A signature cocktail can say a lot about a place.
Take for example the “Panch Phoran Punch” at Meatsmith Little India. As explained to us, its tongue-twisting wordplay of a name is due to the inspired use of “panch phoran” (a 5-spice mix of cumin, brown mustard, fenugreek, nigella and fennel that’s popular in Eastern India and Bangladesh) in the syrup to give the drink a taste of its geotag. Although subtle, there was enough of the spices to lend the refreshing drink concocted from rum, lime juice and ginger ale a lightly aromatic edge.
I reckon it’s my favourite cocktail to have with the Indian-meets-the-American-South type of cuisine that this Meatsmith outlet excels in.