Taxes and inflation have made drinking an expensive habit, yes? Nah! Bartenders, in the city, are busy shaking and stirring cocktails that give you and your wallet a happy high. Here are the establishments you should hit up on your quest for pocket-friendly cocktails.
LBB’s loving
1522 The Pub
Readers’ vote
Hoppipola
Make the most of the jaw-dropping prices at this all-day bar. The mojitos come in awesome combinations such as kafir-lime and lychee, and watermelon and basil flavours. The Bloody Marys too come with unique infusions such as Gauva-Balsamic and Tamarind Ginger. But the best pick of the lot are the Tall & Icy offerings. For just INR 225, you can get high on Long Island Iced Teas and Vodka Ginger Twists.
Price: Between INR 150-INR 225 plus tax
A popular haunt with old Bangaloreans, this bar is ideal when you are on a shoestring budget. Classic concoctions like Mojitos, Daiquiris, Manhattans, Side Cars, Cosmopolitans and Martinis all come at pocket-friendly prices.
Price: Between INR 260-INR 340 plus taxes
With cocktails as quirky as the decor, you can drink up the classics like Bloody Marys and Margaritas or pick the more exotic ones like Drip Me Tight, that actually come in a IV apparatus, or perhaps the Goli Soda that is Cuban rum made into a soda thanks to the old-school Banta machine.
Price: INR 250 upwards
Think the city’s laidback pub culture and humble prices are things of the past? This watering hole will prove otherwise. Their Mandarin Mojitos {with that additional tang of orange}, Gimlets, and Pina Coladas provide worthy company as you take a trip down memory lane.
Price: Between INR 230-INR 260 plus tax
A fair chunk of their offerings will please your slim wallet. Choose from a selection of quirky tipples that include the Aacharoska {a classic Caprioska that comes with a twist of pickle}, and Earl of Gin {gin that’s mixed up with a Earl Grey and Tang}.
Price: Start at INR 250 plus taxes
The no-fuss, no-muss cocktail menu at Sathya’s includes regular concoctions and plenty of spelling mistakes {‘mint’ is ‘ment’, and ‘crush’ is ‘crash’}. But there are no miscalculations in the Bloody Marys, Blue Lagoons, and Screw Drivers that the bartender doles out. And that’s all that matters.
Price: INR 200-INR 250 plus tax
The extensive cocktails offerings here have something for every budget. Shandy, Mulled wine, Tom Collins’, Mai Tais and Margaritas – all lean towards the affordable.
Where: 4th Floor, Skywalk, Assaye Road, Ulsoor and 7, 1st Floor, Kodava Samaj Building, 1st Main, Vasanth Nagar
Price: Start at INR 120 plus tax
You’ll be spoilt for choice at this bar. Page after page is filled with White Russians, Fallen Angels {Gin, Fresh Lime, Creame de Menthe, and Angostura bitters} and Satan’s Whiskers {Gin, Vermouth, Orange Juice and Bitters}.
When: 11:30am-11:30pm
Contact: 080 43529999
Price: Between INR 270-INR 290
This neighbourhood favourite is where you can treat yourself to a round of colourful cocktails. The menu’s is a mix of fruity flavours – Guava Cooler {Vodka and Guava Nectar}, Banana Martini, Apple Jack {white rum with apple juice and banana liqueur} – and the regular list of Margaritas, Mojitos, and Long Island Iced Teas.
Price: INR 280