Top 5 places for Cocktails in Gurgaon

Drinking at various bars in the city made me think I should compile a list of places where you can find extremely good cocktails. So here are my recommendations for Top 5 places to grab artisanal cocktails in Gurgaon.

1. Cocktails & Dreams Speakeasy :

Let’s start with what is a ‘Speakeasy’ The term was coined in the 1920s when the sale of alcohol was prohibited in America. Underground salons serving cocktails mushroomed during 1920-1933. CnD Speakeasy is built on the same lines. Tucked in a regular Gurgaon market, almost impossible to spot unless you know about its existence. The underground space is a cosy little place with live music, jazz tracks on the days when you don’t have live bands, lots of Friday Trivia nights, some good American and Nepali bar nibbles, and happy hours till 8 PM that really make you happy. Also, keep a watch out for their Weekly Special Cocktails and Dishes.

This is purely a “Bartender’s Bar”, where not only do you get some world-class drinks but also some great conversations if you please. Folks you are most likely to meet at the bar are Lopsang Galchen, Vikram and Sushant Sharma. Ask Head Bartender Lopsang for a cinnamon and kaffir lime mix with a spirit of your choice and watch him mix his favourite ingredients together, he’s the chatty one so feel free to ask him about anything, from the in-house liqueurs, and house infusions to just about anything.

My Favorite Drinks at Speaks:
1. Bee’s Knees & Scotch Sour during the Happy Hours
2. The Gin Bramble, Foghorn & the classic Negroni
Cost for each drink: INR 480++

2. Comorin :

Comorin, the latest venture by Chef Manish Mehrotra is by far one of the most progressive new spaces. Right out of a Pinterest board, Comorin is a HUGE space, and yet not intimidating. When speaking of Cocktails Comorin’s outstanding Barkeep is Varun Sharma.
Unless its a bar, cocktails only complement the food. But Comorin is doing wonders with their bar section. Think of (an unheard of) Sous Vide bar, double cocktail shaker machine (because Ramos Fizz requires one) and a range of in-house liqueurs. The Sous Vide Bar is an absolute genius, infused spirits using the sous-vide machine which they use for cooking. Their Gin infusions are lovely, chilli rum and the coffee liqueur.

My Favorite Drinks at Comorin:
1. Neer More with chilli-infused tequila, yoghurt whip, velvet falernum, caraway liqueur
2. Fennel Paloma and of course each of their house liquors and Gin infusions with Sous Vide Bar
Cost for each drink: INR 700++

3. Whisky Samba :

Whisky has been considered a powerful drink, while the common idea is that whisky is just for straight-up drinks, the entire idea is corrected by this place with its bartenders innovating with classic whisky cocktails. From Beginners to Enthusiasts and Whisky sommeliers, there is something interesting in store for everyone visiting this fine place in Two Horizon Center.

This place is also one of the favourites when it comes to good food by Chef Vikramjit or crazy party of Friday nights, this place truly transforms during the night. The menu is intriguing but with barkeeps like Akhilesh Sheoran behind the bar, they simplify it according to the taste profile. They have an amazing collection of Whiskies sorted by taste profiles in their menu too, so if you are interested in a Whisky Flight, it won’t be a bad decision. Being a regular here you are most likely to meet at the bar star Prabhakar Tiwari making some great drinks!

My Favorite Drinks at Whisky Samba:
1. Samba Sour which they do with JW Black Label and Amaretto
2. Islay Nector and Van Gogh Swirls & Smokes
Cost for each drink: INR 850++
This one is a little expensive but if you look at Whisky Samba you know you are in for a good time.

4. Distillery – Craft Beer & Cocktails :

A visit to the all-new Distillery will remind you of the Prohibition era again, another feeling of a speakeasy but in the crowded lanes of Sector 29, Gurgaon. So this was added to my list after i tried a couple of drinks there which were all spectacular but then the vibe of the place isn’t like a bar. It’s more of a lounge and suffers from the usual problems of service, lack of connect with the barkeep, inconsistency and more but still this deserves to be on the top 5 places for cocktails in Gurgaon.

My Favorite Drinks at The Distillery :
1. Caramelized Popcorn Sour with popcorn syrup, egg white, lime Juice and whisky.
2. Cranberry Nutmeg Gimlet with cranberry juice, lime cordial, grated nutmeg and gin.
Cost for each drink: INR 425++

5. Raise: The Bar Rooftop :

Best Cocktails in Gurgaon wouldn’t be complete with the mention kind of this unknown property. Post a lot of back and forth, it made the cut because of its eclectic menu going back to the Prohibition Era cocktails from the ’20s
This one is perfect for those winter nights with a gorgeous fireplace at the entrance, smashing cocktails and a breathtaking view of the city, this rooftop bar is a must-visit for those who enjoy delicious cocktails and a chic party vibe. The reason why I placed this one at the 5th that it does suffer from lack of consistency.

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My Favorite Drinks at Raise:
1. Jazz with Tequila, Egg White and edible mustard seeds
2. Black Magic with Gin, Campari, and activated charcoal ice
Cost for each drink: INR 700++

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Special Mention: Together at 12th

Together at 12th is a gem when it comes to Cocktails in Gurgaon. The bar is led by mixologist Nitin Tewari, one of India’s best-known Bar and Beverage experts. The focus is mainly on seasonal tastes and thus the menu even changes every 6 months or so. Their last menu which was based on the concept of memories was a big hit but I could try it just one thus only the special mention to this place. Their latest menu is based on places/cities “Tale of 12 Cities” as they call it. So, you will find cocktails such as Ludhiana, and Mexico City, which uses Pomelo Marmalade as the ‘preserved’ ingredient to give the already fragrant tequila a different dimension of flavour. Beijing, China, a cocktail with the warmth of fortified wine enhanced by the coolness of the foam on top. The innovation and technique wrapped up in delicious bursts of local flavours in every sip. Kudos to you Together at 12th!