Any cocktail couturier worth their salt-rimmed glass will tell you this – be it a hint of wasabi or a passion fruit flavoured infusion, mixology is an art, one very few bars get right. We put down our staple vodka diet cokes and went cocktail hunting; from vanilla flavoured Bellini’s to Mango Coladas, we present 18 frontrunners picked from our favourite bars across the city.
Pick Your Poison | Stirring our way through Delhi’s Best Cocktails, 2014
The information in this post might be outdated
Ten-Second Takeaway
Clover Club, Mint Julep or the 19th at PCO
Cocktail specialists, the suited bartenders over at PCO know exactly what they’re doing with your potion. This recommendation comes straight from the horse’s mouth, our favourite mixologist over at PCO.
Price Range: Between INR 500-1000
Martini and Original Whisky Sour at Library Bar
With plush velvet couches, a fine whisky collection and a range of cigars, we recommend Library Bar for the more seasoned cocktail connoisseur. Perfect for a pre-party cocktail.
Price Range: Between INR 1000-1500
Copper Monkey at Monkey Bar
We’re certain you’ve heard more about their signature Aam Panna cocktail, Mangaa, but industry insiders have their money on the Copper Monkey – a whisky based cocktail infused with mandarin, passion fruit, mint and bitters.
Price Range: Under 500
FogHorn at Cocktails and Dreams, Speakeasy
A cocktail haven, this popular speakeasy does their rendition of the original gin and ginger ale mix, with a tall Collins, mixed with vodka, gingerbread syrup, ginger juice, lime and dry ginger ale, served over ice.
Price Range: Under 500
Old Fashioned at Lobby Bar, Hyatt
A basic drink in the world of cocktails, the Lobby Bar gets it right with a perfect mixture of sugar, bitters, whisky and a twist of citrus rind.
Price Range: Between INR 1000-1500
LIIT at Hard Rock and TGIF
Ditch the glass, order the pitcher.
Where: Hard Rock Café {DLF Place, Saket and Cyber Hub, Gurgaon}, TGIF {DLF Place Mall, Saket, DLF Promenade, Vasant Kunj, MGF Metropolitan Mall, Gurgaon}
Price Range: Under 500
Olive Bloody Mary at Olive Bar and Kitchen
Eristoff vodka, fresh tomato juice and a Bloody Mary mix. We recommend the Bloody Marys join you on a Sunday brunch.
Price Range: Between 500-1000
Gulabo at Dhaba by Claridges
Although more popular for their Indian fare, they also have a fantastic Theka styled bar. Try Dhaba’s version of the Long Island Ice Tea, with Kala Khatta.
Price Range: Under 500
Cosmopolitan at Keya
Keya gets the popular cocktail right, with the perfect balance of triple sec, cranberry and vodka. Fair warning: Just because you can’t taste the alcohol, doesn’t mean its not there.
Price Range: Between INR 500-1000
Signature cocktails at Blue Bar
The boys over at Blue Bar know their spirits, and can definitely sense yours. Ask for a customized cocktail; pick a base, and let them surprise you.
Price Range: Between INR 1000-1500
Vanilla Bellini at Uzuri Deck and Dining
They’ve taken a classic Bellini, added a touch of vodka and vanilla liquor, and made it so much better. Don’t miss the {free} Appletinis and Coffee Martinis on ladies nights every Wednesday.
Price Range: Under 500
Mango Colada at Harry’s
A perfect drink for the summer, they ditched the pineapple and added mangoes instead, with coconut and light rum.
Price Range: Under 500
Hammer at Downtown
A perfect blend of freshly muddled lemon grass, curry leaves, lemon juice and gin. Don’t be thrown by the name, it doesn’t do too much harm!
Price Range: Under 500
Electric Daquiri at B Bar
Another universally accepted staple cocktail, B Bar gives it a twist with Sechouan Button infused rum, orange bitters, fresh lime and sugarcane syrup.
Price Range: Between INR 1000-1500
Wasabi Martini at Sky Bar, Kylin
Kick back on an expansive terrace, under a private canopy, with a gin and vermouth based Martini, infused with a dash of the perfect amount of wasabi.
Price Range: Between INR 500-1000
Banana Relay at Underdoggs Sports Bar and Grill
The IPL season might bring you here more than you anticipate, so switch up the pitchers of Beer with a special blend of Kahlua, banana and cream.
Price Range: Under 500
Embarking on our cocktail trail? Don’t forget to #mylbbd while Instagramming your experience!
