Inside India’s Best Bars Making Waves in Asia: The Definitive New Delhi and Mumbai Guide
The Indian cocktail scene is undergoing a profound, high-energy evolution. No longer playing catch-up to global trends, the country’s top mixologists are setting the pace, drawing international acclaim for their avant-garde techniques, deep respect for seasonal produce, and unmatched hospitality.
When the latest rankings for Asia’s 50 Best Bars and its extended 51–100 list were unveiled, the world took note. Leading this liquid revolution are the dual cultural powerhouses of the nation: New Delhi, the political capital showcasing cinematic speakeasies, and Mumbai, the financial capital celebrating coastal energy and deep-rooted regional flavors.
Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or a curious traveler seeking the ultimate night out, this curated 9-point guide takes you inside the premier establishments in Delhi and Mumbai, making waves across Asia.
The Bombay Canteen, Mumbai (Asia's 50 Best No. 59)
The Bombay Canteen, Mumbai
While the capital captures massive attention, Mumbai’s liquid identity remains beautifully anchored by institutions like The Bombay Canteen. Located in the bustling commercial hub of Lower Parel, this beloved space treats its cocktail menu with the same reverence as its award-winning food.
The philosophy here is clear: a passionate celebration of the diverse pantry of the Indian subcontinent. Seasonality completely dictates the offerings. While the kitchen takes a contemporary approach to classic Indian dishes, the bar opts for a poetic reimagining of traditional profiles, utilizing indigenous flora, artisanal honey, and regional spices.
Destination Guide
Experiences: Hyper-seasonal ingredients, vibrant Art Deco architecture, and cultural storytelling through flavor.
What to Order: The Bee’s Knees, beautifully sweetened with raw, sustainably sourced Himalayan honey.
The Bombay Canteen, Mumbai
Unit-1, Process House, S.B. Road, Kamala Mills, Near Radio Mirchi Office, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013, India 400013, India
Sidecar, New Delhi (Asia's 50 Best No. 84)
Sidecar, New Delhi
You cannot speak about modern Indian cocktail culture without paying homage to Sidecar. Founded by industry legends Yangdup Lama and Minakshi Singh, Sidecar has long been a household name, consistently flying the flag for India on global stages.
Positioned as a quintessential "friendly neighborhood bar" with a sophisticated speakeasy soul, Sidecar spans two floors in Greater Kailash. The first level is bright, breezy, and conversational, while the upper level transforms into an intimate, jazz-infused haven. The bar program shines through hyper-local ingredients, house-made bitters, and masterful iterations of classic formulas.
Destination Guide
Experiences: Warm community hospitality, legendary cocktail craft, and live jazz-infused nights.
What to Order: The signature Sidecar or anything from their rotating, ingredient-driven seasonal menu.
Sidecar, New Delhi
M29, GK2, M Block Market, Greater Kailash-2, Right, 110048, next to HDFC Bank, New Delhi, Delhi 110048, India
Lair, New Delhi (Asia's 50 Best Extended List Nominee)
Lair, New Delhi
Stepping into Lair feels like walking directly into a beautifully reimagined, high-end film noir set. Located in the upscale neighborhood of Vasant Vihar, Lair has made waves on the extended list for its moody aesthetic and deeply polished, unpretentious hospitality.
Under the masterful creative direction of Beverage Director Navjot Singh, the cocktail program leans heavily into provocative mixology, utilizing advanced clarification techniques and unexpected flavor combinations. It is sophisticated without the coldness, offering a warm, magnetic atmosphere that invites you to stay for just one more pour.
Destination Guide
Experiences: Avant-garde mixology, minimalist luxury, and an intimate speakeasy ambience.
What to Order: The Peach and Lavender Bellini, a delicate yet incredibly complex modern twist on a classic.
Lair, New Delhi
15, market, Basant Lok, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi 110057, India
PCO, New Delhi – The Pioneer of the Secret Passage
PCO, New Delhi
PCO (Pass Code Only) is widely recognized as the birthplace of modern speakeasy culture in India. Tucked away in Vasant Vihar, guests must retrieve a rotating passcode to enter through a vintage phone booth.
Inside, the vibe is strictly old-school gentleman's club—dark wood, leather, and soft lighting. The cocktail program leans heavily into customized creations and flawlessly executed vintage classics from the golden age of drinking.
Destination Guide
Experiences: Vintage phone booth entrance, bespoke custom-tailored cocktails, and an exclusive hideaway feel.
What to Order: Request a bespoke creation based on your mood—their bartenders are masters of intuition.
PCO, New Delhi
D-4, Block D, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi 110057, India
PCO Mumbai, Mumbai – The Coastal Secret
PCO Mumbai, Mumbai
Following the massive success of its Delhi flagship, PCO brought its iconic secret passcode culture to Mumbai's elite. Located in the upscale neighborhood of Bandra, this coastal iteration preserves the thrill of the hidden entrance while adapting its vibe to Mumbai's high-energy nightlife.
The cocktail program beautifully blends the brand's signature classic mixology with refreshing, sea-breeze-inspired flavor profiles that cater perfectly to Mumbai's tropical climate.
Destination Guide
Experiences: Exclusive hidden entrance, sleek contemporary speakeasy design, and premium mixology.
What to Order: The Classic Whiskey Sour or any of their signature mood-based bespoke cocktails.
PCO Mumbai, Mumbai
NRK House, Next to Kamala Mills, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013, India (Note: PCO Mumbai has regional pop-ups and primary venues across elite hubs like Lower Parel/Bandra).
The Library Bar, New Delhi – Timeless Luxury
The Library Bar, New Delhi
Nestled inside the ultra-luxurious Leela Palace in diplomatic Chanakyapuri, The Library Bar is the epitome of high-end, timeless sophistication. Surrounded by first-edition books, dark leather chesterfields, and priceless art, it is where global leaders and discerning connoisseurs meet.
The bar boasts an unparalleled collection of rare single malts, premium cigars, and award-winning cocktails crafted with absolute liquid precision.
Destination Guide
Experiences: Ultra-luxury setting, rare vintage spirits, and a serene outdoor courtyard.
What to Order: A classic premium Martini, stirred to absolute perfection.
The Library Bar, New Delhi
The Leela Palace, Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021, India
Americano, Mumbai – Flawless Neighborhood Charm
Americano, Mumbai
Located in the historic district of Kala Ghoda, Americano has established itself as an indispensable pillar of Mumbai's culinary and cocktail landscape. While celebrated for its brilliant food, the bar program stands on its own merit as a masterclass in balance and execution.
The beverage philosophy centers on taking familiar cocktail templates and elevating them to perfection using house-made syrups, clear ice, and an obsessive attention to flavor ratios.
Destination Guide
Experiences: Lively neighborhood bistro energy, impeccable hospitality, and highly balanced drinks.
What to Order: The Americano or their brilliantly crisp house Gin & Tonic variations.
Americano, Mumbai
12-14, Radha Bhavan, K Dubash Marg, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001, India
Comorin, Gurugram (Delhi NCR) – Progressive Comfort
Comorin, Gurugram
Located in the immediate Delhi National Capital Region (NCR), Comorin is a multi-award-winning venue that features an incredibly innovative bar program. The space is bright, modern, and highly conversational.
Comorin stands out for its unique house-infused spirits on tap. Utilizing modern kitchen techniques like sous vide and rapid cold infusions, the bar creates deeply comforting regional flavors in liquid form, completely shifting how locals view traditional spirits.
Destination Guide
Experiences: Infusions on tap, lively community dining, and contemporary Indian design.
What to Order: The house-infused Dark Rum with Coffee and Orange or their famous craft Khus Gin.
Comorin, Gurugram
101, First Floor, Plaza Level, Two Horizon Center, Golf Course Rd, Gurugram, Haryana 122002, India
Ekaa, Mumbai – The Ingredient Odyssey
Ekaa, Mumbai
Ekaa, housed in a gorgeous 131-year-old heritage building in Fort, Mumbai, treats mixology as an anthropological journey. The bar program is deeply intellectual, inspired by global trade routes, ecosystem biomes, and ancient preservation techniques.
Instead of naming cocktails traditionally, the menu is divided by ingredients and ecosystems, offering complex, layered drinks that utilize everything from lacto-fermentation to house-made shrubs.
Destination Guide
Experiences: Heritage architecture, ingredient-forward philosophy, and avant-garde flavor discovery.
What to Order: Explore their rotating seasonal menu and select any cocktail based on your favorite raw ingredient.
Ekaa, Mumbai
Kitab Mahal, 1st Floor, 192, Dr Dadabhai Naoroji Rd, Azad Maidan, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001, India
Why India's Bar Scene is Winning
The rapid rise of these 9 venues points to a deeper shift in consumer culture. Today's travelers and urbanites seek immersive narratives. From The Bombay Canteen's love letter to local agriculture to PCO's thrilling secret entrances and Ekaa's historical ingredient journeys, the common thread across all these award-winning spaces is a brilliant combination of distinct concepts, architectural storytelling, and the legendary warmth of subcontinental hospitality.
The next time you find yourself navigating the historic streets of New Delhi or the coastal energy of Mumbai, make a reservation at these liquid landmarks. They aren't just serving drinks; they are pouring the future of global mixology.
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