13 of the most inventive cocktails from across India to sip on once in your life

Who can say no to a fancy cocktail when the perfect occasion to sip on it has arisen? World Cocktail Day 2025 is here, bringing with it the ideal chance to sip on something a little different. Take your cocktail game up a notch with the most inventive cocktails you can find across India. Some of these innovative drinks have been inspired by the silky pashmina fabric of India, whereas some others are the reimagining of classic cocktails. These 13 inventive cocktails; which you can procure from establishments across India, include surprising elements you might expect; from ramen to lollipops!

1. Bloom Bloom at Toast & Tonic, Mumbai 

A vibrant lavender-coloured cocktail, Bloom Bloom is a floral blend of blue pea-infused tequila and sakura scrub. The refreshing blend of these Southeast Asian flowers with tequila make it a perfect fit for the hot summer days. You can enjoy this vibrant cocktail at Toast & Tonic, known for unique and creative cocktails, primarily using gin and tequila . 

2. Shoyu Ramen at ZLB23, Bengaluru 

For the ramen lovers who can never get tired of the soupy comforting meal, the Shoyu Ramen cocktail is worth a 'shot'. This innovative cocktail infuses shiro miso with light shoyu, tequila and sake. This cocktail takes care of any cravings for the warm noodle meal, but with a boozy twist. It is available at the speakeasy bar in Bengaluru, ZLB23, which is known for its Kyoto-inspired atmosphere. 

3. The Amorist at Baglami, Mumbai 

Reminiscent of our childhood favourite jam and cream biscuits, Jim-Jam, whisky meets raspberry jam in this cocktail called Amourist. Imagine the nostalgic flavours of the biscuit but sipped down from a glass. You can try this delicious cocktail with a side of your favourite Turkish delicacies at Baglami in Mumbai. 

4. Cereal Killer at Leo's, Mumbai 

In case you missed breakfast, you can make up for it during happy hour with the Cereal Killer at Leo's. The drink fuses together rum, absinthe, matcha syrup, lime juice and choco-infused milk; as an adult-version of your childhood-favourite cereal. Apart from this chocolatey cocktail, Leo's also has a long list of delicious drinks to pick from. 

5. Pashmina at Pass Code Only, Mumbai

Pass Code Only (PCO) introduces the kind of pashmina that won't break the bank. The famous Kashmiri shawl is the main inspiration behind this tantalisingly-sweet cocktail with spicy undertones. The cocktail infuses goji berries and peaches from the Himalayan ranges in vodka, creating a smooth-flavoured drink. Apart from Pashmina, other fabric-inspired cocktails to try at PCO are Brocade, Kalamkari, Banarasi, Velvet, Hemp and more; which are also fabric-themed.

6. Sakura's Punch at CIRQA, Mumbai 

The refreshing Sakura's Punch at CIRQA 1960 is a cool cocktail that will make your summer nights a lot better. It's a blend of gin, campari, grapefruit Genmaicha shrub and carbonated water, leaving behind a pink-hued bittersweet, citrus-y drink to relish.  

7. Lollipop and Rainbows at After Dinner, Goa 

Why compromise on sweet treats just because you are an adult? After Dinner in Goa prepares sweet and delicious cocktails that will make you nostalgic about your childhood. Sweet and tart, the cocktail is a mix of gin, lemon cordial and hints of strawberry served on a teddy bear to capture the spirit of our childhood favourites. The bar located on Anjuna beach offers a stunning view of the Arabian Sea while you sip your expertly-crafted cocktails. 

8. Sadar Bazaar at Sidecar, New Delhi 

Imagine the busy bazaars of India as a delicious cocktail. Sadar Bazaar is a sweet and unique blend of cognac, lemon, sandalwood, and orange blossom water. It serves the raw and zesty spirit of Delhi's bustling neighbourhood, at Sidecar, an artisanal cocktail bar in New Delhi.   

9. Bloody Mary at Hylo, Mumbai 

Imagine your cocktail having a samosa on the side along with olives; the Bloody Mary rendition by HyLo does that. The place offers unique blends of hyper-local Indian flavours on their menu. What's more local to Indian sensibilities than a Punjabi samosa? Hylo serves the savoury and spicy bloody Mary topped off with a samosa, onions and chillies, giving an Indian twist to the classic drink.   

10. Lutyens Elegance at Cirrcus 9, New Delhi 

Inspired by the sought-after neighbourhood of New Delhi's Lutyens Zone, Lutyens' elegance is the imagination of the architectural style as a highball cocktail. Cirrcus 9 offers the Delhi cityscape through its sophisticated sips.  

11. Shikanji Highball at Khi Khi, New Delhi 

After spending hours in heat, nothing is as refreshing as a lemon shikanji during summers. Khi Khi in New Delhi is giving a boozy touch to the refreshing Indian drink. It's a fusion of vodka, chutney, cumin, coriander, lemon, soda and dairy. And if citrus-y is not your vibe for the day, Khi Khi has you covered with multiple other cocktail options.  

12. The Churchgate at Nksha, Mumbai 

While on the topic of cityscapes and iconic neighbourhoods, The Churchgate at Nksha is Mumbai is blend of Bhavnagari chilli-infused El Recuardo mezcal, cardamom, and bubbles, bringing the spirit of one of the most loved parts of the city in a glass. You can sip on such delicious cocktails while enjoying modern North Indian cuisine on offer. 

13. Maggie Point at The Brook, Gurugram 

The extensive bar menu at The Brook covers all North Indian provinces, from Kumaoni Kindness inspired by Uttarakhand's flavours to Tonghba from Sikkim. But if we had to choose one inventive cocktail that stands out from this list, it would definitely be Po Cha, inspired by the Ladakh Province. Po Cha or butter tea, is a salted tea served in Ladakh that is a staple in the region. The Brook-inspired cocktail is made with a ghee-washed vodka that is infused with Himalayan pink salt, tea vermouth, brown butter syrup and sparkling water. 

Edited by Dayle Pereira