Cheers, it’s World Cocktail Day.
Shatbhi Basu, India’s first woman bartender and mixologist, has raised the bar with her uniquely curated cocktail menu at Park Street’s buzzing sky bar LMNOQ. Read on to learn how to shake up a refreshing Floral Gin and Tonic, a mellow Marmalade and Thyme Old Fashioned, and a twist on the classic refreshing Pomegranate Whiskey Sour…
Floral Gin & Tonic
The Floral Gin & Tonic is by far the most popular cocktail at the sky bar. Pretty as a picture, the cocktail has beautiful floral notes that refresh you instantly! “I wanted to make a fun cocktail but at the same time keep it light and give it an unusual flavour profile. I think the addition of the blue pea or Aparajita flower that is native to Kolkata, makes the drink special. It also adds a good kick. Personally, this is one of my favourite cocktails,” says Shatbhi. The gin used in these cocktails is first steeped in freshly procured flowers and then served.
Floral Gin and Tonic at LMNOQ Ritagnik Bhattacharya
Glass: Big Wine glass
Ingredients
- 60ml Butterfly pea gin
- 5ml sugar syrup
- 1 lime wedge
- Tonic water
For the garnish
- Fresh mint
- Edible flowers
Method
- Fill the glass with ice to the brim
- Add the infused gin and the syrup
- Squeeze in the lime. Drop the lime wedge into the glass
- Stir well
- Top it up with tonic water and garnish
Marmalade and Thyme Old Fashioned
The Marmalade and Thyme Old Fashioned is an earthy drink with mellow citrus undertones. “You can either add dehydrated orange or orange zest as garnish along with thyme sprigs but make sure to add the garnish, it brings the whole drink together!” is Shatbhi's #protip.
Marmalade and Thyme Old Fashioned at LMNOQ Ritagnik Bhattacharya
Glass: Rocks
Ingredients
- 60ml Bourbon
- 1 bar spoon of orange Marmalade
- 1 sprig thyme
- Bitters (optional)
For the garnish
- Orange zest/dehydrated orange
- Thyme sprig
Method
- Muddle the thyme gently in the glass
- Add in the marmalade and mix it well to soften it
- Add a splash of bourbon and make a smooth paste
- Add in the rest of the bourbon and mix well
- Fill the glass with ice cubes and stir well. This will help it mellow and cool down
- Garnish!
Pomegranate Whiskey Sour
This concoction is an interesting twist on the classic. “I love making exciting variations of the Whiskey Sour. Here I use the sweetness of pomegranate to bring out the more intricate flavours of whiskey,” explains the mixologist.
Pomegranate Whiskey Sour at LMNOQ Ritagnik Bhattacharya
Glass: Rocks
Ingredients
- 60ml Bourbon
- 60ml pomegranate juice
- 15ml lime juice
- 5-10ml sugar syrup
- Bitters
For the garnish
- Pomegranate seeds
- Mint sprig
Method
- Fill a shaker with ice
- Add all the ingredients over the ice and shake well
- Fill the glass with ice
- Strain drink all over the ice
- Garnish and drizzle the bitters!