All eyes are on the stars at the 77th Cannes Film Festival and we Indians have a special reason to take pride. Kolkata’s Anasuya Sengupta created history by becoming the first Indian to win the Best Actress for The Shameless and honoured with the Un Certain Regard prize, FTII student Chidananda S. Naik won the La Cinef for his short film, Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know, and after 30 years, an Indian film, Sister Midnight, found a place on the main stage.
Chef Varun Totlani created a five-course menu, featuring artisanal produce and local ingredients for the inaugural dinner at the Bharat Pavilion, Cannes
In between the awards, film screenings and red-carpet walks, the glitterati gathered at the Bharat Pavilion for a dinner celebrating modern Indian cuisine. Hosted by Masque’s Chef Varun Totlani and Godawan Artisanal Single Malt Whisky, the five-course dinner also featured a selection of specially made cocktails.
As you scroll through all the updates from the film festival, we have been looking around the city to bring a sip of the experience to you in Kolkata. My Kolkata has curated a list of similar cocktails served at the city’s popular restobars, so you can drink like the stars…
Breakfast at Teaffany’s
G & Tea served at Cannes (left) and All Day Breakfast Smash, available at AMPM on Park Street
Cannes favourite: G & Tea was made with Tanqueray London Dry Gin, first flush Darjeeling tea, peach syrup, lime juice and soda over ice, and served in a highball glass. For a refreshing touch, the drink was garnished with a slice of orange and mint.
Kolkata can drink: All Day Breakfast Smash at AMPM on Park Street. This fizzy and refreshing drink is made by combining homemade local green tea cordial with Bombay Sapphire gin, and topped with carbonated water to bring out all the flavours.
Pocket pinch: Rs 995
Kaafi coffee and cocktails
Nostalgic, available at Boo-Tang, blends vodka and cold brew coffee and is topped with a cute heart-shaped biscuit
Cannes favourite: Bailey’s Iced Coffee was a dessert drink with a blend of Bailey’s Irish Cream and cold brew coffee. The cocktail was built over ice in a tall glass and topped with whipped cream, a dusting of cocoa powder and macaroons.
Kolkata can drink: Try Nostalgic at Camac Street’s newest restobar Boo-Tang. This cocktail blends vodka and cold brew coffee and is topped with a cute heart-shaped biscuit infused with coffee liqueur.
Pocket pinch: Rs 545 + taxes
Not your ‘aam’ cocktail
Bollywood Margarita (left) and Picante
Cannes favourite: Bollywood Margarita — a shaken cocktail with Pistola Joven and summery Indian flavours of curry leaf, mango syrup, and lime juice. The tequila-based drink is then poured into a coupe glass with a spice mix on the rim for that perfect finishing touch.
Kolkata can drink: Picante at the cocktail bar, Little Bit Sober, in Chowringhee. This cocktail is a spicy and vibrant one that combines the smoothness of Pistola Reposado tequila with the sweetness of mango cordial, balanced by the zing of lime juice. It is garnished with fresh coriander leaves for herbal twist, resulting in a summer-perfect refreshing and flavorful drink with a kick.
Pocket pinch: Rs 745 + taxes
