Who knows, the Goan Pirate cocktail could be your new favorite!
New Delhi, India isn’t often the first city that comes to mind when one thinks about chic after-dinner drinks or fun nights in bars, but the New Delhi bar scene has recently been rising the ranks and now offers a variety of cool spots you simply can’t miss. From bars in the ever-so-popular Connaught Place as well as the international neighborhood of Vasant Vihar- these are the places you want to be!
1. Pass Code Only (PCO) – best speakeasy
D-4, D, Block A, Block Market, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi 110057, India
If underground speakeasy vibes are what you are craving, Pass Code Only is the spot for you. PCO is recognized for making unique cocktails that are of the highest quality. With specially prepared drinks, the cocktail bar incorporates fun and lively flavors that change the cocktail game, like their Earl Sour drink that is a mix of gin, earl grey tea, egg whites, simple syrup, and lime juice.
Now to the most important part- the passcode! To get into the bar, guests require a passcode that changes two to three times a week. The code is sent out to a private list of patrons and friends, making Pass Code Only not just a fun place to enjoy a delicious cocktail, but also a one-of-a-kind spot that is sure to be a thrill.
2. Lord of the Drinks – dine & wine
G-72, Radial Rd Number 2, Block G, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, India
Lord of the Drinks is located at one of the most lively nightlife and bar/restaurant scenes in New Delhi – Connaught Place. Connaught Place is also recognized for the amazing views and sites that are a must-visit for tourists. Lord of the Drinks itself is a fun and intimate spot for a night out with friends. If you are looking for a bar that has a musical/nightlife side to it, this is a popular joint. Try this place out for fun finger food, a variety of drinks, and groovy music.
3. The Blue Bar – cocktail bar
Taj Palace, 2, Sardar Patel Marg, Diplomatic Enclave, New Delhi, Delhi 110021, India
This chic and luxurious bar is located in the ever-so-popular Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi. The bar/lounge is recognized for its red and black color scheme, edgy interiors, and amenities such as the hotel’s central garden and pool. The Blue Bar is the perfect option for a relaxing night with creative cocktails. A unique cocktail The Blue Bar offers is the Goan Pirate. This drink is made up of curry leaf, cashews, turmeric-infused premium dark rum, coconut water, and kokum syrup. The bar also offers a variety of Indian-inspired finger food. Make sure to check out this unique and popular spot!
4. Tamasha – molecular shots
A 28 In Anand House, KG Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, India
Tamasha is another lively bar in Connaught Place. Known for its exciting nightlife and chic decor, Tamasha serves delicious food and a large variety of drinks. If you are looking for molecular shots, imported beers, sparkling cocktails, whiskey and ‘signatures from the orient’ which include drinks like the Twisted Zen Martini, Tamasha is sure to have something for you to enjoy. A popular spot for young professionals, Tamasha is an energetic spot to bring all your friends.
5. Juniper – gin bar
Gin Bar at Andaz Delhi, Aerocity, New Delhi, Delhi 110037, India
Juniper is a memorable drinks spot as its located in the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Don’t let that fool you though, it is far from the typical airport cuisine. Juniper is the perfect spot to wait for night flights- with their all-day bar, they offer around 40 home-infused gins. All the gin infusions have hints of citrus, spice, herbs, and floral/fruity flavors. The bar offers the option to choose your flavors and create your own cocktail, but they also offer house-made drinks like Floralia which is a mix of green tea, grapefruit gin, passionfruit, Kashmiri kahwa tea, and lavender. If you are a fan of gin, casual-chic interiors, and are spending a night at the airport, this is the place to be.
New Delhi, India is clearly not lacking in the chic bar scene. Make sure to give these spots a try and perhaps venture to try a unique cocktail like the Goan Pirate – who knows, it could be your new favorite!
Sophia lived in New Delhi, India for 2.5 years.
