Step into the best cocktail bars in India, where the aromas of spices meet contemporary mixology. Discover vibrant food pairings and the hottest spots in Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi.
The Best Cocktail Bars in India, Mumbai
In Mumbai dust dances through the air, weaving through organized chaos and half-finished overpasses, where steel beams pierce through worn concrete like skeletal fingers. Urban brutalism meets lush greenery along the bustling streets, creating a striking contrast.
On the fringes of the city’s congested streets, teeming with people bustling at all hours, it’s easy to spot youths in traditional attire enjoying street food, while yellow and black tuk-tuks speed by just inches away, their horns blaring incessantly. This is the cacophonous soundtrack of Mumbai — an erratic orchestra that initially assaults the senses but soon becomes a mesmerizing background score.
Discovering Bandra
Bancone del bar Veronic’s a Mumbai
Bandra, the city’s current hot spot, stands out with its colourful houses reminiscent of Portuguese architecture. To reach it, one crosses a long bridge that has earned it the nickname “Brooklyn”.
Hunger Inc. Hospitality — founded by Yash Bhanage and Sameer Seth — saw the untapped potential of this vibrant neighbourhood and chose it to launch their successful ventures. Begin your day at Veronica’s, a thriving sandwich bar that has been delighting patrons for a year and a half. Here, specialty coffee made from fruity Indian blends with a pleasant acidity takes center stage. The café’s wall, adorned with the words “Bean Bag” and the phone number, pays homage to the tradition of coffee bean sellers who paint their contact information on city walls. The menu offers a delightful mix of sweet and savory treats.
Upstairs, since February, Papa’s has been welcoming a select number of guests to sit around the counter and enjoy the culinary expertise of Chef Hussain Shahzad. Adjacent, in a cozy cocktail bar with counter seating, guests can enjoy amuse bouches and inventive drinks during aperitivo hour and linger post-dinner. The drink menu offers creative twists on classics, such as a Bloody Mary served in a coupe glass with a mini pizza on the side, and a Paloma with spicy notes of jalapeño and chili liqueur.
The Bombay Sweet Shop & The Bombay Canteen
Just a few streets away, one of The Bombay Sweet Shop locations reimagines traditional Indian sweets and mithai in vegetarian form, presented in vibrant packaging that could rival Willy Wonka’s creations. Marzipan kaju bonbons, dulce de leche peda, and kaapi paak are just a few of the specialties available at their Byculla outlet, which boasts an open kitchen, a workshop, and display cases brimming with sweets.
As the sun sets, head to The Bombay Canteen in the Kamala Mills area, named after the city’s historic textile mills. Here, mixologist Prantik Haldar crafts drinks that celebrate Indian ingredients through contemporary techniques, honoring the city’s untold stories. Try the Phool, a long drink inspired by the nearby flower market, featuring gin, floral liqueur, vermouth, umeshu, and marigold soda. Pair it with dishes like Chettinad ‘Ali-Yolio’ prawns, cooked in prawn oil with ginger, garlic, and tamarind, or the Kejriwal fried egg with melted cheese and green chili chutney.
A short walk away is PCO Cocktail Bar (Pass Code Only), Mumbai’s first speakeasy, boasting an outdoor counter and a range of tables perfect for dinner. The drink menu here is inspired by the world of textiles. In the fashionable district of Kala Ghoda, Americano is the go-to spot for those craving pizza or pasta by Chef Alex Sanchez. Complement your meal with a twist on a classic, such as the Yukari Negroni, made with shiso gin, pandan, and kaffir lime. As night falls and the streets fill with people pushing carts, assembling and dismantling structures, the relentless honking of horns continues to form the city’s unique soundtrack.
Luxury and Relaxation in Bangalore
The shift to Bangalore is notably more gentle. Dubbed the “Silicon Valley” of India, the city’s orderly streets and boutique-lined avenues reflect its business-oriented spirit, evident in the attire of its passersby.
For a luxurious retreat, the Four Seasons Bengaluru at Embassy One is a must-visit, offering f ive-star hospitality, exceptional dining options, and one of the finest cocktail bars in India. Begin your culinary journey at Cur8 on the lower level, where international and traditional Indian dishes are served in a vibrant setting, complete with a patio leading to the hotel’s serene pool.
Ascend to the 21st floor to discover Far & East, an elegant Asian brasserie, and Copitas, a glamorous cocktail bar adorned in black and gold, with bronze accents, plush velvet chairs, and a terrace offering breathtaking views of Bangalore’s skyline. Here, South Tyrolean bar manager Jonas Vittur crafts innovative, zero-waste cocktails like the Leaf, a refreshing blend of tequila, saffron, honey water, lime juice, and betel leaves.
From Artisanal Breweries to the New Cocktail Bars in India
As night falls, beer lovers can explore the city’s numerous craft breweries, including Toit, a pioneer now famous throughout India. For a more intimate experience, visit Soka, a small cocktail bar opened by partners Avinash Kapoli and Sombir Choudhary, designed to offer an omakase-style journey of cocktails paired with delectable bites.
Another recent addition is Muro, showcasing Bangalore’s growing mixology scene. An outdoor area lush with plants leads into a spacious main hall dominated by a large oval bar. The suspended bottle display seamlessly extends to the upper floor, creating a second, more intimate bar area accessible via a spiral staircase. Be sure to try their highball menu, especially the Smoke and Mirrors, made with whiskey, smoked ginger, honey, and soda.
Bar Spirit Forward, Bangalore
To wrap up the evening, head to Bar Spirit Forward. Adorned with vintage prints and featuring a microphone hanging above the bar, it offers a quirky closing tradition where the bartenders humorously serenade guests with “Get the Fuck Out” to signal the end of the night.
The Best Cocktail Bars in India, Delhi
Sidecar, Delhi
Arriving in Delhi, the bustling heart of India with its 28 million inhabitants, you’ll be immersed in a kaleidoscope of colour and sound. Here, sacred cows wander freely, finding their place on sidewalks and amidst the traffic.
For those looking to quench their thirst, Sidecar is the place to be, renowned as one of the world’s best bars according to 50 Best. Founded by Yangdup Lama and Minakshi Singh in the heart of Greater Kailash II, Sidecar spans two floors. The ground level is a haven for coffee lovers and bookworms, while the upper floor is the pulsating heart of mixology, complete with live music. The drink menu, styled like a diary, brims with sketches and notes, featuring concoctions like the Barley, made with scotch, smoked barley, vetiver, and beer reduction. Pair these with tantalizing bites such as crispy panko-coated corn polenta or five-spice chicken.
Venture to Vasant Vihar to uncover Hoots’, a cocktail room with a secret entrance, offering inventive drinks. Like Albert’s Old Fashioned, infused with miso and scotch. Nearby, Khi Khi, launched by a group of young restaurateurs, seamlessly combines delectable cuisine, refreshing drinks, and live music. The ceiling, adorned with colorful threads, sets the stage for imaginative cocktails like the Cinema Highball, featuring popcorn-infused whiskey and cola, served with a playful side of popcorn.
Home Restaurant & Bar, led by the stylish and hospitable bartender Santanu Chanda, marries the glamour of cinema with the elegance of Italian flair. Its interiors mimic a cozy living room, complete with a large screen and a stage for live performances. A separate tasting area lies just steps away from luxurious film screening rooms, each equipped with plush reclining seats.
From Cocktails & Dreams to Bhumi Farm
Another gem by Yangdup Lama and Minakshi Singh, Cocktails & Dreams is a speakeasy nestled in Gurgaon. Descend the stairs to enter the main room, featuring a wooden bar, tables, and benches. Here, you can savor the Apple & Cinnamon drink, made with whiskey, apple reduction, maple syrup, and cinnamon, alongside Indian specialties. Like Momo, dumplings with various fillings, and Khaaja, a platter of traditional snacks perfect for sharing.
To escape the city’s hustle and bustle, head to Bhumi Farm, a farm to-table project set in a sprawling garden adorned with blooming mulberries. The garden supplies fresh produce to Sidecar and Cocktails & Dreams year round, while the farm’s kitchen welcomes guests in the winter months. This is an ideal spot to unwind outdoors, sip a beer, and soak in the lush greenery of Delhi.
The article first appeared on Coqtail – for fine drinkers. Order your copy here
