Mortar & Pestle, the Bay Area craft cocktail bars, are known for their globally inspired drinks that feature traditional Indian flavors. The Bangalore Old Fashioned is an Indian-inspired take on the classic Old Fashioned, made with an Indian rum blend, housemade garam masala syrup, and Bittercube’s Blackstrap and Jamaican #2 bitters. A staple in Indian cooking, garam masala is a mix of warm winter spices like cinnamon, cloves and cardamom. That makes this cocktail perfect for imbibing around the fireplace during the holidays.
Bangalore Old Fashioned
—¼ oz. garam masala syrup (recipe below)
—1 ½ oz. Amrut Old Port Indian Rum
—¼ oz. Plantation Overproof Rum
—1 dash Bittercube Jamaican #2 bitters
—1 dash Bittercube Blackstrap bitters
Garam Masala Syrup
—1 cup water
—1 cup sugar
—25 grams garam masala powder
Bring water to a simmer, remove from heat and add sugar and spices. Stir until sugar dissolves then let spices steep for 10 minutes. Strain through cheesecloth. Good for two weeks when refrigerated.
Directions
Measure all ingredients into a mixing glass. Gently stir until chilled. Strain into a short glass with ice. Garnish with lemon and orange peel.
Courtesy of Mortar & Pestle, San Jose and San Mateo
