🚕 Kaali Peeli Taxi

Turmeric-infused tequila, fresh mango, lime, orange cordial & black sesame salt rim

Tequila (Blanco, Turmeric-Infused)
10 min + infusion
Shaken
Rocks Glass
~16%
Bungalow
Ingredients
  • 60ml blanco tequila infused with turmeric (see tips)
  • 30ml fresh mango purée
  • 20ml fresh lime juice
  • 15ml orange cordial (or Cointreau)
  • 1 tsp toasted black sesame seeds + 1 tbsp coarse salt — for rim
  • Ice
  • Mango slice & sesame pinch to garnish
Method
  1. 1
    RimCrush black sesame seeds with a pinch of salt. Wet the rim of a rocks glass with lime and dip in sesame salt.
  2. 2
    ShakeCombine turmeric-infused tequila, mango purée, lime juice, and orange cordial in a shaker with ice. Shake 15 seconds.
  3. 3
    StrainStrain over a large ice cube in the prepared glass.
  4. 4
    GarnishAdd a mango slice on the rim. Pinch a few sesame seeds on top.

About This Cocktail

Kaali Peeli (meaning black-yellow in Hindi) refers to the iconic Fiat-based taxis that defined Mumbai's streets from the 1960s until their recent decline. Bungalow NYC's cocktail programme is built entirely around Mumbai's cultural iconography, and this drink is their signature — turmeric-infused tequila marrying the citrus-heat tradition of Mexican spirits with the golden-earthy depth of India's most important spice.

Variations

Turmeric MezcalSubstitute mezcal for the tequila — the smokiness with turmeric adds an unexpected warmth that works brilliantly
Golden MargaritaServe frozen-blended for a Kaali Peeli Frozen Margarita — the restaurant summer special
No-Infusion ShortcutAdd ½ tsp turmeric powder directly to the shaker — the drink is slightly cloudier but works well
Bartender Tips

Turmeric-infused tequila: combine 750ml blanco tequila with 2 tbsp fresh grated turmeric (or 1 tsp ground turmeric) in a jar. Shake and infuse for 2 hours max — turmeric can become overwhelming. Strain through muslin. The tequila turns a vivid golden yellow. The black sesame salt rim is visually striking against the golden drink. Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2 minutes until fragrant before crushing.

Source Restaurant
Restaurant
Bungalow, East Village, New York City
Spirit
Tequila (Blanco, Turmeric-Infused)
Method
Shaken
ABV
~16%
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Where to drink this
Restaurant
Bungalow
Address
98 3rd Ave, East Village, New York City, NY 10003
Style
Modern Indian cocktail bar & restaurant
Accolades
East Village favourite · standout Indian cocktail programme

Bungalow in the East Village captures the warmth and chaos of an Indian party at home — the kind where the drinks are strong, the food comes in waves, and no one leaves early. The cocktail menu is adventurous and confident, featuring Indian-inspired creations built on solid bartending technique: clarified punches, house-infused spirits, and drinks that treat Indian ingredients with the same seriousness as any other craft bar.

Visit bungalownyc.com