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BENGAL PRINCESS @ LMNO_Q: “If I had to choose one drink from our menu that is festive, it would be the Bengal Princess because it is made with local flavours and reminds people of their native roots,” says Shreevardhan Asopa, co-owner of LMNO_Q. The Bengal Princess is a fruity medley of guava, tej patta, rum and Campari, served in a stunted glass and topped with ice. The burnt orange-hued cocktail hits you right on the nose like most other cocktails from the Park Street skybar. “I’d recommend pairing it with something spicy — the Boneless Chicken Lollipops or the Paneer Tikka Platter,” adds Asopa. [Price: Rs 680 for a glass, Rs 980 for a pitcher]
MEGA MULE @ THE IRISH HOUSE: Happy-hour regulars will vouch for the cult favourite — Trash Can. However, if you’re checking into the Quest Mall drinking den this Durga Puja, try the Mega Mule. It’s a beautiful combination of cranberry juice, passionfruit syrup, white wine, vodka and tonic water which “screams festive”. The light cocktail lifts your spirits just the right amount! Pair it with British Fish Fight (beer-battered basa served with garlic fries and coleslaw). [Price: Rs 795]
GONDHORAJ AAM PANNA MOJITO @ THE FACTORY OUTLET: The Gondhoraj Aam Panna Mojito is a recent addition to the TFO menu at 22 Camac Street. “Every authentic Bengali meal will have a dash of Gondhoraj lebu, which is native to Bengal. A cocktail which is lebu-flavoured is a good drink for the festive season,” says Shivangi Bhambani, owner of The Factory Outlet. The mojito is served in a tall glass and is an interesting mix of spicy and sweet. [Price: Rs 400 for a glass, Rs 550 for a pitcher]
BLUE AND BEYOND @ HOPPIPOLA: The highlight of this drink at the popular Acropolis Mall outlet is Bengal’s Aparajita flower. “The Blue and Beyond is completely in line with the spirit of Durga Puja because it uses the local flower. This makes it festive and vibrant,” says Debashis Ghosh of parent brand Speciality Restaurants. The cocktail is a burst of freshness and shaken up with a dry gin, herbs and the blue pea flower. Pair it with dim sums or a spicy pork dish.[Price: Rs 625]
CARAMEL BRAHMANI @ TIPSY TIGER: “A ritual performed during Durga Puja that probably indicates Bengal’s agrarian roots is one that includes nine plants of which the banana plant or fruit is the most important. So, we thought of creating a cocktail where bananas can be the main ingredient,” says Mahesh Fogla, owner of Tipsy Tiger in Sector V. The Caramel Brahmani is a heady combination of Bourbon, banana puree and a dash of rosemary smoke. Even if you’re not a fan of bananas, this is a must-try. [Price: Rs 579]
THE MARZEN @ THE GRID: This one’s not a cocktail but the subtle toffee, plum and raisin notes of this beer makes it a festive sip. “The Marzen is traditionally made during Oktoberfest in Germany. We recommend it because it’s a light beer so you can drink as much as you like and enjoy the festivities,” says Grid’s head brewer Koushika Viswanath. The brewing process involves fermentation over two weeks using “special German yeast” and then it is matured for two months. Around 600-800 litres of The Marzen is brewed every year for the gastropub in Topsia . “It runs out within three weeks, tops!” adds the seasoned brewer. [Price: Rs 850 (served in traditional one-litre Stein mugs)]
DELHI 6 @ WAREHOUSE CAFE: South City Mall’s Warehouse Cafe has garnered a raging following over the last few months making it a hot stop during the festive season. If you’re heading to the restobar, sip on the all-time favourite Delhi 6. “This drink fits into the festive season because it is refreshing and totally #Instagrammable” says franchisee Vanita Bajoria. Made with gin infused with zesty orange and saffron notes — this drink is the calm you crave amidst the festive chaos. [Price: Rs 550]
