Indians love their drinks and there's no denying to it. In fact, they love it their way, with localised flavours added to it. Like many of us, Gina Barbachano, the bar manager at Hanky Panky - world's 18th best bar in 2021 - too thinks the same. In a recent tell-all session with NDTV Food, Barbachano shared about her cocktail experience in India, her favourite desi food, future plans and more. In fact, she also shared with us one quick and easy cocktail recipe, which according to her, will tug at our heartstrings. Let's take a look at the candid chat between Barbachano and NDTV Food.
How is the cocktail experience in India different from that in Mexico?
There are many similarities, such as keeping in line with classic cocktails along with localising it to make it more relevant to the consumers. Even in India I've seen a lot of thought and love going into their cocktails just like we do in Mexico.
Do you feel there is a similarity between Indian and Mexican flavours and textures?
It is extremely similar. Even in Mexico, we use many spices and make sure our dishes have a lot of personality just like I have seen in India.
What do you feel about the food and bar space in India or the world? Any trends you see evolving?
A lot of the trends currently is being local and pleasing a local palate. In Mexico, during the pandemic we faced a shortage of bottles due to the shortage of glass, and so we turned to local alternative methods for storage.
So opting for local choices while maintaining some form of simplicity as opposed to complicated dishes/drinks is a trend that is catching on and here to stay I think. All over the world we are seeing people appreciating the simple things in life.
The one ingredient that is your favourite to work with during the Bar Takeovers.
It's been so fun to work with such high quality spices. They are so powerful that I've had to use so little and of course, mixing them with Moet Hennessy's spirits has been a real treat!
Share a cocktail recipe that even a beginner can ace.
I think it's quite easy to put together a Chapulin Colarado, especially with ingredients available in your home.
Ingredients you would need:
- 50ml of Glenmorangie
- 30ml of sweet vermouth
- 15ml of coffee liquor
- Chocolate Bitters ( optional )
- Now, put everything over a glass, add some ice and you're all done!
What's your comfort food of choice?
Mexican food always; and especially my mom's Enchiladas - something I have grown up eating and continue to love and adore.
Tell us your go-to Indian food and drink.
I love Dosa! I haven't tried enough drinks to make a choice unfortunately.
What are your future plans? Anything exciting in store for you?
I've always been a workaholic so this year I am taking some time to travel, have a social life and having a little more time to myself.
Over the next few years I would like to open new bars and put together new concepts, which is always a fun thing to do.