The best Gin-based cocktails from India’s best bars!

Gin, once a staple of British colonial India, has made a remarkable comeback in recent years, evolving from a niche spirit to the preferred choice among India’s
discerning drinkers. As the sun-kissed days of summer approach, there’s no better tipple than a chilled glass of Gin cocktails. It’s refreshing botanical notes and finish make it the ideal choice for a myriad of flavour combinations. From zesty citrus to fragrant herbs and exotic spices, the possibilities are endless. Whether enjoyed in a classic G&T garnished with a twist of lime or elevated with artisanal tonics, gin promises a refreshing respite from the sweltering heat.
So, the gin revolution continues, let’s take a look at the coolest bars across cities in India. From the high energy spots in Delhi to the glitzy streets of Mumbai, the laid-back beaches of Goa, and the cosmopolitan charm of Bengaluru, each city offers unique gin-based cocktails waiting to be savored.

Bengaluru

Bangalore’s Spirit Forward

When it comes to the best bars for cocktails, Bangalore’s Spirit Forward is a cocktail den that embarks on a sensory journey through the world of mixology. With an impressive list of imaginative cocktails, it’s packed even on a weekday and promises to be lively, and fun.: always lively, always fun. Featuring A low, omakase-style bar counter with stools the bartenders whipping up eclectic drinks under the leadership of veteran Arijit Bose. The bartenders are alchemists, transforming spirits into liquid poetry, each creation a testament to their mastery. Spirit Forward’s adopts an interesting spin on the Martini with the 3 Gin Vesper Martini. What makes it so special is that it features the spirits Monkey 47, Tanqueray 10, Greater Than and Short Story Vodka with a side of olive stuffed with blue cheese which are prediluted, frozen and poured straight from an icy bottle offering a tantalizing impact.

SOKA

Bangalore’s burgeoning cocktail scene added Soka to its offering in December last year and it has become the latest jewel. Chef Sombir Choudhary and bartender Avinash Kapoli unveiled a drinking den which is inspirated by Bangalore’s golden era of pop culture. But what really sets this apart is that the due has uses unique ingredients sourced from the state of Karnataka, offering a refreshing on twist flavours. A great example is I Blame Jasmine which uses Hapusa Gin, Tamras Gin, Aperol, Carbonated Jasmine Cordial. Be it G&T’s or Martini’s the Copa Glass never disappoints. Try the C for Coppa cocktail with Tamras Gin, Italian Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit, Acids, German Bitters or opt for the Next-gen Maritini with Bull Dog Gin, Extra Dry Vermouth, Choya, Herb Tincture. At SOKA, the cocktails are the undisputed star of the show.

Delhi

Lair Delhi

Nestled in Basant Vok’s Priya market, Lair is New Delhi’s unsung hero. The team has taken inspiration from India’s storied heritage of indigenous spices and produce, reimagining them into a menu of contemporary drinks served in sleek surrounds. A standout drink on the current menu is the Not A Berry. It is your favourite strawberry salad recipe turned into a cocktail with gin, balsamic, rhubarb and flat sparkling. What makes it even more special are the locally used
strawberry variety cultivated in Mahabaleshwar.

Loya, Taj Palace, New Delhi

Nestled within one of New Delhi’s most posch hotels, Taj Palace New Delhi, is LOYA a bar that pays tribute to Northern India’s cuisine. With an innovative approach tovarious cocktails, one of the most popular creations is one made with gin and mulethi, an Indian herb traditionally used for treating coughs. Contrary to what one might think Mulethi-is infused gin, Loya citrus blend sugar, honeycomb tuile and is a delight upon sipping. If you are leaning towards a
Martini, try Patria’s Martini a stoneflower infused gin based cooked with clay-aged vermouth pickled capers. Or opt to fuse Indian spices as you try Haldi infused gin, ginger-jaggery syrup, and lemon juice.

Comorin Bar, New Delhi

This is undoubtedly the best place for gin lover, and each one will find something on Comorin’s menu. Boasting a list of 12 varieties of gin, the most iconic cocktail is the Comorin 75, in which a rhododendron infused gin is blended with lavender. What’s more? It has a Sous Vide Bar that makes Gin infusions in front of your eyes. The dimly lit, museum-like displays of spirits bottles are a reminder that the cocktails are taken seriously here, while stripped wooden floors and walls painted in calming hues of mint-green lend a fabulously home style feel.

Juniper

Gin is the reigning champion of summer and when it comes to gin cocktails, the folks at Juniper Bar are the winners simply because of their range and mastery of gin-based infusions. With an impressive array of gin-based infusions, Juniper tantalizes the taste buds with creative concoctions that capture the essence of summer. Among their best-selling offerings is the Kerala Lady, a delightful blend of pineapple, egg white, and hints of cardamom—a refreshing ode to the season’s bounty. For those craving a classic experience with a twist, the Orange Vanilla and Timir Gin cocktails are sure to delight, showcasing Juniper’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional mixology.

Goa

Hideaway Goa

If you’re looking for live music, great cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere in Goa’s Vagator, Hideaway Café and Bar has it all. However, the eye-catcher is a diverse selection of signature drinks, colourfully illustrated. Try the Rose & Hibiscus Sour cocktail to transport yourself to a world of golden hues and tranquil serenity. It is one of those simple yet exploratory drinks that changes with each layer, filling you up with a sense of wonderment because you don’t know what comes next. For something a little more dramatic try the smoked Gin & Tea cocktail Lapsang Souchan infused Short Story Gin, Cinnamon smoke, Ginger, and Grapefruit tonic.

Elephant & Co

This restaurant has the best some of the gin cocktails and its constantly evolving bar menu ensure you are never bored. A gem nestled in Anjuna it oozes a luxurious and warm vibe while serves gin cocktails with a twist. Some of the signature drinks include a summer-fresh Watermelon high and the Gin FOMO 2.0. The latter is a berry-infused gin, elderflower and fresh cucumber with a burst of flavours and the former is made with Gin, amaro, clarified watermelon
and strawberry and screams summer.

Mumbai

AER Mumbai

Not only is this a buzzing spot in Mumbai, but the iconic rooftop bar AER at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai has joined hands with Stranger & Sons to unveil AER Gin, a spirit that embodies Mumbai’s coastal charm. Thus, this experience in a gin-credible one, you won’t want to miss. Making it more special the ‘Spirit of The City by The Sea,’ features a unique blend of familiar coastal botanicals, including Tamarind, Kokum, Mangosteen and more, distilled to capture the
essence of Mumbai’s maritime allure. Crafted exclusively for AER, this gin offers a fresh and saline flavour profile that is distinctively Mumbai. So, are you read to embark you on a sensorial voyage that celebrates gin and Mumbai?

The Bombay Canteen

No exploration of Mumbai’s gin landscape would be complete without a visit to The Bombay Canteen. Here, gin cocktails offer a sensory journey whether it’s the bold flavors of indigenous botanicals or the subtle nuances of local spices, each cocktail at The Bombay Canteen is a celebration of India’s vibrant spirit, inviting you to immerse yourself in a world of flavor and flair. Drawing inspiration from regional ingredients and cultural nuances, The Bombay Canteen’s gin cocktails are a celebration of India’s vibrant spirit. If we were to recommend one it ought to be Karvanda Bramble! Gordon’s gin, karvanda liqueur, plum, lime and salt dust come together in this beautiful concoction that has found a set of loyalists already! It’s a perfect drink for a summer afternoon.

Ekaa Bar

Located in an upscale South Bombay neighbourhood, Ekaa’s mixology team has been garnering eyeballs. Lead by head bartender Jishnu AJ, the bar pays homage to the unique ingredients native to India. Their bar program, Dwadash, translating to ‘12’, uses12 botanicals sourced from the nation’s diverse regions, drawing inspiration from the ancient Indian medicinal tradition of Ayurveda. One such creation is with gin, and it’s become a fan favourite, Named, The Himalayan Fir, it a standout creation featuring Indian gin, pine leaf infusion from Nepal, pinewood, elderflower, and citrus, has swiftly risen to prominence as one of the menu’s top sellers. To enhance the experience, pair gin-based cocktails with delectable bites like sedfood, bold spices and creamy cheeses! Raise a glass to the spirit of adventure and the timeless allure of gin!