CocktailRecipes

East India Recipe + Ingredients & Tips

how to make a East India recipe

📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Brandy
Alcohol 20%
Calories 250 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 18g
Prep time 5 minutes

Imagine you’re about to sip a drink that’s like taking a trip to an exotic spice market, with a twist of history in every drop. That’s the East India cocktail—a drink that’s as rich in flavor as it is in stories. We’ll explore its origins, what makes it taste so unique, and even how to pair it with your favorite dishes. Ready to dive in? Let’s begin our flavor-packed journey together! ⬇️

History

The East India cocktail takes us back in time, originating in the colonial days when trade with the East Indies brought new and exciting flavors to European shores. It was a drink of the elite, symbolizing luxury and the thrill of exotic lands.

  • The East India cocktail was named after the British East India Company, a major player in the spice trade.
  • It first appeared in print in the 19th century, making it a cocktail with a truly vintage pedigree.
  • The drink was said to be a favorite among the British officers returning from the East Indies.

The taste of East India?

The East India cocktail dances on your tongue with a balanced blend of sweet and tart. Imagine a fruity punch with a spicy whisper that leaves you wanting more.

I adore the East India for its complexity; it’s a symphony of flavors that’s both sophisticated and playful.

Interesting facts about East India

  • The East India cocktail is often garnished with a citrus twist, adding a zesty pop to its rich profile.
  • Despite its name, the East India cocktail has gained popularity worldwide, from Europe to the Americas.
  • Its recipe has evolved over the years, with bartenders adding their unique twists to the classic mix.

Ingredients

  • Brandy: 1.5 oz (45ml)
  • Pineapple juice: 1 oz (30ml)
  • Orange Curacao: 0.5 oz (15ml)
  • Maraschino liqueur: 0.25 oz (7ml)
  • Angostura bitters: 2 dashes

Cocktail glass is the quintessential vessel for the East India, its stemmed elegance enhancing the drink’s rich heritage. Alternatively, a martini glass can cradle the cocktail with equal grace, its wide brim perfect for enjoying the aroma.

Recipe. How to make East India

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice and add brandy, 1.5 oz.
  2. Pour in pineapple juice, 1 oz, and orange curacao, 0.5 oz.
  3. Add maraschino liqueur, 0.25 oz, and two dashes of Angostura bitters.
  4. Stir the ingredients until well-chilled, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
  5. Garnish with a twist of lemon or orange peel to serve.

East India cocktails can be a bit sugary, but swapping in natural sweeteners or reducing the liqueur can make a lighter version. The brandy base does have some health perks, like antioxidants!

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Food Pairings

Selecting the perfect accompaniment to your East India can amplify its rich flavors. Think of these pairings as a duet where each element lifts the other to new heights.

Spicy Asian Cuisine

The sweet and spicy notes of the East India cocktail complement the bold flavors found in dishes like Thai curries or Indian biryanis, creating a harmonious taste experience.

Rich Cheeses

A sip of East India alongside a creamy, rich cheese creates a contrast that’s both indulgent and refreshing, with the cocktail cutting through the cheese’s density.

Chocolate Desserts

Pairing the East India with a dark chocolate dessert is a match made in heaven, where the drink’s fruitiness dances alongside the chocolate’s deep, velvety tones.

What I love about East India is that it’s like a treasure chest of flavors, each sip revealing new secrets.

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Bartender Advice

  • Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor; it makes a world of difference.
  • Chill your glassware beforehand to keep the drink cool and refreshing.
  • Don’t rush the stir; a gentle technique integrates the flavors without diluting the cocktail too much.

Now that you’ve got the hang of the classic East India, it’s time to explore how you can tweak this storied cocktail and discover new variations that might just become your next favorite.

What you could change in East India

  • You can experiment with different types of brandy or even whiskey for a bolder twist.
  • Try using freshly squeezed pineapple juice for a brighter, more authentic fruit flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of sweetener—less maraschino or curacao can lead to a more subtle and dryer profile.

East India Variations

East India No. 2

  • Ingredients: Add a splash of soda water for a fizzy texture.
  • Recipe: Follow the classic recipe, then top with soda water and garnish with a cherry.

Tropical East India

  • Ingredients: Substitute pineapple juice with mango nectar.
  • Recipe: Mix as usual, replacing pineapple juice with mango nectar for a tropical twist.

Spiced East India

  • Ingredients: Include a cinnamon stick and a star anise in the mix.
  • Recipe: Stir together the classic ingredients, adding the spices for a warm, aromatic version.

For a non-alcoholic take, the Virgin East India replaces brandy with apple juice and omits the liqueurs for a fruity, kid-friendly mocktail.

Q&A

Is the East India cocktail strong?

Yes, it’s got a kick from the brandy, but it’s nicely balanced with the other sweet and fruity ingredients.

Can I make East India in advance?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can mix the liquors in advance and add ice and garnish when serving.

Is there a preferred brand of brandy for East India?

A good-quality brandy you enjoy sipping on its own is perfect for an East India cocktail.

Can I make East India without bitters?

You can, but the bitters add depth and complexity that really make the cocktail sing.

What’s the best time to serve an East India cocktail?

It’s versatile—great as a pre-dinner aperitif or a sophisticated after-dinner treat.

How can I make my East India cocktail look professional?

Presentation is key: a well-chilled glass, a precise garnish, and a confident pour will do the trick.

Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer is a seasoned mixology and cocktail recipe writer at CocktailPlans.com. Chris has a deep passion for cocktail creation and mixology, and has been exploring and writing about the world of drinks for over 5 years.
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