Saenggang Soju
The Saenggang Soju cocktail has a warm, spicy, and slightly sweet taste. The ginger adds a zesty kick, while the soju provides a smooth and clean finish.
Himalayan Ghost Cocktail Recipe
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Himalayan Ghost Nutrition Facts
Calories:200
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:15g
Alcohol %:40
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 7, 2024
Contents
History
The Himalayan Ghost is a cocktail that was first created in the high-altitude bars of Nepal. It was designed to warm up the climbers who were braving the harsh conditions of the Himalayas. The cocktail quickly gained popularity among the locals and tourists alike, and it's now a staple in many bars around the world. It's a favorite among those who enjoy a strong, warming drink with a hint of spice.
How Himalayan Ghost Tastes?
The Himalayan Ghost is a strong, warming cocktail with a spicy kick. The taste is a unique blend of smoky, sweet, and spicy, with a hint of citrus. The heat from the ginger and the chilli is balanced out by the sweetness of the honey and the tartness of the lime.
Interesting facts about Himalayan Ghost
- The Himalayan Ghost was first created in Nepal.
- It's a warming cocktail, designed to help climbers deal with the cold conditions of the Himalayas.
- Despite its name, the cocktail doesn't contain any ghost peppers.
Ingredients
A few good options for Himalayan Ghost are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
Whiskey
Whiskey is the spirit backbone of this drink, providing a robust and deep flavor. Use 2oz for a balanced strength; any less may get overpowered by the other ingredients, more could hijack the drink into bourbon brutishness. An alternative could be rye for a spicier twist or Scotch for a smoky layer.
Mary Mitkina
Ginger
This zesty root adds a spicy, piquant kick, that can help settle the stomach and warm the soul. Muddling it well is key for a full flavor infusion. No ginger, no zing – and we're making a ghost, not a spiritless specter! Sub it with galangal if you want a more earthy punch.
Emma Rose
Chilli
Chilli provides a bit of heat, just one piece so it doesn't turn into a flame thrower. Substituting with cayenne or paprika could vary the heat profile, giving you a ghost with a different kind of haunt.
Alex Green
Honey
Nature's sweetener here offers a calm amidst the storm of flavors. One tablespoon should suffice; it's about harmony, not turning the drink into Winnie the Pooh's dream. Omitting honey makes the drink sharper, but maple syrup could be a flavorful alternative.
Mary Mitkina
Lime
This citrus fruit is for that tangy twist; it's what gives this ghost its spirited howl. One piece should do it – too much and we're sailing the sour seas, too little and it's barely a whisper. Lemon could step in if lime is elusive, with a brighter, less tropical note.
Emma Rose
Ice
It chills, it dilutes, it's the unsung hero. As needed because every hero knows their limit; too much and the drink's as watered down as a ghost in a washing machine, too little and it hardly cools the flames.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Himalayan Ghost Drink
- Muddle the ginger and chilli in a shaker.
- Add the whiskey, honey, and lime juice.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
- Strain the cocktail into a glass and serve.
Pro Tips
- Use a good quality whiskey for the best taste.
- Adjust the amount of chilli according to your taste.
- If you like your cocktails sweeter, you can add more honey.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizer Pairings
- Grilled shrimp: The smoky flavor pairs wonderfully with the spicy kick of the cocktail.
- Samosas: The spices in Indian samosas complement the spiciness and zestiness of the Himalayan Ghost.
Main Course Pairings
- Barbecue ribs: The sweetness of the barbecue sauce can provide a nice balance to the heat of the cocktail.
- Tandoori chicken: The robust flavors of tandoori mesh well with the boldness of the whiskey and the heat of the ginger and chilli.
Dessert Pairings
- Lemon tart: The citrusy dessert could enhance the lime's fresh flavor in the cocktail.
- Dark chocolate: The bitterness can stand up to the strong flavors and provide a delightful contrast.
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What you could change in Himalayan Ghost
- You can substitute the whiskey with rum or brandy.
- If you don't have fresh ginger, you can use ginger syrup or ginger liqueur.
Explore all drinks starting with H here
And of course - twists🍹
Smoky Himalayan Ghost
- Ingredients: 2oz Scotch (preferably one with a pronounced smokiness), the rest the same.
- Recipe: Follow the original, but with a smoky Scotch.
- This twist will send shivers down your spine with a whisper of peat and smoke that swirls with the Himalayan heat like a bonfire in the mountains.
Green Ghost
- Ingredients: Replace whiskey with 2oz of green Chartreuse, and chilli with a small slice of jalapeño.
- Recipe: Muddle the ginger and jalapeño, then mix with green Chartreuse, honey, and lime, following the same steps afterward.
- A mystical blend of herbal flavors, this twist will feel like a stroll through a haunted herbal garden, with a hot bite lurking behind each leaf.
Honeyed Ghost
- Ingredients: Replace honey with 1tbsp agave nectar, and add a cinnamon stick for garnish.
- Recipe: Muddle ginger and chilli, then add whiskey, agave nectar, and lime, following the original method. Garnish with cinnamon stick.
- The agave brings a smoother sweetness and an ethereal quality, while cinnamon whispers ancient secrets as it dances with the ginger and chilli flames.
In case you forgot basics how to make Himalayan Ghost
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainThe key to proper muddling is to crush the ingredients just enough to release their flavors and not overdo it. Over-muddling can result in a bitter taste, especially with herbs.
Learn everything on how to muddleFind the cocktail you'd love!
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Frequently Asked Questions on Himalayan Ghost
Can I use any type of whiskey for this cocktail?
Yes, you can use any type of whiskey but using a good quality whiskey is advised for the best taste.
Is this cocktail served hot or cold?
The Himalayan Ghost is served cold. Despite this, it's named as a 'warming' cocktail because of the warming sensation the drink gives due to its ingredients.
What glassware should I use to serve this cocktail?
The Himalayan Ghost is typically served in a sturdy, clear glass to highlight its golden color and rustic charm.
What garnish can be used for this cocktail?
This cocktail is typically garnished with a slice of lime and a small red chilli.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail?
Yes, you can substitute the whiskey with a non-alcoholic ginger ale or apple juice. The taste will be different but it can still provide a warming sensation.
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