The best bars in the Delhi-National Capital Region have been competing to have the most distinctive beverages and, of course, the immaculate vibes, as the kids say! To distinguish themselves and their souls, they are engaging in innovative and experimental practices. These are our picks of the best bars in Delhi that have creative drink menus. Some of these best bars in New Delhi are pioneering the cocktail innovation movement, while others are experimenting with new tastes, methods, and themes.
The Drunken Botanist
The vibe: Located behind Viet:Nom and Molecule, Yuvi Hospitality's Drunken Botanist invites you to enjoy a quick lunch or drink while immersed in nature. The ever-evolving cocktail menu transformed this once-trendy watering hole into a hotspot for craft beer and innovative drinks.
What’s the bar scene like? The bar's drink recipes are constantly evolving to accommodate the changing seasons, allowing for more inventive cocktails. Gin, elderflower, red wine vinegar, and bubblegum are the typical ingredients of a Botanist Martini. What you see here is only a small sample of the bar's experimental menu. Black Stout Rises, a black velvety beer with hints of chocolate and coffee, and Moves Like Lager, a light lager with a medium-dry finish, are just a couple of the wacky beers that greet you at our house. Make sure to visit this place, as this is one of the best bars in New Delhi.
Sidecar
The vibe: In 2018, the doors of Sidecar, the passion project of award-winning mixologist Yangdup Lama, were opened to the public. The bar's two stories are divided as follows: the first is for more relaxed dining, while the second is for more lively cocktail hour and sometimes live music.
What’s the bar scene like? Everything from bitters to syrups, grogs, and tinctures is made right there. They have a herb garden on their balcony where they produce garnishes, and they make bitters and syrups out of their food wastes. In addition to traditional cocktails, they also have beverages named after renowned authors from throughout the globe. For William Faulkner's Mint Julep, try bourbon, camphor, mint leaves, and curry leaf soda. For Jane Austen's Beer Brewer, try roasted barley-flavoured Scotch whisky, wheat beer, and vetiver. So it's no surprise they were named the sixteenth best pub in Asia – you have got to visit this place, which is one of the best bars in New Delhi!
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Cirrus9
The vibe: If you want to enjoy refreshing drinks while basking in the Delhi wind, Cirrus 9 is the perfect place to go. This is truly one of the best rooftop bars in Delhi!
What’s the bar scene like? In addition to their delectable food and flatbread, they offer a wide variety of cocktails that draw inspiration from both Asian and tropical flavours. They make some of their syrups and infusions in-house, which gives rise to the best cocktails you will ever taste! Some examples include cinnamon honey and Chinese five-spice syrup. The Emperor Yao's Pleasure is a spectacular drink that will have you reaching for your phone in no time. It's a blend of Tanqueray gin, pomegranate, lime, and Chinese five-spice syrup with a hint of pandan. Served in a pot with two little teacups, it's set atop a wooden box and enveloped in fragrant smoke. If you are looking for something more Asian inspired, this is one of the best bars in Delhi!
The Library Bar
The vibe: The chic, dimly lit lobby bar is open to the public at the majestic Leela Resort, one of the most luxurious hotels in Delhi. Enjoy cosy corner banquettes that provide the ideal setting for a romantic evening away from Delhi's fast-paced lifestyle.
What’s the bar scene like? With 172 different single-malt and premium brands to choose from, whisky connoisseurs will be satisfied.
Piano Man Jazz Club
The vibe: The Piano Man Jazz Club is a favourite among music lovers because it features performances by some of India's best musicians and comedians and is served with delicious cuisine and refreshing beverages. A different artist and speciality drink will be featured daily during the week. To go along with the idea, a few of the drinks were named after songs.
What’s the bar scene like? Listen to some wonderful new music while sipping on cocktails like "Dancing on the Piano Keys" (white rum with star anise, lemongrass, passionfruit syrup, and bitters) and "DJ's Cliffhanger" (gin, basil, kaffir lime, bitters, honey, sugar, and orange peel).
Olive Bar and Kitchen
The vibe: In trendy Mehrauli, next to the twelfth-century Qutub Minar, you'll find this Italian spot, ideal for a drunken brunch in Delhi. Plus, you never know who you could meet—from famous fashion designers to film directors—as you party the night away. From dance nights to movie screenings, the facility has everything in the evenings. Truly one of the best bars in Delhi
What’s the bar scene like? In Mughlai-crazy Delhi, this meal and drink menu excels, particularly for those who prefer flavoured martinis. The variation in the menu pleasantly surprises you with innovative cocktails and fine dining at, well, its finest!
Hauz Khas Social
The vibes: This massive, multi-storey, millennial-populated co-working and nightlife mecca is a popular destination both during the day and at night. Despite its prime location in the heart of Hauz Khas Village, the epicentre of South Delhi's nightlife, this popular watering hole offers tranquil views of Deer Park's tree-lined lake and hosts an eclectic mix of special events. Bollywood smash Tamasha (2015) even included the posh hangout. Truly one of the best rooftop bars in Delhi!
What’s the bar scene like? The Aacharoska, Old Smoke, The Longest Long Island Iced Tea, Two Lost Souls Swimming in a Fish Bowl and Caprioska served in a pickle vodka are some of Social's signature cocktails that we love. Old Smoke is one of our favourites, as it combines smoked whisky with orange zest in a sweet and sour mix. It's the ideal beverage to unwind after a tiring day!