Mixologist Viju Raj says drinks infused with tropical flower flavours will be a hit
The craftsmen are going back to the basics. For example, the concept of introducing aged cocktails is new but the whole idea of using verities of oak barrels is an old school thought. The other introduction is the smoked cocktails. But I feel the variant has to be experimented more or rather developed so that it becomes palatable for more people. Demands have been quite interesting too. Demand for whiskey, tequila and wine-based concoctions are wildly appreciated, more often than vodka or gin-based concoctions. The whole idea of mixology is still a new concept in Delhi. Mixology is an art where you first need to understand the ingredients you use and their behavioural patterns in different conditions. For example, how would a particular herb, spice or vegetable would react with ice or with hot water. It all depends on how one extracts the best aroma or flavour of the ingredient used. There are still handful of people who can be called mixologist in India. I feel one should not copy European counterparts completely but take some tips or follow their pattern. There are mixologists in India who are thinking out-of-the-box and have made phenomenal statement with their art of mixing. Vinegar cocktails are coming up big time. I have played with different vinegar, for example, balsamic, aged sherry vinegar.
The mix have come out well and largely appreciated by all age groups, and mostly appreciated by people with palate for sour drinks. Other ingredient which has made a fresh entry is flowers. Floral flavour infused drinks will be a big hit this summer. Flavours like rose and jasmine are already being commonly used. Mixologists in India will experiment more with tropical flowers in the coming days.
Each year there is something unexpected. I feel 2014 will be no different. I will experiment a lot with Indian ingredients and spices.