It is almost Christmas and that means it is a time to celebrate. No party or celebration is complete without an interesting mix of liquor and this season we have picked some eateries that have gone the extra mile this year to put together a festive menu. It is a tough job trying to pick the best of the best but someone has got to do it. These are some of our favourite Christmas inspired Cocktails we think you absolutely must indulge in!
This is a very trendy spot in Bandra with folks popping in not just for their dream worthy pizzas but for their innovative drinks menu. This season they are really having fun at the bar and while there is plenty to choose from, the Rosemary Cranberry Spritzer made with port wine and vodka as well as the Cranberry Old Fashion that really scream Christmas! It helps that they are both delicious and one glass is just not enough.
This Italian restaurant opened its door this festive season and is already a big hit thanks to its impressive food and wine collection. What makes it a great spot to visit is their bar modelled like a Venetian Bacardi that serves you both indoors as well as at their al fresco section and it has become a popular spot to grab those pre-dinner drinks. What we love the most is the Tegroni, their twist to a classic Negroni with tequila and Aperol. Though the Ging & Co that has grape brandy and ginger or even the CinCin Mary with bacon-infused vodka and a homemade spice mix are super picking for this festive season.
Everyone's favourite neighbourhood cafe is all set for the season. Along with their regular choices at the bar to celebrate Christmas, they have got their own Mulled Wine and some unlimited Belgian Beer on tap. To make it really festive they have got a special series of cocktails with fresh strawberries. The perfect way to start an evening before you dive right into a big celebratory dinner.
This French bistro is celebrating their first Christmas and has pulled out a cocktail menu truly worthy of the festival. A traditional Mulled Wine or perhaps a Mulled Wine Sangria to kick things off. They have got a sparkly Christmas Punch as well as some cheekily named cocktails. Say Hello To The Mistle Toe that has Belvedere, homemade tonic water, orange and rosemary or even a Gingerbread Old Fashion that a heady mix of Adberg, Gingerbread syrup and cinnamon bitter.
Is there anything The Bombay Canteen ca not do? This year's special Christmas themed meal that celebrates dishes from festive Christmas menus across India is another innovative way the Canteen special. They have not forgotten their cocktail loving folk either. On any regular day the bar is full of concoctions but this month their festive choices include a Good Ol Egg Nog that has plenty of dark rum, cinnamon, vanilla and cream. The regular party punch is a fabulous cocktail often drunk out of a teacup but the Christmas Milk Punch with Jim Beam, brandy, Cinnamon and Nutmeg, you can expect it to pack a punch (no pun intended).
This is without a doubt one of Mumbai's top restaurants for a Chinese meal but this month while you indulge in your share of Dim Sum do not forget to try their Christmas Special Cocktails. The Ginger Martini with its rum, lime, ginger and apple juice is a great way to start. They have got a lovely bourbon-based cocktail with jasmine tea and peach juice called the Tokyo Slide and a cognac inspired drink called Kura Mi Ami Martini with ginger bitters, limoncello, passion fruit juice and cinnamon. That is Christmas in a glass right there!
What better way to enjoy Christmas than with a cocktail called the Boozy Elf? It is a hot chocolate cocktail generously spiked with Kahlua and Tequila and it is just one of the many that Indigo has in store this season. The Grinch has white rum with blue curacao but maybe The Rudolph with fresh strawberries, vodka and cream is more your type of drink. Either way, plenty to pick at the bar this season.
Better known as the Tiny Taster, Roxanne is an internationally respected blogger and expert on the Mumbai food scene. She has hosted many events, including the Upper Crust Food & Wine Show and travels the world, sharing her knowledge and gaining more experience.
