There’s something magical about monsoons: the rhythmic drizzle outside, the earthy petrichor wafting in, and the craving for something warm, crunchy, and comforting to go with a well-made drink. But instead of reaching for the usual fries and peanuts, why not elevate your monsoon evenings with a few cocktail-and-bite pairings that are equal parts fun and flavourful?
Here are five recipes-easy, tested, and guaranteed to pair beautifully with your cocktails.
1. Spicy Corn Fritters + Whiskey Sour
Nothing says monsoon quite like bhutta, but here’s a chic twist- crunchy corn fritters with a hint of spice. Pair it with a tangy whiskey sour to balance the warmth.
Recipe – Corn Fritters:
- 1 cup boiled sweet corn (roughly crushed)
- 2 tbsp chickpea flour (besan)
- 1 tbsp rice flour
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, minced
- Handful of coriander leaves
- Salt & chaat masala to taste
Mix everything, form rough patties, and pan-fry until golden. Serve hot with mint chutney.
Why it works: The sweet-spicy crunch complements the citrusy sharpness of the whiskey sour.
2. Crispy Tempura Prawns + Gin & Tonic
A light, zesty G&T loves something crisp and delicate. Enter: tempura prawns, airy and golden.
Recipe – Tempura Prawns:
- 250 g prawns (cleaned, deveined)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup corn flour
- 1 egg (cold)
- ½ cup ice-cold soda water
- Salt to taste
Make a quick batter (keep it lumpy-that’s the secret!), dip prawns, and deep fry till crisp. Serve with a soy-chili dip.
Why it works: The crunch and umami of prawns play off the refreshing botanicals of gin.
3. Mini Keema Sliders + Old Fashioned
Rainy evenings call for something hearty. Juicy keema sliders paired with the smoky, bittersweet notes of an Old Fashioned hit the spot.
Recipe – Keema Sliders:
- 300 g mutton keema (or chicken mince)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 green chili, minced
- 1 tsp garam masala
- Salt & pepper
- Slider buns + lettuce + mayo
Cook keema with onion, garlic, spices until dry. Toast buns, layer lettuce, spoon in keema, add a dollop of mayo.
Why it works: The rich, spiced meat pairs beautifully with the depth of bourbon and bitters.
4. Stuffed Mushroom Skewers + Red Wine Sangria
If you’re in the mood for something vegetarian, stuffed mushrooms are elegant yet comforting. Pair them with fruity red wine sangria for a cozy combo.
Recipe – Stuffed Mushrooms:
- 10 large button mushrooms (stems removed)
- ½ cup cream cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped spinach
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt & pepper
Mix stuffing, fill mushrooms, skewer them, grill until golden.
Why it works: The creamy, earthy mushrooms balance the fruit-forward, refreshing sangria.
5. Pakora Platter + Spiced Rum Hot Toddy
Because what’s monsoon without pakoras? Onion, paneer, and potato fritters paired with a warming spiced rum toddy are pure nostalgia with a twist.
Recipe – Pakoras:
- 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
- 1 tsp ajwain (carom seeds)
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- Potato or paneer slices
- Salt to taste
Make a thick batter, dip veggies, fry till golden. Serve with green chutney.
Spiced Rum Toddy: Mix 60 ml dark rum, hot water, honey, a cinnamon stick, and a squeeze of lime.
Why it works: The hot-spiced toddy warms you up while the pakoras satisfy the ultimate monsoon craving.
Which one are you going to try first?
