Embrace the Spirit of Holi with these Colorful Cocktails
By Aly Walansky
I cover the the best in cocktails and dining.
Holi, the Hindu spring festival, is a joyful celebration centered on love and lots of color. A beautiful occasion, many restaurants are marking the event this year with perfectly celebratory cocktails and snacks!
Holi Hai
Holi Hai at Rahi in New York City.RAHI
The Holi Hai at Rahi in New York City is made with spiced rum, lime juice, fresh mint, spiced Demerara, and magic ice. “This cocktail was inspired by the bright colors and strong flavors of Holi. I wanted to create a festive cocktail that paints the canvas with different shades of bold colors and the spiced rum to bring in the extra kick that just screams Holi,” says Yessenia Alverez, bartender at Rahi.
The Pink Lotus at One Door East in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Pink Lotus
The Pink Lotus at One Door East in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.ONE DOOR EAST
The Pink Lotus cocktail at One Door East in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is a vibrant, pink cocktail that uses the spice of Fresno peppers and the sweetness of pamplemousse rose liqueur to perfectly balance the festive drink with a kick. “We use fresh Fresno peppers, pamplemousse rose liqueur and a house-made raspberry basil syrup to develop this a wonderfully vibrant, pink cocktail – but don’t be fooled by the bright color, this drink packs a punch,” says chef-owner Giovanni Rocchio.
Holi Noyaux at ROOH in San Francisco.
Holi Noyaux
At ROOH in San Francisco, there’s a festive cocktail created to represent the coming of spring, with fresh notes of pineapple and lime, clean and flavorful Frisco Brandy, a brightening dash of creme de noyaux and a few other surprise elements. We chose this cocktail as it delivers the layers of savory and sweet that we feel connects with our cuisine. It also shows the multiple colors that are traditional for the Holi festival,” says Joseph Mayton, beverage director at ROOH.
Bollywood Smash at Chauhan Ale & Masala House in Nashville.
Bollywood Smash
At Chauhan Ale & Masala House in Nashville is the Bollywood Smash, a vibrant red cocktail with vodka, housemade cranberry-basil syrup that’s delicately balanced with fresh lemon and orange bitters. “Holi, the festival of colors, is one of the most festive holidays that evokes so much joy and brightness—even more so after a few Bollywood Smashes!” says chef Maneet Chauhan.
Holi Bhang at California-based Mortar & Pestle.
Holi Bhang
At California-based craft cocktail bar Mortar & Pestle, the Holi Bhang features coconut ghee-washed Indian rum and rye, fennel syrup, lemon, coriander-infused orange bitters, frothy aqua faba, and is finished with crushed crunchberry cereal. The result is an Instagram-ready festival of color!