Real Grooms and their Signature Cocktails
We clinked glasses with 10 dapper grooms-to-be and asked them about their signature cocktails. Here, they share their heady recipes for you to try
The versatility of cocktails make them a go-to drink for many. Whether they are bold flavors of Johnnie Walker blended whiskeys or intense Tanqueray Gin and Ciroc Vodka flavors, there are cocktails to suit all sorts of parties and please different palates.
When planning your wedding, make your guests are in high spirits with signature drinks paired with a themed wedding bar that reflects some aspect about you and your partner as a couple. Try and ensure that at least one cocktail is created out of a personal memory, incident or preference.
We clinked glasses with a few grooms-to-be and asked them about their favorite cocktails, the recipes and what their personal connection with their ‘special’ drink. From effortless mixes to eclectic combinations, here are 10 cocktails that these men will have at their weddings to get the party started.
Sohil Wazir
Favorite Cocktail: Whiskey Sour
A well-blended whiskey sour results from unique flavors of Johnnie Walker Red Label Blended Scotch Whiskey, a dash of egg whites, lemon juice, and sugar syrup. This is Sohil’s signature drink as it is neither too sweet and nor too sour; and since it is the first cocktail he ever tried, this is his personal favorite.
How to Make:
1. Fill a shaker with ice cubes
2. Add 50 ml Johnnie Walker Red Label Blended Scotch Whiskey
3. Add a dash of bitters
4. Add 25 ml lemon juice
5. Add 17.5 ml sugar syrup and 1 egg white
6. Shake well and strain into a tall glass
Sagar Jhaveri
Favorite Cocktail: Mojito
The classic Mojito is a cool, refreshing and summery blend of Captain Morgan White Rum, mint, lime and soda. It has been Sagar’s go-to drink since his heady college days and is his personal favorite to date.
How to Make:
1. Clap 8-10 mint leaves in your palms to release the aromas, and place at the bottom of the tall glass.
2. Chop half a lime into pieces and place on top of the mint.
3. Add 12 ml sugar syrup on top of the mint and lime
4. Muddle gently to release the lime juices
5. Fill your glass 3/4 full with crushed ice
6. Pour in 50 ml Captain Morgan White Rum and a splash of soda
7. Stir everything together well and top with further crushed ice and garnish with a mint leaf
Ali Shakeer
Favorite Cocktail: Whiskey Collins
The classic Tom Collins when given a twist with Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve with its perfect luxurious, creamy and honeyed blend, makes for a cocktail that’s perfect for that unforgettable night out with friends. Ali’s signature drink is Whiskey Collins as he gets to appreciate the depth and flavor of the blend with its mix of sours that reminds him of his childhood love for sour candies.
How to Make:
1. Fill a tall glass with ice
2. Add 50 ml of Johnnie Walker Gold Reserve Blended Whisky, 25 ml of lemon juice and 10 ml of sugar syrup and stir well to combine
3. Top up with soda water and garnish with a slice of lemon to serve
Photo Courtesy- Retro Chick
Neeraj Dutta
Favorite Cocktail: Old-Fashioned
Old-fashioned is the grandfather of whiskey cocktails which showcases the elegant Johnnie Walker Black Label Blended Scotch Whisky along with complimenting flavors and aromas of bitters, citrus and the sweetness of sugar. Neeraj loves the flavors of this vintage cocktail as it makes him nostalgic.
How to Make:
1. Add 10 ml sugar syrup and bitters in a whiskey tumbler
2. Muddle until dissolved
3. Fill the glass with ice
4. Pour in 60ml Johnnie Walker Black Label Blended Scotch Whisky
5. Garnish with an orange slice
Bhavesh Tekchandani
Favorite Cocktail: Martini
A classic Martini recipe contains gin and vermouth and is garnished with olives. Though gin has always been more of a traditional choice, Vodka Martinis are getting more popular. Bhavesh loves his Martinis ‘stirred, and not shaken’ on a night out dancing with his buddies as he is partial to its lingering bitter flavor.
How to Make:
1. Pour 50ml Tanqueray No. TEN Gin or Ciroc Vodka into a bowl
2. Add 5ml of dry vermouth
3. Stir briskly for 10 seconds, then strain into chilled cocktail glass and garnish with an olive
Anuj Bakshi
Favorite Cocktail: Long Island Iced Tea
Long Island Iced Tea has been an iconic cocktail for years together and is perfect for men who want to dive into more than one spirit in one go. Anuj loves this combo of spirits in his Long Island Iced Tea especially because of the Don Julio Tequila that goes in it. “You just need to have a few to be good for the night!” he shares.
How to Make:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
2. Pour 1 part each of Smirnoff vodka, Tanqueray gin, Captain Morgan white rum, Stirrings triple sec, Don Julio tequila and sour mix into the shaker
3. Cover and shake vigorously to combine and chill
4. Pour the mixture into a tall glass over ice and top off with cola
Arnav Thakker
Favorite Cocktail: Black Russian
The legendary Black Russian cocktail nails the smooth and unadulterated taste of Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka with a hint of coffee liqueur. Arnav enjoys this classic cocktail for its rich aroma and the perfect mix of vodka and coffee.
How to Make:
1. Fill a tumbler with ice cubes
2. Add 45ml of Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka and 25ml of coffee liqueur, stir for 5 seconds and serve
Sagar Thakkar
Favorite Cocktail: Manhattan
A Manhattan cocktail’s rich taste comes from the characteristic smokiness of Johnnie Walker Black Label Blended Scotch whiskey with the hints of cedar, chocolate, and vanilla. Whiskey-loving Sagar loves sipping on his drinks and prefers Manhattan for its smoky edge and sugary flavor.
How to Make:
1. Add 50ml Johnnie Walker Black Label and 20ml of sweet vermouth
2. Mix and serve in a martini glass
Subodh Bawsay
Favorite Cocktail: Screwdriver
The screwdriver cocktail is a simple yet refreshing cocktail, and the combination of the classic Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka distilled from fine French grapes offers a luscious taste along with the fresh orange juice poured over it. Subodh says the Screwdriver is his signature cocktail as it works for both day and evening events in a humid city like Mumbai.
How to Make:
1. Drop ice cubes in a glass
2. Pour 100ml fresh orange juice and 50ml Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka
3. Garnish with an orange wedge and serve
Shanay Choksi
Favorite Cocktail: Gentleman’s Sour
The iconic cocktail dates back to the 1870s with a classic blend of bourbon whiskey, simple syrup, and lemon juice. Bourbon lover Shanay loves this vintage cocktail for its sweet and sour mix blending well with the woody bourbon whiskey on the rocks.
How to Make:
1. Mix 50ml bourbon whiskey with 20ml sugar syrup and 25ml of fresh lemon juice and shake well
3. Pour and serve over ice
4. Garnish with orange wedges or cherries
Need more ideas to plan the perfect bar at your wedding? Get a little help from the experts who will show you how to plan the best party in town.
