The Top 5 Cocktail Recipes from Colonel Saab’s Bar Manager
Welcome to the Colonel Saab blog – where Indian heritage meets London elegance in every dish and drink. I’m Amey, the Bar Manager here at Colonel Saab, and if you’re looking for unique cocktail recipes or simply want to discover the best cocktails in London, you’re in the right place.
At Colonel Saab, we blend tradition with innovation to bring you unforgettable cocktail experiences, using premium spirits and Indian-inspired ingredients. Below, I’m sharing the recipes for our top 5 signature cocktails – ones our guests keep coming back for. Whether you're hosting at home or planning your next night out in London, these recipes bring the soul of our bar directly to you.
1. Colonel Saab
Inspiration:
This is our flagship cocktail – a tribute to the Colonel himself. I wanted to create something warm, smooth and deeply comforting, like a spiced hug in a glass.
Ingredients:
- • 50ml Chivas 12-Year-Old Whisky
- • 25ml Coffee Liqueur
- • 10ml Chai Syrup
- • 1 Egg White (or vegan alternative for froth)
Method:
- 1. Add all ingredients to a shaker.
- 2. Dry shake (no ice) to emulsify the egg white.
- 3. Add ice and shake again until well chilled.
- 4. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- 5. Garnish with a dusting of chai spice.
2. Memsaab
Inspiration:
Elegant, poised, and full of charm – Memsaab was designed for those who appreciate subtle spice and citrusy complexity. Inspired by the sophistication of old Bombay soirées.
Ingredients:
- • 50ml Four Roses Bourbon
- • 30ml Fresh Orange Juice
- • 10ml Cinnamon Syrup
- • 2 Curry Leaves
Method:
- 1. Muddle curry leaves gently in a shaker.
- 2. Add all ingredients with ice.
- 3. Shake and fine strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- 4. Garnish with a curled orange peel and a fresh curry leaf.
3. Indian Sling
Inspiration:
A playful twist on the classic Singapore Sling, this one’s bursting with tropical flavour and floral notes. I created it to reflect the vibrant colours and fragrances of Indian summer.
Ingredients:
- • 50ml Rutland Gin
- • 20ml Pineapple Juice
- • 15ml Rose Syrup
- • 10ml Vanilla Syrup
- • Dash of Lemon Juice
Method:
- 1. Shake all ingredients with ice.
- 2. Strain into a highball glass filled with cubed ice.
- 3. Top with soda water and stir gently.
- 4. Garnish with edible flowers or a pineapple wedge.
4. Spicy Gunpowder Margarita
Inspiration:
South Indian flavours meet Mexican tradition in this bold margarita. I wanted something fiery and unforgettable – and this one always sparks conversation at the bar.
Ingredients:
- • 50ml Olmeca Blanco Tequila
- • 25ml Lime Juice
- • 20ml Gunpowder Spice Syrup (or chilli-infused simple syrup)
- • Salt for rim (optional)
Method:
- 1. Rim a rocks glass with salt (optional).
- 2. Shake all ingredients with ice.
- 3. Strain over ice into the prepared glass.
- 4. Garnish with a dehydrated lime wheel and a pinch of chilli salt.
5. Lychee Wine
Inspiration:
For guests who love something floral, fresh and a little bit cheeky – Lychee Wine was inspired by afternoon garden parties with a dash of romance.
Ingredients:
- • 40ml Beefeater Gin
- • 30ml Lychee Juice or Puree
- • 10ml Red Berry Syrup
- • 10ml Lemon Juice
Method:
- 1. Shake all ingredients with ice.
- 2. Strain into a coupe or martini glass.
- 3. Garnish with a lychee fruit or a single raspberry.
Ready to Try Them All?
If you're based in London or just visiting, I’d love to personally invite you to Colonel Saab in Holborn or Trafalgar Square, where each of these cocktails is crafted to perfection by our expert team. But if you're experimenting at home, I hope these recipes bring a little Colonel Saab magic to your evening.
For more cocktail inspiration, follow us on Instagram @colonelsaab and tag us in your home creations – we love seeing our guests shake things up!
Jai Ho!
Amey Kamtekar
Bar Manager, Colonel Saab
