One-Drink Wonder: 6 Mumbai Bars That Serve The Best Single-Serve Cocktails
Upon living through endless days of work that didn’t leave much room for a social life in Mumbai, finding ways to still check off non-work outings meant scouting for interesting spots to catch up on the latest happenings with friends, or even sneaking in some alone time that didn’t involve lazing in front of the television with a takeout meal. The few times when time seemed like a much-awaited bonus, throwing the net out to find a great cocktail was always something that topped the list of agendas. Irrespective of swanky bars or old favourites, the idea is always to find a well-made, crisp drink that showcases finesse and never fails to impress with each sip.
The Eau Bar
While there’s no mincing the fact that one does have to shell out a pretty penny to experience a cocktail at Eau, their impressive options merge house specials with evergreen classics. On evenings when the weather and noise are slightly tolerable, make the most of their outdoor seating, sipping on The Eau Club Cocktail - made with gin, egg white and raspberry liqueur - between bites of their deep-fried truffle brie cubes; or opt for the Five Star Martini cocktail if the weekend is about to arrive sooner than anticipated. The combination of vanilla-infused vodka, mango juice and jalapenos offer a complex sweetness laced with heat - becoming most ideal to savour alongside their cold tuna pizza.
Address: The Oberoi, Nariman Point, Mumbai
Cost for Two: ₹3,000
Late Checkout*
A newly-opened bar located within the business centre of Todi Mills, Late Checkout* is a celebration of the city’s bar culture. The interiors, inspired by the owners’ travels to Spain and Switzerland, instantly transport one to cosy maximalist settings in which sipping a cocktail feels nothing short of spectacular. With an interesting mix of classics and in-house signatures, the omakase bar produces appealing combinations. The Slow Roast cocktail - LC’s take on the popular Vietnamese iced coffee uses a coconut oil-washed vodka with a 16-hour Yama drip; alternately, get a taste of mixologist Prithvi Agarwal’s techniques through The Six Sips Experience, designed to showcase craft and flavour.
Address: 242, Mathuradas Mill Estate Compound, S.B Marg, Near Viva Center, Lower Parel, Mumbai
Cost for Two: ₹4,000
Mizu
Known most popularly for being a celebrity hotspot and its impeccable Japanese food, Mizu’s cocktail menu curated by head mixologist, Avantika Malik, is as thoughtful as the plates. The short but crisp sake menu is ideal for exploration if the intent is to dine-in and go all-out for an occasion. However, if having a drink or two is the need of the hour, the Cucumber and Rosemary G&T is a surefire hit. It’s use of a handful of fresh ingredients that are also classic spirit pairings mean that the profile is nippy without bordering on overwhelming. On the topic of minimal ingredients, the Izakaya-style restaurant also makes a fantastic Shaazu Sour which showcases the Japanese umeboshi (pickled plum) in all its glory, combined with tequila.
Address: Shop 2, Ground & First Floor, B Wing, Ganga Jamuna Sangam CHS Limited, 14th Road, Pali Hill, Khar, Mumbai
Cost for Two: ₹3,000
Also Read: 7 Rooftop Bars In Mumbai That Are A Must Visit
Perch Wine and Coffee Bar
Although a novice might be swayed into thinking that Perch serves what it promises, the European-style ambience of the cafe is ideal to update oneself on all the happenings, in the company of friends and colleagues. Its wine menu aside, the impressive cocktail menu houses a couple of different Picantes - one with peach and another made using limoncello and jalapeno brine. Other interesting options include an ‘Almost a Highball’ that blends ricotta-infused wine with strawberry shrub and apple cider vinegar, as well as an Affogato infused with Baileys.
Address: 12, Ground Floor, Union Park, Pali Hill, Khar, Mumbai
Cost for Two: ₹2,000
Eddie’s Cafe & Barr
Formerly known as Eddie’s Bistro, the speakeasy has been around for as long as one can remember. Typically filled with regulars, the space is tucked in-between residential buildings, has open-air seating under pale lights - all of which are great reasons to make patrons feel like they fit right in. Most ideal for when friends are eager to spend some quality time, the menu offers a few foam-topped cocktails which also have vegan variants for the plant-based drinker. Our favourite? The Forbidden Fashion made with Ketel One vodka, grapefruit, grenadine, honey and mint.
Address: 6, Silver Croft Building, 16 & 33 Road Junction, Pali Hill, Bandra West, Mumbai
Cost for Two: ₹2,000
Therapy Cocktail Bar
Tucked away close to the railway station in a busy lane, Therapy promises an American diner-like ambience…but with some very interesting cocktails. Take for example their Star Craft - made with a sour candy infused tequila, popcorn syrup, oregano and cranberry juice; or sample one of their clarified cocktails such as the Shiso Fizz - a vodka-based drink flavoured with shiso liqueur. What’s also interesting about their menu is a small but delicious list of slushies that celebrate local flavours like kala khatta and jamun, but can be made fit for adult consumption with the addition of a spirit of your choosing.
Address: 3rd Road, Ground Floor, Next To The Unicontinental Hotel Khar, Mumbai
Cost for Two: ₹2,000
*Drink responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
