Cocktails are a great way to relax and unwind. Whether you are hosting a formal dinner party or just a casual get together among friends, these Indian inspired cocktails are sure to put a smile on everyone’s face. These are a few of my personal favorites but feel free to experiment by trying different flavored vodkas, different liqueurs and fruit combinations. Be creative, be responsible and “mix it up!”

I recently found a wonderful and unique product, Saffron Vodka by SubRosa Spirits. It's an infused vodka and worth trying.


CHAI MARTINI

4 masala chai tea bags (can use vanilla chai or mocha chai tea for variety)
1 cup of boiling water
1 ounce of vodka (can use the flavored vodkas)
1 ounce of your favorite liqueurs
crushed ice
freshly ground nutmeg for garnish

In a large cup, carefully pour the boiling water over the tea bags. Let steep for 5 minutes and remove the tea bags, squeeze out any excess tea and discard. Refrigerate the tea for at least 30 minutes to cool.

In a martini shaker, add half a cup of the chilled tea, vodka and the liqueur of your choice (almond, hazelnut, orange or coconut flavored work well). Add the crushed ice and shake well. Strain the liquid into a chilled martini glass. The slightest hint of freshly grated nutmeg makes a perfect garnish.

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CHAI WHITE RUSSIAN

1 ounce vodka (vanilla vodka works great)
1 ounce chai tea
3 ounces cream (can use light or half & half)
ice cubes

To make the chai tea: in a large cup, carefully pour the boiling water over the tea bags. Let steep for 5 minutes and remove the tea bags, squeeze out any excess tea and discard. Refrigerate the tea for at least 30 minutes to cool.

In a drink glass, pour the vodka, chai and cream over ice.

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MANGO MARTINI

2 ounces of vodka
1 ounce Triple Sec
2 ounces of mango juice
splash of lime juice
crushed ice
fresh mint leaves for garnish

In a martini shaker, add the vodka, Triple Sec, mango juice, lime juice and the crushed ice. Shake well and strain the liquid into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve.

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MANGO MOJITO

2 ounces of mango infused rum
½ ounce of club soda
½ ounce mango juice
fresh mint leaves
1 lime, cut into small wedges
ice cubes

In a drink glass, muddle a few mint leaves with a couple of lime wedges. Add the mango rum, club soda, mango juice and ice. Garnish with a lime wedge and a few mint leaves.

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MANGO COSMOPOLITAN

2 ounces mango infused rum
1 ounce Triple Sec
1 ounce cranberry juice
½ ounce mango juice
crushed ice
fresh mint leaves

In a martini shaker, add the mango rum, Triple Sec, cranberry juice, mango juice and the crushed ice. Shake well and strain the liquid into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve.

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MANGO SANGRIA

1 ounce mango infused rum
1 ounce white wine (fruity tasting variety)
½ ounce mango juice
½ ounce pineapple juice
½ ounce orange juice
½ ounce peach juice
ice cubes
orange slices, pineapple wedges for garnish

In a large drink glass, mix together the rum, white wine and juices. Stir well and add ice cubes and garnish with orange slices and pineapple.

You could also make a large pitcher of this wonderfully delicious sangria, add lots of fresh orange, pineapple, peaches and mango slices for authentic sangria, done Indian style.