International Beer Day 2022: Kala Khatta Beer? Mumbai mixologists share easy cocktail recipes to enjoy this season

The summers are over and with that goes the conventional beer drinking season but this is only for those who switch to the chilled drink during the hot months. While there are some people who drink beer throughout the year, the monsoon brings with it a different kind of heat and humidity, and that can prompt many to sip on a chilled drink like beer even during this season.

If you are in Mumbai, the last two weeks have been hot with occasional rain. While rum is going to be an eternal favourite among many during the rainy season, it is always a good time to try experimenting with beer. Why drink it plain when you can do so much more with it? City mixologists say the alcohol is versatile and one that can be mixed with anything to become not only a chilled drink but also a flavourful one.

Every year, August 5 is celebrated as International Beer Day. While beers have a huge following among many people, there are purists who would not want to mix anything with their beer. However, if you are one of those who wants to add a little more to their beer to celebrate the day or otherwise, city bar experts are quite enthusiastic about it.

In fact, while they suggest a traditional Shandy for those who want to have a simple version of a beer cocktail, others suggest adding rum, tequila, ginger syrup, fruit juices and Kala Khatta too. So, what are you waiting for? Celebrate your love for beer with an experimental version that you can make in the comfort of your home.

Cuban Driver by Dhiresh Poojary, bar head, Jamjar Diner, Versova and Bandra (West)
If you love mojito and beer, this one is for you because it takes the best of both worlds to make a delicious and heady Cuban Driver. It not only has white rum but also beer which makes it refreshing and ideal on a humid day. Poojary explains, "The beer is added for extra buzz which takes the cocktail to a whole new level. It's exotic, afternoon friendly and loved by our patrons."

Ingredients:
White Rum 60ml
Lime wedges 4 nos
Sugar syrup 15 ml
Mint leaves handful
A pint of beer of your choice

Method:
1. Muddle lime wedges, mint and sugar syrup in a tiki glass.
2. Add crushed ice, lime juice and white rum.
3. Stir it up.
4. Flip the beer pint directly in the glass (Do it in a quick action to avoid the drink spilling out).
5. Keep topping up the drink as you sip.
6. Garnish with a mint sprig and lime slices.

Ping Ping Ngon Ngon by Vineeth Krishnan, bar head, Koko, Lower Parel (West)
If you don't want to add another alcohol to your beer, simply experiment by putting in a dash of different flavours. At Koko, bar head Vineeth Krishnan's team uses liqueur, brine and ginger syrup. Krishnan explains, "Ping Ping Ngon Ngon is a beer cocktail with lacto fermented grapefruit that provides body, saline and bitter finish with Gari brine and ginger elevating the finish." While they use in-house brew from Foo, which is a part of Pebble Street Hospitality, that also owns Koko, those who want to try this out can use any kind of regular beer or craft beer to enjoy the cocktail.

Ingredients:
Lacto fermented grapefruit liqueur 30 ml
Gari Brine 7.5 ml
Ginger Syrup 5 ml
Foo brew 120 ml

Method:
1. Add the fermented grapefruit liqueur to a highball glass filled with ice.
2. Add the gari brine, ginger syrup and foo brew to it.
3. Shake it well and serve with any kind of hanging garnish.

Kala Khatta beer by Shishir Rane, VP - Beverage & Strategy for Beverages, The Chocolate Spoon Company
Ever heard of Kala Khatta beer? Shishir Rane, the head of all things potent at The Chocolate Spoon Company under which The Sassy Spoon and The Sassy Teaspoon are a part of, suggests adding kala khatta to beer. While the familiar syrup takes people back to their summer holidays eating gola, the cocktail also includes grape juice, pomegranate juice, orange juice and lime juice, which adds a burst of flavours to the drink along with the chilled beer that adds potency to the drink.

Ingredients:
Kala Khatta syrup 30 ml
Grape juice 10 ml
Pomegranate juice 5 ml
Orange juice 10 ml
Lime juice 5 ml
Pinch of black salt

Method:
1. Mix Kala Khatta in a glass along with grape juice, pomegranate juice, orange juice and lime juice.
2. Stir it well and add a pinch of black salt to it.
3. Top it up with beer and serve chilled.

Traditional British Shandy by Rakesh Ramola, F & B manager, ITC Grand Central, Lower Parel (West)
Drinking Shandy is probably one of the best ways to enjoy a beer cocktail. It traditionally includes Sprite along with lemon or lemonade. ITC Grand Central's Rakesh Ramola shares, "As a major ingredient in cocktails prepared with beer, the flavour will always be tasty as per the beer chosen. If it is a summer shandy, it will be citrus loaded and refreshing." However, Ramola swears by the Classic Shandy when it comes to beer cocktails and the one they serve at the five-star property is the Traditional British Shandy.

Ingredients:
Lager beer 150 ml
Sprite 150 ml
Beer Goblet for cocktail 350 ml

Method:
1. To make the traditional British Shandy, take a 350 ml beer goblet and add the lager beer to it.
2. Add Sprite or if you love the zesty lemon flavour, add half lemonade to it.
3. Serve chilled.

Lagerita by Leon Monteiro, mixologist at BrewDog, Lower Parel
A take on the classic margarita, this cocktail makes a heady mixture with lager beer and tequila. Leon Monteiro, who says it's ideal for the monsoon season, explains, "This recipe includes salt and chilli flakes that gives it the perfect zing suitable for the Indian palate. The lime and sugar extend great balance." Monteiro believes it tastes best with the in-house Lost Lager but says one can make it at home with any light lager.''

Ingredients:
Don Angel Tequila 50 ml
Sugar syrup 25 ml
Generous squeeze of lime
Top with 1/3 Lost Lager

Method:
1. Salt the rim of the schooner glass with salt/chilli flakes.
2. Fill with ice.
3. Add the tequila, sugar syrup, lime and lager.
4. Garnish with wedges and serve chilled.

Also Read: Jackfruit rasam? Enjoy the south Indian speciality by innovating with these recipes