Last Updated on March 9, 2024
Jaisalmer for Indian Gin Cocktails or a classic Gin and Tonic
Jaisalmer is the first Indian craft gin from Radico Khaitan, and named after the historic city. Its flavours and aromas are cultured to evoke the heady imperial age of the Maharajas and Maharanis. Produced using traditional copper pot stills at a distillery at the foothills of the Himalayas which offers a consistent climate and pure mountain water perfect for gin production.
Eleven botanicals are used in creating the gin, of which seven come from within India, including coriander and vetiver, the zest of orange and lemon peel, cubeb pepper berries, Darjeeling green tea leaves and lemongrass.
Sampling the gin neat, you get a smoothness of liquorice with a very evident orange zest. Gentle heat from the cubeb pepper leaves a long lingering presence.
In true traditional style, this gin is best taken simply with a good Indian tonic. This brings out more of the coriander and cubeb (which many people mistake for cumin) and gives the drink much more of a fragrant Indian spice taste. The orange and citrus zest makes this gin much fresher and brighter than you might expect, whilst still allowing you to identify the hidden flavours within.
A slice of lime should be added (never lemon) to sit above a couple of ice cubes for the best enjoyment. An orange rind twist can be used instead of lime for a more fragrant zest.
Fevertree tonic is our recommendation. Apart from being a fine tonic, the name reflects the origin of tonic water and indeed of Gin and Tonic. The original tonic waters were made with quinine to help ward off malaria in colonial India. And, the addition of gin was the British way to help disguise the bitter taste of the medicine. British army officers in the early 19th century started adding water, sugar, lime and gin to make the quinine more palatable to drink – and so the classic gin and tonic was born. Today’s tonic water contains a lot less quinine and rather more sugar or sweetener, so it’s less bitter. While you’d have to drink litres of tonic to ward off malaria, it’s a much pleasanter experience and a better base for craft gins like Jaisalmer
This Indian gin is also a great starting point for a cocktail, with 11 amazing botanical flavours and aromas.
- Coriander
- Vetiver
- Orange peel
- Cubeb Berries
- Lemongrass
- Darjeeling green tea leaves
- Lemon peel
- Angelica Root
- Liquorice
- Caraway seeds
- Juniper berries
We are sharing the delicious Jaisalmer Indian Gin ‘Golden Fort’ cocktail as just one suggestion for how to serve this fragrant spirit.
A fragrant and lightly spiced gin cocktail that would make an excellent aperitif.
- Cinnamon Syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 4 cinnamon sticks broken into large pieces
- 50 ml Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin
- 15 ml Lime Juice
- 10 ml Cinnamon Syrup
- 50 ml Cloudy Apple Juice
- Garnish: Sliced Green Apple
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Bring all ingredients to a boil over medium heat.
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Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 8-10 minutes until the sugar has dissolved, stirring frequently.
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Remove from heat and let cool
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Discard cinnamon sticks, strain into a clean glass jar and cover.
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Store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
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Pour Jaisalmer Gin over cubed ice.
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Add fresh lime juice, cinnamon syrup and cloudy apple juice.
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Garnish with an apple fan of 3 slices and add grated nutmeg on top (optional).
Make the cinnamon syrup in advance and store in the fridge for up to two weeks
It’s a great example of an Indian gin cocktail that would pair beautifully with spicy Indian cuisine. We are looking forward to making a few more Indian gin cocktails ourself – perhaps one with orange and saffron. And, truly enjoying Jaisalmer Indian gin just for sipping!
Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin RRP: £34.95 ABV: 43% is available from The Whisky Exchange
Looking for a different style of gin cocktail? How about this delicious raspberry gin cocktail with Pinkster Royale
Danny Benbow says
Yummy!!!
clair downham says
would love to enjoy this on a sunny day in my garden
Javier Garcia-Marcos says
This would be a little different!
melanie yates says
yes pls!!
Gill HM says
You just can’t go wrong with a G&T, can you?! But it has to be top-quality gin AND tonic water, served in a large enough glass to allow heaps of ice and topped with wedges of lime and lemon. YUM!
Jayne Townson says
That sounds amazing, perfect to enjoy on a nice summers evening, thanks for sharing the recipe.
Pete says
A decent tonic is a must for pairing with gin
Maddy says
My husband reckons a Great gin paired with a decent tonic rocks!
Tracy Barber says
This sounds fabulous and perfect for lazy summer evenings, will be trying this one
Carly Belsey says
This does sound so good. I have tried an Indian gin before but i cannot remember the name but it was really nice.
Jeanette Leighton says
Sounds gorgeous would be fantastic in the garden
Ian Walmsley says
Great !
Sandra Fortune says
Sounds lovely I love lime and Apple
Priscilla Stubbs says
Sounds amazing
Lesley Cohen Wright says
Golden Fort sounds fabulous
Vanessa Serket says
gorgeous bottle and I love the addition of cinnamon in the cocktail!
Adrian Bold says
This sounds great! I need to get more adventurous when it comes to trying new cocktails.
Amanda Botterill says
It sounds mouthwateringly good!!
Anthea Holloway says
I would love to try this cocktail – just right for summer!
Julia Linsley says
The Golden Fort sounds delicious
Sheila Reeves says
Sounds great for a summer evening – never tried making cinnamon syrup, thanks for the recipe
Emily G says
Would really enjoy this cocktail. Perfect for summer yummy
Carolyn E says
This is amazing. Perfect start to curry night t9night! Approved by EVERYONE! Thanks SO MUCH !
Patricia Barrett says
This sounds so nice! I’ll have to give it a try.
Perfect for a warm evening or maybe at a BBQ!
Love the idea of the cinnamon
This sounds amazing!
The Golden Fort would make a wonderful Christmas drink because of the cinnamon – it really does sound delicious.
Amazing ????
Sounds delicious and refreshing
Sounds absolutely wonderful, do enjoy a cocktail which is tasty and refreshing
I love anything with a fruit/spice combo, so this cocktail sounds like just my thing!
Sounds light, tasty, a lovely combination.
Sounds absolutely delicious!
It sounds too sweet for my taste but i do fancy the gin/apple juice combo
This sounds refreshing and would be well suited for a hot summer’s day. Finger’s crossed we get a good summer this year.
It sounds great and I would like to try it. I don’t take much persuading
this sounds amazing
It sounds delicious!
Sounds wonderful
sounds great – spicy and refreshing
PERFECT INDEED
It does sound great doesn’t i!
Perfect for a warm summer’s evening