconut Milk
• 2 oz Pineapple Juice
• Pineapple wedge and shredded coconut (Garnish)

Method:

1. In a blender, combine Viva El Ron White Rum, coconut milk, and pineapple juice with crushed ice.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour into a glass.
4. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a sprinkle of shredded coconut.

Kaju Katli and Almond Amaretto Sour

Kaju Katli: A rich and creamy Indian sweet made from ground cashews and topped with edible silver foil, known for its nutty, delicate flavour.

Almond Amaretto Sour: A nutty and tangy cocktail that enhances the nuttiness of Kaju Katli.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Conciere Amaretto
• 1 oz Lime Juice
• 1/2 oz Almond Syrup
• Maraschino cherry and lemon slice (Garnish)

Method:

1. In a shaker, combine Conciere Amaretto, lime juice, and almond syrup.
2. Shake well with ice.
3. Strain into a rock glass.
4. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a lemon slice.