Nimbu pudina: 20 drinks from one bunch of mint
Nimbu and pudina are in most Indian kitchens, and together they carry a surprising number of drinks. Each of these 20 uses both. Some have no alcohol at all, such as Shikanji, Limonana and the Virgin Mojito, and the rest use whisky, rum, vodka, gin or sparkling wine. Press the mint gently. Bruised leaves smell lovely, while shredded ones turn bitter. Pick the freshest bunch you can, buy nimbu that feel heavy for their size, and keep a tray of ice ready. A jug of Jaljeera or Gud Nimbu Sharbat serves 4.
You chose mocktails only, so the drinks with alcohol are hidden here. See the mocktail guides
The drinks
mocktailVirgin Mojitomint · lime · sugar · soda water
mocktailNimbu Pudina Sodalime · mint · soda water- mocktailShikanjilemon · sugar · black salt · mint
- mocktailLimonanalemon · mint · sugar
- mocktailCoconut Nojitococonut water · mint · lime · sugar · soda water
- mocktailCucumber Mint Coolercucumber · mint · lime · soda water
mocktailWatermelon Mint Coolerwatermelon · mint · lime
mocktailserves 4Jaljeerajaljeera powder · lemon · mint
mocktailserves 4Gud Nimbu Sharbatjaggery · lemon · black salt · mint- cocktailMojitowhite rum · mint · lime · sugar · soda water
cocktailMango Mojitowhite rum · mango · mint · lime · soda water- cocktailQueen's Park Swizzledark rum · lime · mint · sugar
- cocktailNimbu Pudina Whiskywhisky · lime · mint · soda water
- cocktailWhisky Smashwhisky · mint · lemon · sugar
- cocktailWatermelon Vodka Coolervodka · watermelon · lime · mint
- cocktailCoconut Coolervodka · coconut water · lime · mint
- cocktailPudina Mirchi Vodka Tonicvodka · mint · green chilli · tonic water · lime
cocktailSouthsidegin · lime · mint · sugar
cocktailKairi Gin Smashgin · aam panna · mint · lime
cocktailHugo Spritzsparkling wine · elderflower syrup · mint · lime · soda water
Questions
How far does one bunch of mint go?
It depends on the bunch, as they vary a lot. These recipes use 5 to 12 leaves each, and making all 20 once would take about 160 leaves. Count the good leaves on your bunch and divide by 8 for a rough number of drinks.
How do I keep the mint fresh?
Stand the stems in a glass of water in the fridge with a loose cover over the top, and it should last a few days. Pick off the leaves only when you are ready to make the drink, and throw away any that have gone black.
Lime or lemon: does it matter?
Not much. The recipes name whichever suits the drink, and you can swap them one for one by the ml. The juice of one lime or lemon varies with its size, so taste the drink and adjust.