Lately, the cocktail scene is buzzing with excitement. What used to be all about classic drinks is now being shaken up with fresh, innovative ideas. It’s not just about new flavours; this trend is changing the whole experience of going out for a drink.
Today, instead of sticking to a classic margarita or Old Fashioned, you walk into a bar and find a menu full of unique, handcrafted cocktails. “These drinks might feature locally sourced ingredients, inventive flavour combinations, or even spices inspired by Indian cuisine,” says Akshet Tewari, Founder and CEO Barsys, a cocktail-making technology company. He adds, “This new wave of cocktails is making a night out more intriguing and enjoyable, turning a simple drink into a sensory adventure.”
Tiwari shares the changing trends and innovations in cocktail drinking:
Innovation: With the advent of new tools and gadgets, cocktail-making has become more precise and creative. A perfectly crafted drink that combines traditional Indian flavours with global recipes, is now possible all thanks to a few high-tech tricks. Some bars use automated cocktail machines to create consistent, high-quality drinks with a touch of innovation.
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Sustainability: Being eco-friendly is the latest trend, and it’s now making its way into cocktail-making as well. Bartenders are increasingly using local, organic ingredients to craft drinks that are not only delicious but also kind to the environment. Using seasonal fruits and herbs grown on local farms to create signature cocktails helps support local agriculture and reduce carbon footprint.
Personalisation: Customised service is becoming a big deal in the food and drink world, and cocktails are no exception. Thanks to new tools and techniques, bartenders can now create drinks that match your exact taste, from more spice to more sweet, or something in between. There are bars where you can fill out a short form listing your flavour preferences, and the bartender will craft a drink that’s tailored just for you.
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Wellness: As more people in India become health-conscious, there’s a growing demand for low and no-alcohol cocktails. These drinks offer all the flavour of traditional cocktails but without the alcohol.You can opt between low-alcohol and no-alcohol drinks, like their refreshing cucumber and mint cooler, perfect for those who want to enjoy a night out without the buzz.
Experience: The latest trend is to want more than just a tasty drink, people want an experience. This trend of creating immersive cocktail experiences is gaining popularity in India’s top bars and restaurants. Cocktails can now be served with a narrative, where each drink tells a story through its ingredients and presentation, making the entire evening an unforgettable journey for the senses.
Future: As we move towards September, it’s clear that these trends are shaping the future of cocktails in India. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and personalisation, the cocktail scene is entering an exciting new phase. There are ‘Mixology’ events and ‘cocktail weeks’ that showcase these trends, bringing together the best in the industry to experiment and create drinks that honour India’s rich tradition while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
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