The Rise of Culinary Cocktails in India
Cocktails in India are stepping out of the world of spectacle and gimmicks, and leaning into ingredient-led creations inspired by the kitchen. From pickles and spices to seafood and infusions, bartenders are crafting drinks that invite curiosity, depth, and sensory exploration. Leading bars across India are embracing unconventional ingredients to create complex drinks that pair texture with taste.
The growing culture of culinary cocktails is reflected in Miss Margot’s menu, where carefully selected ingredients are paired with nuanced spirits to create bold yet sophisticated flavors. This philosophy is embodied in the bar program, shaped by the vision of Partner Dimitri, a.k.a. Dimi Lezinska, a globally recognized figure in the world of spirits. With a career spanning some of the world’s most iconic bars, prestigious international events, and consulting roles for leading global liquor brands, Dimi brings a philosophy rooted in balance, restraint, substance driven approach and thoughtful composition, ensuring every cocktail speaks clearly and deliberately while honoring its ingredients.
Highlights from the menu include, Inquisitive Cat exemplify this approach by blending coastal flavors with prawn-infused Aperol and prawn pickle add savory depth and umami complexity to Jose Cuervo Reposado Tequila, while citrus and blood orange kombucha brighten the palate. Prestige Protocol uses caper and basil-infused vermouth alongside morel mushroom tincture to introduce earthy, herbaceous notes that complement the clean botanicals of Stranger & Sons gin. With The Coral Gibson, radish pickle and crab add briny freshness and texture to the classic gin-vermouth base. Life After the Picante reinterprets bold, spicy flavors, red bell pepper and chili tincture bring warmth and intrigue, balanced by Aperol’s bittersweet character and cherry liqueur’s fruit-forward notes. Finally, The Wanderlust’s Old Fashioned draws from rustic pantry ingredients like barley and saffron, combining them with aromatic bitters and Otherside Whiskey to deliver a warm, spice-laden complexity.
This trend reflects a larger evolution in the bar and hospitality industry, ingredient-forward cocktails are becoming a hallmark of premium bar programs, as bartenders experiment with kitchen-inspired flavors, textures, and techniques to create more thoughtful and memorable experiences. By embracing this method, Miss Margot is helping set the standard for how modern bars are redefining craft, taste, and experience in India’s evolving nightlife scene.
