Nolen gur (extracted from date palm trees) has remained one of Bengal’s favourite sweetening agents. From classic nolen gur infused sweets that have stood the test of time to new-age desserts, sweet shops across the city have always put their favourite ingredient to good use. Nolen gur is not just a sweet maker’s delight, it’s soon becoming a ‘go to’ ingredient among Kolkata’s creative band of mixologists.
A bottle of nolen gur syrup has found space in many a home bar. The subtle sweetness and smoky flavours of this seasonal ingredient work particularly well with Bourbon-based cocktails. “The unique taste and flavour profile adds a great twist to a cocktail. It’s a natural ingredient with multiple nutritional and health benefits,” says veteran city mixologist and bar consultant Irfan Ahmed. Irfan has curated a trio of nolen gur-based cocktails that My Kolkata readers can try stirring up at home.
Calcutta Bourbon Julep
A refreshing cocktail for a Sunday brunch.
Ingredients
- Bourbon whiskey 50ml
- Nolen gur syrup 20ml
- Fresh orange chunks of half an orange
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
- Freshly squeezed lime juice, 10ml
- Cracked ice
Method
- Muddle the above ingredients without the ice in a flat bottom glass
- Pour out the mix in a fancy cocktail glass (250 ml) filled with cracked ice
- Stir for 14 seconds until chilled and then garnish
[Recipe by Irfan Ahmed]
Bohemian sour
This is a clever spin on a classic Whisky Sour.
Ingredients
- Bourbon whiskey 50ml
- Nolen gur syrup 20ml
- Freshly squeezed lime juice 30ml
- Angostura bitters 2 dashes
- One egg white (optional)
- Ice cubes
Method
- Shake the above ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice for 12 seconds
- Pour the mix into a chilled whisky glass and garnish
[Recipe by Irfan Ahmed]
The Bong Connection
Save this for your cheat day. This cocktail can fix your dessert cravings too.
Ingredients
- Bourbon whiskey 50ml
- Nolen gur ice cream: 2 scoops
- Espresso coffee: single shot
- Salted caramel: 2 teaspoons
Method
- Blend all the above ingredients together with 4 cubes of ice
- Pour into a wine goblet and garnish
[Recipe by Irfan Ahmed]
Rum Bewitch
The spices and nolen gur complement the dark flavours of the rum in this cocktail.
Ingredients
- Dark rum 60 ml
- 3 cloves
- 4 green cardamoms
- 2 scoops nolen gur ice-cream
- 2tsp homemade nolen gur syrup
- 20ml lemon juice
- Pinch of roasted cardamom powder
Method
- Crush the spices and shake in a cocktail shaker with the rum. Serve in an old-fashioned glass rimmed with gur syrup
- Garnish with a dehydrated orange, half dipped in gur and the other half sprinkled with roasted cardamom powder
[Recipe by Avishek Tiwari, restaurant manager, Seasonal Tastes, The Westin Kolkata, Rajarhat]
