A SPIRITED EVOLUTION

The amber glow of India’s bars tells a compelling story: cocktail culture is blossoming into a vibrant tapestry of craft, storytelling, and soulful innovation.

- DEEPALI NANDWANI

Fuelled by desi craft spirits and a nation eager to experiment, cocktails today feature unusual ingredients—smoked cardamom, Himalayan herbs, and local agave. Bartenders craft narratives that merge indigenous produce with chef-like techniques, while adventurous Indians explore drinks that transport them beyond the present, whether in sleek urban lounges or intimate ten-seater speakeasies, in major cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru or emerging metros such as Amritsar and Indore.

The evolution of the cocktail culture

Yangdup Lama, influential bartender and founder of award-winning bars like Sidecar, named Industry Icon at Asia's 50 Best Bars 2024, ties the growth of cocktail culture to India's transformation. "Urbanisation, rising disposable income, and changing social norms that embrace alcohol consumption among younger generations have played a huge role," he says. "The rise of trained mixologists and craft cocktail bars has raised the quality and creativity of cocktails. The drivers of the business lead with passion, not just numbers. The focus is on customer experience, preferences, and social connection. Exposure through travel and collaborations has also shaped both consumers and bartenders. Unlike the global scene, where cocktails can feel standardised, India's bars stand out for their use of regional spices, fruits, and herbs—rooting cocktails in our diverse culinary heritage."