Find out which Indian bars feature on Asia’s Best Bars 2023 list

Arushi Sakhuja

Asia’s Best Bars 2023 rankings were announced earlier this week and the list saw nine Indian bars, already crowd favourites in their area. Delhi’s Sidecar was at No. 18, The Bombay canteen at No.35, Copitas Bengaluru at No. 38, The Living Room, Mumbai at No.46, Mumbai’s Americano came in at No. 57, New Delhi’s Home at No. 58 and Hoots’ at No. 60 respectively. Hideway from Goa came in at No. 66 and New Delhi’s PCO came in at No. 94. At number 1 was Hong Kong’s COA.

 

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The nine Indian bars were across major cities like Mumbai, Goa, Bengaluru and Delhi, with the maximum number of bars being in Mumbai. The current rankings prove that India is catching up with the global bars.

Sidecar, New Delhi

The Bombay Canteen, Mumbai

The Bombay Canteen is Number 35 on the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023 list. Every cocktail at The Bombay Canteen will surprise you and awaken your love for unconventional pairings. Some signatures include Spicy Gimlet, Plum Manhattan, Stolen Kiss and more recent introductions like The Waiting List, which ensure a continuous buzz at the bar.

Copitas, Bengaluru

Situated on the 21st floor of Bengaluru’s Four Seasons Hotel, Copitas has received the honour of being listed as #38 in the most prestigious list of Asia’s Best Bars for the second time in 5 years. The acclaimed bar Copitas climbed from #44 last year to #38 and stands out as Bengaluru’s most glamorous cocktail destination, favoured by those in the know. Voted on by an esteemed Academy of over 650 anonymous drinks connoisseurs spread across the globe, the 2023 ranking draws from the knowledge and experiences of the widest pool of experts ever.

The Living Room, Mumbai

Mumbai’s highly awarded restaurant, Masque, has long been lauded for its exemplary cocktail programme. In 2021, the team built on this stellar drinks reputation by introducing The Living Room, a warmly lit, intimate cocktail bar nestled on the mezzanine level of the sophisticated space in a former cotton mill, seating no more than 12 guests. From sea buckthorn and wild thyme foraged in the Himalayas to black garlic aged in-house, the concise cocktail menu is a journey through the flavours of India, presented in the most contemporary styles using consciously sourced ingredients, reflecting Masque’s overall ethos and standards. Take the Firebreather, featuring tequila, dragon fruit, galangal and umeshu, as just one example. Superior bar snacks from the kitchen team are also available. The Living Room is a unique addition to the city’s ever-growing cocktail scene – and guests can look forward to a steady stream of guest shifts and exclusive masterclasses, providing a delightful balance between tranquil evenings and opportunities to engage with and experience different drinks cultures from around the world.

Home, New Delhi

A members-only bar, access to Home is dependent on an invite. Being a part of Asia’s Best Bars, it is an exclusive destination with design and drinks offerings, focusing on an understated luxury with an international feel. Visitors can pick between the rooftop lounge and the indoor bar with a rustic feel. And for the drinks, an experimental cocktail programme features house ferments and puts an emphasis on sourcing local ingredients to lessen the environmental footprint. On the menu cuisine range from India to Japan and Europe making Home so much more than just a place for good cocktails.

Address: 3rd Floor, Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, Delhi, 110070

Hoots, New Delhi 

Hoots’ recently entered the 51-100 list of Asia’s Best Bars. One of Delhi’s most well-known speakeasy bars, Hoots is nestled in Basant Lok Market. Although known to a small but growing number, loyal customers know that they have to look below wine bar Perch for an exclusive yet welcoming drinking experience. The dimly lit space offers a quiet and inviting ambience, and the cocktails are not only innovative but also beautifully presented. Cocktails are elegant and interesting, incorporating a variety of ingredients and techniques, and each is named simply with a number. Highlights include an Old Fashioned twist incorporating miso, and a Whisky Sour topped with chamomile foam. To complete the experience there are cigars and cheese boards to accompany this noteworthy drinks selection.

Address: 18-A, 1st floor, Market, Basant Lok, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi, 110057

PCO, New Delhi 

Started by Rakshay Dhariwal, PCO – Pass Code Only – is a secret bar that requires a passcode to enter. A few times a week a passcode is sent out to a list of the bar’s patrons and friends, giving access to this comfortable, intimate space. Inspired by the tradition of making a perfect cocktail, PCO is a one-of-a-kind cocktail bar located in Vasant Vihar in South Delhi.

Making it to Asia’s Best Bars 2023 can be attributed to the bar’s focus on bespoke Mood cocktails as well as its selection of classic cocktails. After entering the bar through an unassuming phone booth, you’ll find yourself transported to an immersive space with design touches inspired by the early 1900s – including antique telephones and a library of vintage books.

Address: D-4, D, Block A, Block Market, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi, 110057

Americano Mumbai

Americano is a vibrant neighbourhood restaurant by Chef Alex Sanchez and Restaurateur Mallyeka Watsa and Americano remains a destination for its creative cuisine, genuine hospitality, and expertly crafted cocktails.

Kala Ghoda’s upmarket neighbourhood eatery Americano has a solid list of classic cocktails which is accompanied by innovative twists on classics, as well as some original creations with an extensive list of in-house ingredients – from tinctures to vermouths. These elegant drinks are served alongside the cuisine at Americano which reflects a chef’s evolution: from young and ambitious, eager to display his technique; to mature and confident, leaving his ego at the door and cooking with restraint.

Address: 121/123 Radha Bhavan, Nagindas Master Rd, Kala Ghoda, Mumbai, Maharashtra , 400001

Hideway Goa

Hideaway Bar is a unique gem in India’s bar scene. Well known for it’s music events by eclectic artists and jazz bands, they imbibe values from traditional Goan hospitality and pair it with the brashness of Han Solo. A performance-space-meets-cafe-meets. Hideway is nestled among palm trees in Goa’s famous Vagator locale.

The bar is best identified for it’s Urak cocktails that come in Mango and Vimto (a local berry juice) and their coffee.  Their cocktail program is crafted using fresh ingredients and designed to reflect their philosophy of making drinks accessible and enjoyable. They believe that “a great cocktail should be inviting, and a source of fun.”

Address: Cross Anjuna, H.No. 622, Near Julie Jolie Rest. Chapora, Vagator, Goa 403509

Click here for the entire list.

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