May 12th 2025: This World Cocktail Day on May 13th, let’s appreciate the craft and culture of the cocktail and mixology. Mr Hira, Bar Manager at Sheraton Grand Pune and Pritish Mondal, Bar Executive from Grand Mercure, Gopalan Mall, Bengaluru, and Madhumita Maltesh, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru has crafted three exquisite summer cocktails that are innovative and exciting to sip on:
- Natsu Gin High Cocktail
- Golden Temptation-Whiskey Summer Cocktail
- Watermelon Picante Summer Cocktail
1. Natsu Gin High Cocktail Recipe (by Mr Hira, Bar Manager at Sheraton Grand Pune Bund Garden Hotel)
As the heat is increasing and summer parties are on the rise, try this delicious and refreshing drink that embodies the essence of summer in a sip. This Natsu Gin High blend combines the crisp botanicals of gin , smoothness of apple juice, the sweetness of elderflower and a touch of tender coconut water to set it off.
Let the Natsu Gin High cocktail, elevate your cocktail parties and bring out your inner mixologist!
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
| NATSU GIN HIGH | GIN | 60 ML | GARNISH WITH EDIBLE FLOWER |
| ELDERFLOWER | 5 ML | ||
| CLARIFIED APPLE JUICE | 45 ML | ||
| SALINE SALUTION | 2 DROPS | ||
| NITRO TENDER COCONUT WATER | FLOATED |
Method:
- Prep the Glass:
Start with a Japanese highball glass and drop in one clear Collins ice cube. The clear ice will help keep your drink chilled without diluting it too quickly. - Mix the Cocktail:
Pour 60 ml of your favorite gin into the glass. Add 5 ml of elderflower liqueur for that subtle floral sweetness, and 45 ml of clarified apple juice for a smooth, fruity base. - Stir and Blend:
Give it a gentle stir for 15 seconds. This step ensures that all the flavors are perfectly blended, creating a well-balanced cocktail. - Add the Finishing Touches:
Now, float Nitro tender coconut water on top to add a cooling, refreshing touch that makes the drink feel light and breezy. Finally, garnish with an edible flower to bring an extra pop of color and elegance to your creation.
2. Golden Temptation Cocktail Recipe (by Pritish Mondal, Bar Executive at Grand Mercure- Gopalan Mall)
Inspiration for the cocktail : Golden Temptation is where Karnataka’s heritage meets bold mixology. Inspired by a village tradition of roasting rasapuri and badami mangoes over open flames, this cocktail blends charred mango pulp with oak-aged Indian grain whisky, a touch of malic acid, black salt, and lime.
The result? A smoky, sweet, and nostalgic sip of summer sun-ripened, flame-kissed, and proudly local.
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Serves: 1
| Golden Temptation | Whisky | 60 ML | Garnish with Mango Leather |
| Fresh Roasted Mango Cordial | 40 ML | ||
| Lime Juice | 30 ML | ||
| Simple Syrup | 22.5 ML | ||
| Malic Acid | 2 Dashes | ||
| Black Salt | A Pinch |
Method:
Prep the Glass:
- Chill a Frozen Rock Glass in the freezer for 5 minutes
- Fill the glass with an Ice Block
Build the Cocktail:
- Pour whiskey 60 ml, Fresh Roasted Mango Cordial- 40 ML, Lime Juice- 30 ML, Simple Syrup- 22.5 ML
- Add Malic Acid- 2 Dash and a pinch of Black Salt
- Shake and strain the cocktail.
Garnish & Serve:
- Top it off with Mango leather.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
3. Watermelon Picante Fruit Cocktail Recipe (by Madhumita Maltesh, Executive Mixologist, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru)
There’s something undeniably invigorating about the combination of juicy watermelon and a subtle chili kick, it’s a playful contrast that wakes up the palate and cools you down at the same time.
The Watermelon Picante Fruit Cocktail is all about capturing that summer freshness in a glass, with a burst of citrus and a hint of herbaceous coriander adding layers of flavor. It’s a simple yet striking way to elevate your summer sipping,” says Madhumita Maltesh, Executive Mixologist, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml of Reposado Tequila
- 25ml of Watermelon & King Chili Cordial
- 2-3 grams of fresh coriander
- 10 ml of fresh lime juice
- Watermelon slice for garnish
- Coriander salt for rim
Method:
- Prep the glass:
Add salt and finely chopped coriander on a plate and coat the rim of your glass you’re your coriander infused salt; Take a rock glass and drop in a block of ice.
- Mix the cocktail:
Pour 60 ml of your favourite tequila, however the mixologist recommends using Mexican tequila for a low-calorie option. Add 25 ml of watermelon & king chili cordial and 10 ml fresh lime juice for a fruity kick. Add in 2-3 gms of coriander for a fresh taste.
- Shake and blend:
In a shaker, combined all the above ingredients in a shaker along with ice. Strain and pour the blend into your glass.
- Garnish: Garnish your drink with a triangle cut watermelon and enjoy your seasonal cocktail!
