Music in a glass: Delhi bar channels jazz, opera and rock into cocktails

Delhi’s drinking scene is hip and happening, with bartenders going bold, artistic, and innovative.

There are places where you can eat your cocktail (I mean, not literally!), and then there are those inspired by Japanese-style love hotels, thus serving kinks on the menu.

In line with this is HOME, a luxury lounge from PVR INOX, whose new music-inspired beverage menu, HARMONY, serves symphony in a glass.

The twelve drinks on the menu are each inspired from a different music era.

From hip-hop and jazz to rap and rock & roll, the menu has something for every taste. 

Inspired by the clarity, balance, and formal structure of classical music is 'Not A Rocket Science', made with macerated rum, Makrut lime leaf, and Timur Berry cordial.

Then there is the 'Mamma Mia', “which is inspired by the Romantic Era in American music, which also saw the rise of American bars”, explains Santanu Chanda, the award-winning mixologist and group beverage manager, about the drink that is made with vodka, amla brine, and cherry liqueur.

Another notable one sees the energy and rebellion of rock and roll represented by 'Elvis Presley Who', an era which also saw bartenders whipping exotic cocktails. This one is made with tequila, tangerine, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, lime, tomato foam, and parsley.

Another interesting drink on the menu is 'Analog Affair', that’s “breakfast in a drink,” says Chanda.

“It’s inspired by the hip-hop era, which also saw bartenders experimenting with unusual ingredients such as those found in the fridge. This one comes with whiskey, peanut butter, mixed jam, and cacao vermouth."

Speaking on the inspiration behind the menu, the award-winning mixologist says: “All different music eras have a different significance when it comes to spirits. During some era, tequila was shining, in another gin. Many artists were also associated with these.”

On the experiments happening in the Indian drinks space, he says that it is a “fantastic time” for the industry, as it is “no longer only restricted to Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru".

Lifestyle