Why are we celebrating? We don’t really have a reason. But, you should be celebrating, because the 48Hrs Team is bringing you a list of their favourite cocktails served at restaurants, bars and lounges across the city. From unique creations that will blow your mind, to well-mixed versions of classic cocktails, read on to find out what you should be sipping on this weekend
Classic Champagne at Trikaya
There’s a reason why this champagne-based cocktail is a bestseller — it’s because it’s a highly indulgent treat. The drink also contains sugar cubes that have been rubbed with lime zest soaked in orange flower water. The cocktail is topped with Fee Brothers bitters, cognac and a dash of prosecco.
Price Rs 500
Where Trikaya, 7/11, Meera Apartments, Juhu Versova Link Road, 7 Bungalows, Andheri (w)
Owltail Envy at The White Owl
If you are looking for a strong drink that promises a hit of boozy goodness, try the Owltail concoctions at The White Owl. We love that they use 60ml measures of all the spirits in these special cocktails and recommend Owltail Envy, a heady blend of spiced rum, cinnamon and green apple. The fresh fruit pieces add a refreshing touch.
Price Rs 495
Where The White Owl, One Indiabulls Center, Tower 2 Lobby, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (w)
Cosmo Explosion at Colaba Social
There are several reasons to head over to the newly opened, Colaba Social, and this cocktail is one of them. We love the experience of any deconstructed cocktail and it helps that this one has the added advantage of tasting great too. A concoction of triple-sec, vodka, cranberry juice and lime juice is poured over a cloud of cotton candy at your table. The drink is accompanied by orange zest shavings that bring all the flavours to life. We highly recommend trying this one.
Price Rs 300
Where Colaba Social, 24, Ground Floor Glen Rose Building, B. K. Boman Behram Marg, Apollo Bunder, Colaba
Cha La Kai at Yauatcha
When we’re at Yauatcha, we can’t stop sipping on this drink. A combination of whole black grapes, oolong tea, apple juice, sparkling wine and vodka, this drink is a refreshing mix of unusual ingredients, that come together to create a delightful concoction.
Price Rs 750
Where Yauatcha, Raheja Tower, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (e)
Around the World at The Treesome Café
One of the specials at The Treesome Café — Around the World is a mixture of vodka, white rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, diva Cachaca rum and Bianco, and is topped with cranberry juice, Red Bull and a dash of lime. This cocktail is quite strong and will take your meal a notch higher.
Price Rs 410
Where The Treesome Café, 7 Bungalows, Andheri (w)
Black Jack at Vicinity
While we like Black Jack the best for its fruity flyover, you can actually pick any cocktail from their selection of beer cocktails and not be disappointed. It is one of the few places in the city that serve beer cocktails and make them well. The Black Jack uses a little bit of cordial, which is mixed with a pint of Budweiser. The drink has the signature taste of a chilled beer, but leaves you with a fruity after-taste that makes it a great drink to have. Their Red Riding Hood (`300) is a simple watermelon juice-based vodka concoction, and while it is not the most unique drink of all,the well-made drink is the perfect post-work drink.
Price Rs 300
Where Vicinity, Chiron Mansion, Kemps Corner, Warden Road
Cotton Candy Cocktail at Copa
While we are talking about unique cocktails, we couldn’t skip the Cotton Candy cocktail available at Copa. This cocktail contains vodka, bubblegum (yes, bubblegum!) and sour mix. The drink is poured over candy floss and is something that you should definitely try!
Price Rs 475
Where Copa, Anna Building, 13th road, Opposite Juhu Gymkhana, Juhu
Chai Tauri at Artisan
We’re sure that you will be raising your eyebrows at us (if you aren’t, then take a look at the price of this drink), but trust us when we say that the Chai Tauri at Artisan is a drink that you have to try, at least once. The drink has simple flavours — just flavoured vodka, masala tea and a bit of fresh mint, but the three come together like magic to result in a drink that is refreshing and flavourful. The Grass (Rs 800) is another drink that you can try and is perfect for those who like fruity cocktails. This one uses lychee and pears and is slightly on the sweeter side, but the curry leaves provide a subtle, but pleasant hint of spice.
Price Rs 800
Where Artisan, Sofitel Hotel, Bandra Kurla Complex
Star Anise Martini at Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra
Martinis are a classic cocktail, but at Masala Library, you are in for a whole new experience, when you order this drink. Made with gin that has been muddled with star anise — an earthy, warm spice, this drink is topped off with an anise aire — which is a spiced foam that has been flavoured with star anise.
Price Rs 695
Where Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra, First International Financial Centre, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (e)
Tequila Sunrise at Silver Beach Cafe
If you enjoy tequila, try this cocktail at Silver Beach Café. The drink contains 15ml of grenadine syrup, 90ml orange juice and 45ml tequila, and is garnished with a slice of orange.
Price Rs 425
Where Jaldarshan Building, Near Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple, Gandhi Gram Road, Juhu
Smoked Godfather at Brickhouse Café & Bar
Brickhouse Café and Bar has a fantastic range of cocktails, almost all of which are a must-try. However, their Smoked Godfather is a Scotch-based drink that you won’t be able to get enough of. The drink is smoked with apple wood and also includes a touch of cinnamon. Other fantastic creations at Brickhouse that you can try include the Spiced Maiden (Rs 400), a delicious whiskey and Baileys-based concoction, with heavenly flavours of burnt cinnamon and cream, and the Dutch Kettle (Rs 450), another smoked drink, but with fruity, refreshing flavours.
Price Rs 450
Where Brickhouse Café & Bar, Greenfield Apartments, 4th Cross, Lokhandwala, Andheri (w)
Margarita De La Cartagena at Escobar
For a drink that will leave a fire in your belly (literally), try the Margarita De La Cartagena. The tequila-based drink has a dash of green melon liqueur, crushed bell peppers and jalapeños, and every sip packs a serious punch.
Price Rs 600
Where Escobar, 4th Floor, VN Sphere Mall, Linking Road, Bandra (w)