From cosmopolitans to highballs, we Delhiites love our cocktails. Sure, there are days when a simple spirit on the rocks is all you need, but nothing beats a well-made cocktail when you're out with pals for the weekend. They are like a party in your mouth, full of different flavours and potions, and a visual treat for your eyes as well, whether it's the torched pineapple on your pina colada or the salt-rimmed glass for your margarita. A crafty cocktail has the power to turn a boring night into a fun one (applicable even when you've not had one too many) and so, we decided to list down our regular and most-cherished haunts and go-to cocktail orders for you to try out. If your weekend memo says bar hopping or cocktail-ing with friends, then keep on reading!
Sip Sip Hurray: 17 Best Cocktail Places In Delhi To Sip Your Weekend Away At
Sidecar
Call us cliché, but Sidecar is definitely worth the hype (and money). There's a reason why this bar has been enlisted by The 50 Best Discovery in their Best Bars In The World and Best Bars In Asia lists for two years in a row. The concoctions are unlike any other and you simply can't help but look forward to the next drink (fair warning, it becomes a cycle). Also, the chill ambiance of the place always puts you into a laidback mode.
LBB's Picks: Zing Thing, Bhumi, Connaught
Price: Cocktails start at INR 855
Tres
Another gem that made it to a 50 Best Discovery list, Tres is a swanky casual dining spot tucked in the bougie neighborhood of Lodhi Colony. The cocktails are creative and tempt your taste buds for more with every sip, a perfect accompaniment to the delicious food. A little on the pricier side, save this place for your special dinner dates with bae and enjoy their culinary masterpieces with mind-blowing gastronomic cocktails.
LBB's Picks: The Lodhi G&T and Burning Pineapple Cocktail
Price: Cocktails start at INR 800
Khi Khi
Khi Khi is a gourmet kitchen and bar relatively new to the cocktail scene in Delhi. The Khi Khi wall depicts caricatures of a few Indian women giggling without a care in the whole world and that’s the vibe you and your gang will give off once you step into this meticulously curated culinary masterpiece with smashing contemporary cocktails. What’s more to love is that their standard pour for cocktails is 60ml, so watered down drinks won’t even be a thought.
LBB’s Picks: The Clarified Punch, Kaapi Please and Chakotra
Price: Cocktails starting at INR 825
Guppy
Guppy is that one place that hardly ever misses the mark when it comes to yummy Japanese food and even yummier cocktails. ‘The Wasabi Way’ is that cocktail that never feels old and is a fan-favourite among Guppy loyalists. While you are at it, gorge on the Guppy bowl to go with this not-so-sweet delight of a cocktail.
LBB’s Picks: The Wasabi Way, Love Lolita, and the Grapefruit Bloom Cocktail
Price: Cocktails starting at INR 725
Chilli's
Surprised, right? Honestly, this section is dedicated to Chilli's Margaritas which never miss the mark. Imagine sipping on the funkiest of margaritas and gorging on cheesy nachos and juicy burgers on a Sunday night, what more do you need on a weekend? Also, love how their drinks menu has a variety of options with sweet, sour, bitter and spicy options so all palates are covered and you have something to be excited about for every visit.
LBB’s Picks: Rita Trio Margarita, Ultimate Fresh Margarita and Chili's Punch
Price: Cocktails start at INR 405, Margaritas start at INR 540
Bo Tai
Great food? Check. Amazing ambiance? Check. Unmissable cocktails? Big check! Bo Tai should be on every Delhiites radar if you love Thai food and creative mixology. While their Full Moon cocktail has its fan following and never disappoints, we are currently fixed on the new cocktail menu named after the days of the week (the Saturday one is a knockout). The amazing view of the Qutub Minar and the luscious foliage also adds to the charm of the place.
LBB’s Picks: Full Moon, Wednesday (night) and Saturday
Price: Cocktails start at INR 825
PCO
India’s first speakeasy-style cocktail bar, Pass Code Only or PCO is every cocktail lover's haven. If you want to get the weekend started with the best drinks in the capital, don't even think twice and head to PCO. The cocktails, crowd and vibe of the place are on point and the menu has everything to satiate your cocktail cravings. From their mean Margarita to the fruity Papa Don't Peach (extra points for the name), their cocktails are well-rounded and make you keep wanting more.
LBB’s Picks: Margarita, Papa Don't Peach and Bess Knees
Price: Cocktails start at INR 750
Comorin
Stir up your Saturday night with the world-class cocktails at Comorin, the perfect end to your weekend. Love the fusion of regional flavours with contemporary techniques for the perfect blend of cocktails. Also, love how they have special bar menus for every other season to keep things interesting.
LBB’s Picks: Jamun Ale, The Osaka Martini and Khus Vermouth Negroni
Price: Cocktails starting at INR 700
Olive Kitchen & Bar
Olive Bar & Kitchen has been around for over nineteen years and serves a mix of old and new bar classics. The cocktails are uncomplicated, flavourful and a hit among all! Their Teq-Tonics which is nothing but tequila infused with natural flavours served with tonic water are perfect to sip on between bites.
LBB’s Picks: Hibiscus and Pomegranate Teq-Tonic, Berry Sorbet Gin-To and The Olive
Price: Cocktails starting at INR 650
Mamagoto
If you guessed Watermelon Vodka Martini then you guessed right! Our comfort sippy at Mamagoto is a fuss free martini with just watermelon juice, lemon juice and vodka. Nothing better than hogging on juicy dumplings with a martini or two to set the mood.
LBB’s Picks: Watermelon Vodka Martini, Majestic Sour and Mama Gymkhana
Price: Cocktails starting at INR 575
Lair
Another bar that had made it to the Top 30 List, Lair is a moody upbeat bar in Basant Lok Market. Their cocktail menu seems like a storybook in itself with cool artwork and the choicest of words describing each cocktail beautifully. The food is also exceptional, especially the mains so make sure you visit the place for more than just cocktails and tipples.
LBB’s Picks: Shopian, Wax Bloom and Rangpur Fizz
Price: Cocktails starting at INR 725
Cirrus 9
For a sophisticated cocktail experience, nothing beats the luxury of Cirrus 9, the high-end bar in The Oberoi hotel. Take some innovative, handcrafted cocktails and add an eclectic international food menu with a scenic view of New Delhi's Golf Course and voila, you have Cirrus 9. A little heavy on the pocket but definitely worth visiting for a special ocassion. Special mention to their warm staff that makes sure your experience at the rooftop bar is always memorable.
LBB’s Picks: Mr. Pink. Man Goes Into A Garden and Emperor Yao's Pleasure
Price: Cocktails starting at INR 925
Miss Pinto
Delightful cocktails, delectable food, chill vibes and Cuban cigars for those who enjoy the luxurious side of things. Miss Pinto is a posh bar located in Basant Lok Market that has some amazing cocktails and an inviting ambiance to take away your weekday blues. Pull up for top-notch mixology creations and even better vibes.
LBB’s Picks: J Anew Fashion and Toki Whiskey
Price: Cocktails starting at INR 795
Mr. Hoots
This compact, softly lit cocktail bar is known to a limited but growing number of people–those who know to look around the wine bar, Perch, for an exclusive yet unforgettable drinking experience. The space is tranquil, pleasant and feels similar to a nice living room. Cocktails are sophisticated and interesting, not to mention attractively presented for a visual treat and each comes labeled with a number.
LBB’s Picks: Old Fashioned and Whisky Sour
Price: Cocktails starting at INR 795
Social
Social has probably been everyone's go-to spot for thunderous LIITs (we genuinely stand by the description) and delicious food that always slaps, and doesn't hurt the pocket as much. The only advice you should follow is to give yourself a liquor detox after your visit because trust us when we say this, sipping on their LLITs (stands for The Longest Long Island Iced Tea) is a journey in itself with five spirits- vodka, gin, tequila, rum and triple sec behind that kicking in for the buzz. Also, they have a 1+1 deal on LLIITs every Tuesday.
LBB’s Picks: The Electric LLIT, Benarasi Patiala and Thee Lantern
Price: Cocktails start at INR 415, LLITs start at INR 790
Cocktails & Dreams, Speakeasy
If there's one place that you decide to visit from this list, it has to be Cocktails & Dreams. This speakeasy is an award-winning bartenders' bar that serves stellar cocktails that always leave an impression. Absolutely love the speakeasy concept, the understated vibe and the nonchalant aura of the place that always puts you in a carefree mood. Look out for their fun collabs with other bars like PCO, Bombay Canteen and others for an unmatchable cocktail experience.
LBB’s Picks: The Mango cocktail, Manhattan and Grapefruit & Pomegranate
Price: Cocktails starting at INR 695
The Blue Bar
Taj's hospitality speaks for itself and the same goes for this stunning bar in Taj Palace. This luxurious lounge and bar has a very edgy feel, owing to its dramatic red-on-black colour scheme and ambient lighting. Joel Scholtens Lindsay, an Australian mixologist is the brain behind the exquisite cocktails, each one different from the other. The ability to create liquid cocktail fantasies upon guest requests is a skill Joel has mastered and one he pulls off with great charm, flair and poise so definitely request your own mix.
LBB’s Picks: Popeye 'The Sailor Man', Amazing Grace and India Gold
Price: Cocktails starting at INR 895
