Zero-proof drinks, cocktails with stories: Socialising over a drink got a whole new vibe

There is a different kind of buzz at the chic bars and lounges in our cities. And it has a lot to do with the way discerning consumers are engaging with the beverage of their choice on a night out. No longer is it as simple as ordering your ‘usual’ or ‘on the rocks.’ But the bar has been raised with conversations and experiences crafted around your drink of choice - it’s exciting as it is decidedly desi in its timbre. We spoke to stakeholders in the F&B industry to get you a taste of the change that’s pouring.Craft cocktails as conversation startersMove over Patiala pegs, enter craft cocktails blended with bitters, herbs, fruits and spices. As socialising over a drink takes on a more sophisticated turn, consumers are looking for more instagrammable options and conversation starters. “Crafted cocktails are an ice breaker as the look, feel, taste and aroma play a major role in enhancing the experience. Drinks are to be enjoyed socially rather than just getting drunk. Though it will still take some time for India to come about for the same but the change of good to see for sure,” said Viju Raj, mixologist.Gender no barMixologist Shatbhi Basu says more women socialising with their female friends is a welcome change. “I’m not sure they’re drinking more, they are definitely socialising more and drinking better,” she says. Mixologist Zac Abbott agrees: “I am against using gender terms in the way of drinks, Like ‘girly drinks’. There is nothing wrong with a lady sitting at a bar drinking a single malt or Mike Tyson drinking a Cosmo.”Indian botanicals: the flavourful game-changerThere has been a surge of interest in all things desi – and Indian botanicals from the bugiyals of the North to the spice gardens of the South – have been a game changer. Everything from turmeric, holy basil, fennel, to coriander, Himalayan juniper, pine cones, lemongrass and butterfly pea flower, distillers are exploring a mind boggling array of botanicals to give the beverages a unique touch. Recently, an ingenious distiller bottled the super abundant rain water at Cherrapunji and infused it with herbs and spices from the forests of the North-east.Bar takeovers, pop-ups, interactive experiencesCreating an immersive experience with food paired with exlcusive spirits, creative concoctions at bar takeovers & pop-ups are all the rage with connoisseurs. Culinary experience curator Argha Sen for instance, has curated dining experiences for evolved diners, pairing Himalayan gin with Himalayan cuisine, Japanese style cocktails with Japanese-Peruvian cuisine. “There is a growing demand from hotels and upscale restaurants for such curated evenings,” he says. Zero-proof drinks - millennials’ choiceThe market for zero-proof or non-alcoholic beverages has been steadily growing post Covid. Be it chilling at home with friends or simply pairing an elderflower tonic with your canapes at a sundowner, ready-to-drink mixers or powders added to water or soda are great with or without the alcohol. Non-alcoholic beers and wines have been embraced by millennials too. Shatbhi added, “The alcohol free market is growing. People must be given a choice in what they consume and especially in the non-alcoholic space. This change is here to stay.”