In July this year, ITC Grand Chola, one of Chennai’s premier luxury hotels, unveiled Cholatails, a collection of cocktail recipes in a book that forges a strong connection with the city’s heritage. The Cholas were one of India’s most formidable dynasties and their influence spread far beyond the borders of modern India due to their maritime exploits. It’s the same for modern food and drink trends that boast a wider reach beyond traditional boundaries. Chennai’s cocktail scene has really grown this decade. It is part of a wider global trend that has seen trends like sustainable cocktails, zero-proof cocktails and a beautiful medley of classic and new-age drinks reshape bars and nightspots.
The beautiful city, expats and business visitors are reshaping the city’s cocktail landscape as mixologists find their A-game. Many of these mixologists are also tapping into the region’s strong culinary heritage and using local ingredients to create unique drinking experiences. We take you through some of the city’s best spots for cocktails and zero-ABV drinks:
Tranquebar, ITC Grand Chola
Photo: Tranquebar, ITC Grand Chola
This cleverly named bar resembles the erstwhile Danish trading post in Tranquebar (Tharangambdi) about 285 km south of Chennai. It is one of two specialty bars at ITC Grand Chola which is also home to Cheroot, a malt and cigar lounge. The hotel is embarking on an ambitious program to create a variety of cocktails in seven dining venues by 2023 and bankroll 280 drinks in the process. Our favorites are the Cholatails which the hotel likes to call drinks from Tamarind Town which include Puli (Tequila with tamarind and jaggery), the perfect thirst quencher for Chennai and Chukku Kaapi which cleverly plays filter coffee with Cognac, dry ginger and green. cardamom in the mixture.
Where: ITC Grand Chola, Gunung Road, Guindy.
See also:Slip into Weekend Relaxation Mode With These 5 Creamy and Smooth Cocktail Recipes
Skin Leather, Chennai Park
Photo: The Leather Bark, The Park Chennai
The Leather Bark remains one of the city’s most sophisticated techno lounge bars. The interior pays homage to the region’s strong relationship with leather products. The bar’s new cocktail menu finds inspiration from the city’s cultural threads as well as the flavors of the season. There’s Maami’s Martini which combines the city’s favorite (filter coffee) with Irish whiskey and coffee liqueur and the Full Bloom, a delicate floral cocktail that takes its bouquet from the city’s famous Koyambedu flower market. A diverse selection of beverages is complemented by bar bites that combine traditional techniques and flavors with a contemporary touch.
Where: The Park Chennai, Anna Salai
Lady Connemara Bar and Lounge at Taj Connemara
Photo: Lady Connemara Bar and Lounge at Taj Connemara
Housed in one of the oldest luxury hotels in South India (dating back to 1854) and an integral part of Colonial Madras, this bar takes its name from Lady Connemara, wife of the Governor of Madras. One of the bar’s signature cocktails – Madras no: 1, paying tribute to the city’s first licensed bar which was first opened as ‘The Cocktail Bar’ suggests that the city’s love for ice cocktails is not entirely modern style. Regulars also recommend the 1891 made in memory of Lady Connemara who spent a year at the hotel.
Where: Taj Connemara, Binny Road.
Panda Club
Photo: Pandan Club
India’s first Peranakan cuisine restaurant and bar, Pandan Club has won awards for its cocktail program. Pandan Club embarks on a unique journey – ‘Shortest Route’, a cocktail book that creates a connection between the high energy vibe of the streets of Singapore and the rich culture of Chennai. This cocktail is not only good for the ‘gram but also has a delicious taste. One of our picks is Serangoon Smith which recreates the buzz of Serangoon Road in Singapore with notes like Lemongrass & Gula Melaka.
Where: Bazullah Road, T Nagar
Sunday Chennai
Photo: Sundays Chennai
It may be positioned as ‘The Everyday Getaway’ but there is a distinct Sunday evening vibe about one of Chennai’s most popular cocktail bars. This is one of the reasons why this laid-back bar located in the heart of one of Chennai’s classic residential pockets attracts a large number of visitors during the day. It’s the perfect getaway on a Thursday or Friday afternoon when you’re craving the weekend. Sunday offers a variety of cocktails and a mix of Indian and international dishes.
Location: Block D, Anna Nagar (East)
KooX, Novotel Chennai Chamiers Road
Photo: KooX, Novotel Chennai Chamiers Road
KooX remains one of Chennai’s premier rooftop Asian dining destinations and high-energy weekend hangouts since its launch in 2019. Edgy decor and panoramic views complement the KooX experience. KooX recently launched Koi and Khao, a menu that combines the rich flavors of Thai cuisine with the delicate art of Japanese cuisine. The menu also has room for cocktails like the Nitro Thai Basil Fizz that combines ingredients like Thai basil, adding to its reputation as one of the city’s favorite cocktail spots.
Where: Novotel Chennai Chamiers Road
See also:5 Tips To Make The Perfect Espresso Martini At Home
Velveteen Rabbit
Photo: The Velveteen Rabbit
The Velveteen Rabbit takes its name from Margery Williams’ novel of the same name. A popular destination for a relaxed night with good food, friends, drinks and conversation. The bar is spread over several levels with a fresh interior and a new menu. It’s the Velveteen Rabbit cocktail featuring classic and contemporary artisanal cocktails that captivate guests.
Location: 2nd Main Rd, RA Puram
Noci Adante
One of Chennai’s newest hotspots, Noci Adante is located in one of the city’s popular retail and entertainment destinations – Express Avenue (EA) Mall. This nightspot is designed to morph from a fine dining room to a party zone as the night progresses. Noci is Japanese for way of life, while Adante (in Italian) means playing the instrument slowly. The menu is a mish-mash of international dishes while the cocktail program is quite bold with a mix of local flavors and international influences.
Where: EA Mall, Royapettah
