Experimenting has become the new art of loving yourself and that extends to what’s in your glass. Gone are the days when a good cocktail meant splurging a thousand bucks at a bar. With just a few clever ingredients and the right spirit, you can stir up something equally indulgent at home. As ZigZag Vodka celebrates its first anniversary and a stellar run at the Asia World Spirits Competition 2025 with wins across all four variants, Tanisha Bhatia, Mixologist for Simba Beer and ZigZag Vodka, shares four easy yet elevated recipes. Each one is proof that a little curiosity and a bottle of smooth vodka are all you need to turn an ordinary evening into an experiment worth sipping.
Holy Basil Bubbles
A refreshing reminder that calm and chaos can coexist Herbal, crisp, and effervescent, this drink brings together basil’s earthy calm and soda’s sparkling energy. It’s the perfect sip for slow evenings or fast laughs.
Ingredients:
- 45 ml ZigZag Green Apple Vodka
- 20 ml Basil Jam Cordial
- 15 ml Fresh Lime Juice
- Sparkling Water or Soda (to top)
How to Brew:
- Muddle a few fresh basil leaves in your shaker.
- Add 45 ml ZigZag Vodka, 20 ml lime juice, and 15 ml basil syrup.
- Shake with ice, then strain into a glass filled with ice cubes.
- Top up with soda water.
- Garnish with a fresh basil sprig.
Pro Tip: Chill your soda before pouring to keep the bubbles bright and lively.
Banarasi Grinch
A cheeky mix of tradition and temptation. Sweet paan, mint, and a touch of rose, it’s Banaras bottled in a glass. This one’s playful, nostalgic, and a little bit wicked. Shake and serve in a rocks glass. Garnish with a paan leaf curl or a rose petal for a fragrant finish.
Ingredients:
- 45 ml ZigZag Vodka
- 20 ml paan syrup
- 10 ml rose water
- A few mint leaves
- Crushed ice
How to Brew:
- In a shaker, add 45 ml ZigZag Vodka, 20 ml paan syrup, 10 ml rose water, and a few mint leaves.
- Shake with crushed ice until frosty.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with a paan leaf curl or rose petal.
Pro Tip: For a smokier aroma, lightly torch the paan leaf before adding it as garnish.
The Iconic Green Label Shines Again
Masala Mirage
A desi dream that dances between spice and sophistication. A bold Indian twist on the classic Bloody Mary, this one brings in chaat masala, smoked chili, and a hint of lemon to remind your palate it’s alive.
Ingredients:
- 50 ml ZigZag Vodka
- 80 ml tomato juice
- 1 tsp chaat masala
- 1 dash smoked chili sauce
- 1 lemon wedge
- Salt rim
How to Brew:
- In a shaker, combine 50 ml ZigZag Vodka, 80 ml tomato juice, 1 tsp chaat masala, a dash of smoked chili sauce, and a squeeze of lemon.
- Add ice and shake lightly (don’t over-dilute).
- Strain into a tall glass with ice.
- Garnish with a chili, cucumber stick, or lemon wedge.
Pro Tip: Rim your glass with salt and chili powder for an extra kick.
Tropical Heatwave
Juicy pineapple, fiery ginger, and smooth vodka come together for a cocktail that’s as bright and bold as a beach sunset. Shake well with ice and pour into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a pineapple slice or a hint of chili salt.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml ZigZag Vodka
- 45 ml pineapple juice
- 15 ml ginger syrup
- Dash of lime juice
How to Brew:
- Combine 60 ml ZigZag Vodka, 45 ml pineapple juice, 15 ml ginger syrup, and a dash of lime juice in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well until cold.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a pineapple slice or chili-salt rim.
Pro Tip: Add a small piece of muddled chili before shaking for a subtle heat wave.
