International Beer Day is celebrated on the first Friday of August every year. The amber liquid is known to be synonymous with relaxation and fun. It is quite safe to say that most people like and enjoy this beverage. It is believed to be one of the oldest drinks crafted by humans, and one that is not far behind the wine. “Beer is the oldest recorded recipe in the world. The ancient Egyptians first documented the brewing process on papyrus scrolls around 5,000 B.C. These first beers were brewed with things like dates, pomegranates,” says Sanket Gore, chef and head of food production, ITM Institute of Hotel Management.
It also boasts of being beneficial to health. “Beer is one of the most commonly used alcohols and is the third-most popular drink in the world. It acts as a stress buster and a diuretic,” says Govindrajan, head chef, MRP, Dadar.
Benroy D’souza, operations and bar manager, British Brewing Company, adds, “Did you know that beer is great for your hair? A beer’s most basic ingredients — malt and hops — are full of protein that can strengthen hair cuticles. The beer benefits don’t end with stronger locks; it can make your hair shinier, too.”
While most prefer consuming it as is, some restaurants grew tired of serving the same old beer. And they decided to give a kick to the cold one by adding flavours and serving them as cocktails. Beer is also known to be used in food preparations. “Not only is it a great accompaniment for food, it also serves as a versatile ingredient for cooking. Beer is best used to ‘lighten up batter’. It helps to carbonate the batter mix, turning it crispier, lighter and airier. It is not only limited to fish and chips, but is also used for onion rings, calamari, chicken and tempura,” says Kushagra Nagrath, senior vice president – F&B, Phoenix Mills Limited.
Adding to the list of how beer enhances food, chef Gore adds, “Beer adds a rich, earthy flavour to soups and stews that makes them taste like they’ve been simmering for hours. Beers with a sweet or nutty taste can add depth to desserts.”
{{/usCountry}}Adding to the list of how beer enhances food, chef Gore adds, “Beer adds a rich, earthy flavour to soups and stews that makes them taste like they’ve been simmering for hours. Beers with a sweet or nutty taste can add depth to desserts.”
{{/usCountry}}On international beer day today, we take a look at the many city eateries that serve beer in unusual ways, be it in the form of cocktails or beer used in the preparation of a dish.
Beer Battered Bombil
What: Crunchy, spiced fish fried in beer-infused batter and served with horseradish sauce.
Where: MRP, Dadar
Oriental Red Eye
What: Inspired by the classic Bloody Mary this beer-based drink is a twist to the original drink.
Where: Shizusan, Lower Parel
Guinness Bread and Roasted Cauliflower with Beer Soup
What: Beer is used in making bread as a substitute to yeast. The result is a dense, moist and chewy bread loaf which is delightful to eat.
Where: Across all Glocal Junction outlets
Red Sea
What: This cocktail is a mix of beer, fresh pomegranate, sour mix, vodka, and cranberry juice with the right amount of tanginess to offset the sweetness of the fruits.
Where: Across all British Brewing Company outlets
Nutty Ricotta Ravioli
What: The ricotta used in this dish is made out of beer
Where: The Sassy Spoon, Nariman Point
My Embrace
What: This cocktail is made up of tequila, blue curacao, lemon juice, beer, passion fruit and pineapple juice
Where: Kaitlyn’s Beer Garden, from August 3 to 5
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