Beverage Blog India

India is a whisky drinking nation with many Indian whiskies on the world’s top-selling list (by volumes), however, the world does not consider it whisky and so do the finer palates of India as most is made from molasses or a mix of molasses made spirit which is cheaper and grain spirit. Nonetheless India has begun to make a mark in the fine whisky world, and it all started with Amrut a decade back. Here are the Single malt whiskies from India for the discerning. 

Kadamba Single Malt
Made by the Cheers Group in Goa, Kadamba's signature expression is aged in Ex-Bourbon, Sherry and Virgin American casks and also won the Bronze at the World Whiskies awards 2024. 

Crazy Cock
Made by South Seas Distilleries, Dahanu, Maharashtra a family run company with 4 generations of distilling legacy. Sprawling aging warehouses and legacy stills adorn the distillery which has been making malts for white labelling for years. Crazy Cock is their first label and launched in two expression the Double Oak and the Dhua a lightly peated one. 

Longitude 77
From the house of Pernod Ricard, the French liquor major, the L77 is blended and bottled in Nashik. The double cask expression ages in ex-bourbon and wine casks and comes with the map of India on the label.  

Amrut
Made in Bengaluru, it broke into the world whisky charts when Amrut Fusion was adjudged the 3rd best single malt in the world in 2010.
https://www.amrutdistilleries.com/

Paul John
Paul John named after the founder is made in Goa and was launched in 2012. The Paul John Kanya was the best Asian Whisky of the year in the whisky bible recently.
Master Distiller: Michael D’souza
https://pauljohnwhisky.com/en/single-malt
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Rampur
Made by Radico Khaitan a liquor major, Rampur is distilled in Uttar Pradesh and is a single malt. Like the first two malts, Rampur too took the outside in approach where it was launched for the foreign markets before it came to the country.
Master Distiller: Anup Barik
http://rampursinglemalt.com/

Woodburns - Tale of Oak
This is made at Fullarton distilleries; Goa and they call it the contemporary Indian whisky. Their mixed drinks and cocktail focussed approach seems to be working.
Master Distiller: Aman Thadani
https://www.woodburnswhisky.com/

Solan Gold
From the house of Mohan Meakin know for the Old Monk rum, Solan is perhaps the best kept secret to the malt whisky fans in India. The distillery in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh produced Solan No 1 a malt whisky for decades and has recently launched the Solan Gold a single malt.
https://mohanmeakin.com/whiskies/

Peter Scot Black
Makers of Hercules Rum and Peter Scotch whisky, the Bengaluru based House of Khoday set foot in the Indian single malt category with the Peter Scot black and launched it at a much higher price point than the pioneers in the scene.
http://www.khodayindia.com/organisation.html
 
Kamet
Inspired by Mount Kamet in Uttarakhand, Kamet is the latest entry to the Indian single malt scene. Working with different casks for aging including ex-wine. 
Master Distillers: Surrinder Kumar, Nancy Fraley

Indri
Made in Haryana in the namesake town; Indri Trini is three wood aged whisky, ex- wine, PX and bourbon casks. It is made by Piccadily distilleries, the largest independent manufacturer and seller of malt spirits in India.
https://www.indri.in/

Gianchand
GianChand is a premium Single Malt Whisky with a unique character which it owes to the place it hails from- Jammu. The malt is named after Dewan Gianchand the founder of Devans Modern Breweries Ltd.(1961) and a pioneering industrialist from Jammu & Kashmir. The company has grown from a liquor bottling unit in its initial years to one of the leading manufacturer of malt spirit & beers in the country. 
https://www.gianchand.com/​

Ugar, 4 year old 
A single malt from the Belagavi, Karnataka is aged for 4 years. It comes from Ugar Sugar works (found in 1939) who started their distilling business in in the 60s. 
http://web.ugarsugar.com/

Godawan
An artisanal single malt from the house of Diageo is made in Alwar Rajasthan. It is named after Godawan, the Great Indian Bustard a bird once found all over India, is now nearing extinction, and finds its last refuge in Rajasthan.
https://www.diageoindia.com/en/brands/brand-explorer/godawan

Mumbai, India
          The Indian craft gin scene began in 2015 and started to skyrocket post 2018 with multiple brands launching mainly from the coastal state of Goa. The brand launches continue, and Goa now has Bangalore, Rajasthan, Meghalaya , Madhya Pradesh and also Punjab for company. Here is a list of Indian gins that you should know about.

Cherrapunji 
"Eastern Craft Gin" takes it name from the region in the north-eastern state of India, Meghalaya. Cherrapunji as a regions receives one of the highest annual rainfall in the world averaging about 11000 mm. The gin uses botanicals from the state apart from Assam, Sikkim and Arunachal. 

Chambal 
Takes its name from Chambal valley in Madhya Pradesh, the land once infamous for dacoits and it certainly reflects on the packaging. The gin takes the Indian route with local botanicals including black and green cardamon. The gin is made by the 3rd generation of Bapuna Alcobrew

Udaipur
After gins named after the popular tourist destinations of Rajasthan, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, Udaipur from Goa is next in line with it's Gulab and Violet expressions. 
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Greater Than
The gin that started the craft gin revolution in the country, Greater Than is made in Goa and is a juniper and citrus driven London dry style gin. They have also launched a Juniper heavy version lately called the Juniper Bomb and the No Sleep coffee infused expression. Read more about them here
 Hapusa
From the Nao Spirits, Hapusa was launched after Greater Than as a more premium gin and it goes under the nomenclature of a Himalayan Dry Gin. With ingredients like Turmeric and Mango, the gin is certainly different and comes in a beautiful bottle.
 Stranger & Sons
Not a stranger to gin drinkers anymore, this was the second gin co to push the craft gin market in the country. With Mace, pepper and nutmeg, we call it the masaledar gin and this one’s made in Goa too. Read more about them here
 Pumori
It is named after Mount Pumori which is 8 kms off Mt Everest, as the juniper comes from the region. From the makers of Woodburn whisky Pumori uses 12 botanicals including vanilla and calls itself a “small batch” gin. Read more about them here
 Tickle
Made in Goa by Adinco distillers who also make Tinto feni, Ti Connie Liqueurs and Cabo coconut liqueurs, Tickle is a classic dry gin with the Indian touch of cardamom, cloves and cinnamon. Read more about them here          

Integrity
Integrity “Craft Gin” as it says on the bottle comes in a sleek bottle and is perhaps the least expensive of “craft gin” available in the Mumbai market. It is seemingly made in Solapur; Maharashtra by Vishnu Laxmi Co-op Grape Distillery limited a company popular for its mass brands.
 Nilgiris
From the makers of the iconic Amrut Single malt, Nilgiris is the embodiment of the spice laden south India with use of spices, tea and the signature betel leaf as one of its botanicals. Read more about them here
 Blue Moon
Made in Rajpura, Punjab by NV distillers, the Blue Moon is a 21-year-old brand but in a new avatar both in terms of recipe and packaging. It come in a classic juniper forward style and uses a rice spirit as a base. Read more about them here
 Gin Dia
From the makers of Wild Tiger Rum, this made in Kerala Gin is made for the export market with 23 foraged Indian botanicals including Himalayan juniper. The pandemic delayed its international travel retail launch at a price of $ 39.95 for a litre bottle. Read more about them here
 Matinee
Snake saffron, Kagzi Lime, white turmeric makes this gin from Goa distinctive. Launched in March 2021 this gin sells in Goa. 
Seqer
The latest from Goa is Seqer with 10 botanicals including cashew nuts, rosemary amongst others. Keep updated about them here

Gin Gin
Made in Goa, this nine-botanical gin was marketed as India’s first hemp gin and was set for its Goa launch last year but is still awaiting it. 
 Trading Tides
A collaboration between Four Pillars Gin, Australia and Stranger & Sons, this gin has elements of both countries like the Australian  Lemon Myrtle, Anise Myrtle, River mint and the Indian Kokum and Tamarind
 Doja
A Indo-Japanese craft gin made in Goa using Japanese botanicals like Yuzu, Sansho pepper, Cedar leaf etc from Japan’s Wakayama prefecture and Indian like fennel and Cardamom. Read more about them here
Satiwa
A Made in Goa gin calls itself “the happy high gin” as it uses hemp as a key botanical apart from rose petals, cinnamon, coriander, angelica root etc.
Tamras
Made in an independently owned craft distillery in Goa, Tamras is made with 16 botanicals including Mosambi, lotus flower and seed. Read more about them here
Forest Spice
An outlier gin from Goa from the Indian perspective as it is made in the Genever style, meaning it uses a more flavoursome barley spirit than the neutral spirit used by London Dry style. The botanicals include lemongrass, ginger, cardamom etc. 
Jamun 
From the make of Old Monk Gin, Jamun gin is made in the iconic Kasauli distillery owned by Mohan Meakin. Launched in some Indian markets in August 2022, Jamun uses Himalayan Juniper as mentioned on the bottle. 
Great Indian Gin (GIG)
GIG gin is the first spirit from the Portfolio of World of Brands a company co-founded by liquor veterans and is made in Hoskote Karnataka. It is made using 9 botanicals and comes in three expressions classic, Nagpur Orange and Shimla Apple. 
Short Story Gin 
A yet another Made in Goa gin but from the house of Third Eye DIstillery, the makers of Stranger and Sons Gin and with Mixologist and Entrepreneur Pankaj Balachandran at the helm of the brand. This is an accessible gin with a classic Juniper and Citrus forward approach. ​
Terry Sent Me
Yet another product of Goa and they call itself the speakeasy Gin. Founded by Tarang Doshi, this is currently available in Goa only and the label makes it stand out. 
Sector
A Goan Gin made The Living Root a craft spirit company and this Gin with their 11 botanicals is their first offering. Cubeb berries, Lemon balm, Cochin ginger are some of the botanicals apart from the Juniper. 
Malhar 
A gin from the house of Paul John Single Malts, Malhar is available in two expressions, classic and citrus with 15 and 11 botanicals respectively and Indian Key Lime or Nimbu as the star in the latter. 
Hichki
A gin from Goa from the house of Sipping Spirits a company known for their Resolute Vodka. It is Sakura or Japanese Cherry Blossom infused gin with 9 other botanicals. 
Soci
Crafted in Goa, Soci is has a strong top note of Cucumber apart from other botanicals like juniper berries, cardamom, coriander, oranges and pepper.

​Cognac is the world’s best-known brandy. In India Cognac if often associated with Bollywood, “Cognac sharaab nahi hoti” said Rishi Kapoor in Chandni 1989 and then Shahrukh Khan to Kajol in DDLJ 6 years later. If you read between the lines and try to understand the deeper meaning, may be it relates to what the Indian upper classes generally think of the beverage, sophistication. Well Cognac certainly deserves the respect for all it undergoes to come into ones lead free crystal.
Cognac is made from the Ugni blanc grape, double distilled in a special copper pot still called the alembic charentaise and then ages for a minimum of 2 years in oak barrels, either new or in the ones that carried a wine or a wine-based spirit. These days a sherry or a port cask finish is quite common in the Cognac world. The time they spend in the barrel in indicates as VS, VSOP and XO in an ascending order of 2 years, 4 years and 10 years. The years indicate the youngest cognac in the bottle, the oldest may be 5 decades old. This is where the art of Cognac blending comes into picture. 

A definitive Guide to Indian Gin Brands  Here 

The Cognac market in India is most in the Southern states of India, Tamil Nadu and Kerala where the blue collared drink locally made brandy (mostly made from molasses) and the upper strata drinks Cognac. So, the following brands of Cognac are available not so readily in India but for the top 3.

Martell: The oldest of the big four in Cognac, the house of Martell was found in 1715 by a Englishman. The brand is now owned by Pernod Ricard and is known for its Borderies focussed Cognac, Borderies being the sub-region where the terroir or the growing environment gives it’s a floral overtone.
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Remy Martin: Known for its specialty the ‘Fine Champagne’ Cognac which is a blend of grapes grown in Grande and Petit Champagne the most prestigious regions known for its long-lived Cognacs. It also produces the Louis XIII Cognac, it goes at Rs 3 lakhs plus a bottle. 

​Hennessy: The market leader of the Cognac world, Hennessy commands a 50% market share globally. It was found by an Irishman, Richard Hennessy in 1765 and today is owned the conglomerate LVMH. They claim to have over 70 cellars in Cognac.

Delamain: Established in 1759, Delamain is one of the oldest and still family run Cognac house. They make only Grand Champagne Cognacs and only XO Cognac which put them in the top tier immediately.

Godet: Found in 1783, this is an outlier of the lot as the house is based in La Rochelle a town in Cognac on the Atlantic coast. Going back in history this was the town where the technology of distillation met the wines of today Back then they called it "Brandwijn" in Dutch which translated to burnt wine.Today Cognac is the greatest of the burnt wines in the world. 

Hine: Found in 1763 and based in heart of the Grande Champagne , Hine is know for its vintage Cognacs and specially "Hine Early-Landed Vintage Cognac"  the barrels of which are aged in the damp cellars in Bristol, England.  This English connection goes back to Thomas Hine who was originally English. 

Louis Royer: Found in 1853, the brand is located in the town of Jarnac on the banks of the Charente river. You can't miss their logo, the Bee which stands for hard work and perseverance resulting in honey just like the committed hands which go into craft an exquisite Cognac

A. De Fussigny's : Made in a distillery that dates back to 1814, ADF was born in 1987. They do not have their own vineyards but work with farmers and distilleries sourcing grapes from the Grande and Petite Champagne to make a Fine Champagne Cognac. 

​Albert De Montaubert: Albert de Montaubert, moved to the Cognac region in 1842 to pursue his passion for viticulture and many years later, Albert’s great-grandson Pierre Barrier had the idea to start a brand to honor his ancestor. Thus, the Albert de Montaubert & Fils label was started in 2002, celebrating the skills and ingenuity of the people who have been tending to the vines in this region for over 200 years. 

Bisquit & Dubouche: Started in the early 1800s B&D is named after Alexandre Bisquit and his son in law Adrien Dubouche. They use grapes from 4 crus namely Grand Champagne, Petite Champagne, Fin Bois and Bon Bois  and they distill on the lees. 

READ MORE ON BRANDS OF INDIAN MALT WHISKIES here 

BELOW BRANDS ARE AVAILABLE IN INDIAN DUTY FREE SHOPS AT AIRPORTS
Otard: Made in the building Chateau de Cognac where Francis the 1st the initiator of the French renaissance was born, Otard was found in 1795 by Jean Baptiste Otard. He was the Mayor of Cognac until his death. The brand is owned by Bacardi now. This Cognac ages in cellars which are at the level of the Charente river with very high humidity and dry cellars over ground which give more blends for the final.

Camus: A family owned company found in 1863, Camus starting 1990s emphasizes on Borderies and also have a 100% Borderies XO Cognac which is their signature. They are also one of those have wine aged expressions in their repertoire.

Courvoisier: Being the only official supplier to Napoleon , Courvoisier has basked in the glory of the title ‘Brandy of the Napoleon’ ever since. They were also the Cognac to toast the ‘unveiling’ of the Eiffel tower. 

Tesseron: Founded in 1905, Tesseron was known to make Cognac for other brand until the 90s when they started having their own brand. They only make XO and above Cognacs but for their "Composition" which is a VSOP.

​The Happy High's Ajit Balgi is a Cognac Educator accredited by BNIC (Bureau National Interprofessionnel Du Cognac), he is one of the 90 in the world and the only India based wine educator with the accreditation. " I ain't a Cognac expert yet but I love to imbibe the wonderful spirit, its provenance, its history, I sip at a time." says Balgi.​

​The wine & spirit repertoire in India is astonishingly limited given our population and the prospective market size, some blame it on regressive liquor policies, some on advertising restrictions so on and so forth.  One such factor that impedes growth is lack of “awareness” about the drinks category both amongst consumers & professionals and this is one hurdle that not many brands cross.
Brands have tried to enter India in lure of the demographic dividend only to be disappointed with no offtakes and gone back, some have tried multiple times too. We agree that wading through policies is a tough ask, however, most manage to do that to find place on shelves, but ultimately lie unsold! The reason, no push from the salesman and no pull from the customer due to lack of knowledge. It all ends with stocks being liquidated with some crazy scheme and BOGO offers and the business drops curtains.
Liquor behemoths like Diageo and Bacardi are ahead of the curve on their awareness game through surrogacy and below the line initiatives including education but if you are an upcoming brand then the following is something you need to budget for and not go via the discounting route to make space for yourself in the market.
Influence the thought leaders:
Thought leaders in this context are people at the point of sale be it retail or restaurants who are involved in decision making on listing the category or the brand and selling the brand to the consumer. How can one engage with them to create awareness and top of mind recall?
Masterclasses: Brands need to wake up and start master classes on categories whilst weaving the brand in. The idea is to instil confidence in customer facing associates through knowledge and thus empowering them to pass the same on to their customers. Several brands incentivize the front liners further with sales linked cash and vouchers but with a hyperopic view it is better to make then genuinely believe in the brand and be loyalists via experiences than monetary benefits.
Site visits: The more the front liners know about you the better and thus the requirement of making them more confident by showcasing your manufacturing facility and educate them about the process. Create unforgettable experiences for your ambassadors around it, make them believe in you. It is also a good idea to target future thought leaders in hospitality and beverage institutes.
Competition and community building: Lastly competitions initiated by the brand help the brand or category get broad visibility via bartenders or sommeliers who educate and influence their own circles. Please remember, do not make this a “Brand Exercise” only but let the core be community building as this initiative will take time to gain foot. This community you build will be your equity in the long term.

A good cocktail list with bartenders spreading good vibes is what makes the cut for a great bar. A “good cocktail list” is subjective but for us it is about the choice of drinks, seasonality, ingredients and of course the bartender on the other side. Let us  look at our go to list of bars in Mumbai.
 AER
High up in the air at the Four Seasons Hotel, the AER is open-air and known for its views as much it is for its cocktails. Modern take on classics has usually been their mantra.
Americano
Helmed by Chef Alex Sanchez, the restaurant showcases a drinks menu which is Mumbai inspired. With a lot of home-made bitters and mixes, the Americano offers an experience. Try their Horniman Sour.
Bombay Canteen
Having been crowned the best restaurant in the country, the Bombay Canteen has been living up to the standards even on the cocktail side. Fresh juices, fancy mixes and a great vibe is what you should expect.
Harbour
The first licensed bar of Mumbai spanning almost 9 decades deserves a visit to soak in the old-world glory with an evolving menu whilst some legends like “From the Harbour Since 1933” are a permanent feature on the cocktail list. It is inside the Taj Mahal Hotel.
House of Nomad
This bar at the Taj Lands End kind of signalled the hotel group’s intention to deep dive into the world of modern drinks culture and it has been earning all the adulation from the time it opened its doors a few years back. 

​Koko
An Asian diner, Koko is known for its thought leadership in the cocktail circuit with use of bold ingredients like the broccoli juice, to Anantmool to parmesan syrup et al. Great place for an Aperitivo evening.
Masque
A kitchen laboratory more so, the Masque is known for its progressive cuisine with Indian inclination. The cocktail menu compliments the luxury dining experience well with a to the point approach whilst making an impact.
O’ Pedro
Vibrant, easy, chill are some words that are top of mind when it comes to O Pedro a space which is Goa inspired and the same reflects in its drinks with ingredients like the toddy, triphal, kokum etc.
Tresind
A modern Indian restaurant of Dubai fame, the Tresind offers you a culinary experience worth every buck and at the same time they ensure the cocktail list heightens the dining experience with its on the table cocktails, the old-fashioned list and more.
 Yauatcha
Perhaps the go-to dimsum place in town, Yauatcha an all-day diner is busy all day long with its Yum Chas and more. A well-stocked bar greets one at the entry and the cocktail list with a global perspective, but Asian overtones will leave you happy high.

 Sandal wood is known for it therapeutic properties and is used in Ayurvedic medicines as much as it is used in religious rituals in India. Sandal wood is also used in Awadhi cuisine for Kebabs etc and is slowly making it way into a common man's kitchen in India in the form of ready made sandal wood syrups and sharbats. We tried to make our own for use in cocktails and non zero proof cocktail drinks and the wood can add wonderful aromatics and complexity to a simple drink. Here is our recipe. Do comment and let us know if you made any changes or if you have any suggestions. Thanks . 
Ingredients:
Sandal wood powder: 50 gms ( edible, bought from a Ayurveda shop)
Water: 500 ml
Sugar : 400 gms
lime juice: 5-7.5 ml
Method:
- Soak the Sandal wood powder in water overnight, 10-12 hrs
- Strain it 2-3 times through muslin cloth or filter paper to get rid of the fine particles
- Take the clear fragrant water and add sugar to it and cook till one string consultancy
- Add the lemon juice at the end to avoid crystallization
- Cool it and strain once more for clarity
- Store it in the refrigerator. Ours went good till a month before it got over. 

Mumbai, India
Gin industry is fledgling in India with so many new brands in the foray to get a fair share of the growing gin market . However today we speak about Gin brands which are not Indian but they are surely India inspired , at least their names say so. Here are a few foreign Gins with Indian names. Of course we have not included the well known Sapphire, the Blue one. 
Jodhpur Gin
Already available in India and quiet famous in the Jodhpur, this Gin is inspired by the Blue City. Jodhpur is a London dry style produced with 13 botanicals including Jeera and Ajwain in the oldest distillery of England. 
Maharani Gin
A gin made in Cork, Ireland the Maharani is the brainchild of Bhagya who hails from Kerala and her husband Robert Barret. The spices like mace, cassia are sourced from a cooperative; Vanamoolika from Wayanad Kerala and the bottle also has Malayalam text. Malayalis in the house, please stand up ! 
Mumbai Gin
Created  by one the largest Indian caterers in the UK, the Mumbai Gin flavoured with Mango and Pomegranate complements gourmet Indian food, their website mentions. 
Old Raj Gin
Made for Cadenheads's since 1972. the  Old Raj is bottled in Campbeltown Scotland. The yellow tint is because of the use of Saffron and the name is of course leading to its India connection. 
Goa Gin
​A made in London gin, Goa is inspired by the Indian state and co-incidentally the state is already home to some 5 odd home grown gins. 
Indian Summer Gin
Made in Scotland; it refers to the bright sunny and hot days which are often referred as the Indian Summer in Britain. This gin again comes with a golden hue because of Saffron. 
Indira Gin 
Made in the United States, this gin with 13 botanicals uses Grape spirit as a base unlike grain spirit for most of them. 
Chai Gin
Again from the states, this gin is inspired by the Masala chai and uses ginger, pepper corns, black tea apart from the other ingredients. 

P.S: Greater Than, Stranger & Sons, Hapusa, GinDia, Jaisalmer, Gin Gin, Gin Jiji, Samsara, Terai, Pumori, Tickle are some Indian Gin brands for your perusal. 

Mumbai, India
The Bar World of Tomorrow is a training course developed for the post Covid scenario by Pernod Ricard, Trash Tiki and the Sustainable Restaurant association on the platform edapp.  Our founder Ajit Balgi completed the course and thought that it is very much relevant to India in most aspects . The whole objective about the module to make your bar more sustainable and includes topics from reducing carbon foot print to waste management to associate work life balance. 
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle are the mantras that are reiterated in this module and it helps a bartender navigate through the various aspects they may have ignored till today.  With difficult times, Saving is as good as making more money and this cannot be at the cost of consumer dissatisfaction, the course brings all that up. Taking care of yourself is as important as thinking about your consumers, work-life balance is highlighted here. The Trash Tiki comes in with knowledgeable inputs on sustainability in the bar with regards to ingredients and its reuse or getting the maximum yield out of ingredients in your bar rather; thus saving costs. Oleo Saccharum, cordials, stocks etc add to the jazz that the bartender often seeks.  It will take you a couple of hours to navigate through this and if you are a progressive bartender, then you better give it a shot. You can sign up through the link below, it is  free. 
https://www.edapp.com/course/the-bar-world-of-tomorrow

Mumbai, India
With  Covid-19 pretty much putting the entire hospitality industry into a precarious position, do or die is the way ahead.  With necessity being the mother of all inventions, the restaurants and bars industry will have to keep pulling rabbits out of their hats till the situation normalizes. The liquor industry which is also dependent on bars and restaurant;not completely though can also innovate to mitigate losses or at least the loss in the revenue.  Both the bars and the liquor industry will have to be ready for the post COVID consumer.  Here are a few trends/suggestions/solutions we envisage going forward:
Home delivery of Cocktail premixes:
If the consumers aren't coming to you then be ready to take your experience to the consumer.  With alcohol delivery not possible in the Indian context, the beverage revenues could be still given a boost with premixes of signature  cocktails that could be home delivered. These premixes need to be just poured over ice along with the spirit and the cocktail is ready. Pricing cannot be prohibitive for most restaurants but the luxury hotels can price it their way with fancy packaging, DIY kits etc. 

The rise of RTDs ( Ready to drink ) beverages:
The sales of retail will surely go up as people will prefer to drink at home and stay safe and also save money. This throws open an opportunity to create ready-to-drink SKUs mimicking favourite cocktail recipes like the LIIT, Cosmopolitan, Sours, Sangrias etc. These will be convenient for the house party culture  that will become the norm. 'Crack it open and pour it on ice' will address a big pain point. 

House party catering  will rise:
House parties will rise and can you as a restaurant/bar cater to beverages too? Can you create compact per person packages that can get your restaurant experience at people's home?  Hygiene, Safety checks will be paramount and then comes the number of cocktails, drinks that can be offered in the package. Of course there are bartending services out there but can they match up to your standards and hygiene levels! So think on these lines and there is a huge opportunity here. 

Rise of the home bartender:
A lot of people would want to learn the art of cocktail making etc to be a better party host and manage the show themselves. Can you as a restaurant /Bar  create educational experiences for your consumers in your bars ? These  home bartenders trained by you could be the ones who could be the customers for your cocktail premixes in the future. We at The Happy High are already offering some courses online 

Bundled Pricing:
Bundling up food and beverage at an attractive price to get the consumers visiting you will have to be done till the situation eases. These fixed priced options will ensure a certain business to the restaurant whilst the insecure consumer will have the option to choose a fixed budget for that evening.  All said, every place will have to sincerely adhere to safety and hygiene norms and also let the consumers know about it. 

We can only put our best foot forward with a hope that 2020  will not be that bad a vintage as it seems now! 

1) Cognac Summit
4 ginger slice + Muddle + 40 ml Cognac +  build + 60 ml lemonade to top + Lime zest + Cucumber peel
2) Sidecar
•2:1:1 60 ml Cognac + 30 ml Cointreau + 30 ml Lemon Juice + Shake + Coupe + Lemon peel + Sugar rim optional
3) Sazerac
Sugar Cube + 3 dashes Peychaud’s + 45 ml Cognac + Stir + 15 ml Absinthe rinse for Rocks glass + Lemon Peel
4) Vieux Carre
20 ml Cognac + 20 ml Rye + 20 ml Vermouth + 5 ml Benedictine + 2 dash Angostura and Peychaud each + Stir + Rocks Glass + Lemon Twist
5) Between The Sheets
4:4:4:1 20 ml Cognac + 20  ml White Rum + 20 ml Cointreau + 5 ml lemon juice + Shake + Coupe + Flame Orange peel and discard

6) Brandy Crusta
60 ml Brandy + 7.5 ml Curacao/Triple Sec + 5 ml Maraschino liqueur + 2 dash Angostura + 15 ml Lemon Juice + 15 ml Rich syrup + Shake + Sugar Rimmed Cocktail glass + Lemon Twist
7) Brandy Alexander
45 ml Brandy + 30 ml Crème de Cacao + 30 ml cream + Shake + Coupe + Nutmeg (original Alexander contains Gin)
8) B&B
30 ml Cognac + 30 ml Benedictine + Stir + Rocks Glass + Lemon Twist
9) Corpse Reviver No 1
40 ml Cognac + 20 ml Apple brandy + 20 ml Sweet Vermouth + Stir + Cocktail glass + lemon peel
10) Brandy Daisy by Jerry Thomas
60 ml Brandy + 5 ml Gomme Syrup + 3 dashes Orange Liqueur + 5 ml Gold Rum + 10ml  Lemon juice  + Shake + Cocktail/Coupe +  45 ml Soda to top 

Seems like an nouvelle relation, but it exists and the Swedish have embraced it as a colonial gift. Let's decode this a little better. 
What is an Indonesian Arrack aka Batavia Arrack?
A spirit that predates rum, Arrack was a spirit made out of sugar cane molasses and red rice  in the 17th Century Dutch colonized island of Java, the capital of the Java was Batavia and hence the name. It was very popular in Punches in the 18th and 19th centuries  but emergence of other spirits including Rum and import taxes pushed  Batavia Arrack out of fashion. 

1) Margarita
2:1:1 60 ml Tequila + 30 ml Cointreau + 30 ml Lime Juice + Shake + Coupe + Salt rim + Lime Wheel
2) Picador 
60 ml Tequila + 30 ml Triple Sec + 30 ml lime Juice + Shake + Coupe + Lime Wheel 
3) Toreador
60 ml Reposado Tequila + 30 ml Apricot Brandy/Liqueur + 30 ml Lime Juice + Shake + Coupe
4) Tommy’s Margarita
60 ml Tequila + 30 ml Lime juice + 15 ml Agave syrup + Shake + Rocks Glass + lime wedge + Salt rim (optional)
5)Paloma
60 ml Tequila + 60 ml Grapefruit juice + 10 ml Sugar Syrup + Dry Shake + Collins + Salt rim + Soda to top

6) Matador
30 ml Reposado/Anejo Tequila + 30 ml Vermouth Bianco + 30 ml Cointreau + Stir + Cocktail Glass (Cafe Royale Cocktail book,1937)
7) Batanga
60 ml Tequila + 15 ml Lime Juice + 2 pinch salt + 100 ml Cola + Build + Tumbler + Salt Rim + Stir with Knife
8) EL Diablo
45 ml Tequila + 15 ml Crème de Cassis + 15 ml Lime Juice + Shake + Collins + 90 ml Ginger Beer to top + Lime Wedge
9) Sangrita
60 ml Orange Juice + 30 ml Lime Juice + 30 ml Pomegranate Juice + Chili Powder (other spices) + Build + Tumbler
10) Tequila Sunrise
60 ml Tequila + 120 ml Orange juice + 7.5 ml Grenadine + Build + Highball + Orange slice

1) Pinacolada
60 ml White Rum + 45 ml Coconut Cream + 45 ml Pineapple Juice + 15 ml Lemon Juice + Shake + Hurricane + Pineapple Slice
2) Mai Tai
45 ml Aged Agricole Rhum/Cachaca + 15 ml Orgeat + 22.5 ml Curacao/ Triple Sec + 22.5 ml Lime Juice + shake lightly + Rocks Glass + Crushed Ice + 15 ml Aged Jamaican Rum to float + Mint Sprig + lime wheel
3) Daiquiri
60 ml White Cuban Rum + 30 ml Lime Juice + 15 ml Rich Syrup + Shake + Coupe
4) Mojito
12 mint leaves + Muddle + 60 ml White Rum + 22.5 ml  Lime Juice + 15 ml Simple Syrup + Crushed Ice + Build + Soda to top + Mint Sprig
5) Dark & Stormy
60 ml Dark Rum (Gosling’s) + 15 ml Lime Juice + Ginger Beer to Top + Build + Collins  + Lime Wedge

6) El Floridita (Hemingway Daiquiri)
60 ml White Rum + 15 ml Maraschino Liqueur + 22.5 lime juice + 15 ml Grapefruit Juice + Shaken + Coupe + Lime Wheel
7) El Presidente
45 ml White Rum + 22.5 ml White Vermouth + 7.5 ml Orange Liqueur + 2 dash Grenadine + Stir + Cocktail  
8) Planter’s Punch
60 ml Dark Rum + 40 ml Lime Juice +20 ml Rich Syrup + 3 dashes Angostura +  Shake + Tall glass + crushed Ice + Mint Sprig
9) Hurricane
60 ml light Rum + 60 ml Dark Rum + 30 ml Lime Juice + 30 ml orange juice + 15 ml Passion Fruit Puree + 15 ml Simple Syrup + 15 ml Grenadine + Shake + Hurricane Glass + Cherry + Orange Slice
10) Hot Buttered Rum
60 ml Dark Rum + 2 Sugar Cubes + Hot water + Mug + 5 g unsalted Butter + Coffee mug +Grated nutmeg 

1) Manhattan
60 ml Rye or Bourbon + 30 ml Red Sweet Vermouth + Stir + Cocktail/Coupe + Cherry/Lemon twist
2) Mint Julep
Muddle 1 large mint sprig/8 Leaves with 15 ml Simple Syrup + Crushed ice + 60 ml Bourbon + Build + Silver Cup + Mint Garnish
3) Whiskey Smash
10 Mint leaves, 22.5 ml Lemon Juice (or 3 lemon wedges), 15 ml rich syrup + 60 ml Bourbon or Rye + Shaken + Rocks + Mint sprig
4) Sazerac
60 ml Rye + 15 ml Simple Syrup + 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters + 5 ml Absinthe ( to rinse the glass) + Stir + Rock Glass + Lemon Peel
5) Boulevardier
30ml Bourbon + 30 ml Campari + 30 ml Sweet Red Vermouth + Stir + Rocks/Coupe + Orange Peel

6) Seelbach
30 ml Bourbon + 15 ml Triple Sec + 2 dash creole bitters + 2 dash Angostura + Stir + Flute + Champagne to top + Orange twist
7) New York Sour
60 ml Rye + 30 ml Lemon Juice + 15 ml rich syrup + 1 Egg White + Shake + Rock glass + 15 ml Dry Red wine to float
8) Ward 8
60 ml Rye + 22.5 ml Lemon Juice + 22.5 ml Orange juice + 10 ml Grenadine + Shake + Cocktail Glass + Cherry
9) Scofflaw
45 ml Rye + 30 ml Dry Vermouth + 22.5 ml Lime Juice + 15 ml Grenadine + 2 dash Orange Bitters + Shake + Cocktail Glass + Orange twist
10) Brown Derby
45 ml Bourbon + 30 ml grapefruit juice +  15 ml honey water + Shake + Cocktail glass + Grapefruit Twist

1) Blood & Sand
1:1:1:1 25 ml Scotch + 25 ml Sweet Red Vermouth + 25 ml Cherry liqueur + 25 ml Orange juice + shaken + coupe + Orange slice
2) Penicillin
Muddle 1 piece ginger + 45 ml blended Scotch + 20 ml lime juice + 20 ml honey water + Shaken + Old Fashioned + 15 ml Islay Malt to float + Candied ginger/Fresh Ginger Slice
3) Rob Roy
50 ml Scotch + 25 ml Sweet Rosso Vermouth + Angostura 2 dashes + Stir + Cocktail/Martini glass+ Cherry
4) Rusty Nail
45 ml Scotch + 15 ml Drambuie + Stir + Old fashioned + Lemon peel
5) Godfather
40 ml Scotch + 20 ml Amaretto + Stir + Old fashioned + Orange peel (Can range from 1:1 to 1: 8 , higher is whisky)

6) Whisky Sour
60 ml Scotch or Bourbon + 22.5 ml Lime juice + 15 ml Simple Syrup + 15 ml Egg White + Shaken + Old fashioned + Angostura bitter
7) Scotch Old Fashioned
Muddle sugar cube with 2 dashes Angostura bitters + 60 ml Scotch + Stir + Old fashioned + Orange Peel
8) Bobby Burns
30 ml Scotch + 30 ml Ross Vermouth + 15 ml Benedictine + Stir + cocktail glass + lemon zest
9) Atholl Brose
60 ml Scotch + 45 ml Brose + 20 ml honey water +  Shake + Coupe
•Brose : 45 gms Oats  + 150 ml warm water + Soak 15 minutes + strain = Creamy Brose
10) Blue Blazer
60 ml Scotch + 60 ml hot water + 1 tsp powdered sugar + Throw with flaming scotch + Brandy balloon + lemon zest

1) Classic Martini (5:1)
50 ml Gin + 10 ml Dry Vermouth + Dash or Orange bitters (optional) ( Stir, Martini, Olive/Lemon peel )
*A Martini with cocktail onion as garnish is called a Gibson
2) Gimlet
60 ml Gin + 15 ml Lime juice + 15 ml Sugar syrup (Shake, Coupe, Lime wheel)
3) Negroni
•20 ml Gin + 20 ml Italian Bitter ( Campari) + 20 ml Red Vermouth ( Stir, Rock Glass, Orange Peel )
4) French 75
45 ml Gin + 15 ml Lemon Juice + 10 ml Sugar syrup ( Shake, Champagne Flute, 75 ml Champagne to top, Lemon peel)
*A lot of bars use Cognac instead of Gin as it is believed the former was a part of the original recipe
5) Clover Club
45 ml Gin + 15 ml Dry Vermouth + 15 ml Raspberry Syrup + 10 ml egg white (Shake, coupe, raspberries on stick )

6) Tom Collins
60 ml Gin + 30 ml Lime juice + 15 ml Simple Syrup + Soda water to top (Build, Collins glass, Lime Wheel)
7) Singapore Sling (Raffles Singapore)
30 ml Gin + 15 ml Cherry Brandy + 7.5 ml Triple Sec + 7.5 ml Benedictine + 10 ml Grenadine + 15 ml Lime juice + 120 ml Pineapple juice ( Build + Hurricane/Sling Glass + Pineapple slice)
8) Aviation
60 ml Gin + 15 ml Maraschino Cherry Liqueur + 7.5 ml crème de Violette + 22.5 ml lime juice  (Shake, coupe, Cherry on stick)
9) Ramos Gin Fizz
45 ml Old Tom Gin + 30 ml Sugar Syrup + 30 ml Lime + Lemon Juice + 1 whole egg white + 60 ml cream + 2 ml Orange flower water (Shake till tired, Collins Glass, Soda to top)
10) Bee’s Knees
60 ml Gin + 22.5 ml honey water + 22.5 ml lemon juice ( Shake, coupe /Saucer, lemon peel/dried lemon)

1) Bloody Mary
60 ml Vodka +150 ml Tomato + Tabasco + Worcestershire sauce + 2 lime wedge +Black pepper + celery salt Rim (Build , tumbler, Celery Stick, Lime Wedge )
2) Moscow Mule
60 ml Vodka + 120 ml Ginger beer/ale + 10 ml lime juice + Fresh ginger optional ( Build + mule mug Lime Wedge)
3) Cosmopolitan
45 ml Citrus Vodka + 15 ml Triple Sec + 15 ml lime juice + 30 ml Cranberry Juice          (Shake, Martini, Lime Wedge/Wheel) *White cosmo replaces Triple sec with Elder flower liqueur) 
4) Screwdriver
60 ml Vodka + 120 ml Orange ( Build ,Tumbler/Collins, Orange Slice)
5) Vodka Martini
60 ml Vodka + 20 ml Vermouth (Stir, Martini, Lemon Peel)

6) Salty Dog
50 ml Vodka + 100 ml Grapefruit (Build, rocks,  salt rim, lime wedge)
7) White Russian
60 ml Vodka + 30 ml Coffee Liqueur + 30 ml cream (Build + rocks)
8) Kamikaze
60 ml Vodka + 22.5 ml Triple Sec + 22.5 ml Lime juice (Shake, 2 Shot Glasses)
9) Espresso Martini
30 ml Vodka + 30 ml Coffee Liqueur + 30 ml Espresso (Shake, Martini/Coupe, 3 beans  to garnish)
10) Harvey Wallbanger
60 ml Vodka + 120 ml Orange Juice + 20 ml Galliano to float (Build ,tumbler Orange Slice, Cherry)
11) Porn Star Martini
45 ml Vanilla Vodka + 15 ml Passion Fruit Liqueur + 30 ml  Passion Puree + 15 ml Lime Juice + 15 ml Vanilla Sugar Syrup (Shake + 60 ml sparkling wine to top up + Cocktail Glass + ½ Passion to Garnish)

A career in bartending is slowly gaining momentum in India and hence lot of bartending institutes and bar schools are mushrooming to fill the gap in bartending education. Whilst some may be focused on education, many are factories where the quality of education of often ignored specially due to faculty with lack of industry experience and hence content. 

How to choose a Bartending School ?
Do:
- Look at the faculty and their experience to ensure the right mentors. 
- Look at the infrastructure, a functional bar, equipment's, learning environment etc.
- Look at the course relevance and practical aspect. 
-Look for real reviews, speak to ex-students to get a true feedback 
Don't:
- Don't look for low fees. You do a bar course once, so please don't cut corners.
- Don't look at earning money during the course.  You are there to study. 
- Don't look at the duration but look at the content
- Don't get lured into Flair Bartending, the industry relevance is low however fancy it may look. It is a nice skill but not mandatory in the industry
- Don't look at whether it is a degree or a diploma or a certificate in bartending as institutes can award the same as per their liking. 

At The Happy High Bartending institute, we aim to groom beginners and get them job ready with content that is relevant for today's bars. We will look at getting the basics right in terms of spirits knowledge, wine tasting techniques, cocktail styles and cocktail making apart from getting the core of customer service and Bartender's personality right. Whilst Flair Bartending is what many beginners aspire to learn, we feel that the skill is not relevant for bars in India and abroad for now. Hence Fire Flair etc will be out of purview in this course but for basic work flair. 

Check the below link for more details on our bartending institute  in Ghatkopar, Mumbai. 
Bartending Academy

​2019 passed of in a jiffy and India saw a lot of progression in the drinks trade like every year. Sustainability was the buzz word and so was gin to a great extent and homegrown whisky brands continued to make a splash locally and globally. Here are our insights on what should 2020 be like or would be for the wine and spirit trade in India… Cocktail trends, new spirits and more.
 
Low-Alcohol Cocktails:
People are getting more conscious about their diets and about price points. Low alcohol cocktails with a 30 or a 40 ml shot of spirit can bring the costs down by 1/3rd and also make the drink healthier. The price will also attract more patrons to order a cocktail and the bartender can have more creative work behind the bar.
Sugar free Cocktails:
With health becoming a priority and people going for spirit and water combinations, sugar free cocktails will be a new thing on the menu. Sugar free doesn’t mean drinks with Stevia and sugar alternatives but cocktails with a salt and acid balance or balance drawn from the sugar in the aged spirit.

​Hand Cut Ice
The importance of ice in a drink has long been known by bartenders but due to operational issues that it was just treated as another ingredient. However we will soon see more bars getting serious about one of the most important ingredients in a drink by investing in better ice machines and also getting more involved in cutting ice blocks and hand carved ice
Organic wines:
Wine is slowly coming to terms with India and vice-versa. The upper echelons of the society who is more exposed to wine and can afford it will look at the next level, Organic wines. Wine lists will have organic pointed to for those discerning. 
Ayurveda and seasonality:
India has 6 seasons or  ritus , Vasanta  (spring), Grishma (summer), Varsha (monsoon), Sharad (autumn), Hemant (fall winter), and Shishir (winter) and the Indian Ayurveda diets based on these apart from the classification of food based on Satvik, Tamasik or Rajasik. For Cocktails, India will take of leaf of Ayurveda and use of ingredients like vetiver, licorice root, turmeric, sesame,neem, brahmi, ashwagandha, ginger with more functionality. Even regional fruits like the Bael fruit, kokum would see some light. Antiaging, cooling properties etc will be the buzz words. 

Alcohol free :
Why should only people who drink alcohol have all the fun! Teetotalers wouldn’t want to be left out and hence will take up to non-alcoholic beverages as long as the look and the feel and the experience is like that of an alcoholic beverage. Artisanal mocktails or alcohol free cocktails with more seriousness will take some steps this year.
Fermented:
In house fermentation of fruit juices, kombuchas, tepaches, hop infusions and more. Progressive bartenders will pave the path for the country to follow in due course. It will be small beginnings given the resources and people’s ability to afford thus translating to lower demand. Top bars will set themselves apart with this.
Rum & Brandy:
Lastly there will be new wave of dark spirits with Rum being at the forefront and brandy specially Cognac in tow. Rum Old fashioned, Cognac Sours, Rum and Cigar, Cognac cocktails will take a leap. Both spirits have a profile that suit the Indian palate and it is only a matter of time and sustained marketing that these will rub shoulder with whisky, of course in the higher 

Cheers to 2020! 

​One counter of the breakfast buffet at my hotel in Athens had an exquisite decanter like bejeweled bottle which read ‘Tsikoudia’ and some shot glasses. I saw people pouring a 40% something alcoholic beverage and sipping it alongside their eggs, cheese and pastries. I had never seen this culture before. Greece, certainly not the oldest civilization but the Greeks were the birthplace of the western philosophy. The idea of democracy, scientific and mathematics principles, literature and drama and more emerged from here. Given their strategic location in the midst of Asia, Africa and Europe, the Romans, the Persians and the Ottomans had their eras in Greece thus giving us a rich history and a reason to visit Greece.  Of course islands, beaches, party zones are as much motivation to go holidaying on the islands. I had a different motivation to visit Greece, it was the gourmet angle.  Baklava, Gyros and Souvlakis to Greece are like Pizzas and Pastas to Italy and I had my share of those. After that breakfast with Tsikoudia, I set out to find more about what the Greeks drink!  Apart from their incredible wines and commonplace beers, here is a list of beverages you should try on your vacation to the islands this summer. 

​Tsipouro
It is a pomace brandy made from pomace which is the residue of grape skins etc from the wine press.  It is also called Tsikoudia on the island of Crete, the same one I had for breakfast.  Tsipouro is best had chilled and neat however many people dilute it with water and ice.  The beverage comes as is or with Anise flavouring and these days aged ones are also common.
Ouzo
This is perhaps the most recognizable spirit outside of Greece, an anise flavoured spirit which turns cloudy when mixed with water. It takes its roots from Tsipouro which was created my monks in the 14th century and their anise version got to be known as Ouzo. Ouzo only became popular in the 20th century with the downfall of Absinthe.  Ouzo is served with mezze or Greek appetizers and I loved it during the nip in the spring evenings. 

​Mastica
It is brandy based liqueur which is flavoured with Mastic a resin drawn out of the Mastic tree. The resin also known as Arabic gum is known for its medicinal and antioxidant properties since millennia. The Mastica is produced in the island of Chios where the Mastic tree grows.  Mastic translates to ‘gnash the teeth’ and is the root of the English word ‘masticate’.  Mastica can be enjoyed in a variety of cocktails
Retsina
Another drink with resin, this time pine resin used to flavour wine.  2000 years ago when  wine used to be prone to oxidation, the amphorae or clay pots used to be sealed with pine resin , the pine kept the oxygen out but imparted flavour to the wine.  When barrels came into the scene the resin became obsolete however the consumers enjoyed the resinous taste and Retsina stayed on and is popular even today.
Metaxa
It is a brand but I have included this here as it was the first Greek brandy which began selling in 1888 and since then survived both world wars, only one of the two companies to do so the other was a tobacco co.  Metaxa is an oak-aged brandy mixed with fragrant muscat wines and then flavoured with natural herbs and floral extracts.  Metaxa and Tonic and in cocktails Metaxa Juleps and other such long refreshing drinks are preferred. 

There are gifts and there are gifts to impress. The way to the man’s heart is through his stomach believe some but some men with finer tastes in life have it through their liver. You got me; few things could be more impressive than the lady being proactive in setting up her man’s wine and spirit closet. One liver, so you better ensure that he is drinking the best.  This valentine day here are some tipples you want to bedazzle your date with.

Johnnie Walker Green Label
An outlier from the JW portfolio, the Green is a blend of malts and has no grain whisky unlike other expressions from the range. You will find the elements from four corners of Scotland with hints of Talisker, Caol Ila, Cragganmore and Linkwood.

El Dorado 15 year old
Always in the top rums of the world, this Demerara rum takes its name from a river in Guyana. The brand from the only distilling co in the country is made in century old wooden stills; a rare treat. El Dorado is a sipping rum best had neat.

Tanqueray No.10
With the essence of grapefruit and other citrus elements, this gin is best had with a dry tonic with a slice of your favourite fruit, preferably citrus. I love to put in a mogra or Arabian Jasmine flower for that extra burst of aroma.

Woodford Reserve
The bottle stands out amongst bourbon whiskies and the liquid doesn’t fail to impress.  Aged in barrels made in their own cooperage this elixir shows nuances of prunes and figs with the freshness of orange, it is well rounded but more crisp than luscious.
​
Paul John Bold
This homegrown Single Malt from Goa is available in over 20 countries and scores over 94 points in the whisky bible. At 40 ppm peat this smoky whisky is likely to impress those who love their Islay malts.It is a perfect blend for making penicillins and sours too. If you are in the mood to splurge then Goa has another expression, the “Kanya’ which was adjudged Asian whisky of the year in the Whisky Bible.
 
Lastly don’t forget to look into your partner’s eyes when clinking your glasses or it will be 7 years of bad sex as per a French belief!  Wish you a love filled Valentine’s Day.
 

Mumbai, India
Last time the piece I wrote on how Indian bars cheat customers drew a lot of ire from unscrupulous bars who thought that as a beverage professional I shouldn’t have written it and let the beans spill.  Thankfully, the good bars were a happy lot. Now there is the other side of the story where bartenders sweat it out to delight their customers but are driven to the edge by the same guests. Here is what the Indian bartenders hate about their customers

There is no alcohol in my cocktail                                                                                                                                                                          After all that alcohol that goes into making of an LIIT or such tall drinks, it is irritating for a bartender to hear complaints of less alcohol being poured. Please remember, the sweeter the cocktail the less is the perception of alcohol. Some bartenders for the customer’s sake or insistence pour that extra alcohol however it just doesn’t help the customer to be in control of their alcohol levels.
 
I will make my own drink
 In a busy bar, customer’s often use their loyalty and recognition as a tool to pull out a bottle behind the bar and helping themselves with a drink.  Imagine someone intruding into your space at work especially when the bartender’s are responsible to pay for alcohol shortages.
 
I love to Snap
Whistling, snapping one’s fingers and other such condescending behaviors to seek attention of a bartender certainly shows one’s upbringing or lack of one. Give respect and take respect, an adage still holds true.
 
I love to order after closing time
The last drinks were announced repeatedly but there will be a few customers who still want to order post closing time and they literally pester the gullible staff. Please remember the bartenders don’t go home as soon as the last customer leaves, they have their closing checklists and tasks to clean the bar and make it ready for the next day. Please be kind and stick to the timing, the bartender does have a life outside of work!
 
Am I running away?
When asked to clear the bills after a round of drinks at a busy bar, “Will pay it at the end, here is my credit Card.” is many a times the response.  When the bartender insists, “Am I running away” is a certain response. Please remember you may not be a fraud, but there are enough ‘respectable looking people’ who come with stolen cards, cancelled cards with a plan to plunder as much in a given night. All such unpaid bills are often paid by the bartender from his salary.  Next time, clear the bills and don’t be fussy.
 
Don’t you know I love free shots/discounts
A discount/ free shots/freebies etc which were a tool to delight the customer have become a norm these days. Alcohol is expensive and there are considerable costs to run a bar, if you get a discount great,  you may wan’t  to ask once, no harm; but please do not be persuasive and bothersome. 
 
I want my drinks in 3 seconds
Drinks take time to make and a good bartender will always give you a good drink without shortcuts. Please be patient especially on a busy night, moreover if you see the bartenders trying their best.
 
I love a private bar counter
The bar counter may be a prime position to be at, but don’t be a jerk to block it during a busy night as there are other people trying to buy drinks, be a little more socially responsible.
 
I love to poke my nose!
Do not interrupt conversations between the bartender and a fellow guest. Everybody is trying to get their drinks; you will get your chance.
 

Mumbai, India
Are cocktails taking you for a ride?     
The cocktail scene in the country is picking up however we are far away from even making a scratch on the world scene. The reasons being, not so knowledgeable customer, not so knowledgeable bar management and the third are the knowledgeable but unscrupulous businessmen. In the city there are very good VFM bars, there are very good luxury bars, there are average bars across price points and then there poor bars. The scariest of them of all are poor bars charging you a luxury price for all the frills around than the cocktail itself. What helps these bars fool you?
Dry Ice
Solid Carbon or dry ice was originally used and still is to freeze things in the f&b context. The usage then extended to the creating a fog like effect in food displays and in todays dates it is rampantly being used for theatrics in cocktail and food presentations.  The question is, does the smoke let the establishment charge you more?  Also if the CO2 is coming touch with your drink, is the dry ice food grade? Lastly even if food grade dry ice is put in your individual drink, do ensure that it has vapourized completely as pieces of it can cause burns in your mouth.
Liquid Nitrogen
This potent liquid with a potential to freeze a la minute is seemingly child’s play today as any person with a chef coat or a bartender’s attire is using it like mayo in a footlong. No wonder that a hapless victim’s gut was burnt on consuming a drink with liquid nitrogen somewhere in Gurgaon.  At -196 degree Celsius it is to be treated as carefully as boiling water, if not more. Liquid nitrogen can enhance a cocktail or food experience but it is not the core of the food or drink. Why pay more for a gimmick?
Fancy Glassware
Burgers in a mini truck, drinks out of a ceramic skull and other such presentations are great to catch ones attention but the point to ponder upon is; how are they cleaned?  If you look at the crevices, no brush but only roaches and mould can reach there. Stay away from such glassware or ask the question… how do you clean them?  Also in darker places, switch on your mobile torch and take a good look at the ‘train’ or ‘tractor’ that your food/drink was served in. You may be taken aback!
Molecular
It is science meeting the art of cooking to create something wonderful but only if it is done right. With DIY molecular kits available, many are trying to get molecular to attract customers, but are they getting their act right!!! Next time you eating  a sphere or a sphaghetti shot,ask yourself if you really enjoyed it and the taste or were you wowed by the term ‘molecular’. Most good bars have shunned this and gone back to basics with real fruit.
Smoke guns
‘A monkey wielding a sword’ is the idiom that stands true for the usage of smoke guns today. The smoke from the gun is used to add that extra nuance to the drink but these young boys decimate it as there is no proper guidance. Most places use it as a gimmick than put it to real culinary use. It is all smoke and no fire.
Sugarrrrr
These days with drives to cut down on sugar in soft drinks to packaged food, Cocktails can be offenders too.  Many cocktail places lace their cocktails using cheap spirits with a variety of syrups, packaged juices and aerated drinks and these ticking sugar bombs will sooner or later grip you by your pancreas!

Mumbai, India
When was it the last time you tipped your dentist or your accountant?? Of course they also offered service but you didn’t seem the need to. Why? Did you feel they are as rich as you or perhaps richer? Did you think they might take offence as they are ‘professionals’? So many questions playing on my mind, I am sure they are playing on yours too now.  To make things easy, when did you tip your waiter last?? If you did tip the waiter then why not tip an accountant?
​
Tipping these days euphemistically called the service charge is my opinion the cause of certain unsaid divide or classification of the society based on profession.  Certain professions like in this case waiters or bartenders rely a lot on their tip for their day to day living; they yearn for those at the end of the day or month.  This tipping culture in India I feel strips the profession of the self-respect that each profession should carry.  Tipping is done more out of sympathy aka charity than it is out of delight considering tipping is applicable only in certain professions and those are not preferred work options for people.

Restaurants may argue about a mandatory service charge as they want their employees to get paid for service, of course I do not deny that  but isn’t it their job and aren’t they getting a salary to do it??? Why should a customer pay that extra 10% over host of other taxes?? If the organizations think their associates deserve more; then why not hike up the menu by 10% and distribute amongst staff as sales incentives. You wouldn’t want to leave them to the mercy of the customers, you would want to become that company that cares and respects their employees.
On the flipside, baksheesh raj also affects the levels of service; customers receive it based on their looks, the way they dress, the color of their skin and more and the hotel or restaurant associates are more likely to cling to those who are more likely to tip based on their naïve judgment and this is potentially harmful for the brand. So many restaurants where I feel foreigners get better treatment that their Indian counterparts purely based on an assumption of the former’s propensity to tip.

No job is menial and each job should be perceived with equal respect. Tipping or no there are enough divides and tipping just adds to getting a particular profession that ‘sympathetic’ angle. Pays in hospitality are low and given there is no self-respect too, not many people want to associate with it and if this persists the industry shall struggle to get skilled workforce to join then and this will take the standard of the entire industry down.

If you are an organization that wants to make a difference, then start sales incentives and have a no tipping policy. You will be the change!


 
 
 

Mumbai, India
As we peer into the Celtic twilight to figure the history of today’s whisky, we realize that it is as cloudy and misty as the Scottish highlands. The modern history of the liquid which goes back 600 years tells us that it all began in Ireland and then travelled to the Isles of Scotland and then the mainland.  The word whisky derives from the Irish ‘Uisce beatha’ or Gaelic ‘Uisge Beatha’ both meaning ‘water of life’. This World Whisky Day celebrated every year on the third Saturday of May, here are my five whisky picks you should try if you haven’t already….. Just gives us Indians another reason to drink our favorite dark spirit!
Blender’s Pride - India:
A very popular brand which uses the fashion route for surrogate advertising is a blend of Indian grain spirit and Scotch malt. Considering the molasses and ENA (Extra Neutral Alcohol) whiskies that India is infamous for, this brand does great justice and in fact is good alternative for many blended Scotch whiskies. Do not undermine it considering its measly price of Rs 1150 a bottle, try this whisky blind with your imports and you will know.  
Woodford Reserve – USA:
The bottle stands out amongst bourbon whiskies and the liquid doesn’t fail to impress.  Aged in barrels made in their own cooperage this elixir shows nuances of prunes and figs with the freshness of orange, it is well rounded but more crisp than luscious.
Wolfburn – Scotland:
This is mainland Scotland’s most northerly distillery and it is built 350m away from the ruins of a 19th century  distillery from where it gets It name; making the Wolfburn one of the youngest too. The whisky is aged in ex-Islay cask which gives the dram that smoke and the maritime character is induced by proximity to the sea, a factor often seen in highland malts by the coast.
Paul John Bold – India:
This one is making India proud. This Single Malt from Goa is available in over 20 countries and scores over 94 points in the whisky bible. At 40 ppm peat this smoky whisky is likely to impress those who love their Islay malts. It is a perfect blend for making Penicillin and sours too. It is available in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Chandigarh and now Delhi.
Chivas Regal 18 – Scotland:
‘Get me two bottles of Chivas on your way back from your trip abroad’ is a common request I am sure many of us are familiar with.  However this is for the 12 year variant, have you ever tried the 18 year old elixir??  A rich liquid reminiscent of orange peels, vanilla, sweet spice and dried stone fruits will surely get you indulging.
Whiskies or any other spirit which has taken that long to age demands our time to be enjoyed and that too very slowly.  I say a small shot of aged whisky should go for 30 minutes, sip and bask in the wooded glory for sometime before the next sip. A neat dram of whisky at around 15 degree Celsius is the perfect shot and if you think otherwise then drown it in milk, soda or whatever, you are the paying consumer and you have a choice to have it your way!