Of Asia’s 50 Best Bars Here Are The Indian Bars In The Spotlight
Leading mixologists and bartenders convene annually to announce the list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars — and in their 2025 rankings, five Indian bars have made the cut. Ranging from modern speakeasies to beachy hideaways to reimagined dive bars, these are highly modern, dynamic and contemporary spaces which offer patrons a lot of creative cocktail options and culinary delicacies. These are spaces which further cocktail craft, curating some of the best cocktails across Asian mixology spaces. Coming up in the top ten is New Delhi’s Lair, which signals the arrival of a cocktail club fashioned in a speakeasy style. Signature cocktails in such spaces have become markers of a whole new mixology culture that seems to be sweeping across Indian bartending spaces.
Lair, New Delhi
At number eight in the list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, Lair has carved a name for itself as a modern speakeasy that recreates the era of the 1920s with great craftsmanship and style. The name of the bar itself resonates with its design which is curated with a vibe that is like a sleek retreat. Lair is the trendiest yet quite a subtle place to head to for immersive tasting experiences, complete with dim lighting and an earthy decor that matches its overall theme.
Lair’s menu is also divided into three levels: beginners, intermediate and superior so patrons can navigate across different stages of flavour complexities. With a continuously evolving cocktail roster and eclectic presentations, Lair brings together global mixology with local New Delhi flair in a spectacular fashion.
Signature Cocktails: Blueberry Cheesecake (infused with blueberry and cream liqueur) and Mountain Breeze (inspired by Himalayan ingredients and regional infusions)
Where: 16A, Market, Basant Lok, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi 110057, India
Timing: 5.00 pm to 1.00 am
Cost For Two: Rs. 4000 (approx.)
Soka
Next up from the roster of Indian bars to make into the top 50 list is Bengaluru’s Soka. Another new entry in the list, Soka, at number 28 is styled like an izakaya or an unassuming Japanese bar where earthy decor, rattan furniture, flickering wall lamps and varied art installations curate a rather rustic yet elegant vibe.
Cocktails take the centre stage at Soka with every drink steeped in storytelling and curated experiences that turn tasting into an immersive experience. The small bites complementing cocktails at Soka are called ‘nano plates’ complete with regional influences like the Soka Fried Chicken made with raw mango chimichurri.
Signature Cocktails: Big Froot (a sweet and spicy spicy white rum concoction infused with mangoes, chillies and tempered coconut oil)
Where: 210, A Cross, 1st Main Rd, 2nd Stage, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560071, India
Timing: 5.00 pm to 1.00 am
Cost For Two: Rs. 1000 (approx.)
Boilermaker
Nestled in Goa, Boilermaker, which takes the 30th spot on the list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, presents patrons a simple, no-fuss cocktail experience, albeit with a lot of flair. This is a new entry into the best bars list and stands out for its ‘susegad’ vibe, which in Konkani refers to an unpretentious and friendly affect.
As this name suggests, Boilermaker is made up of a decor with grunge elements like aluminium pendant lights to give off the vibe of being at a house party. From craft beers to cocktails to whiskies and local feni, Boilermaker offers numerous complexly flavoured yet clean blends. This, coupled with a food menu that reimagines Goan bar bites in the form of Prawn Chorizo Gambas with garlic and chili or Kokum Buttered Fish turns Boilermaker into a trendy joint immersed in local flavour.
Signature Cocktails: Siolim Salsa (tequila, jalapeño, gochujang and citrus), Biso-Manana Karamel (a twist on the old-fashioned twist containing overripe bananas and local feni).
Where: Church, Vaddi Siolim, Enroute Thalassa, Siolim, Goa 403517, India
Timing: 6.00 pm to 12.30 am
Cost For Two: Rs. 3500 (approx.)
Also Read: 5 Indian Bars Make It To The Reputed Asia’s 50 Best Bars Of 2025 List
ZLB23
Another spot in Bengaluru, which grabs the 31st rank in the top 50 list, heading to ZLB23 means taking a stroll through a rounded garden path, into a bustling kitchen, to reach a service elevator, to finally reach a Kyoto-inspired speakeasy. Heavy velvet curtains and crystal chandeliers make up the vibe of this bar, complete with an underground effect.
A selection of specially curated small bites and signature cocktails awaits patrons at ZLB23 where jazz music regales those gathered. The culinary team crafts a tightly curated menu of bar bites like the hickory smoked duck which pairs well with the craft cocktails.
Signature Cocktails: Kyoto Collins (whisky, lapsang souchong and aromatised wine), Shoyu Ramen (tequila, sake, shiro miso and shochu).
Where: The Leela Palace, Kodihalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560008, India
Timing: 6.30 pm to 1.00 am
Cost For Two: Rs. 4000 (approx.)
Bar Spirit Forward
Standing at number 37 on the list of best 50 Asian bars, another Bengaluru gem Bar Spirit Forward, is a bustling space curated for cocktail enthusiasts. The bar is immersed in creating a buzzing atmosphere where technique-driven blends are in focus.
Plush leather chairs and lounge-like vibes make up the ambience of this place featuring an inventive cocktail menu. The drinks are complemented by small bites that are a blend of pan-Indian and global flavours. Bar bites change with the season, much like the cocktails at this creative space so that yams, fermented fruit and herbs meet to produce imaginative delicacies.
Signature Cocktails: Southern Star (tequila, fermented fruit, jalapeño, guava), Old Cuban (rum, mint, citrus, sparkling wine).
Where: Ground Floor, Hotel Southern Star, 40/2, Lavelle Road, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001, India
Timing: 5.00 pm to 1.00 am (Monday Closed)
Cost For Two: Rs. 2800 (approx.)
Key Takeaways:
– Five Indian bars have made it into the 2025 list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars each one featuring a different vibe from a modern speakeasy to a beachy, local joint to a reimagined dive bar.
– One bar to make it into the top ten of this list is New Delhi’s Lair which brings to patrons a speakeasy flair coupled with some excellent signature cocktails.
– Another spot on the list is Goa’s Boilermaker known for its decor which features unassuming grunge elements and a similar cocktails and liquor menu, served with local flair.
FAQs:
Which are the Indian bars that have made it into the 2025 list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars?
The Indian bars to have made it into the 2025 list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars include New Delhi’s Lair, Goa’s Boilermaker and Bengaluru’s Soka, ZLB23 and Bar Spirit Forward.
Which are a couple of signature drinks to try while at Lair?
While at Lair in New Delhi, a couple of signature cocktails that are a must try include Blueberry Cheesecake, made with blueberry and cream liqueur; and Mountain Breeze, which draws inspiration from Himalayan ingredients and regional infusions.
At ZLB23, which are some Kyoto-inspired cocktails to try?
ZLB23 is a Kyoto-inspired speakeasy with cocktails featuring flavours of this Asian cuisine. While here, try the Kyoto Collins made using whisky, lapsang souchong and aromatised wine and the Shoyu Ramen concocted with tequila, sake, shiro miso and shochu.
All cocktails listed use 30 ml liquor measurements for single serves. Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
