Stirring up.... Cocktail Craze

Christmas and New Year are joyous occasions celebrated by the country's populous with a cocktail at the nearest bar, with no bars! Irrespective of age, and other differences, everyone wants to raise a toast to the future, with a cocktail. The country's beverage scene, with growing young population seeking new exciting experiences, is undergoing a transformation. Cocktails, particularly during the Yuletide, are becoming the favoured drinks to be sipped and enjoyed. Ashok Malkani examines the various aspects of this mixologists' and consumers' favourite concoction - cocktails!

- Ashok Malkani

Christmas and New Year is a time when one raises one's glass and says "Cheers". It has, in recent times, become a tradition to welcome the festive season with cocktails. Over the years, India's F&B landscape has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis. Today India's inclination towards tea and other indigenous drinks, particularly among the millennials and Gen Z, during celebrative and special occasions like the Yuletide, has been superseded by cocktails.

Apurav Bhatia, Beverage Manager, The St. Regis Goa Resort disclosed, "At The St. Regis Goa Resort, cocktails are a preferred choice during the yuletide season for several reasons. The festive spirit brings a sense of celebration, and cocktails create a perfect canvas for seasonal ingredients like cinnamon, cranberries, and spices that amplify the holiday atmosphere. The ability to customize these drinks also adds a personal touch, allowing guests to enjoy classics like eggnog or mulled wine, which offer warmth and comfort during the cooler months."

He adds, "The visual appeal of cocktails further enhances their popularity at Christmas parties, where their aesthetic presentation complements the joyous gatherings. Ultimately, cocktails combine flavour, festivity, and fun, making them an irresistible choice for holiday celebrations"

Kashyap Salla, Co- founder, Zyto vodka declares, "Cocktails have become a preferred choice during the Yuletide season for many reasons. The festive season is all about celebration, indulgence, and creating memorable experiences, and cocktails embody that spirit perfectly. A well-crafted cocktail offers not only taste but also a sensory experience with its unique aromas, colors, and garnishes, setting the holiday mood. Cocktails are a natural fit for holiday gatherings. At yto, we recognize this trend and take pride in offering versatile vodkas that mix beautifully with festive flavours, perfect for holiday-inspired cocktails."