#VocalForLocal: Shaken Not Stirred, The Hunt For The Best Cocktails In The City

If you grew up on a diet of Sex And The City, or the second rising of it, you’re aware that few pleasures in life compare to that of a night out with your crew, a bartender who knows his way around spirits and amazing ambience. While going out may not have been the norm for the last couple of years, there’s nothing stopping you now from living your sitcom fantasy. But don’t just waste your excursions on places with a tepid crowd or worse, substandard drinks. We spoke to some of the coolest women in the country on their favourite haunts in the cities they call home (well, for now at least).

Srimoyi Bhattacharya, Founder, Peepul Consulting

Goa

Miguel’s and Tamil Table are both a tie on our list.

We love Tamil Table for its inventive cocktails, they are as spicy as refreshing, with a wonderfully balanced sip. Ranked amongst Goa’s culinary hotspots, Tamil Table serves up a humble menu of South Indian fare to accompany house cocktails.

Miguel’s is located in a heritage building in the heart of Fontainhas with concoctions inspired by the 1920s & 30s. With an open kitchen, you’ll also be able to see their Portuguese cuisine being prepared right in front of you.

Surbhi Shukla, Fashion Stylist and Creative Consultant

Mumbai

Americano has the perfect setting for a fresh aperitif if you’ve spent the day gallery hopping in and around Kala Ghoda that you can follow up with some of the best Italian food in the city.

Is a nice time of the year to get a drink outdoors and Neuma is one of the few places in the city that gets it right with their cozy cabana setting, perfect when paired with their French Julep.

Ruth Sequeira, Co-Founder, Le Pondichéry

Pondicherry

In Pondicherry, I love going to the courtyard of Le Dupleix to sit under the mango tree with live music on Friday nights for a cocktail or a glass of wine (they have one of the best wine lists in town). As the former house of the mayor, it is a charming spot for a date night or to just be by oneself.

On Saturdays, when I’m looking for fun and a more high octane night, I head to The Storytellers’ Bar, at The Promenade on the beach road. It’s the best place to dance and try out all the new gins and other alcohols being introduced to Pondicherry. Designed by The Busride, there’s no other bar like it in Pondicherry.

Butool Jamal, Fashion Editor, Tata CLiQ

Bengaluru

Toast & Tonic

For great cocktails accompanied by good food. The menu is fun and experimental just like the drinks, they're especially proud of their G&Ts. The only let down is that there's no outdoor space.

Suzy Q

A busy spot right in the centre of the city, they do some fun takes on classic cocktails including an ice lolly-inspired drink and a towering frozen margarita.

Radhika Khandelwal, Chef-Owner, Radish Hospitality

Delhi

PDA

The small, inclusive bar makes some of the best classic cocktails the city has seen. It's always been a safe place with super friendly and attentive staff. I would pop by many a weeknight for a nightcap after dinner service and always be welcomed with a warm smile and a cold beverage.

Fig & Maple

The bar at Fig & Maple does over 78 types of gin infusions, allowing me to preserve and savour unique Indian produce such as bimbli, triphal, hog plum and pine. There is something for everyone!