One of the earliest definitions of a cocktail is found in an American periodical. 'The Balance' from 1806 defines a cocktail as “a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters”. Today, our understanding of cocktails and the art of mixology & bartending has gone far beyond this basic definition of a mere concoction of spirits and mixers.
Indeed, the foundation of a good cocktail is quality ingredients (a lot of cocktail bars & spirit manufacturers are using native Indian ingredients as well). Some places are going an extra step by infusing spirits with various ingredients like rosemary, vanilla, green chilies and so much more. Not only that, but cocktails also need to be served at the right temperature in the right glassware. The mixing of different types of liquors is also an art, with an egg white/aquafaba cocktail requiring a ‘dry shake’ rather than with ice. And then, there is the matter of the ice itself. Good-quality ice is ice that is completely transparent without any impurity that requires additional techniques to make but lasts much longer in your drink while looking uber cool. With that being said, here is a list of our recommended cocktail bars in Bengaluru that are taking the cocktail world by storm and creating niche cocktails.
A place that focuses on modern Indian interpretations of food, their cocktails are no different. They have a signature cocktail range based on ‘Navarasa’ or the 9 key human emotions, such as 'Hasyam' (‘Giggle’- a betel leaf distilled vodka cocktail) and 'Raudram' (‘Rage’- a cocktail with curry leaves liqueur). They also have the largest collection of gins in the city with a whopping 37 gin brands and counting.
The second Leela in the Namma Ooru, Leela Bhartiya City has 4 restaurants, and the ‘Library Bar’ for a stellar drinking experience. This place can only be described as a sheer expression of opulence with gorgeous hues of mahogany and maroon, be it the drapes, the sparkling crystal chandelier, or the luxurious seating arrangements. The place features some glamourous cocktails such as the 'Persian G & T' (with a homemade Rose and Star Anise Tonic) and the 'Smoked Couverture Old Fashioned' (couverture washed bourbon, a chocolate tincture & hickory smoke). Add to that one of the best Whisky collections in the city and you have a winner!
One of the first watering holes in Bangalore to feature innovative cocktails and clear ice cubes in their drinks, Byg Brewski has indeed been at the forefront of the cocktail revolution in the city and has been consistently adding innovative and seasonal cocktails to their menu. Highly recommended cocktails from the menu include the 'Augur Gimlet' (classic gimlet with kaffir lime shrub) and the 'Bramble' (a gin cocktail with homemade Crème de Mûre)
A restaurant that focuses on the lesser-known Cambodian cuisine, this place was actually the writing studio of late actor and playwright, Girish Karnad. They also have an eclectic cocktail menu that features native Cambodian ingredients such as 'Battam Bang' (with nori infused gin), 'Thom Storm'(with Lapsang Souchong Tea) and 'Mystical Kampot' (with Kampot green peppercorn)
A brand name that needs no introduction, be it their eclectic food menu and serve ware or their ever-popular LIIT variations or their quirky décor. However, they do have a range of cocktails that have made popular the concept of Indian ingredients in cocktails. Some of the all-time favs include the 'Aacharoska' (Caipiroska with Indian Lime Pickle), 'Shimla Mirch Martini' (a vodka cocktail with assorted bell peppers and pineapple concoction) and 'Camatka' (a tequila cocktail with custard apple paste)
A massive brewery with glass walls and a plant-filled décor, this place also does some excellent cocktails and various theme-based cocktails, such as the ongoing ‘Prohibition Era’ cocktails such as ‘Melted Women’ & ‘Aurora’.
A few honorable mentions include Indiranagar’s uber-chic Nevermind Bar & Kitchen and Koramangala’s 1BHK for their range of excellent cocktails. And it’s a round-up on some of Bangalore’s best Cocktail Bars.
