Well, as they say, 'if you are being salty, at least bring the tequila' or maybe, it's an excuse for us to drink more of it. In the past year or two, tequila has become the it spirit and has slowly made its way to our cocktail orders. As it has become one of the superior white spirits and is ruling cocktail menus everywhere, we decided to compile a list of our favourite spots for the best tequila cocktails in Delhi, along with our tequila cocktail orders, which are a good place to start if you're new to the tequila scene.
Places To Hit Up For Tequila Cocktails In Delhi, 'Cause Shots Are Overrated
Miss Margarita
Of course, we had to start this list with our favourite Tuesday night tequila and taco spot. Miss Margarita in GK plays a significant role in fueling our desire to fall for (and because of) tequila-based cocktails. Their margaritas are the best in New Delhi, and what keeps us coming back to them is how you can customise them according to your liking (and capacity) — fun flavours, choice of salt for your glass's rim (yes, they have different salts), size (normal, grande and a gigantic one meant for sharing) and a choice between normal and frozen; phew! If margaritas aren't your thing, you also have the option to order from their swanky tequila cocktails menu which is equally impressive.
LBB’s Tequila-Based Cocktail Picks: The Grogurita and Fresh Watermelon margarita and pretty much the complete margarita menu.
Price: Margaritas starting at INR 625
Khi Khi
Khi Khi is one of the few upscale bars in Delhi that take their cocktail game very seriously. Each cocktail on their menu leaves you wanting more. Our go-to tequila cocktail order here is their Patron Picante — a spicy, tarte, explosive cocktail that spotlights the spirit brilliantly. And while you are at it, do try their Fair-Trade Paloma which is a desi spin on paloma cocktail with kinnu, malta and other tangy goodies.
LBB’s Tequila-Based Cocktail Picks: Patron Picante, Fair-Trade Paloma and Chakotra (mezcal-based)
Price: Cocktails starting at INR 695
Grammar Room
We are fans of everything grammar room does and have had a few very delightful tequila cocktails at our favourite place. The El Mango Chilli is one of them. It’s a seasonal special available in summers and is a peppy take on a stirred tequila cocktail with mango for some sweetness, thyme /and honey for some mellowness, and citrus and chill for packing that punch. Honestly, you can hardly go wrong with the tequila + chilli + citrus combo.
LBB's Tequila-Based Cocktail Pick: El Mango Chilli, Tropical High Ball and Margaritas.Price: Cocktails starting at INR 725
Rick's
The bar pays homage to the OG classic movie, ‘Casablanca’. With classic yet sophisticated interiors inspired by the protagonist, Rick's bar in the movie, the Taj touch peeks through the balance of old-world charm and modernity. The cocktails too are inspired by the characters and are quite the piece of art (and mixology). Coincidentally, our favourite drink here is a tequila based cocktail named ‘Umami Ugarte’, named after Signor Ugarte, a complex but alluring character from the movie. And to mirror that, the cocktail combines tequila, tomato miso and strawberry — an unexpected mix that beautifully comes together to unleash unexpected flavours, surprising yet sweet to the core — just like Ugarte’s multifaceted nature.
LBB’s Tequila Cocktail Picks: Umami Ugarte
Price: Cocktails starting at INR 1,250
Comorin
The cocktails at Comorin pay the perfect homage to Indian roots with the lovely fusion of regional flavours with contemporary techniques for the perfect blend. Neer More is our choice of tequila poison at Comorin which is a spicy yet well-rounded cocktail with whipped yoghurt foam that perfectly balances the heat from the chilli and also gives lovely texture to the drink. They also have special cocktail menus for different seasons so we are sure you will find something new every time you visit Comorin.
LBB’s Tequila-Based Cocktail Picks: Neer More and Fennel Paloma.
Price: Cocktails starting at INR 975
Cosy Box
You know a place is going to have fun cocktails when they have a five-page cocktail menu and this definitely stands true in the case of Cosy Box. With a variety of tequila cocktails available (spicy, sweet, fruity floral; you name it!) and a whole page dedicated to only tequila cocktails — you can be confident that your cocktail orders are in capable hands. Our comfort tequila cocktail pick is named 'Variety Of Opinions' and the singular opinion we hold about this one is that it's kickass.
LBB’s Tequila-Based Cocktail Picks: Variety Of Opinions, Havana and Drakenstein
Price: Cocktails starting at INR 975
Keya
The special cocktail menu at Keya isn't the same always which is a good as well as not-so good thing. While we love their signature tequila cocktail offerings like the newly added Yuzu Chilli Margarita and the OG flavoured frozen margaritas they have been serving for years. We love when it's summer and they roll out their special cocktails. We are still reminiscing over this tequila popsicle cocktail (the one in the picture) we had here one summer and hope we will have another shot at enjoying them this summer.
LBB’s Tequila-Based Cocktail Picks: Yuzu Chilli Margarita, Rio Jamboree and classic flavoured margaritas (especially the kiwi and strawberry ones)
Price: Cocktails start at INR 595
Sidecar
You know it, we know it — Sidecar undoubtedly serves the smoothest cocktails in the capital and our favourite tequila cocktail here is Cilantro from their current signature menu. We would describe it as a humble yet surprising twist on the palate, with spicy, slightly tart, and bitter notes, as well as a touch of coriander — a simple ingredient that's so common in Indian homes, but no one would have expected it to be used in such an elevated cocktail. The Breakfast Margarita is the first runner up that's a fruity but sophisticated take on your usual margarita with not-so-sweet blueberry marmalade and kaffir lime liqueur.
LBB’s Tequila Cocktail Picks: Cilantro, Breakfast Margarita and Jalisco Spiced Margariya
Price: Cocktails starting at INR 855.
Olive Kitchen & Bar
We have only one word to rest our case here — Teq-Tonics! If you are just getting into tequila cocktails, Olive's flavour-infused Tequila drinks served with tonic water should be on your radar. They have four flavours available: Pimientos, which is for those who enjoy the heat of chilli with their tequila, and three fruity flavours— Hibiscus & Pomegranate, Passion Fruit, and Guava & Grapefruit if you prefer it sweet.
LBB’s Tequila Cocktail Picks: Teq-Tonics, La Rosita and Tripoli Punch.
Price: Cocktails starting at INR 650
The Chatter House
If LIITs are your choice of (tequila) cocktail then let us introduce you to one of the best places to have 'em in Delhi—The Chatter House. Their Classic LIIT is a boozy pick that's great for bringing the buzz with vodka, tequila, triple sec, gin and white rum topped with cola while the 'Bull Frog' LIIT substitutes the triple sec and cola with with blue curacao and red bull. All in all, a great pick for days you don't mind drinking a little too much.
LBB’s Tequila Cocktail Picks: LIITs and Gilrean's.
Price: Cocktails starting at INR 525.
Dear Donna
Surprised? Don’t be! This section is dedicated to that one tequila cocktail in Dear Donna that has stayed consistent over all these year— ‘Dear Paloma’. Just like most Delhiites, we have also been through a Dear Donna Saturday night phase in our lives and wouldn’t mind visiting the place again only if we get to chug a few glasses of this fruity Paloma made with a dash of hibiscus and grapefruit cordial and of course, tequila.
LBB's Tequila-Based Cocktail Pick: Dear Paloma, Papi Paprika and Wild Berry Tequila SourPrice: Cocktails starting at INR 700
