Top 10 Cocktails you must try in Mumbai this Festive Season

It is the season to be in high spirits, quite literally. To double the merriment, several bars and lounges in Mumbai are serving traditional as well as, quirky drinks and cocktails, as bartenders and mixologists are working at a frenetic pace. From Mulled Wine to Bourbon Maple Chai Punch, they are serving old-fashioned drinks, as well as creating unusual ones this season. So, sit with friends and family, and usher in the festive season with cocktails of your choice. There is truly a lot to choose from. My top 10 picks:

Ginger St. James at Monkey Bar, Bandra 

Revisiting their gastropub roots, the menu at Monkey Bar offers innovative food and drinks this season. Try the naughty and robust Ginger St. James, made with Irish whiskey blended to perfection with ginger infused brown sugar syrup and ginger ale. Trust me you will get into the festive mood immediately.  

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The Legend’s Choice, O22, Trident BKC 

The Legend’s Choice cocktail at O22, is a smoked rendition exquisitely concocted using a distinct infusion technique. The smoke blends infused with roasted spices like star anise and cinnamon complementing the alcohol paired with it. A perfect cocktail to celebrate Christmas with friends and family.

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Flaming Night, Lake View Cafe, Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre & Hotel, Mumbai

This one is served on your table with a flourish. This concoction of scotch, orange liqueur flambéed with orange juliennes and demerara, is an unparalleled treat and a sight to behold.

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Smoky Saffron Negroni at Hakkasan, Bandra West

Hakkasan Mumbai has created a turmeric and saffron-infused Tanqueray gin which is paired with Italian sweet vermouth and Campari Amaro. The smoke aromatises the glass with a wooded aroma and binds the cocktail ingredients together, softening bitter flavours and bringing forward the sweet botanicals of the drink. Sip this smoky and heady drink and enjoy the winter chill this December. 

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Warm Pumpkin at Woodside Inn, Colaba

Bring in your celebrations with some Warm Pumpkin which consists of Old Monk supreme brown butter, warm pumpkin puree, sweet spices and honey syrup at Woodside Inn, Colaba. They have ensured that your drinks just got richer, bolder or even more savoury.

Oreo Whisk at Tiqri Bar Lounge, Taj Santacruz, Mumbai

Oreo Whisk at Tiqri Bar Lounge is an intriguing concoction of whiskey, chocolate and oreo, which will please chocolate and whiskey lovers alike. With some distinct sweet notes, this cocktail is aromatic and nutty and is the perfect result of mixing malt and chocolate flavours.

Mulled Wine at Plate & Pint, Kemps Corner

Red wine with whole spices like cinnamon sticks, star anise and cloves. The one here is boiled and simmered on low heat for the flavours to infuse. This is one drink that makes you herald the festive season immediately.

Snowball Mojito at Gymkhana 91, Lower Parel

The presentation of this drink itself entices you and a sip later, you know you have made a perfect choice. Made with white rum, freshly muddled mint, coconut milk and pineapple juice, this one will leave your palate tingling.

Earl Grey and Blackberry Martini at Irish House, Fort

Jim Beam, Drambuie, Earl Grey tea and fresh blackberries, are combined to result in a heady cocktail that is apt for this season. The fruity notes offset by the flavour of the tea, is what makes this one stand out.

Winter Sunshine at Tippling Street, Hotel Horizon, Mumbai

Lemongrass-infused vodka mixed with homemade Thai ginger reduction, a touch of orange and pineapple and you have a refreshing and tangy cocktail before you.