As the skies darken and monsoon rains begin to pour, all you need is a comforting cocktail to relax and watch the world slow down. The cool breeze, the earthy scent of wet soil, and the rhythmic sound of raindrops create the perfect backdrop for a drink that warms you from within. While summer is all about refreshing spritzes, citrusy coolers, and tropical flavours, the monsoon season calls for a cosier, richer cocktail recipes; one that soothes, indulges, and complements the mood of the monsoons.
The best cocktails for the monsoon are those that strike the perfect balance between warmth and flavour. Think whiskey spiked with spice, creamy liqueur-based concoctions, or bold vodka infusions with just the right hint of zing. These drinks don’t just take the chill off, they enhance the experience of rainy days with their depth, texture, and comforting aromas. Perfect for pairing with monsoon favourites like pakoras, samosas, or buttery puddings, these cocktails elevate any rainy day moment, whether you’re curled up solo with a book, entertaining guests with chai and snacks, or simply soaking in the pitter-patter at your window.
To help you make the most of the season, we’ve curated three delicious and easy-to-make cocktail recipes using award-winning spirits from the IWS Award 2024 Ultimate Drinking Guide. Each one has been selected for its quality, character, and ability to turn a simple drink into something truly memorable. So light a candle, pull on your comfy socks, and raise a glass to the most comforting time of the year, monsoon cocktail season.
Also Read: Decoding Different Styles Of Martini
Hot Toddy
A timeless classic, the Hot Toddy is your go-to cocktail when the air is damp and you need something warming. Made with hot water, lemon, honey, and whiskey, it’s the perfect mix of soothing and spirited. The citrus and sweetness balance the heat, while the whiskey adds depth and warmth that lingers long after each sip.
Cocktail Recipe:
- 45 ml Whisky
- 1tbsp honey
- Juice of half a lemon
- 120 ml hot water
- Garnish: Lemon wedge and cinnamon stick
Stir all ingredients in a mug and garnish. Ideal as a nightcap or rainy day remedy.
Our Recommendation: Bushmills The Original Irish Whiskey
Bushmills Original is a smooth and mellow Irish whiskey with notes of toasted grain, vanilla, honey, and a light fruitiness. Its triple distillation and aging in both bourbon and sherry casks make it clean and gentle on the palate—perfect for a hot cocktail that needs balance and elegance. It adds warmth without burn, letting the honey and citrus shine through.
Importer: Monika Alcobev
Price: ₹2,850
Hot Chocolate
Rainy days and hot chocolate go hand in hand—but why not give your cup a decadent twist? This indulgent cocktail combines the nostalgia of cocoa with the indulgence of a chocolate cream liqueur. The result is rich, dessert-like, and dangerously drinkable.
Cocktail Recipe:
- 45 ml Chocolate Liqueur
- 150 ml milk (or oat/almond milk)
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- Whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings (for garnish)
Heat milk with cocoa and sugar. Stir in liqueur, top with whipped cream and garnish.
Also Read: Best Tequilas For Beginners
Our Recommendation: Mis Amigos Chocolate Cream Tequila Liqueur
This is a luscious blend of tequila and sweet, velvety chocolate cream. It’s smooth, rich, and indulgent—without being overly sweet or heavy. The tequila base adds a subtle warmth that elevates the hot chocolate into a proper dessert cocktail, ideal for rainy nights when only comfort will do.
Importer: Prodigyy Beverages
Price: ₹5,500
Bloody Mary
For those rainy mornings that blur into lazy brunches, a Bloody Mary is the bold, savory cocktail that kicks things up a notch. It’s zesty, spicy, and brimming with umami—an ideal partner for monsoon snacks and conversation.
Cocktail Recipe:
- 50 ml Voka
- 100 ml tomato juice
- 10 ml lemon juice
- 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
- 2 dashes hot sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garnish: Celery stick and lime wedge
Build over ice in a tall glass. Stir gently and garnish.
Our recommendation: AMG VODKA SMOOTH
This vodka lives up to its name- it’s clean, crisp, and exceptionally smooth, making it a perfect base for bold, spice-forward cocktails like the Bloody Mary. Its clarity and balance allow the tomato, lemon, and spices to shine while giving the cocktail a robust backbone.
Importer: Beyond Water Trading
Price: ₹3,750
