Oktoberfest at home: Exciting cocktail recipes for your beer garden

October may be a week away, but the world's largest beer festival, Oktoberfest, is being held in Munich, Germany. Celebrated by beer enthusiasts across the globe, the 16-day festival is synonymous with delicious food, and even better beer. While traditional Bavarian brews dominate Oktoberfest, there is a growing trend of mixologists experimenting with their favourite lagers and pilsners (to name a few) to craft innovative cocktails. From switching up classics to creating soothing concoctions, bartenders are using a variety of ingredients for their sophisticated offerings. Whether you are a purist who scoffs at the idea, or a seasoned patron open to experimentation, mixologists across India have shared simple cocktail recipes with beer to elevate your Oktoberfest experience at home.

Michelada
If you appreciate a savoury flavour bomb, look no further than the classic Michelada, but try not to be discouraged by the surprising ingredients. "Our twist on the michelada blends the citrusy, subtly spiced notes of a witbier with the peppery heat of Worcestershire, Tabasco, and cayenne, creating a refreshing and spirited flavour adventure," says Revanth Buga, assistant manager at Geist Brewing Co.

Ingredients
Witbier 90 ml
Worcestershire Sauce 5 ml
Tomato Juice 60 ml
Lime 30 ml
Tabasco Sauce 5 drops
Cayenne pepper
Salt

Method
1. In a highball glass filled with ice, pour witbier, Worcestershire sauce, tomato juice, lime juice, and drops of Tabasco sauce.
2. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper and salt.
3. Gently stir to combine all ingredients and ensure the spices are well mixed.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve.

Beer Paloma
The Beer Paloma is all about redefining refreshment. "By blending the zesty, citrusy punch of a classic Paloma with the smooth, crisp notes of a light beer, we've crafted something that's both familiar and completely new. It's perfect for those who love a twist on tradition," shares Vikram Singh Kaplish, food and beverage manager at ITC Grand Central, Mumbai.

Ingredients
Light beer 1 pint
Grapefruit juice 60 ml
Tequila 30 ml
Lime juice 15 ml
Sugar 1 tsp
Ice
Salt for rimming

Method
1. Rim the glass with salt, and add ice.
2. Combine sugar, lime juice, tequila, and grapefruit juice in a cocktail shaker.
3. Give it a good shake, and strain it into the rimmed glass.
4. Top it off with beer.

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Narangi
The Narangi is a refreshing cocktail from the pages of Shaker Sutra, The Tulleeho Book of Cocktails. "A trend that we've noticed this year as part of the What India Is Drinking Report 2024, is the greater appreciation for beer in various formats. With the Narangi, we've put together a simple yet delicious combination of beer and orange that is boosted by the addition of Cointreau and fresh mint," shares Vikram Achanta, co-founder of 30BestBarsIndia and founder and CEO of Tulleeho.

Ingredients
Lager beer 1 pint
Cointreau 30 ml
Orange slices 3 no
Mint leaves 4 to 6

Method
1. Gently muddle the mint leaves in the glass.
2. Add the Cointreau and top it off with beer.
3. Toss in the orange slices, serve and savour!

Citrus Beer Spritz
The Citrus Beer Spritz combines the crispness of pale lager with the zesty notes of fresh grapefruit and the floral essence of elderflower liqueur. "Beer cocktails combine the best of both worlds - rich flavours and refreshing fizz. I believe a little creativity can turn classics into bubbly masterpieces which is where the idea behind this citrusy beer spritz comes from. Remember to experiment with styles and ingredients, and you'll discover a whole new realm of taste," suggests Avesh Negi, bartender at Ophelia, The Ashok Hotel.

Ingredients
Pale lager 125 ml
Fresh grapefruit juice 60 ml
Gin 30 ml
Elderflower liqueur 15 ml
Fresh mint leaves
Grapefruit slices for garnish

Method
1. Muddle mint leaves with grapefruit juice and elderflower liqueur in a shaker.
2. Add gin and ice; shake well.
3. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
4. Top up with pale lager and gently stir.
5. Garnish with grapefruit slices and mint.

Tropical Sunset Beer Cocktail
This cocktail is perfect for those seeking a cooling cocktail that will leave them replenished. "Combining the refreshing qualities of wheat beer with the sweetness of fresh pineapple and a hint of coconut rum, gives us the perfectly balanced drink to unwind after a long day," says Sanjeet Yadav, bartender at the Cosy Box.

Ingredients
Wheat beer 125 ml
Fresh pineapple juice 60 ml
Coconut rum 30 ml
Lime juice 15 ml
Pineapple wedge and cherry for garnish

Method
1. Combine coconut rum, pineapple juice, and lime juice with ice in a cocktail shaker.
2. Shake well.
3. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
4. Slowly pour the wheat beer over the mixture.
5. Gently stir to combine.
6. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry.

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Beer-a-Mandi
In case the name sounds familiar, it is on purpose. Hitchki's tribute to Sanjay Leela Bhansali's larger-than-life web series, this cocktail is meant to stimulate your senses. "In our tribute to Heera Mandi, we have used jaggery infused with Samsara Hazelnut and Coffee with beer," explains Sonali Mullick, head of operations and mixologist at Bayroute and Hitchki.

Ingredients
Samsara Hazelnut Coffee Gin 30 ml
Jaggery syrup 1 tsp
Beer 1 pint
Ice 3 to 4 cubes

Method
1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker.
2. Dry shake, and pour in a glass.
3. Top it off with beer, and add crushed ice with lemon wedge.

Salcetterita
Salcetterita is more than just a drink, it's an experience - a fusion of classic beer with the vibrant twist of a cocktail. "We wanted to create something refreshing yet adventurous, perfect for those who enjoy the laid-back spirit of Goa but crave a unique flavour profile. It's the kind of drink that sparks conversations and memories, whether you're at the beach, at a bar, or hosting a backyard party," says Gopi, assistant food and beverage manager at Courtyard by Marriott Goa (Colva).

Ingredients
Bira White 200 ml
Tequila 15 ml
Cointreau 15 ml
Lime juice 10 ml
Lime slice

Method
1. Pour tequila, Cointreau, lime juice and ice into a cocktail shaker.
2. Shake well.
3. Strain into a bamboo cooler glass and top up with Bira White Beer.
4. Garnish with lime slice.

Cranberry Beer Punch
"The Cranberry Beer Punch is an exciting fusion of tangy lime, crisp beer, and a hint of sweetness, balanced perfectly with a splash of cranberry. It brings a lively twist to classic flavours - perfect for those who enjoy a vibrant and refreshing cocktail experience," shares Shiva Sitaram, bartender at Deltin Jaqk.

Ingredients
Beer 1 pint
White coconut Rum (Cabo) 30 ml
Lime juice 15 ml
Simple Syrup
Sprite
Cranberry Juice

Method
1. Chill a Pilsner glass.
2. Using the build-up method, add ice to the chilled glass.
3. Pour in 15 ml of lime juice and 30 ml of white rum.
4. Add a splash of simple syrup, then top up with Sprite and beer.
5. Finish by topping up with cranberry juice.
6. Garnish with a lime slice.