One of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, The Wise King’s Sandeep Kumar teams up with Ovolo Group’s vegetarian restaurant VEDA to launch a new cocktail menu with with a contemporary Indian twist.
Hong Kong and Australia-based hospitality group Ovolo‘s contemporary vegetarian Indian restaurant, VEDA, has launched a new cocktail menu inspired by Hindu mythology alongside two-time Bacardi Grand Prix National bartender award champion, and founder of one of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, The Wise King, Sandeep Kumar.
Featured cocktails include The Wonderful Mango, which blends fragrant kafir lime and a splash of yoghurt, the tangy Gate to God, which combines paan-infused vodka with muddled cloves, fennel, and cardamon, and the Pink Lady, a delectable combination of lychee and rose shining through with every sip.
For an elevated take on the classic Espresso Martini, indulge in the Chai Martini, a vodka-based concoction infused with cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger, giving a warming mouth feel finished off with creamy egg whites. Those seeking a more robust experience should savour A Moon and A Sun, which blends whiskey and cold brew coffee together with chai-infused vermouth.
“A great deal of research has been conducted by our team under my lead to bring forward unique and special myths, which may not be as commonly known. VEDA, which originates from the Sanskrit word “vid” meaning “to know”, represents knowledge and wisdom, and this cocktail menu is an extension of that,” commented Guzman Vereda, the F&B Area Manager for Hong Kong of Ovolo Group.
The Wise King’s Sandeep Kumar brings over 20 years of experience in crafting and perfecting cocktails to VEDA, drawing inspiration from the colours of the Indian flag to create three signature cocktails titled Courage, Peace, and Growth.
A vibrant orange cocktail, Courage blends N.I.P Gin with saffron and a fresh carrot base. A playful twist on the nostalgic piña colada, Peace has a pineapple base combined with creamy ricotta, almond rum, and chia seeds. Putting his own twist on the traditional Margarita, Sandeep blends Mezcal infused with spinach which has been cold pressed to create Growth.
“I took inspiration from the colours and symbolism behind the national flag of India. I wanted to pay tribute to my Indian heritage as well as the signature ingredients, such as saffron, spinach, carrot, and pineapple, which I don’t think people will expect to find on a cocktail menu. Each cocktail is unique in flavour and texture and is designed to be consumed with VEDA’s vibrant vegetarian dishes,” added Sandeep Kumar.
Crafted by Executive Chef Raul Tronco, the vibrant vegetable champions on VEDA’s menu are dishes that are minimally processed, rich in flavour, yet simplistic by nature. VEDA is committed to giving back to the earth by minimising waste, and using sustainable materials and practices.
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