How India’s humble sweet lime became key to a competition-winning cocktail

Rohan Matmary, India winner of Diageo Reserve World Class 2021 discusses the ingredient and his preparation for global finals

Did you know India consumes over 54 million tonnes of sweet lime each year? But that the sweet lime can take a sophisticated beverage route was proven by mixologist Rohan Matmary’s cocktail, ‘Zest of Happiness’ that made him the India winner of Diageo Reserve World Class 2021 competition. Inspired by the ‘My project Dilliwala’ community initiative, the bartender at Sidecar in Delhi beat 14 other contestants as he paid tribute to the initiative with his spin on the Ketel One Signature Dutch Mule in collaboration with local juice vendors, using local chilli infused Ketel One vodka, rescued sweet lime zest and turmeric shrub, ginger beer, limoncello foam, and a street spice dust. An elated Rohan explains, “In India, sweet lime reaches its optimal use. I took it as my key ingredient to speak about sustainability in our country. I am addressing support to the local juice vendors who have been making refreshing beverages and serving them to COVID-9 front-liners, patients, crematorium workers and food delivery boys in Delhi.”