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This International Vodka Day, the spotlight is on transforming the so-called “neutral” spirit into a showcase of creativity
Whether tropical, floral, or spicy, these cocktails prove that vodka’s true power lies in the boldness of its pairings. R
Although vodka has long been referred to as the “blank canvas” of spirits, it is taking centre stage this International Vodka Day thanks to daring twists, bold flavours, and surprising combinations. These seven creative drinks by Mixologist Tanisha Bhatia at Simba Beer & ZigZag Vodka prove that vodka is anything but neutral ranging from delicate florals and tropical infusions to scorching spices
Tropic State
A cocktail that is both fun and punchy, Tropic State is the perfect combination of spicy, tangy, and refreshingly light flavours. With coriander-chilli cordial, pomegranate juice, and a touch of lime, it’s the ideal drink for warm nights when you need an extra burst of vigour.
Ingredients
45 ml ZigZag Vodka
30 ml Coriander-Chilli Cordial
10 ml Lime Juice
20 ml Pomegranate Juice
Soda – to top up
Ice – as needed
Method
Fill a shaker with ice.
Add ZigZag Vodka, coriander-chilli cordial, lime juice, and pomegranate juice.
Shake well and strain into a glass.
Top with soda and garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds.
Rossa
Floral, bubbly, and slightly spicy, Rossa surprises with a Desi twist. Lime and rose syrup meet a dash of cumin powder, creating a daring sip that lingers memorably.
Ingredients
45 ml ZigZag Vodka
15 ml Rose Syrup
Pinch of Cumin Powder
10 ml Lime Juice
Soda – to top up
Frozen rosewater ice cubes (garnish)
Method
Fill a highball or Collins glass with ice.
Pour in ZigZag Vodka, rose syrup, and lime juice.
Sprinkle cumin powder on top.
Top with chilled soda and garnish with rosewater ice cubes.
Green Stroke
Cool, fruity, and herbal, Green Stroke creates a vibrant red-hued cocktail that’s equal parts lively and character-filled. With coriander-pineapple juice, cranberry, and lime, it’s both spicy and refreshing.
Ingredients
45 ml ZigZag Vodka
20 ml Coriander-Pineapple Juice
15 ml Lime Juice
Cranberry Juice – to top up
Ice – as needed
Coriander sprig (garnish)
Method
Fill a highball glass with ice.
Add ZigZag Vodka, coriander-pineapple juice, and lime juice.
Top with cranberry juice for a vibrant finish.
Stir gently and garnish with a coriander sprig.
Flesh Tone #5
Tangy lime, smooth coconut, and a burst of grapefruit — Flesh Tone #5 is a tropical escape in a glass. Relaxed yet vibrant, it’s the kind of drink that tempts you to have “just one more.”
Ingredients
45 ml ZigZag Vodka
15 ml Coconut Syrup
20 ml Fresh Lime Juice
Grapefruit Soda – to top up
Ice – as needed
Method
Fill a highball glass with ice.
Pour ZigZag Vodka, coconut syrup, and lime juice over the ice.
Top with grapefruit soda.
Stir gently and serve chilled.
Fuoco
Italian for “fire,” Fuoco lives up to its name. ZigZag Original Vodka is shaken with citrus, rose water, and lime, creating a cocktail that is flowery, tangy, and bold. Finished with a salt rim and orange slice, it demands attention.
Ingredients
45 ml ZigZag Original Vodka
30 ml Orange Juice
10 ml Rose Water
20 ml Lime Juice
Ice – as needed
Salt rim + orange slice (garnish)
Method
Rim your glass with salt and set aside.
In a shaker with ice, combine ZigZag Original, orange juice, rose water, and lime juice.
Shake and strain into the prepared glass.
Garnish with an orange slice.
Masala Mirage
Inspired by aam papad nostalgia, this bold cooler blends the spice of chaat masala with mango-chilli cordial and zesty lime. Playful and chatpata, it’s perfect for sunny afternoons, quirky soirées, or whenever you crave a street-style kick.
Ingredients
45 ml ZigZag Lime-Infused Crax
20 ml Mango-Chilli Cordial
10 ml Fresh Lime Juice
Pinch of Chaat Masala
Ice – as needed
Method
Muddle raw mango lightly with chaat masala.
Shake together ZigZag Lime-Infused Crax, mango-chilli cordial, lime juice, and ice.
Strain into a chilled glass.
Garnish with a chaat-coated mango slice and serve with a Crax stirrer.
Serve chilled.
Fruit Loop
Playful and punchy, Fruit Loop bursts with ZigZag Green Apple, mango purée, and a splash of blue Curaçao. Fizzy soda and a squeeze of lime complete this tropical delight — perfect for rooftop evenings or sunny pick-me-ups.
Ingredients
45 ml ZigZag Green Apple
20 ml Mango Purée
10 ml Blue Curaçao
10 ml Fresh Lime Juice
Soda – to top up
Ice – as needed
Method
Blend mango purée, ZigZag Green Apple, lime juice, and ice until smooth.
Pour into a tall glass and top with soda.
Gently float blue Curaçao on top.
Serve chilled.
This International Vodka Day, the spotlight is on transforming the so-called “neutral” spirit into a showcase of creativity. Whether tropical, floral, or spicy, these cocktails prove that vodka’s true power lies in the boldness of its pairings. Raise a glass — to imagination, flavour, and fearless mixing!
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
October 04, 2025, 08:49 IST