Exploring Delhi is fun. Whether you are a Delhiite, a tourist, or have made the city your home, the city will find its way to draw you out of your homes for a merry time. The national capital's cocktail bars and restaurants play a major role in this mission. Whether you plan to catch up with friends over a drink or looking forward to celebrating a hike at work, this list of cocktail bars in the national capital will come in handy.
Nestled in the heart of South Delhi is award-winning mixologist Yangdup Lama’s passion project, Sidecar. The first floor of the cocktail bar is an easygoing day space with a bookstore by Hachette, where diners can enjoy a meal while brooding over their favourite book.
The second floor is their star attraction: a beautiful bar featuring classic, seasonal, and craft cocktails in a lovely setting. Most of the flavours used in the drinks are made in-house including bitters, syrups, grogs, and tinctures; garnishes are grown in their terrace herb garden. Band performances and gigs make the bar a lively spot on many days.
Their cocktails span across seven signature menus—from cocktails dedicated to the beauty and culture of Delhi, to drinks that pay a tribute to literary legends of the world. Don’t forget to try their Beer Brewer (roasted barley infused scotch whisky, wheat beer, vetiver) dedicated to Jane Austen.
Their Zing Thing (gin, aromatic bitters, pink grapefruit, hibiscus cordial, tonic water) from the “all time hits of sidecar” section of the menu; Connaught (blended malt whiskey, Karachi biscuit, crimson beet and blueberry puree, sidecar coffee liquor, and espresso) from their "Dear Delhi" section of the menu; and Sadar Bazaar (cognac blend, lemon juice, sandalwood, laccha supari, and orange blossom water) are favourites, too.
Order parmesan muffins or Spanish frittata from their food menu make for great sides.
Address: M29, GK2, M Block Market, Greater Kailash-2, Right, 110048, next to HDFC Bank, New Delhi - 110048
Price for two: INR 3,000
The ‘it’ spot for music and cocktail aficionados, Piano Man Jazz Club in Safdarjung Enclave features a new artist every single day of the week. The Jazz club has a vibe of its own that remains unmatched by any other club or cocktail bar in Delhi.
Some of their cocktails with rather interesting names are absolute must tries. The Dancing On The Piano Keys (white rum, lemongrass, star anise, passion fruit puree) and the gin-based DJ’s Cliffhanger (gin, honey, kaffir lime, basil, bitters, orange juice, and tonic water) paired with the performances are the perfect match.
From their signature cocktails, you must also try Manhattan (bourbon, sweet vermouth and bitters), Three Amigos (tequila, rosemary, vanilla syrup, and pomegranate), and Fox Trot (vodka, basil, ginger and bubbles). There is also a section called Candy Cocktails, from which you should try Black Panther, and I Am Groot.
Address: Commercial Complex B 6/7-22 Opp Deer Park, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi, Delhi 110029
Price for two: INR 2,000
Head for a drink with friends or a solo drink to unwind after a long day at work at Summer House Cafe in South Delhi’s Hauz Khas. The cocktail bar and restaurant comes alive with various live gigs. You might also be tempted to shake a leg as great music and energy fill the bar in the evenings.
Along with a wide range of spirits, they also have an exhaustive list of cocktails crafted with in-house syrups. Don’t hesitate to choose a syrup of your choice, ranging from kiwi cinnamon syrup and pineapple clove to maple ginger and watermelon star anise, to craft a cocktail that suits your palate.
Try their Blue Lagoon (vodka with blue curacao, lime juice, and topped with lemonade), Sea Breeze (vodka shaken with cranberry juice, lime juice, and orange juice), and the dark-rum-based Mai Tai (dark rum, pineapple, orange, coconut, and grenadine). There is also a host of whiskeys, beers, and rums to choose from.
Their butter chicken wontons, jalapeno cheese fingers, and balchao prawns are quite a hit to pair with your cocktails. Their pizzas and burgers are much loved, too. The star dish is a pizza called ‘The Don’.
Address: 1st Aurobindo Place Market, Sri Aurobindo Marg, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, Delhi 110016
Price for two: INR 2,500
Located at The Oberoi, New Delhi, Cirrus9 is a premium cocktail bar. Sip on icy cocktails with Asian and tropical influences, and pair it with some lip smacking bites on the side.
The list of must-try cocktails at Cirrus9 is long! Outlook Traveller picks three. Enter Prosperity (dark rum, ginger juice, home made sugar syrup, pineapple, pomegranate, and lime juice), Missionary Downfall (rum, pineapple juice, cinnamon honey, peach syrup, mint, basil, and lime juice), and Emperor Yao’s Pleasure (gin infused with pandan leaves, pomegranate juice, five spice syrup, and lime juice). These three prove to be standout drinks from their menu.
Pair the drinks with crunchy sumaki, Vietnamese goicuon, or aloo tuk. Diners claim that their food is as good as the drinks. Be rest assured of a great time at this cocktail bar.
Address: The Oberoi, Dr Zakir Hussain Marg, New Delhi, Delhi 110003
Price for two: INR 3,500
Nestled in one of Asia’s most expensive markets, Perch is a coffee and wine bar that will make it to the "favourites list" of most Delhiites. While it is a great spot to catch up over coffee with friends, the wine bar also serves some great tipples for a happening night out. Try the Perch signature cocktails including Juniper Velvet (gin, Campari, berries, soda), Oat’s Obsession (oat-milk washed bourbon, almond liqueur, bitters), Don’t Be Root (mezcal, beetroot, cold brew, saline) and Smirking Sesame (sesame infused cognac, Aperol, and green apple).
Perch also offers a host of sparkling, rose, white, and red wines for you to choose from. It is a perfect spot to enjoy a drink in an atmospheric cocktail bar, away from the noise while being right at the centre of it.
Pair your drinks with sides from Perch’s food menu, including seasonal grilled vegetables, the classic goat cheese mousse on toast, or their country style roast chicken for something filling.
Address: 71, Khan Market, Rabindra Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110003
Price for two: INR 1,600