The BAR is Raised

India's evolving bar scene is an exciting fusion of tradition, innovation, and world-class creativity. From hyper-local flavours to globally-inspired techniques, these bars are rewriting the rules of mixology with a dash of culture, and muddled with oodles of flair.

- Rupali Dean

India's bars are rewriting the playbook for the country's spirited glory, and they're doing it with swagger. These aren't mere watering holes; this is performance art in a glass, where culture syncs with creativity and tradition arm wrestles with innovation. "India's bar scene has almost found its feet," says Pankaj Balachandran, co-founder, Goa's Boilermaker, underscoring the rising tide of creativity redefining Indian mixology on the global stage.

According to Naval Kukreti, Director F & B, The Leela Palace Bengaluru: "This is where heritage meets bold, modern innovation. From speakeasies to hyper-local menus, Indian bartenders are now storytellers first, cocktail artists later."

Each cocktail is a manifesto, stirred with heritage and shaken with global flair. Over the last few years, Indian bars have transitioned from underdogs to trailblazers, cementing their count on the global stage.

Exhibit A: Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025, unveiled in Macau, in July. India hit all the right notes as Delhi's Lair (pictured above) blazed through at No. 8, crowned Best Bar in India. Bengaluru brought triple heat with Soka (No. 28), ZLB23 (No. 31), and Bar Spirit Forward (No. 37). Goa's Boilermaker (No. 30) served pure coastline cool, while Sidecar and Bar Outrigger held their ground in the 51-100 hall of fame.

LAIR, New Delhi