In the last couple of years, the trend has been to move to fresh produce. So why go the synthetic way when you’re partying? You may not realise it but the cocktails that you casually sip on at a GNO or brunch are made with artificial syrups that are high on sugar content. This was the talking point for cocktail coach Topesh Chatterjee from The Pullman New Delhi Aerocity and Novotel New Delhi Aerocity at Mixing Mantra, held in association with t2, at Maaya, the lounge bar at Swissotel Kolkata Neotia Vista. 

“Making cocktails with natural fruit juices gives it a unique flavour, apart from the fact that you can control the taste and sweetness. It totally elevates the drink,” said the IHM Taratala graduate.

t2 bring you tips, pointers and drinks that he created. These heady sips will slowly be incorporated into the Maaya cocktail menu.

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TOPESH’S PARTY TIPS

♦ As a host, know your guests. Find out what liquor and flavours they are fond of. 
♦ Stock up on ice and water.
♦ Handy tools to have are shaker, knife, chopping board, strainer, fine strainer and Heathrow strainer.
♦ Lime juice, sugar syrup, basic garnishes such as lemon wedges, orange rind and mint sprigs are a must for the party and, of course, alcohol!

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Topesh serves up his signature cocktail, Amalia. The bartender makes his own wacky syrups like popcorn, earl grey, orange and galangal and infuses his drinks with them. And the recipes are all “top secret”!

“I was coming to Calcutta and I took inspiration from the city to make Tollywood Magic,” said Topesh. No wonder the cocktail features popcorn, which goes hand-in-hand with movies. Made with Topesh’s home-made “top-secret” popcorn syrup, vodka and egg whites, this one’s refreshing, tall and breezy. The same cocktail can be made with pineapple juice instead of egg whites, though the taste and texture of the drink would slightly vary.

A perfect amalgamation of both the worlds, East Meets West combines Indian flavours such as coriander and chilli with western flavours like Bacardi white rum. It is aromatic, flavourful and has a nice chilli kick.

This one’s a tribute to Dona Amalia, Don Facundo Bacardi’s wife, who came up with the famous bat logo of the Bacardi empire. Made with Bacardi white rum, earl grey tea, orange marmalade and orange skin, this slightly bitter, slightly sweet cocktail is Topesh’s signature drink.

Text: Deborima Ganguly
Pictures: Rashbehari Das