India’s cocktail scene has undergone a revolution in the last decade. From smoky Negronis to mango-infused martinis, the best bars in India are going beyond traditional spirits to offer world-class mixology, exotic ingredients, and unforgettable atmospheres.
Whether you're a traveler chasing nightlife or a local searching for your next weekend spot, these bars across major cities are raising the bar—literally. Let’s take a curated journey through some of the most acclaimed and creative cocktail destinations in the country.
1. Sidecar – New Delhi
Regularly featured on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, Sidecar in Greater Kailash II is a game-changer in the Indian cocktail landscape. The bar has a warm, vintage feel with wood-paneled interiors and a literary theme. Co-founded by master mixologist Yangdup Lama, Sidecar is known for its house-made bitters, syrups, and unique menu.
Must-try cocktail: Sidecar Signature – their twist on the classic using Indian spices.
This is a must-visit bar in India for anyone serious about craft cocktails and elevated experiences.
2. The Bombay Canteen – Mumbai
The Bombay Canteen isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a cultural movement. Located in Lower Parel, this stylish venue combines regional Indian food with modern presentation, and the bar is no exception. Known for its India-inspired cocktails, the drinks menu here features local ingredients like kokum, jaggery, and tulsi.
Must-try cocktail: Junglee Mary – their Desi take on the Bloody Mary, with house masalas.
This bar in India is a pioneer in marrying nostalgia with innovation.
3. Toast & Tonic – Bengaluru
If botanical infusions and gin-based cocktails excite you, Toast & Tonic in Bengaluru’s MG Road is your paradise. The bar uses a wide variety of locally-sourced botanicals and serves globally inspired cocktails. The space is chic and minimalist, perfect for after-work gatherings or date nights.
Must-try cocktail: Himalayan Negroni – made with local gin and earthy Himalayan herbs.
As one of the most talked-about bars in India, it’s a favorite for craft cocktail enthusiasts.
4. AER – Mumbai
AER Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel, Mumbai, offers more than drinks—it offers skyline views, sunset sessions, and luxury on a plate. Perched on the 34th floor, it’s one of the highest rooftop bars in the country. The ambiance is upscale, the music is chic, and the cocktails are top-tier.
Must-try cocktail: Champagne Mojito – elegance meets freshness in a glass.
Among premium bars in India, AER defines elevated nightlife.
5. The Library Bar – New Delhi
Located at The Leela Palace, The Library Bar is all about timeless charm. Think leather chairs, soft jazz, and a sophisticated drinks menu. The bartenders here specialize in classic cocktails made to perfection and rare whiskeys sourced globally.
Must-try cocktail: Smoked Old Fashioned – stirred tableside with flair.
If you're seeking a mature and elegant bar in India, this one delivers a truly refined experience.
6. Hoot – Bengaluru
Hoot isn’t just a bar—it’s an experience. With massive outdoor seating, poolside lounges, and multiple bars under one roof, it’s one of the largest microbrewery and cocktail venues in the city. The menu features everything from fruity concoctions to strong, spirit-forward drinks.
Must-try cocktail: Spicy Guava Mule – fiery, fresh, and flavorful.
This bar in India is ideal for groups, parties, and people who love open spaces with a vibe.
7. PCO – New Delhi & Mumbai
Short for “Pass Code Only,” PCO is a speakeasy-style bar that channels the roaring ‘20s. With dark interiors, low music, and a menu that constantly evolves, this hidden gem delivers a true craft cocktail experience.
Must-try cocktail: Smoked Penicillin – a modern classic with a peaty twist.
A trendsetter among speakeasy bars in India, PCO is for those who value storytelling through cocktails.
8. Raasta – Multiple Cities
Raasta brings the Caribbean spirit to India with its reggae music, vibrant colors, and rum-heavy cocktail list. Found in cities like Delhi and Mumbai, the bar offers a relaxed, island-vibe atmosphere with plenty of personality.
Must-try cocktail: Rasta Mojito – classic Cuban style with tropical upgrades.
This bar in India is more than a place to drink—it’s a mood.
9. The Grid – Kolkata
Kolkata’s emerging nightlife gets a major boost with The Grid, a bar-brewery hybrid that’s as much about design as it is about drinks. With industrial interiors and a multi-cuisine menu, it’s the city’s top destination for upscale drinking and dining.
Must-try cocktail: Tamarind Whiskey Sour – bold, tangy, and unforgettable.
Among East India’s best bars in India, The Grid leads the way.
10. Juniper Bar – New Delhi
Located inside Andaz Delhi, Juniper Bar is India’s first gin-focused bar with a staggering 35 varieties of gin and countless infusions. The cocktails are crisp, citrusy, and wildly creative.
Must-try cocktail: Citrus Zen – cucumber gin with lemongrass and tonic.
This bar in India is perfect for gin lovers looking to explore India’s evolving spirit scene.
Final Sip
The cocktail culture in India is evolving fast. Bartenders are becoming mixologists, local ingredients are taking center stage, and design-driven bars are replacing the old pub model. Whether you're sipping on a classic martini or a jackfruit-infused sour, the best bars in India promise more than just a drink—they offer an experience.
So, whether you're in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, or beyond, consider this your bucket list. Each destination offers its own flavor, flair, and a story worth toasting.
And if you’re looking for curated recommendations on where to drink, eat, or vibe next, trust ZoneZapper to guide you through the best of India's nightlife and culture.
