Best Monsoon Cocktails in India: Easy Recipes from Expert Bartenders

There is truly no feeling that rivals the coziness of staying inside with a cocktail in hand when it's pouring outside and your bar plans go down the drains. And we aren't talking about your typical summer spritzers or soda-heavy cocktails monsoon cocktails are different. They are warmer, bolder, and often have a spice, citrus, or tea element that makes it okay to enjoy the rain outside.

To help you whip something up this monsoon season, we contacted some of India's best bartenders from across Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad. Whether it's house party time, or a date night, or you're simply looking to spice up your gloomy rainy Sunday at home, you'll be pleased to know that these monsoon cocktail recipes are incredibly easy to make at home, likely with things you already have in your pantry.

So, clear a counter and get out that bourbon or rum, dust off the cinnamon and ginger, and let's start shaking (or stirring).

Why Cocktails Taste Better in the Monsoon

There’s something magical about sipping a warm, spiced cocktail while it rains outside. The smell of clove and cinnamon blending with fresh citrus, the steam rising from your glass—it’s comfort in liquid form.

Here’s why monsoon cocktails are worth trying:

• Warm spices like ginger, pepper, and cinnamon feel cozy and soothing.
  
  
• Hot or room-temperature serves make these drinks perfect for rainy evenings.
  
  
• Indian flavors like masala tea, cardamom, and honey pair beautifully with spirits.
  
  
• You don’t need fancy ingredients—just a little creativity.
  
  

Whether you’re into whiskey, rum, or even Baileys, there’s something on this list that’ll work for your vibe.

 

10 Easy Monsoon Cocktails From Expert Bartenders

1. Pick-Me-Up Toddy

By The Bombay Canteen, Mumbai
Vibe: Like pumpkin spice latte met a cocktail shaker.

Ingredients:

• 45 ml Hennessy VS
  
  
• 20 ml pumpkin-orange puree
  
  
• 30 ml apple juice
  
  
• 5 ml ginger juice
  
  
• 90 ml warm water
  
  

How to make it:
Blend peeled pumpkin with orange juice to make a thick puree. In a pan, heat the puree with sugar till it dissolves. In a heatproof glass, add all ingredients and top with warm water. Stir and sip while it’s hot.

Bartender’s Tip: Add a cinnamon stick as a stirrer—it doubles up as a flavour booster.

 

2. The Oriental Toddy

By Shizusan Shophouse & Bar, Mumbai
Vibe: Tea-time meets Tokyo whisky lounge.

Ingredients:

• 60 ml Japanese whisky (or any scotch)
  
  
• 30–45 ml water
  
  
• 5 cloves
  
  
• 5 peppercorns
  
  
• 5 cardamoms
  
  
• 2 star anise
  
  

How to make it:
Dry roast the spices in a pan for 10 seconds. Add water and bring it close to boiling. Add whisky and simmer for 10 more seconds. Let it cool slightly, pour into a whisky glass, and use lemongrass as a swizzle stick.

Bartender’s Tip: Rub the lemongrass along the rim for an aromatic first sip.

 

3. The Varnish Milk Punch

By GBar, The Grand, New Delhi
Vibe: Creamy, old-school comfort with a brandy twist.

Ingredients:

• 60 ml brandy
  
  
• 10 ml rum
  
  
• 20 ml simple syrup
  
  
• 90 ml milk
  
  
• Caramelised orange slice (for garnish)
  
  

How to make it:
Blend all liquids in a shaker. Strain into an Irish glass. Garnish with a slice of caramelised orange.

 

4. Curendero

By Xico, Mumbai
Vibe: Tequila goes to a Himalayan spa.

Ingredients:

• 7.5 ml honey syrup
  
  
• 7.5 ml ginger syrup
  
  
• 20 ml lemon juice
  
  
• 30 ml tequila
  
  
• 20 ml bourbon
  
  
• Dash of green pepper-infused Laphroaig (optional)
  
  

How to make it:
Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Stir and pour into a rocks glass. Sip slow and feel the warmth.

 

5. ABC Story

By Café Delhi Heights, Mumbai
Vibe: Classic hot toddy, the desi remix.

Ingredients:

• 30 ml bourbon
  
  
• 1 cinnamon stick
  
  
• 2 bar spoons honey
  
  
• Juice of half a lime
  
  
• 1 cup boiling water
  
  

How to make it:
Pour boiling water into a mug. Dissolve the honey while stirring. Add bourbon, lime juice, and cinnamon. Stir gently. Done.

 

6. Cider Muddle

By The Little Easy, Mumbai
Vibe: Apple pie in a glass, with a whiskey kick.

Ingredients:

• 200 ml apple cider
  
  
• 45 ml Jim Beam bourbon
  
  
• 3–4 cinnamon sticks
  
  
• 10 ml lime juice
  
  
• Orange slice for garnish
  
  

How to make it:
Muddle cinnamon with lime juice, then add bourbon. Heat the cider separately and pour it over the mix. Garnish and serve hot.

 

7. Red Velvet

By Zephyr Gastro Lounge, Hyderabad
Vibe: A smoky, floral twist on your usual bourbon.

Ingredients:

• 60 ml bourbon
  
  
• 2 g hibiscus
  
  
• 1 g vanilla pods
  
  
• 10 ml lime juice
  
  
• 15 g pinewood chips (for smoking)
  
  

How to make it:
Make a hibiscus-vanilla syrup by boiling hibiscus and vanilla pods, then sweeten with honey. Shake 60 ml syrup with bourbon, lime juice, and ice. Pour into a glass and smoke with pinewood shavings for 15 seconds.

 

8. Rain Dance

By Drinq Barmen & Academy, Mumbai
Vibe: Masala chai meets Manhattan.

Ingredients:

• 45 ml bourbon
  
  
• 45 ml masala tea (strong brewed)
  
  
• 15 ml sweet vermouth
  
  
• Orange peel
  
  

How to make it:
Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a glass over fresh ice. Garnish with orange peel or tea leaves.

 

9. Almond Horchata

By JW Lounge, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar
Vibe: Cozy, creamy, slightly nutty.

Ingredients:

• 60 ml Baileys Almande or Vanilla Cinnamon
  
  
• ¾ cup almond milk
  
  
• 30 ml honey
  
  
• Pinch of nutmeg
  
  
• 20 ml espresso
  
  

How to make it:
Heat the almond milk and pour into a glass. Stir in honey, espresso, and Baileys. Top with whipped cream and roasted almonds.

10. Espresso Martini

By Serafina, Kolkata
Vibe: Rainy night energy boost.

Ingredients:

• 60 ml vodka
  
  
• 30 ml espresso
  
  
• 15 ml sugar syrup
  
  

How to make it:
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Serve cold with crushed ice.

Go-To Monsoon Cocktail Ingredients (And Why They Work)

Ingredient	Why It Works in Monsoon	Bartender Tip
Ginger	Warms your throat & kicks up flavour	Fresh juice > powder for a cleaner finish
Cinnamon	Adds depth and warmth	Stick works better for infusions
Apple cider	Comforting and tart	Heat it before mixing for more body
Masala chai	Nostalgic, spicy, and cozy	Use strong brew to avoid dilution
Honey	Natural sweetener + throat soother	Mix with warm water before adding to drinks
Clove & Cardamom	Bold and earthy	Dry roast before adding to unlock aroma

Hosting a Rainy-Day Cocktail Night? Here’s How to Set the Mood

• Lighting: Warm-toned fairy lights or candles do the trick.
  
  
• Playlist: Think mellow indie or jazz classics—something like “Monsoon Malabar Mix”.
  
  
• Snacks:
  
  
• Masala peanuts
  
  
• Corn on the cob
  
  
• Mini samosas or bruschetta
  
  
• DIY bar tip: All you really need is whiskey, rum, vodka, lime, honey, and spices. Keep it simple.
  
  

FAQs About Monsoon Cocktails

Q: Are warm cocktails safe to make at home?
A: Totally! Just avoid direct flames and use heatproof glasses.

Q: Can I skip alcohol in these recipes?
A: Yes—use brewed tea, cider, or even warm orange juice as a base.

Q: What’s the easiest cocktail to start with?
A: Try the ABC Story or Cider Muddle. They’re beginner-friendly and use pantry staples.

Final Sip: Your Rainy Season Just Got Better

These cocktails aren’t just drinks—they’re mini mood-setters. Whether you're looking to cozy up alone with a warm toddy or want to impress your gang at the next game night, there’s something here for everyone. So go ahead, try one out, tweak it to your taste, and enjoy the magic of the monsoon—one glass at a time

Read also: Are Your Cocktails Worth the Price? How to Avoid Charging More Than They are Worth