This sophisticated gulab jamun cocktail features a saffron, cardamom, and rose-infused simple syrup, traditionally used for gulab jamuns, repurposed to craft a refreshing gin cocktail with floral and bright notes.
Jump to:
- Cocktail ingredients and substitutes
- Easy gulab jamun syrup
- Equipment used for this recipe
- How much is 1.5 ounces?
- How to chill cocktail glasses
- Why is it important to shake this cocktail?
- Making and batching this for a large crowd
- Food that pairs well with this cocktail
- Gulab Jamun Cocktail (Saffron Gin Cocktail)
Gulab jamuns are little donuts soaked in a sweet saffron, cardamom, and rose syrup. Whenever I make these treats for holidays or as gifts during Diwali, there is bound to be extra syrup leftover. Instead of wasting that extra syrup, I thought it would make for an exciting and complex addition to a festive cocktail. Don't worry if you don't have extra syrup from a gulab jamun making session; this blog post will point you to the standalone gulab jamun syrup recipe and teach you how to mix it to create a balanced and bright cocktail.
Cocktail ingredients and substitutes
- Gulab Jamun Syrup
- Gin - I prefer a dry Gin like Botanist Gin but choose what you like to drink! Vodka also serves as a great substitute.
- Lemon Juice - It's really important to use the freshly squeezed kind, not the one that comes in a bottle, for a cleaner tasting cocktail!
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Easy gulab jamun syrup
This cocktail recipe shines due to the flavorful simple syrup that is used. The syrup is as easy as adding 1 part sugar to one part water and adding a combo of saffron and cardamom to steep with the syrup. When the sugar is all melted, simply add lemon juice to prevent crystallization and optionally add rose water for a more floral taste.
This syrup can be doubled or tripled and stored in the fridge for months for future cocktails or coffee.
Equipment used for this recipe
- Jigger - To help measure out liquid
- 3 piece cocktail shaker - To shake and strain this drink
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How much is 1.5 ounces?
Typically, cocktail recipes call for liquid to be measured in fluid ounces but don't be intimidated by these. The rule of thumb is that 1.5 fluid ounces is 3 tablespoons of alcohol. It's nice to have a jigger tool which helps measure out 1.5 ounces which bartenders equate to 1 shot of alcohol.
How to chill cocktail glasses
You can either chill a cocktail glass by placing it upright in the freezer for ~30 minutes or filling up the glass with ice while making the cocktail and then dumping the ice out.
Why is it important to shake this cocktail?
Shaking the cocktail helps to chill the drink as well as dilute it slightly with a bit of water! This is why it is important to shake this drink vigorously for at least 30 seconds.
Making and batching this for a large crowd
You can easily increase the quantity of this recipe by doubling or tripling it. For parties, prepare a large batch in advance by combining all ingredients except the ice in a big mason jar. Add 1 tablespoon of water for each serving of the cocktail (for example, 4 tablespoons for 4 cocktails) and freeze. Leave some space at the top of the jar for the liquid to expand. You can do this 3-4 days before the party. When it's time to serve, take the mason jar out of the freezer and instruct guests to shake it before pouring into their glasses. In addition, the gulab jamun syrup can be made months in advance and kept in the fridge!
Food that pairs well with this cocktail
This cocktail is a bright, floral, and sweet cocktail that pairs great with Indian food. Here are some great savory snacks and mains that would pair beautifully with this saffron gin cocktail.
- Caramelized Onion Puff Pastry Swirls
- Tomato Chutney Bruschetta
- Indian Mutton Keema Aloo Cutlets
- Crispy Kale Chaat
Gulab Jamun Cocktail (Saffron Gin Cocktail)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This sophisticated gulab jamun cocktail features a saffron, cardamom, and rose-infused simple syrup, traditionally used for gulab jamuns, repurposed to craft a refreshing gin cocktail with floral and bright notes.
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces gulab jamun (saffron) simple syrup
- 2 ounces gin, like Botanist Gin
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Ice
Instructions
This makes 1 cocktail; look at the notes for how to make a large batch for a party!
- Add ice, gulab jamun simple syrup, gin, and lemon juice and shake for at least 30 seconds.
- Strain and serve in a chilled coupe glass.
Notes
- Instructions for batching and making ahead: You can easily increase the quantity of this recipe by doubling or tripling it. For parties, prepare a large batch in advance by combining all ingredients except the ice in a big mason jar. Add 1 tablespoon of water for each serving of the cocktail (for example, 4 tablespoons for 4 cocktails) and freeze. Leave some space at the top of the jar for the liquid to expand. You can do this 3-4 days before the party. When it's time to serve, take the mason jar out of the freezer and instruct guests to shake it before pouring into their glasses. In addition, the gulab jamun syrup can be made months in advance and kept in the fridge!
- Chill coupe glasses in the freezer for ~30 mins for a chilled glass.
- 1.5 ounces is 3 tablespoons, 1 ounce is 2 tablespoons
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 5
- Category: Drinks
Keywords: Gulab Jamun Cocktail (Saffron Gin Cocktail)
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