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Today’s drinkers are no longer content with just a drink, they crave an experience
Innovative cocktails are no longer just a passing trend, they are a defining movement that is reshaping the entire beverage landscape (In frame: Mocha Mint Julep: A must try cocktail)
In recent years, the world of cocktails has experienced a remarkable evolution. Once dominated by timeless classics like the Martini, Old Fashioned, and Mojito, the cocktail scene has evolved into a playground for creativity, where mixologists push the boundaries of flavor, technique, ingredients and presentation. Innovative cocktails are no longer just a passing trend, they are a defining movement that is reshaping the entire beverage landscape.
While cocktail innovation isn’t new, it has reached new heights in recent times. Bartenders have long experimented with spirits, mixers, and flavors, but today’s approach has been elevated to an art form. The global rise of craft cocktail bars, the emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, and the growing influence of food culture on beverage programs have all contributed to the demand for more imaginative, complex drinks.
Today’s drinkers are no longer content with just a drink, they crave an experience. They seek a story in every sip, an adventure for their taste buds, and a cocktail that surprises and delights at every turn.
Here are must-visit spots across the country to have an incredible experience:
Monkey Bar, Delhi
Monkey Bar’s bar menu is a masterful blend of innovative cocktails and classic favorites. Inspired by the evolving global bar scene and MoBar’s timeless offerings, every element has been reimagined to pay homage to India’s rich food and beverage heritage. The beverage menu is inspired from popular Indian beverages, indigenous flavours and a strong zero waste philosophy. The new cocktails in the menu like Down & Dirty, Manga Mule, Rasam ki Kasam, Petha Pisco Sour, Chocolate Old Fashioned and Voodoo Child feature ingredients like peru, chili chaat, murabba, fruit leathers, rasam, inhouse shrubs and savory salts.
Poee&Co, Goa
Poee&Co is one of a kind 24/7 dining destination, complete with a ‘nostalgic’ bar with delightful beverage concoctions & fun cocktails. The beverage menu is noteworthy as it hits one with nostalgia. The menu features childhood favorites like Bantas, Golas and Jell-O shots with their own innovative twist. The favorites include Nashila Gola, Konkani Gola, Churan Gola all infused with one’s choice of liquor along with local goan ingredients such as Kokum, local feni, aniseed and more. Poee&Co has a perfect blend of fun and memory with their Bantas in iconic glass bottles featuring their own concoction of various liquors mixed with fruit juices, chilis, tamarind reduction and more. Additionally, they have vodka infused Jell-O shots keeping one’s childhood memories alive. All these are available at amazing and affordable prices.
Norman, Delhi
The newly opened cocktail bar Norman is where luxury meets legend, and every sip is a journey into the extraordinary. Situated in JW Marriott, Aerocity, it is a 50 seater bar mirroring the speakeasy concept with an ambiance crafted to perfection. Norman presents a cocktail program that transcends the ordinary, elevating mixology to a worthy art form. It is inspired by the post prohibition era of Britain and has a Viking’s based theme. Their bar menu has 12 signature cocktails featuring 6 classics and 6 luxurious lowball and highball drinks. They excel in clarified cocktails and are also conscious of using no sugar in their cocktails. The highlights of their menu are Cappuccino – an Irish whiskey based cocktail with cold brew coffee, hazelnut & cookie syrup and lime juice, Painkiller – a coconut white rum based drink with aperol, pineapple vinegar and mango syrup, Picante – featuring tequila, pineapple shrub, jalapeno and kaffir lime and Guava – blending kaffir lime infused gin with lychee syrup and guava jelly. Their cocktails are presented in a minimalistic manner and are topped off with healthy garnishes such as sugar free biscotti and edible flowers.
Guppy, Delhi
Guppy, the renowned Japanese restaurant from the Olive Group of Restaurants has established itself as a pioneer in innovative cocktails, particularly during special celebrations like the Hanami festival and its 11th anniversary. Hanami, or the cherry blossom festival, is a traditional Japanese celebration that marks the arrival of spring and symbolizes renewal and hope. At Guppy, this festive spirit was captured through a vibrant cocktail menu featuring floral-infused creations. Notable offerings included the Litchi Bloom, which combines Sakura gin with litchi soju and citrus to evoke the essence of cherry blossoms. The Rosie Rosie, blending whiskey with Aperol and rose cordial, provides a fragrant touch perfect for spring. Additionally, the Spring Fling features Firdaus tea-infused vodka paired with floral herb syrup for a refreshing experience. For their 11th anniversary, Guppy introduced an exciting range of Dessert Cocktails that creatively merge sweet flavors with mixology. Highlights included Kisses, featuring vodka and chocolate syrup; Berry Berry Rosy, which combines rosé tequila with strawberry cheesecake ice cream; and the playful Popcorn Party, blending popcorn-infused vodka with salted caramel. These innovative drinks not only cater to cocktail aficionados but also delight dessert lovers, showcasing Guppy’s commitment to pushing culinary boundaries while celebrating significant occasions.
The Grammar Room (Mehrauli, Khan Market, and Gurgaon)
The Grammar Room is also making its mark with inventive cocktails across its locations in Mehrauli, Khan Market, and Gurgaon. With the two recently launched outlets in Khan Market and Gurgaon, the cocktail menu has also upped its bold creations that transition from traditional day drinks to nuanced options perfect for a night out. Highlights include the Athena 2.0, which combines gin with jasmine tea steeped in coconut water, and the TGR Espresso Martini, made with coffee-washed vodka, crème de cacao, and vegan foam — available exclusively at the new outlets. Other exciting offerings include the refreshing Raspberry Sorbet Spritzer, where fresh raspberry sorbet is dropped into rosé topped with ginger ale, Passionfruit Sorbet Spritzer, featuring housemade passion fruit sorbet in Sauvignon blanc topped with limoncello and sparkling ginger soda; as well as the Gin & Marmalade Sour, a delightful mix of gin, orange marmalade, lime, sugar, and egg white/stillabunt foamer, available at all three locations. Each location showcases The Grammar Room’s dedication to innovative mixology that enhances the overall dining experience.
BeeYoung Brewgarden, Delhi
BeeYoung Brewgarden has an exciting selection of vegan cocktails, showcasing the establishment’s commitment to inclusive and innovative drinking options. These cocktails not only cater to plant-based enthusiasts but also reflect the growing trend of creative mixology in the beverage industry. Guests can enjoy a variety of vegan cocktails, including Hearts on Fire, made with Jose Cuervo Gold, limoncello, passion fruit puree, and bird’s eye chili; Pulp Fiction, which combines Smirnoff with fresh apple and beetroot juice; and Nuttea Sour, featuring Jim Beam mixed with homemade cashew and masala chai syrup. Other standout options include Trufflesome, a delightful blend of gin infused with truffle oil and fresh apple juice, and To Beer, or Not to Beer, which combines BeeYoung pilsner with tequila silver and yuzu puree. These vegan cocktails exemplify BeeYoung Brewgarden’s dedication to crafting flavorful beverages that appeal to diverse palates.