Five Indian Bars Shine in Asia’s 50 Best of 2025: A Mixology Milestone?

Speedy Summary

• asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 List: Five Indian bars made the cut, with New Delhi’s lair ranking at number 8.
• Ranking of Indian Bars:

– Top 50:
– Lair (New Delhi) – #8
– Soka (Bengaluru) – #28
– Boilermaker (goa) – #30
– ZLB23 (Bengaluru) – #31
– Bar Spirit Forward (Bengaluru) – #37
– long List:
– Sidecar (New Delhi) – #62
– The Bombay Canteen (Mumbai) – #69
– Hideaway (Goa) – #94

• Highlights of Winning Entries:

Lair in New Delhi combines inventive cocktails with minimalist Brutalist interiors; known for its local ingredient-focused experimental menu.
Goa’s Boilermaker champions a laid-back atmosphere and celebrates the classic shot-and-beer combo alongside Goan-inspired drinks and food. Bengaluru’s ZLB23 merges Prohibition-era cocktail techniques with regional ingredients like bhajji chili and tender coconut water. It emphasizes storytelling and an immersive guest experience.
Bar Spirit Forward in Bengaluru focuses on craft cocktails featuring clarity,context,and strong bartender leadership.
* Soka in Bengaluru ties nostalgia into cocktail making by blending old city influences with modern elements.

Indian opinion Analysis

India’s strong presence in the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Bars list signals its growing importance as a global player in mixology and bar innovation. The use of local ingredients across all featured establishments showcases India’s ability to incorporate heritage into international trends while maintaining authenticity. This spotlight also aligns well with India’s expanding culinary tourism sector-a factor that coudl drive economic benefits as travelers explore these uniquely positioned bars.

Moreover, cities like Bengaluru are emerging as cultural hubs for experimental mixology programs, offering diverse experiences reflective of India’s evolving pub culture. The success stories underline industry veteran-led initiatives emphasizing creativity paired with hospitality-elements vital to strengthening long-term sustainability within this sector.

India’s recognition internationally could inspire further investment from domestic entrepreneurs aiming to develop bartender-led bars akin to global hotbeds such as Singapore or London, fostering more innovation locally while elevating India’s stature on the global gastronomy map.

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