An Indo-Japanese Gin, A Mirage & A Secret Resort : 6 New Must-Dos In Goa

The latest bar on the Anjuna stretch, O’Aido is an intimate cocktail bar serving up modern Indo-Portuguese food and fine cocktails. In an al fresco environment, that has a boho balcony set up overlooking the Anjuna Football ground, this one is as lovely in the day as it is at night. At the helm of the kitchen is Chef Ruben Pinto, who has re-interpreted various family recipes with signature dishes for the vegetarians too! Think  a Caldin Risotto, a vegan risotto made with a spice infused coconut milk broth, smoked baby potatoes stuffed with garlic butter and topped off with parmesan cheese, a mushroom foogath (a vegetarian stir-fry) served with an amaranth salad and red bell pepper coulis. Of course, in Goa, it’s all about the fish, so make sure to order the crispy dill & coconut infused boneless sardines, Prawn Balchao or the Pepper crusted beef tenderloin steak for the meat eaters. The cocktail menu, by Evgenya Prazdnik, has intriguing things like a Chorizo Bloody Mary and a Bebinca old fashioned, served with a slice of bebinca and even a  Pommo cafe, a unique concoction of caffe rum coffee liqueur and fresh pomegranate juice. 

Currently available only in Goa, Doja is touted to be the world’s first-ever Indo-Japanese Gin. With botanicals from India and Japan, this one is not only easy to drink, but it is great for drinking any time of the day. A unique blend of Yuzu (a Japanese citrus fruit extract), Sansho Peppers, Hinoki (a Japanese cypress) and Cedar from Japan, blended with coriander, pepper, and cardamom from India, get yourself a bottle at INR 2,050 for 700ml, at plenty of liquor stores in Goa.

The latest nightlife spot in Goa, Mirage Beach Club is a dreamy space on the beach in Vagator. Head here for amazing cocktails, modern cuisine as well as music acts from across the globe, including Jason Derulo. While it’s just about 10 days old, it’s already become a hot favourite especially since folks from Bangalore have a connection with it! These are the same folks behind Mirage on Church Street, so expect similar magical vibes and decor that makes it seem like Neverland. Watch this space for more!

Hidden away in the forests in Netravali, the Postcard Hideaway one is all about staying off the beaten path and off grid. But the best part is that it is close enough to secret beaches for you to zip out and enjoy. Plus, the hotel itself is set on a sprawling 20 acres so you can really get lost in solitude and enjoy a different kind of Goa. Did we mention that you can get a massage at the spa, chill out in their swimming pool or heat things up in the open air. Jacuzzi? You can even get in a yoga session at their pavilion.

Want to win a stay here? Sign up, sign up, as we’re giving you +1, a chance to win a two-night stay at this property, worth INR 50,000! 

By the luxury home builders, Bennet & Bernard Company, comes Black Vanilla, a cafe set in Assagao, not too far from the hub of Vagator and Anjuna. Offering American and European food, this one keeps it simple with all-time favourites such as pancakes, bacon and cheese sandwiches, crepes and crostinies. Plus, of course, tea and coffee to be enjoyed in the tranquility of nature. 

Yes, it's another gin. Yes, it is available in Goa. But let's be honest, no one is really complaining! Tamras, the creation of Khalil Bachooali and Devika Bhagat of Adventurist Spirits, was made from a recipe that was Julia Nourney, an award-winning master distiller and blender, helped make. Using 16 botanicals including coriander seeds, black and green cardamom, lsweet lime, grapefruit, pepper, lotus seeds, and fennel, this one is also highlights the juniper more than usual. While we're still to get our hands on it, we also hear it's got a citrusy hit as is smooth and silky.