From experimental flavour combinations to inventive takes on familiar favourites, these are the bars putting a fresh spin on drinking in Delhi.
Delhi’s bar scene is giving us plenty of reasons to skip the usual plans. The focus is shifting beyond what’s in the glass to how it tastes, how it’s put together and the unexpected ingredients that make a cocktail memorable.
Think playful flavour combinations, precision-led mixology, refreshing concoctions and menus that invite you to try something beyond your regular order. Whether you enjoy a classic with a twist or prefer experimenting with unfamiliar flavours, here are eight bars to keep on your radar for your next night out in the capital.
1. Barbet & Pals
At Barbet & Pals, cocktails take a playful turn, with inventive combinations that balance refreshing flavours and unexpected ingredients. The menu is for those who enjoy exploring something different with every round, without losing sight of a well-balanced drink.
2. Top Banana
Top Banana brings a flavour-forward approach to cocktails, pairing ingredients such as lychee, pandan, starfruit and sakura salt with more unexpected savoury notes. The result is a menu that plays with contrasting flavours, offering plenty to discover beyond the usual cocktail order.
3. The Agave Room
For those who gravitate towards tequila and mezcal, The Agave Room puts agave spirits at the heart of its cocktail experience. Expect a mix of citrus-led, refreshing serves and more layered combinations, with smoky, floral and spicy notes adding character to the menu.
4. Call Me Ten
Call Me Ten is worth adding to your list if you enjoy a cocktail menu that looks beyond the familiar. Its contemporary, creative approach makes it a contender for evenings when you’re in the mood to explore new flavour combinations rather than stick to your usual order.
5. Let’s Kiss
With a playful approach to cocktails, Let’s Kiss brings a little fun to the drinking experience. Think creative combinations, refreshing flavours and drinks suited to an evening of conversations, catching up with friends and ordering one more round.
6. Lair
Lair is the name to know for a more experimental approach to mixology. Its cocktail programme explores unexpected ingredients, layered flavours and precision-led techniques, bringing together creativity and craftsmanship in drinks that reward a closer look.
7. Aabbcc
Aabbcc takes a contemporary approach to cocktails, with an emphasis on experimentation and unexpected pairings. The appeal lies in exploring how different flavours work together, making it a spot to consider when you’re looking to move beyond the standard menu.
8. Khi Khi
Khi Khi brings a playful spin to cocktail culture, with vibrant flavours and creative interpretations of familiar favourites. It’s a good addition to the list for drinkers who enjoy approachable cocktails with a little more personality.
A good cocktail can set the tone for an entire evening, and Delhi’s bar scene offers plenty of ways to explore beyond your regular order. From agave-led serves and inventive ingredient pairings to experimental mixology, these eight names are a starting point for your next cocktail crawl.
Our advice? Be curious, ask your bartender for a recommendation and order something you wouldn’t usually try. Your next favourite drink might be one you never expected.
