Cucumber Cooler
The Cucumber Cooler is a crisp, refreshing, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of tartness from the lime juice. It has a light, clean taste with a subtle cucumber flavor.
Indian Summer Cocktail Recipe
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Indian Summer Nutrition Facts
Calories:210
Fat:0g
Protein:1g
Carbohydrates:30g
Alcohol:12%
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 Indian Summer cocktail is a refreshing and fruity concoction that was created to capture the essence of a warm, sunny day in India. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy tropical flavors and a touch of spice. It is believed to have been first crafted in the early 20th century by British expats living in India, who wanted to create a drink that reminded them of the vibrant colors and flavors of their adopted home.
How Indian Summer Tastes?
The Indian Summer cocktail is a delightful blend of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. The sweetness of the mango and the tartness of the lime juice create a perfect balance, while the ginger and chili add a subtle heat that lingers on the palate. The overall taste is refreshing, fruity, and exotic.
Interesting facts about Indian Summer
- The Indian Summer cocktail is named after the period of unseasonably warm weather that occurs in autumn, which is often referred to as an 'Indian summer'.
- The combination of mango, ginger, and chili is a common flavor profile in Indian cuisine, making this cocktail a perfect representation of its namesake.
- The Indian Summer cocktail can be easily customized by adjusting the amount of chili and ginger to suit individual preferences for heat and spice.
Ingredients
- Mango puree: 2 oz(60ml)
- Lime juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Ginger syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Chili infused vodka: 1.5 oz(45ml)
- Ice: As needed
- Mint leaves: 3-4
- Garnish: 1 Chili Pepper
- 1 lime wheel:
A few good options for Indian Summer are:
- Grey Goose
- Belvedere
- Khor
- Smirnoff
A few good options for Indian Summer are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
Mango Puree
- Why 2oz? It's the sweet, tropical backbone of our drink! Too little? You'll miss the mango's loving embrace. Too much? It's a smoothie, not a cocktail!
Mary Mitkina
Lime Juice
- Why 1oz? Brightness alert! This brings the zesty twist we all crave. Skip it, and the drink becomes a one-dimensional mango puddle.
Alex Green
Ginger Syrup
- Why 0.5oz? The sweet, spicy zing! It's a symphony with a ginger kick. No ginger? The drink lacks spunk. Overdo it? You've entered gingerbread man territory.
Emma Rose
Chili-infused Vodka
- Why 1.5oz? The boozy heat engine. Less than 1.5oz, it's a mocktail. More, and the fire department's on standby.
Mary Mitkina
Ice
- As Needed: To chill, not water down. Shake it like a Polaroid picture!
Alex Green
Mint Leaves
- 3-4 Leaves: A minty whisper. Too few, it's mute; too many, it's a jungle.
Emma Rose
Garnishes
- Chili Pepper & Lime Wheel: The dazzling duo - it's not just a drink; it's a show!
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Indian Summer Drink
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the mango puree, lime juice, ginger syrup, and chili-infused vodka.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a chili pepper, lime wheel, and mint leaves.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Chill the glass before pouring the cocktail to keep it cool for longer.
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for a more vibrant flavor.
- For a smoother texture, strain the mango puree before using.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Spicy grilled shrimp: The heat from the shrimp complements the chili kick in the cocktail.
- Samosas: The sweet and spicy profile of the Indian Summer pairs well with the complex spices in samosas.
Main Dishes
- Tandoori chicken: The citrus note of the cocktail balances the smokiness of the chicken.
- Paneer tikka: The mango and chili flavors in the drink echo the marinade of the paneer.
Desserts
- Coconut rice pudding: A creamy dessert to cool down the spice after the cocktail.
- Mango sorbet: Accentuate the mango flavors in both the sorbet and the cocktail.
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What you could change in Indian Summer
- Peach puree can be used instead of mango for a different flavor profile.
- If you can't find chili-infused vodka, use regular vodka and add a dash of chili powder.
- Lemon juice can be used as a substitute for lime juice.
Explore all drinks starting with I here
And of course - twists🍹
Mango-Coconut Indian Summer
- Ingredients: Substitute coconut milk for ginger syrup.
- Recipe: Same as original, but use coconut milk instead of ginger syrup. This version takes you to a beach in Goa with a creamier texture and a hint of tropical nirvana.
Indian Summer Sparkler
- Ingredients: Add a splash of club soda.
- Recipe: After shaking the original ingredients, top with club soda. It's the effervescent cousin that brings bubbles to the fiesta, adding a refreshing zing.
Non-Alcoholic Indian Summer
- Ingredients: Use non-alcoholic spirit in place of chili-infused vodka.
- Recipe: Same deal, sans the alcohol. Perfect for when you want the sunset but not the buzz. Keeps it feisty with the chili essence, but family-friendly.
In case you forgot basics how to make Indian Summer
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 strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
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Frequently Asked Questions on Indian Summer
What kinds of glasses can be used instead of a highball glass?
You can also use a Collins glass if you do not have a highball. The goal is to use a tall, slender glass that allows the colors of the cocktail to shine.
Is this cocktail suitable to drink in winter?
Despite its name, the Indian Summer cocktail can certainly be enjoyed in any season. The fruity and spicy flavours make it enjoyable year-round.
What is chili-infused vodka, and can I make it myself?
Chili-infused vodka is simply vodka that has been steeped with chili peppers. You can definitely make it yourself! Just add a few chili peppers to a bottle of vodka and allow it to infuse for a few weeks.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail?
Yes, you can replace the chili-infused vodka with some chili-infused water or juice for a non-alcoholic version.
What types of foods pair well with this cocktail?
The Indian Summer cocktail pairs well with spicy foods, grilled dishes, or any type of summer fare. It can also be a delightful accompaniment to Indian dishes.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when making this cocktail?
Over shaking and not straining enough can result in a watery cocktail. We also recommend using good quality, ripe mangoes for the puree for the best flavor.
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