AlcoBev Industry Pioneer Vikram Achanta On The Best Artisanal Cocktails In India

"Just after finishing hosting a quiz at Cocktails and Dreams Speakeasy in Gurgaon, I realized they had a new cocktail menu. And to my delight, it featured a drink from an old menu of Sidecar, their sister bar in Delhi. No prizes for guessing that the Yang is short for Yangdup, the co-founder of both bars (as also The Brook in Gurgaon and The Old House in Kathmandu). It’s a riff on the old-fashioned to use Betel Nut infused bourbon."

"The Nudist Picante is an exercise in restraint. It’s made with tequila, kaffir lime, apple, and a house-made spice tincture, and it appears completely clear almost like a glass of water. But the flavour is anything but plain. It’s bold, clean, and spicy with a salt-kissed rim and a burst of aroma from the kaffir lime."

"The Truffle Boulevardier isn’t on the menu, but I always make sure to ask for one. Every time it lands in front of me, it feels like a little secret shared between the bartender and me, but here I am passing it on to you!"

"This was initially a random pick because I’m usually not a green apple fan, but oh boy, did this drink change my mind. Green apple and caramelised popcorn with vodka? Sign me up!"

"The Mahtinez at Bandra Born is part of their line-up of Mahua or should I say Mahura cocktails, that the ground floor bar at BB dishes out. They’ve cleverly improvised on the Classics, so there’s a taste of the familiar (the Martini) and the not-so (Mahura). Also try the Kadak Nimbu Sherbet while you’re about it."

"Crafted with rum and their very own banana liqueur made from Moira bananas, this drink brings the tropics to your glass. The Moira is pure Goan sunshine, and I ensure to get one to get myself in the Goan spirit!"

"Honestly, you can visit Outrigger just for the location. There’s also a comfort in parking your car nearby and walking there in the pouring rain, soaked through and through and then to dive into a Tiki Negroni with Coconut infused Campari, Banana Rum and Pineapple Vermouth. Tastes as good as it sounds. But don’t just take my word for it."

"It’s a cocktail that travels well. At Soka’s recent takeover at Naked, Athens during the Athens Bar Week, it was a big hit, as I can also personally testify. It’s a dirty martini style drink that’s characterized by the distinctiveness of the brine."

"Tequila and guava give it a sweet start, and just when you think you’ve got it figured out, jalapeño sneaks in the perfect kick. I always grab one when I’m in the mood to surprise my palate."

"It’s literally a storm in a teacup! Combining pickling (pickled chilli), yuzu and tequila. Sit back at the bar and let its magic work its way into your weary bones as someone sings the blues."

"I always go for this one, it makes every sip feel like all my taste buds are being woken up at once, Words won’t do it justice, you have to taste it yourself."

"When I am in the mood for something familiar and uncompromising, you can’t go wrong here. Southern Star or a classic Old- Fashioned hits all the right notes on a chilly Bangalore day."

"Can’t go wrong with the classics, and this drink is a true testament to that. I love grabbing a Gin Basil Smash at Una Hacienda because they quite literally smash this drink!"

"Nothing like a Mini-Martini, and Nutcase has 4 of them, the Dry, the Wet, the Perfect and the Crisp."

"I first tried the Pomodoro on a slow evening at the bar, and it instantly caught my attention. That celery foam on top makes you pause for a second, but then the drink surprises you. If you’re going to pick just one cocktail, make it this."

"It’s not your usual drink, but I keep coming back, Grey Goose, Wai Wai masala, and chicken broth. There’s something so effortlessly Hyderabad about it."

"If I’m parked at the bar for a while, XOXO is where I start. It arrives like it knows the evening is just getting started. warm cognac, a hint of peated malt, and a whisper of saffron that lingers beautifully."