PSA: This is Chef Priyanka’s LAST recipe of 2018! Yup, isn’t it crazy to think that in less than a week we are going to start a whole new year?! I can easily say, I’m not mentally prepared for that. But to celebrate whatever days are remaining of 2018, I’ve created a festive, Indian-inspired, sparkly cocktail to get you through those cold evenings. My Saffron Cardamom Spritzer was a hit at my recent event where I worked my first Jewelry & Fashion Trunk Show and they were a hit at our families pre-Christmas-Eve-Hindu-household bash (lol!)! This drink is basically a Gulab Jamun in a cocktail – and if you haven’t had a Gulab Jamun before…well.. you’re pretty much missing out on life’ most indulgent and diabetes-inducing dessert. Hahahah!

awesome photos from the trunk show taken by my good friend & talented photographer Clay Williams 

Looking for something different to make for you Christmas, Holiday, or NYE party? Make my Saffron Cardamom Spritzer – it can be prepared ahead of time!

Saffron Cardamom Spritzer: 

• 1 cup pure cane sugar
• 1 cup water
• hefty pinch of saffron threads
• 1 tsp whole cardamom
• good quality gin – I like Hendrick’s or The Botanist
• Club Soda
• Ice

1. Place sugar & water in a medium pot over medium flame. Add in the pinch of saffron threads and bring to a rapid boil and reduce heat to medium-low. Syrup should simmer. Cook for about 20-25 minutes until reduced and liquid becomes a maple syrup-like texture. A great test is to dip a steel spoon and let the liquid drip off and the last 1-2 drops should stretch as they drip (like a syrup) then you’ll know it’s ready! A trick I learned from my mom. Set aside to cool, then transfer to a masion jar. Can be stored in your fridge for a couple of weeks.
2. Take the cardamom and grind up in a mortar and pestle until slightly fine ground. Set aside.
3. Using a beaker, place in some ice. pour in about 2 shots of gin, 1 shot of saffron syrup and stir for about 60 seconds until well combined. Place some ice in a cocktail glass. Pour the stirred drink over the ice halfway up the glass, top with club soda, and sprinkle with a pink of cardamom. Serve with a compostable paper straw!
4. To make a mocktail, omit the alcohol, and stir the club soda with the saffron syrup. Serve over ice and top with a pinch of ground cardamom.