5 Innovative cocktails you must try in Mumbai

Smoked Bacon Bloody Mary at the Woodside Inn. Picture/Woodside Inn

It can be argued that few things in life are as indulgent as a great cocktail. Thousands of cocktails are being served across the city as establishments offer a range of concoctions, from classic to innovative, in an attempt to woo enthusiasts. The extensive flavours catering to varied preferences are only beat by the mastery of it all. Before your next visit to your favourite watering hole, you might want to check out our curated list of the most innovative cocktails in Mumbai.

Spicy bacon

If you are a lover of spice, the Smoked Bacon Bloody Mary (INR 545) at the Woodside Inn will be right up your alley. Known for its scrumptious burgers, this all-day diner takes on the mighty task of mixing strong flavour profiles- smoked bacon, tomato juice, and Tabasco sauce that go along seamlessly with the vodka base. "A Woodside Inn brunch favourite, this well-balanced cocktail also works as a hangover cure. The salty and smoky bacon works perfectly with the fruity tomato and balances the spice from the Worcestershire and Tabasco" says, Shankar Varli, Bar Manager - Brand, Woodside Inn.

AT: Indian Mercantile Mansion, Wodehouse Road, Colaba Causeway (also at Bandra West and Andheri West)
TIME: 11:30 AM - 11:30 PM, Tuesday-Sunday
CALL: 9619434911 (Colaba)

Chia in my under-200-calorie-cocktail

Ch-Ch-Ch Chia (INR 590) served by Slink and Bardot is their attempt of balancing multiple flavours while giving the beverage a nutritional boost. The interesting mix of Absolut Vodka, Aperol, pomegranate, lime, and chia seeds is sure to pique your interest. Kim Joy, Beverage Manager, Zuppa Hospitality for Slink and Bardot, elaborated, "Ch-Ch-Ch Chia is a cute little number named after a pesky earworm of a jingle one couldn't escape in 90's North America. With this cocktail, we strived to delight the senses by balancing sweet (pomegranate), sour (lime), and bitter (Aperol) with a nice bite of the chia seeds and all under 200 calories!"

AT: 329/A, Thadani House, Opposite Indian Coast Guard, Worli Village
TIME: 7 PM- 11:30 PM, Monday to Sunday
CALL: 7045904728

Jalapeno and watermelon fizz

Recently opened Bastian Worli is already making waves with their menu. The Tang Time Fizz (INR 800) is absolutely sinful. With a base of gin, this cocktail is flavoured with homemade watermelon and jalapeno shrub, egg white, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup topped up with soda water. Talking about his inspiration behind creating this cocktail, John Leese, Group Beverage Manager- Bastian Hospitality said, "When I first came to Bombay, I noticed that guests enjoy cocktails with shrubs, until then, this had not been an ingredient that I had ever used or made. Noticing that guests enjoy fresh watermelon juice and spicy flavours, I decided to combine them all. The jalapeno is only left in for a 20-30 seconds to give a spicy tickle. The flavours work really well together with balanced acidity, tanginess and boosted with gin."

AT: Wadia International Center, Pandhurang Budhkar Marg, Kamagar Nagar Number 1, Worli
TIME: 6 PM- 1 AM, Tuesday to Sunday
CALL: 7208656073

Gin lovers welcome

Another gin-based beauty on the list, the Mighty Aphrodite (INR 795) is as mighty as it claims. The Bombay Canteen is known for its cocktails and the Aphrodite cannot be missed, especially if you're a gin enthusiast. With cherry brandy and watermelon vermouth topped with orange bitters, the cocktail leaves a heady fruity after-taste. If you have always wondered how well vermouth and brandy mix, find out with this eclectic mix of a drink.

AT: Process House, SB Road, Kamala Mills, Lower Parel West
TIME: 12 PM- 1 AM, Monday to Sunday
CALL: 880802424

Latino infusions

No cocktail round-up can be complete without tequila-based goodness. The Panama (INR 700) served by Cafe Panama is a delicate yet flavourful preparation. Lawson Patel, Head Bartender, explained, "The Panama is made with tequila, which is infused with rosemary, thyme, and chamomile flower for over 24 hours till it matures and then it is strained. It is made with an in-house orange zest. Using a touch of Latin with hints of spice, this concoction is a tequila-based problem solver."

AT: Todi-Mathurdas Mills Compound, N.M. Joshi Marg, Lower Parel West
TIME: 11 AM- 1 AM, Monday to Sunday
CALL: 9988164444