From Rasam to Kala Khatta: Local Flavours Add a Twist to Pune’s Cocktail Game
Pune’s cocktail scene is taking a unique turn as mixologists experiment with local and Indian flavors, infusing traditional drinks with an indigenous twist. The city’s bars are now offering cocktails that reflect Pune’s rich culinary heritage, using ingredients like kala khatta, rasam, kokum, and Maharashtrian spices to create innovative and exciting drink menus.
Mixologists in Pune are consciously incorporating Indian flavors into their cocktails, making them more relatable and appealing to local tastes. By using ingredients like rasam, kala khatta, and kokum, they are creating a new dimension to the cocktail game, allowing patrons to experience familiar tastes in a modern and creative way.
A standout cocktail that has gained popularity is the Clarified Rasam Cocktail at Hippie At Heart. This unique drink blends the tanginess of South Indian rasam with vodka, creating a fusion that has captured the attention of cocktail enthusiasts. The mixologists behind this creation are also planning to introduce kanji-inspired cocktails and experiment with tamarind-flavored panipuri water in the future.
Another favorite among Pune’s cocktail lovers is the Bombay to Goa (Boozy Ice Gola) at Retox, which blends nostalgic flavors of ice gola with Old Monk, kokum, and kala khatta. This refreshing drink evokes childhood memories and showcases the creativity of mixologist Kaustubh Naik, who is also working on a new LIIT cocktail called Memories of Marine Drive.
Cobbler and Crew in Kalyani Nagar recently launched “The Great Maharashtrian Heatwave” cocktail tour, featuring drinks made with local chillies paired with Don Julio Tequila. This bold initiative introduced cocktails using Lavangi, Bhavnagari, and Kolhapuri chillies, offering a fiery kick to traditional tequila-based drinks. The team behind this tour emphasizes the importance of sourcing fresh local ingredients to create unique and flavorful cocktails.
Overall, Pune’s cocktail scene is all about experimentation and embracing local flavors. By incorporating regional specialties into their drinks and sourcing ingredients sustainably, bars in Pune are connecting with their cultural roots and offering patrons a distinctive and exciting drinking experience. Whether you’re sipping on a kala khatta-flavored gola or tasting the bold heat of Kolhapuri chillies, Pune’s cocktail game is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
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