CURRY LEAF IN A ZERO-PROOF MARTINI, LIKE YOU'VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE!
What is my favorite Indian ingredient in the entire world? Curry leaves. It's the best flavor add to so many regional dishes across India. I know I am going to love the flavor profile of a dish when I see curry leaves in it. We eat with our eyes first, right?
Okay...but what about a cocktail? This one took some time to develop and rightly so. While curry leaf has an extraordinary flavor - a lot is going on and too much can be overpowering.
The solve? The right set of ingredients with the right proportions. With the help of Seedlip Grove 42, a non-alcoholic spirit that has bright citrus flavors, lemongrass, ginger, and notes of peppercorn - it is SO delicious with muddled curry leaves. Seedlip is now found at so many liquor and specialty stores. It's a great brand and offers various non-alcoholic spirits. I have tried a few and this one works best in this recipe. Fresh curry leaves give off notes of citrus, especially when muddled. So you can imagine how much of a match made in heaven this pairing is!
For context, 1 bottle of Seedlip makes about 12-14 cocktails. This is all to say, I'd love to be invited to a party where this martini is served. :) And if then dosas are involved? This would be such a fun brunch party menu and as I type this, I realize I might need to be the one to host this very party for my friends!
This blog is about pushing the envelope when it comes to creativity, but I will not lie to you - this was experimental and I knew I had to get the flavors right. For damp January, this has been my favorite mocktail to make when I need impressing because it comes together easily and is so very SOPHISTICATED. As a big fan (if not the biggest) of curry leaves, this recipe is such a great way to use the curry leaves in your fridge. Cause you know we always have some on hand!!! Cheers!
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INGREDIENTS
A sprig of fresh curry leaves (roughly about 10-12 leaves)Â plus one extra sprig for garnish
2 oz of Seedlip Grove 42Â
3/4 oz lime juice, freshly squeezedÂ
1/4 oz of agave syrup (or more to taste)
Dehydrated lime wheel, optional for garnish
DIRECTIONSÂ
In the bottom of your cocktail shaker, muddle a sprig of fresh curry leaves with lime juice.
Then, add in your agave and Seedlip Grove 42.
Add in lots of ice and shake until the cocktail shaker is cold to the touch, this takes about 20-30 seconds.
Then, pour it into a coupe or martini glass.
For a final touch, garnish with a small spring of curry leaves and/or a dehydrated lime wheel.
~ Serves 1
Notes
I'll start by saying I understand that fresh curry leaves are harder to find. I typically am able to find fresh curry leaves at my local Indian grocer. Patel Brothers is a great place to start and search for these.
Storing your curry leaves properly is just as important of a step in my book. I've found that they stay best when in a zipper-lock bag with a paper towel in it. They last about 2 weeks in the fridge so definitely plan to make the recipe within the time frame for the best flavor!
Seedlip's site has a great place on their site to locate stores near you that carry it in addition to purchasing it directly on their website.
I personally liked this recipe best with 1/4 oz of agave but you can omit it if you prefer a drier martini or use more as well.