Weaving ‘Spirited’ Indian Stories

Afzal Kaba, who is the Beverage Director of Musaafer in Houston, the US, loves to create alcoholic concoctions that have an association with India. He therefore offers a wide menu that includes a tribute to the ‘kahwa’ of Kashmir as well as highlighting the wines from Nashik in Maharashtra.

He wants to tell the story of India in a glass and highlight Indian cocktails like Indian Chefs have done for Indian cuisine. That is Afzal Kaba for you, associated with Musaafer as a Beverage Director. Embarking on a culinary adventure, Musaafer stands as a testament to a harmonious flow of flavours, cultures and compelling narratives. Currently, there is one Musaafer outlet in Houston in the US with its New York property almost ready. The brand also has a speakeasy bar named Saki. As for the beverages, the restaurant’s alcobev menu is thoughtfully divided into five captivating sections—Signature Cocktails, The Beekeeper, Classic, Gin and Tonics and Spirits Selection, which together unveil a rich tapestry of stories and libations that extend beyond conventional boundaries.

Musaafer’s Journey

The current menu of Mussafer has been created with the aim of bringing a luxurious experience to Indian culture and Indian ingredients- inspired cocktails.

Afzal is a seasoned professional with over 18 years of invaluable experience in the food and beverage industry. His managerial excellence has spread from India and the UK to Africa, the Middle-East and America, where he has successfully managed award-winning bars.

With a degree in hospitality management from London, Afzal’s commitment to continuous learning is exemplified by his qualification as an educator for WSET UK. His talent is not only evident through his extensive industry experience but also highlighted by his triumphs in prestigious bar competitions, including the MMI Mixology Competition, The Havana Club Master Bartender Competition, and the Emirates ELR Competition in Dubai.

Unique Selections

Afzal’s creative prowess shines through in the 150+ signature serves he has crafted for prestigious brands such as Johnnie Walker, Ketel One, Ciroc, Tanqueray, Don Julio, Baileys, Singleton, Talikser, Nestle Coffee and Monin.

A prime example of Musaafer’s signature cocktails is the ‘Kohinoor’, which can be construed as a tribute to the world’s largest cut diamond. Featuring The Macallan from the UK, Indian cardamom, clover honey, Oloroso sherry and vermouth, this concoction elegantly crafts an old-fashioned masterpiece.

Musaafer’s ‘Paan Negroni’ seamlessly merges the essence of India’s ‘paan’ culture with the bitterness of a Negroni. Sous vide- infused Tanqueray Rangpur, Ketel One vodka, Campari and a blend of dry sherry and sweet vermouth, served with a paan leaf stuffed with dates create a symphony of flavours.

Paying homage to Nashik, the wine capital of India, is Musaafer’s‘Ozar’ which blends floral pisco, pomegranate molasses, raw grape juice and local wines.A tribute to Kashmiri ‘kahwa’tea, ‘Zaffarn 2.0’ infuses Tanqueray Rangpur with cardamom and pistachio; shaken with fresh citrus, agave, and lavender bitters.Named after a prominent Kolkata Street, ‘The Camac Street’spreads from Musaafer. It is an Indian margarita infused with spices.

The Spirits Selection category of Musaafer offers an extensive list of 200+ labels, featuring the crème de la crème beverages from India, America, Scotland, Japan, Ireland, Mexico, and beyond.

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