Gin and Tonic is the quintessential Indian cocktail. What started in the 19th Century for medication, is the Millenials’ go-to cocktail. The Britishers introduced Gin and Quinine water to malaria stricken army. Soon, to combat the bitterness of quinine water, they added sugar, lime and water to make it more palatable. Before you know it the Indian army was being given Gin rations.
The popularity of GnTs has grown magnanimously in this past decade. From different kinds of Gin infusions, to pop up menus specially dedicated to the cocktail. Gin made locally in India has also become quite popular. The most interesting thing about gin as a spirit is that is made specifically for cocktails. Here’s a list of our favourite Gin and Tonic spots in the city!
Grammar Room
The special one that made GnTs cool for Delhi. Grammar Room, an extension of Olive, the all-day laidback space is super Instagrammable. Breakfast favourites like Shrimp Benny and hearty ones like the Katsu Sandwich. My favourite thing about Grammar Room GnTs is enjoying them with my eggs. My go-to is the classic, cucumber and thyme. But the cold brew infusion with Koinonia Coffee is a speciality.
Comorin
The progressive Indian restaurant at Two Horizon Centre. Comorin is a space that makes you fall in love with Indian food all over again. But it is the innovation in cocktails that adds the cherry on top. The Sous Vide Bar at Comorin does Gin infusions in front of your eyes. And the result, smooth, gin infusions, topped with tonic of your choice and a block of ice.
PDA
PDA at Greater Kailash market is from the hood of PassCode Only Hospitality, PCO. Located underneath the famed DIVA Italian, PDA has a wonderfully curated GnT infusion list. With cocktails that change colour on the addition of tonic, flavours like the soothing chamomile and romantic strawberry and black pepper. The prices are a bit on the higher side, but you can sample three Gin infusions at INR 900++.
Fig and Maple
Known for its unique wreath salads and crispy waffles, Fig and Maple has the most extension GnT list of all these places. The Apothecary, as Chef Radhika Khandelwal likes to call it houses some crazy concoctions. Think chocolate, marigold and pineapple, beetroot and of course, FIG! My favourite, however, is the umami-rich Portobello. Ordered it purely on a whim, and it turned out to be an absolute stunner.
Foxtrot
The house of Foxtrot is one of the newest properties by the House of Azure. You know them from Mamagoto, Mr Mamagoto, Sly Granny and Hotel Delmaar. I would highly recommend Foxtrot for GnTs that don’t pinch a hole in your pocket. One of their classics, the basil, peppercorn is refreshing and one of the best classics. Their Cold Brew GnT with Billi Hu coffee is very unique. The smooth coffee blends well with the gin herbs and is easily any coffee lovers drink.
Another noteworthy mention has to be the Juniper Bar at Andaz. With over 35 varieties of home-infused gin, the cocktails are made with infused gin as the base and topped with other ingredients. Each, one a unique flavour profile.
How many of these have you tried? You think we missed one of your favourites, hit us up in the comments below!