Pour a little, dil se.

By Mahmood Hossain

There is an undeniable charm behind glamourous rooftop cocktail experiences, and a particular comfort in intimate yet lively dive bars that serve some of the best mixology has to offer. Whether you are at a sophisticated gathering at a 5-star hotel or letting loose and losing your inhibitions in a frequently visited neighbourhood establishment, both Mumbai and Delhi have an impressive list of must-visit cocktail bars that have quickly become favourites for locals and out-of-towners alike. So, the next time you take a trip down to either city, have a glass or two of some of the most spectacular drinks from the following list of favourite cocktail bars.

MUMBAI AER BAR AND LOUNGE

For sundowners, date nights, unwinding after work hours, or a celebration worthy of a glass of bubbly, Aer finds itself on plenty of people’s favourite cocktail joints, which happens to be on top of the city’s Four Seasons Hotel. It seems appropriate that one of the best cocktail bars in the city happens to be in one of Mumbai’s premier hotels. With stunning, and possibly unmatched, views of Mumbai’s skyline, the Arabian Sea, and the Mahalakshmi racecourse, this bar flawlessly presents a chic Art Deco-inspired interior that compliments the sophisticated brilliance of the cocktail menu. Alongside the classics, the bar conjures up magic with zesty highballs and delicious signature drinks.

Ideal for: a special occasion
Where: 1/136 Dr E Moses Road, Worli, Mumbai
Instagram: @aermumbai

THE LIVING ROOM

The Living Room is a pace changer, providing guests with a more relaxed and quieter experience. Adjoined to one of Mumbai’s most notable fine dining restaurants, Masque, head mixologist and beverage manager Ankush Gamre is a maestro behind the bar and heavily emphasises the technique and flavours that go into creating his signature cocktails. Technique-driven Ankush believes in deep diving into research, understanding his ingredients and flavour profiles, and adopting the best methods to transform empty glasses into unforgettable evenings. This comfy bar also happens to land in Asia’s 50 Best Bars long list, thanks to popular drinks like the Gamble, made with pisco, mezcal, celery leaf, pink guava, ginger and sea buckthorn that is blended with liquid nitrogen.

Ideal for: a low-key get-together
Where: Unit G3, Laxmi Woollen Mills, Shakti Mills Lane, Off Dr E Moses Road, Mumbai
Instagram: @masquerestaurant

PERCH WINE AND COFFEE BAR

Perch Wine and Coffee Bar is a match made in heaven for those of you who could spend the entire day sipping coffee and working, then have a couple of drinks with friends in the evening without taking a foot outside the occupied space you decided to squat in (figuratively). If you’re wondering what the transition feels like, look no further than the menu’s Coffee sangria, made with coffee-infused vodka, which quickly became a favourite among regular visitors. Or perhaps a choice from their signature cocktails such as the Noble Scotsman, which is a mixture of whiskey, amaro, cold brew and sparkling wine. The hybrid café and bar also has a branch in Delhi!

Ideal for: co-working by day, casual drinks by evening
Instagram: @perchinbombay

TOAST AND TONIC

A night out for some cocktails doesn’t have to burn a hole in your pocket, and that’s where an East Village, New York- inspired bar comes into play. The particle board ceiling and shelves behind the marble-top bar, house an extensive collection of gins, including various Indian bottles that have been making their fabulous rounds around the city. Even though the bar’s main focus is gin, the drinks menu also has an exciting list of margaritas, wine, and more, which can be paired with fantastic seafood that the kitchen continues to be praised for. With such a warm, inviting and relaxing atmosphere, no wonder people keep coming back for more.

Ideal for: a casual night out
Where: Ground Floor, Godrej BKC, Bandra Kurla Complex
Instagram: @toastandtonic

NOON

Situated in the Bandra Kurla Complex, and wrapped in warmth and minimal interior décor, Noon provides exceptionally crafted cocktails in the midst of a fine-dining environment. The restaurant itself was founded by Chef Vanika Choudhary, who has been at the forefront of the farm-to-table movement, and it creates an atmosphere of respite in the middle of a bustling commercial centre. The drinks here have been given extra attention as they are presented beautifully and with plenty of thought; every drink has been given a twist. And it should be no surprise that the food menu is equally impressive, providing an excuse to balance the alcohol and sustenance scale. In other words, if you eat more, then drink more.

Ideal for: date night
Where: Ground Floor, One BKC, Bandra Kurla Complex
Instagram: @noonmumbai

SIDECAR

Most Delhi locals consider it their favourite neighbourhood bar, with an arsenal of artisanal cocktails aiming to deliver a knockout blow. With 16 signature cocktails, a European- influenced atmosphere with beautifully polished wooden panels and posh leather chairs, and a gorgeous library, Sidecar is one of the more attractive and welcoming bars in town. One of the favourites of the menu is the Sadar Bazaar, a combination of a cognac blend, lemon juice, sandalwood, Laccha supari (areca nut) and orange blossom water. Even the classic gin and tonic flirts with exotic elements, infusing it with Himalayan smoked tea. It’s not just the cocktails that keep the regulars coming back; it’s a cosy all-day, three-level venue with good food, live music, and every other enjoyable pub activity.

Ideal for: fun with friends
Where: M-29, First floor (above HDFC bank), M Block Market, Greater Kailash 2 (GK 2)
Instagram: @sidecarindia

OLIVE BAR & KITCHEN

If you’re looking for a Mediterranean-styled bar with a wide selection of wines (categorised by countries) and cocktails (signature and classics), Olive Bar & Kitchen brings a healthy amount of seaside vibes into the heart of the city. You can easily drown in the bar’s freshly made sorbets splashed into gin and tonics, transporting you to the coasts of Italy while you sit comfortably in a Mogul mansion turned alfresco Mediterranean restaurant. Moreover, the bar provides a unique range of cocktails crafted by passionate and professional mixologists throughout the year, always keeping the bar experience fresh and exciting. The Olive Bar & Kitchen also has branches in Mumbai and Goa.

Ideal for: a relaxing brunch
Where: Mile 6, One Style, 8, Kalka Das Marg
Instagram: @olivedelhi

FIG & MAPLE

When there is a cocktail for every occasion, Fig & Maple may just become one of your favourites as it is with the locals. The bar flawlessly crafts drinks to your desires, whether it’s cozying up with some mulled wine during the winter months or bathing yourself with a series of mimosas during the warmer days. They infuse an extensive list of spirits with figs, pineapples, beetroots, and everything else that injects a little pizzazz into the evening. The refreshing zest also carries onto their signature cocktail kits that you can take home with you to practice your skills as a mixologist. Labelled as sustainable rooftop dining, this classy and charming establishment is a wonderful combination of beautifully plated and mouthwatering food, dangerously delicious cocktails, and a romantically Instagramable dining space.

Ideal for: an engaging drinking experience
Where: M-27, E Block Road, Block M, Greater Kailash II
Instagram: @figandmapledelhi

BO TAI

We couldn’t go through an entire cocktail list without the presence of flavours closer to home – a notion Delhites share with us as they gravitate to Bo Tai for delicious Thai cuisine (with a twist). The real stars of the show, however, are found in its menu of creative mixology. The curated drinks list is infused with locally sourced ingredients, complementing the establishment’s amazing ambiance and stunning view of the Qutub Minar. Guests have raved about the bar’s Full Moon Festival cocktail – an aromatic and colourful blend of florals and citrus inspired by the customs of Loi Krathong. The vibes at Bo Tai are vibrant and eclectic, representing its philosophy, innovation and techniques behind the kitchen, and more importantly, the impressive international team from London running the bar.

Ideal for: a little taste of Thailand
Where: Seth Sarai, 6/4, Kalka Das Marg, behind Qutab Minar, Mehrauli
Instagram: @_botai

SUMMER HOUSE CAFE

This is a package of pleasant surprises with a party atmosphere, the opposite of secluded and intimate. If you thrive off a bustling crowd, Summer House Café is a go-to for a no-fuss experience, offering both indoor and outdoor seating for live band or DJ performances and open mics. Presenting a warm and rustic feel over two floors, the bar is usually crowded as regulars order one sangria after another, and hoping to be treated to a surprise performance by well-known artists like Christ Martin of Coldplay. Yes, that actually happened. Alongside American comfort food, as well as other popular Western delectable choices, there is a generous menu of popular and exotic cocktails and spirits.

Ideal for: a fun night out with friends
Where: 1st floor, Aurobindo Place Market, Sri Aurobindo Marg, Hauz Khas
Instagram: @summerhouse_delhi