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From fiery margaritas to floral highballs, these cocktails are here to add a splash of fun to your glass this World Cocktail Day.
This World Cocktail Day, raise your glass to bold flavors, spirited mixes, and a whole lot of fun
World Cocktail Day, celebrated every year on May 13, marks the publication of the first definition of a cocktail in 1806. It’s a global toast to the art of mixology, honoring the creativity, history, and cultural significance behind your favorite drinks. From classic concoctions to bold new blends, the day invites enthusiasts and bartenders alike to shake things up, raise a glass, and appreciate the craftsmanship behind every pour. Whether you’re sipping a smoky Negroni, a tropical rum punch, or a floral gin fizz, World Cocktail Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in spirited celebrations around the world.
Spicy Watermelon Margarita By Daisy Mae Cantina
A refreshing summer cocktail where juicy watermelon and zesty lime meet jalapeño heat.
Ingredients:
Tequila
Watermelon juice
Lime juice
Triple Sec
Jalapeño slices
Chili salt for rim
Method:
Muddle jalapeño in a shaker. Add tequila, watermelon juice, lime juice, and Triple Sec. Shake with ice, strain into a chili salt-rimmed glass.
Garnish: Watermelon wedge or chili
Glassware: Rocks glass
Expansion Artistique By Cosy Box, Gurgaon
A bold tequila cocktail that combines passion fruit, celery, and jalapeño for a vibrant, fiery blend.
Ingredients:
60ml Tequila
20ml Passion fruit purée
20ml Lime juice
10ml Caper brine
5ml Agave
4–5 Jalapeño slices
Coriander leaves
Method:
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain.
Garnish: Coriander salt rim and capers
Glassware: Cocktail glass
Garden of Eden by The LaliT, New Delhi
Ingredients:
Lemongrass-infused gin
Aperol
Pineapple
Citrus
Apricot
Rose Soda
Method:
Add lemongrass-infused gin, Aperol, pineapple juice, lime juice, and apricot syrup into a shaker with ice.
Shake well for 10–12 seconds to chill and mix the ingredients.
Strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
Top up with rose soda for a refreshing fizz.
Garnish with mint leaves and a dehydrated citrus slice.
Preparation Time:
12-15 minutes
Toki Matcha Haiboru By Shibani Surkund, Suntory Global Spirits
A crisp, earthy highball combining Toki Whisky and matcha for a uniquely Japanese refresher.
Ingredients:
45ml Toki Suntory Whisky
10g Granulated sugar + 10ml warm water
5g Matcha powder
20ml Lemon juice
100ml Tonic water
Lemon peel
Method:
Dissolve sugar in warm water. Add matcha and whisk. In a highball, stir whisky with ice, add tonic, then matcha mix.
Garnish: Lemon peel
Glassware: Highball glass
Jim Beam Summer Smash By Robert Hospet, Suntory Global Spirits
A tropical cocktail that brings together mango, tulsi, and jaggery with bourbon warmth.
Ingredients:
60ml Jim Beam Bourbon
30ml Mango pulp
6–8 Tulsi leaves
20ml Lime juice
15ml Jaggery syrup
10ml Ginger juice
Jim Beam soda to top
Method:
Muddle tulsi, shake all ingredients with crushed ice, strain into glass, top with soda.
Garnish: Mint sprig and raw mango slice
Glassware: Old Fashioned
Laphroaig Penicillin By Tanvi Dandekar, Suntory Global Spirits
A smoky yet soothing cocktail with Laphroaig, ginger, lemon, and honey.
Ingredients:
50ml Laphroaig Select
15ml Ginger juice
15ml Lemon juice
10ml Honey
Method:
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain.
Garnish: Lemon peel
Glassware: Old Fashioned
Ochre Aurum By Manoj Alphonse, Ochre Spirits
A golden, sparkling vodka cocktail with saffron warmth, honey, and lemon.
Ingredients:
60ml Ochre Saffron Vodka
15ml Lemon juice
10ml Honey water
2 dashes Orange bitters
60ml Sparkling water
Method:
Shake all but sparkling water. Strain and top with soda.
Garnish: Edible gold dust, lemon peel
Glassware: Highball
Ochre Ember Negroni By Manoj Alphonse, Ochre Spirits
A saffron-kissed twist on the classic Negroni—bold, bitter, smoky.
Ingredients:
30ml Ochre Saffron Vodka
30ml Dry vermouth
30ml Campari
Method:
Stir all ingredients with ice.
Garnish: Torched star anise, orange slice
Glassware: Old Fashioned
Monkey Shoulder Jam Sour By Monkey Shoulder
A playful twist on the whisky sour with a sweet jam surprise.
Ingredients:
50ml Monkey Shoulder
20ml Lemon juice
2 tsp Jam
Dash of orange bitters
Egg white or aquafaba (optional)
Method:
Shake all ingredients with ice, strain.
Glassware: Rocks glass
Garnish: Optional jam dot or orange zest
Hendrick’s Flora Adora Strawberry Gimlet
A floral-meets-fruity gin highball that’s perfect for spring sipping.
Ingredients:
45ml Hendrick’s Flora Adora
15ml Strawberry cordial
15ml Lemon juice
100ml Soda water
Method:
Mix all ingredients and top with soda.
Garnish: Lemon twist
Glassware: Champagne flute
Grant’s Basil Smash
A crisp whisky cocktail with herbaceous freshness from basil and cucumber.
Ingredients:
60ml Grant’s Triple Wood Whisky
4–5 Basil leaves
25ml Cucumber syrup
20ml Lime juice
Method:
Muddle basil, shake all ingredients over ice, strain.
Garnish: Basil leaf
Glassware: Old Fashioned
Aperol Spritz By Ula at Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, UAE
The classic Italian aperitivo, perfect for beachside lounging.
Ingredients:
45ml Aperol
120ml Prosecco
60ml Soda water
Method:
Build over ice, stir gently.
Garnish: Orange slice
Glassware: Wine glass
Lemon Grass By Phulay Bay, Ritz Carlton Reserve, Krabi
A tropical rum cocktail with mint, lemongrass, and a hint of spice.
Ingredients:
Lime wedges
Mint leaves
Lemongrass
Ginger
Syrup
Rum
Brown sugar
Method:
Muddle lime, mint, lemongrass, and ginger. Add remaining ingredients, shake and strain over crushed ice.
Garnish: Mint sprig, lemongrass, or ginger slice
Glassware: Coupe or wine glass
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