Here’s A Crash Course On Being The Best Bartender At Home

Delish cocktails and good company always make for a great occasion and memories, especially during the festive season. Whether you are a couple who wants to throw a housewarming party for their close friends and fam, or simply someone who wants to host a cosy Diwali party, the one simple way to get it right is good music paired with yummy, strong cocktails!

With clear instructions and tips from bartenders, we have mentioned foolproof tips and recipes to get the party started and serve guests cool drinks.

Expert-Approved Bartending Tips To Follow This Diwali

Ice, ice baby

Supradeep Dey, Head Mixologist at INJA Restaurant, New Delhi, shares that one common mistake people make when preparing cocktails at home is using low-quality or small ice cubes. Supradeep adds, “Poor-quality ice tends to melt quickly, leading to over-dilution, which can water down the drink's flavours. Opting for larger, clearer ice cubes not only improves the presentation but also keeps the drink's flavour profile intact for longer.”

It’s all about the mixers

Denzil Franklin, Head Mixologist at Sixteen33, Mumbai shares always keeping mixers handy to take it a notch higher. Consider stocking up on juices such as orange, pineapple, or lime for a refreshing taste. You can also keep flavoured syrups like ginger or cinnamon if you enjoy a sweet or sharp palette. “Even keeping cream, egg white, or tea helps  add and build texture and depth to the cocktail,” Denzil adds

When it comes to keeping mixers handy, Supradeep stresses the fact that many skip using fresh ingredients. “This can affect the taste. For example, freshly squeezed juices make a world of difference compared to bottled options. This is especially true for cocktails like a Whisky Sour or Margarita, where fresh citrus juice is essential…”

Shake it well

The technique of shaking can make or break a cocktail. Over-shaking can lead to excessive dilution, while under-shaking may leave the drink improperly mixed. “Different cocktails require different levels of shaking; a Whisky Sour with egg white, for example, should be shaken vigorously to create a smooth, creamy texture, while simpler cocktails need only a quick shake to blend the ingredients just right”, shares Supradeep.

Strike the right balance

Denzil tells Manifest it is important to balance the flavours. “Keep in mind the strength of the spirit and how it blends with other ingredients. Try to balance sweet, sour, bitter, and salty flavours for a well-rounded drink.” Supradeep agrees and says, “Cocktails are all about harmony, so adding too much of anything—be it sweetener, citrus, or spirits—can easily overpower the drink. Measuring your ingredients accurately is key to finding that perfect balance.”

Opt for cocktails that pair well with food

When it comes to pairing cocktails with food, there are a few go-to's that always do the trick.

Supradeep says, “A whisky sour with fried pakoras is a match made in heaven. The drink’s tangy, smooth flavour cuts right through the richness of the pakoras, making each bite feel lighter and fresher. While, if someone wants a refreshing drink, a Whisky Highball is another great option with fried snacks. The bubbles and hint of bitterness help balance out the oiliness, making it a perfect partner for anything fried and crispy.”

He also suggested that when having something as indulgent as Alfredo pasta should be paired with a Sangria. “The fruity notes of the sangria add a nice brightness that complements the creamy, rich pasta.”

Classic Cocktail Recipes To Have In Your Arsenal

Anyone who loves drinking knows it is inarguably the season for tequila. But these bartenders share good old classics that will certainly steal the show.

Aditya Bisht, Bartender at Call Me Ten, New Delhi shares how to concoct a classic daiquiri. It is a simple, refreshing cocktail. Here’s how to make one:

Daiquiri

Ingredients

2 oz (60 ml) white rum

1 oz (30 ml) fresh lime juice

3/4 oz (20 ml) simple syrup

Method

1. Prepare your shaker: Fill it halfway with ice to chill your drink quickly.

2. Add ingredients: Pour the rum, lime juice, and simple syrup into the shaker.

3. Shake the mixture vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill and combine.

4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or martini glass.

5. Garnish with a lime wheel or twist.

Pro-tip:Freshly squeezed lime juice gives daiquiri the best flavour.

Supradeep too shares classic cocktails that can be made at home easily.

Whisky Sour

Ingredients

2 oz Whisky (Bourbon or Rye)

3/4 Oz Fresh Lemon Juice

1/2 Oz Simple Syrup

Ice

Optional: 1 Egg White for a smooth texture.

For garnish: lemon peel or cherry.

Method

1. Add the whisky, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using) into a shaker.

2. Dry shake (without ice) to froth the egg white, then add ice and shake again.

3. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a lemon peel or cherry.

Lesser Known Spirits To Try This Season

As a Beverage Head for India at Passion F&B, Rahul Kamath believes in reviving the classics.“Many bartenders are still perfecting the art of balanced classic cocktails, and we're all for it. Another popular trend is going green and keeping local with a touch of authenticity. We enjoy using local ingredients such as Limoncello produced from fresh Indian limes, orange liqueur from Nagpuri oranges, and coffee liqueur made with Madurai beans. It's all about promoting local flavours!”

Denzil recommends the Pisco and Ouzo. “Pisco is a brandy from South America, primarily from Chile and Peru. It has a mild, fruity flavour with a touch of earthiness because it is created from grapes. While, Ouzo is a traditional Greek alcoholic beverage that tastes strongly of liquorice. It becomes hazy white when water is added, which enhances the flavour and gives it a cool appearance. It pairs well with Mediterranean cuisine, particularly seafood, and tastes fantastic on its own, too.

He too is big on classics making a comeback and says, “I love that the classics from the 90s are making a comeback like a negroni, espresso martini, Gibson.” People are off lately into crisp, clean flavours that come from a well-crafted classic. “There's something genuinely appealing about the simplicity and sophistication of these drinks—it's a refreshing return to basics that lets the quality of each component shine,” he adds.

All image credits: Pexels