If you can’t be bothered mixing them yourself, here are the best bars to go to.
MUMBAI
Opium Den: An all-day bar with a daring range, including the Flight of Vodkas—five vodkas infused with five spices like sichuan pepper and star anise. Ask bar manager Abhimanyu Singh for signature cocktails like Waikiki Tropical and the Karamelsutra.
Trident, Nariman Point
TEL: 022-66325757
Indigo: Indigo serves some of the best Indian ingredientbased cocktails. Try the Indigo Mary—a Bloody Mary with tamarind and cumin served best with a fried corn wonton.
4 Mandlik Road, Colaba
TEL: 022-66368999
Dublin: Love veggies? Ask barman Sakya Singh Yadav to mix you a cocktail on your favourite choice of fruits and vegetables.
ITC Grand Central Sheraton & Towers, Dr Ambedkar Road, Parel
TEL: 022-24101010
Wink: Try the sushi platter or pizzas from Trattoria along with cocktails made by prizewinning bartender Raj.
Taj President, 90 Cuffe Parade, Cuffe Parade
TEL: 022-66650808
Bonobo bar. love. food: For a pleasurable evening with cocktails like Passion fruit and curry leaves cocktail put yourself in the hands of barman Nevil Timbadia.
Kenilworth - Phase 2, Second floor, Off Linking Road, Bandra (W)
TEL: 022-26055050
KOLKATA
Roxy: Try the Roxy (cognac, cointreau and sparkling wine), with Chicken Shatoosh Kebab. Happy hours 6-8 p.m.
Roxy, The Park, Park Street
TEL: 033-40049000/ 22499000
ShiSha: Heart of the city. Wide range of distinctive cocktails, from Rude Cosmopolitan to Martini Morocco. Appetizers hot on Asian fusion, and three hours of happiness, from 6-9 p.m.
22 Camac Street, Block-D, 5th floor
TEL: 033-22811313
Dublin: The Irish Pub at ITC Sonar recreates the ’60s magic of Kolkata, and also offers ladies nights on weekends. Ask barman Matthew for his signature Goose Tine or Vintage Manhattan.
ITC Sonar, JBS Haldane Avenue
Tel: 033-23454545; Extn 4547
Venom: Good lounge with a city view. Try the The Big O. 6 Camac Street, Fort Knox, 8th Floor TEL: 033-3332522900 Big Ben: The only true pub in town, with bands and DJs every Friday night and pitchers—yes, pitchers—of Mojitos and Caiparoska. Get this for a happy hour—11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Ask for Siddarth.
New Kenilworth Hotel, 1&2 Little Russel Street
TEL: 033-22823939/66214100
DELHI
Love Hotel at ai: The Gari cocktails and Sansho Martinis are like no other.
ai, Metropolitan Mall, District Centre, Saket
TEL: 011-40654567
Ink at Tabula Rasa: An exhaustive wine list, impressive selection of cigars and an innovative bar menu make sure Tabula Rasa comes out on tops.
Square One Mall, Saket District Centre, New Delhi
TEL: 91-9910588228
Asia 7: The Asia 7 philosophy is all about good eating and good living and the special attractions here are the Sake cocktails from Japan.
Food Court, Ambience Mall, Gurgaon TEL: 0124- 4665571
Taman Gang: Famous for its signature cocktails. From a Taman Gang Warrior to the Flaming Lamborghini, they sure know how to set your nights on fire.
1st Floor, DLF Place, Vasant Kunj TEL: 011-45567777
BANGALORE
Polo Club: Plush leather sofas and a view of the Oberoi’s sprawling lawns offer a much-needed break.Try the Green Apple and Basil Martini or something unusual with spiced rums.
The Oberoi, 37-39, MG Road,
TEL: 080 2558 5858
Library Bar: A favourite with well-heeled expats or CEOs, the Library Bar hosts a well-dressed crowd here, talking in hushed whispers under a massive chandelier.
Leela Palace Hotel, 23, Airport Road
TEL: 080-25211234
Blue Bar: Something for everyone—discreet couples, a more energetic younger crowd, great DJs & Martinis.
Taj West End, Race Course Road
TEL: 080-66605660
iBar 2.01: The original iBar—frequented by the likes of Nandan Nilekani—once ruled the roost, but it fell down the pecking order. Last year, it got a makeover. Try the Indian-flavoured cocktails such as Curry Flavours.
The Park, 14/7 MG Road
TEL: 080- 25594666.
