By Abhya Adlakha
In the heart of India’s bustling cities, a revolution is brewing – not just in glasses and shakers, but in the very essence of what defines a bar. Gone are the days when a watering hole was merely a place to grab a quick drink. Today, India’s bar scene is a vibrant tapestry of innovation, artistry, and cultural fusion, where each establishment is a world unto itself, inviting people on a sensory journey that extends far beyond the palate.
From the regal corridors of New Delhi to the sun-soaked streets of Mumbai, and the tech-savvy lanes of Bangalore, bars now offer immersive experiences, each with its own unique story. They’re where history meets modernity, where local traditions dance with global influences, and where every cocktail is a work of art, mirroring the thoughtfully curated spaces in which they’re served. They’re pushing boundaries, redefining luxury, and creating spaces that are as much a feast for the eyes as their offerings are for the taste buds.
This is the world of India’s most stunning and innovative bars. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur, a design enthusiast, or simply in search of your next unforgettable night out, these bars promise an experience that will linger long after the last sip.
Library Bar, The Leela Palace, New Delhi
Nestled in the opulent Leela Palace, the Library Bar in New Delhi is a bibliophile’s dream and a whisky lover’s paradise. This sophisticated space marries the charm of a classic English library with the warmth of Indian hospitality. Dark wood panelling, plush leather armchairs, and walls lined with leather-bound books create an atmosphere of refined coziness. The bar’s piece de resistance is its impressive collection of rare whiskies and cognacs, displayed like precious tomes. Here, guests can sip on meticulously crafted cocktails while basking in the glow of ambient lighting, feeling as though they’ve stepped into a bygone era of literary salons and gentlemen’s clubs.
Bar Palladio, Jaipur
Bar Palladio in Jaipur is a visual wonder that transports visitors to a fantastical blue-and-white wonderland. Housed in a converted garden house on the grounds of Narain Niwas Palace Hotel, this bar is a stunning example of Indo-Italian aesthetic fusion. The interiors, awash in a mesmerizing Prussian blue, are adorned with hand-painted murals of peacocks and lush gardens. Arched doorways, mirrored accents, and whimsical furnishings create a dreamy, almost surreal ambiance. As night falls, the candle-lit garden becomes an enchanted space where guests can enjoy innovative cocktails infused with local spices and flavours, all while feeling like they’ve stepped into a modern-day Mughal miniature painting.
Lair, New Delhi
Lair in Vasant Vihar, Delhi is where mystery meets modernity in a subterranean speakeasy-style setting. This dimly lit den exudes an air of exclusivity and intrigue from the moment you descend its stairs. The interiors are a masterful blend of Art Deco influences and contemporary design, with geometric patterns, metallic accents, and sumptuous textures creating a cocoon-like atmosphere. Lair’s bar program is equally captivating, with mixologists crafting bespoke cocktails that often involve theatrical presentations – think smoke-filled cloches and edible garnishes that double as works of art.
Bastian–At The Top, Mumbai
Bastian–At The Top in Mumbai is a testament to the city’s cosmopolitan spirit and love for seafood. While primarily known for its culinary offerings, the bar at Bastian is a destination in its own right. The space is a harmonious blend of industrial chic and tropical paradise, with exposed brick walls softened by lush greenery and warm, golden lighting. Rattan furniture and eclectic art pieces add to the laid-back yet sophisticated vibe. The bar itself is a showstopper, with its impressive array of spirits backlit to create a warm glow. Here, mixologists shake up refreshing cocktails that perfectly complement the coastal cuisine, often incorporating fresh fruits and herbs for a burst of Mumbai’s tropical essence.
ZLB23 Speakeasy, The Leela Palace, Bangalore
Hidden within Zia’s legendary garden, ZLB23 is an award-winning Kyoto-inspired speakeasy in Bengaluru that transports guests to the Prohibition era. With a secret entrance and glamorous vintage decor, the bar’s atmosphere invites you to indulge in its curated cocktail menu, featuring innovative drinks like the Kyoto Sunrise and Japanese Old Fashioned, crafted by expert mixologists. Guests can savour gastronomic delights like Hickory Smoked Duck while enjoying live jazz performances. Recognized as one of the best bars in India, ZLB23 showcases the evolution of India’s cocktail culture, blending classic styles with a modern twist in a chic, intimate setting.
Native Cocktail Room, Jaipur
Native Cocktail Room is a love letter to India’s rich biodiversity and culinary heritage. This bar takes the farm-to-glass concept to new heights, sourcing indigenous ingredients from across the country to create truly unique cocktails. The interiors reflect this ethos, with bright, earthy tones, natural textures, and displays showcasing the bar’s carefully curated collection of local spirits and ingredients. Handcrafted pottery and textiles add authentic touches, creating a space that feels both contemporary and deeply rooted in tradition.
Cirqa 1960, Mumbai
Step into Cirqa 1960 in Mumbai, and you’re immediately transported to the glamorous era of 1960s Bombay. This retro-chic bar captures the essence of the city’s golden age, with vintage-inspired decor that pays homage to the era’s iconic design elements. Bold geometric patterns, mid-century modern furniture, and a colour palette of rich jewel tones create a space that’s both nostalgic and fresh. The bar’s centrepiece is a stunning circular counter, reminiscent of the era’s famous carousels. Cirqa 1960’s cocktail menu is equally inspired, evoking memories of bygone Bombay.
Soka, Bangalore
Soka in Bangalore is where Japanese minimalism meets Indian maximalism in a harmonious blend. This Zen-inspired space is a study in contrasts, with clean lines and muted tones serving as a canvas for pops of vibrant colour and texture. Natural materials like wood and stone are juxtaposed with sleek metal and glass, creating an atmosphere of tranquil sophistication. The bar area is designed to resemble a traditional Japanese tea house, complete with low seating and sliding screens. Soka’s cocktail menu reflects this East-meets-West philosophy, with drinks that combine Japanese techniques and flavours with Indian ingredients, served in exquisitely handcrafted vessels.
Koi Bar Penthouse, St. Regis, Mumbai
Perched high above Mumbai’s skyline, Koi Bar at the St. Regis offers a breathtaking backdrop for some of the city’s most innovative cocktails. The space is a masterclass in understated luxury, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing panoramic views of the city and the Arabian Sea beyond. The interiors are a sophisticated mix of dark woods, gleaming metals, and plush fabrics, creating an ambiance of exclusivity and refinement. The bar’s namesake koi fish make appearances in subtle design elements throughout the space. Koi’s mixologists are known for their creative takes on classic cocktails, often incorporating unexpected local ingredients and theatrical presentations that rival the drama of the Mumbai skyline.
Boteco, Bangalore
Boteco brings a slice of Brazil to Bangalore, with a vibrant, colourful space that captures the essence of Rio’s famous beach bars. The interiors are a riot of tropical prints, bold artworks, and eclectic furnishings that create a fun, laid-back atmosphere. An expansive outdoor area features lush greenery and colourful seating, perfect for balmy Bangalore evenings. The bar itself is a showstopper, with its impressive collection of cachaça and other Latin American spirits. Boteco’s cocktail menu is a journey through South America, with classics like caipirinhas sharing space with innovative creations that blend Brazilian and Indian flavours.
Sidecar, New Delhi
Rounding off our tour is Sidecar in New Delhi, a bar that pays homage to the classic cocktail culture while firmly planting itself in the present. The space exudes a timeless elegance, with its dark wood panelling, leather upholstery, and soft, amber lighting creating an atmosphere of refined comfort. What sets Sidecar apart is its attention to detail – from the carefully curated art on the walls to the vintage cocktail books lining the shelves. Sidecar’s mixologists are known for their expertise and willingness to engage with guests, making each visit an educational experience for cocktail enthusiasts.
