Last Updated:May 12, 2025, 18:23 IST
Across India’s luxury hospitality landscape, bartenders are turning to age-old spice traditions as muse and material, transforming ancient ingredients into contemporary sips
In frame: Chingari, Sheraton Grand Pune Bund Garden Hotel; Riwaz, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore; and Loya, Taj West End, Bengaluru
India’s spice heritage is as rich and layered as its culinary landscape. For centuries, spices have been the soul of Indian kitchens, adding warmth, depth, and a touch of nostalgia to every dish. But today, these very spices are finding a new expression—not on a plate, but in a glass. From cardamom-infused Old Fashioneds to chili-spiked margaritas, Indian hotels and restaurants are crafting cocktails that are as bold and complex as the spice trails that once shaped our history.
Across India’s luxury hospitality landscape, bartenders are turning to age-old spice traditions as muse and material, transforming ancient ingredients into contemporary sips that tell stories, stir emotions, and honour heritage.
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At Loya, Taj West End, Bengaluru, the cocktail menu is a canvas where India’s spice tales are painted with modern flair. “India’s spice heritage is like an endless library of flavours, each with its own tale of warmth, depth, and nostalgia,” says Deewakar Mehra, Head Mixologist, Loya. “Each cocktail is a story steeped in reminiscence and reimagined through the lens of modern mixology.”
One of their signatures, the house Old Fashioned, brings the earthy warmth of cinnamon to the forefront—evoking memories of spices slow-cooked over open flames. The Paloma surprises with zesty green peppercorns, while even the Classic Mule is elevated with the fiery intensity of fresh ginger, reminiscent of roadside tea stalls in the Indian hills. “It’s not just about creating libations, it’s about capturing the essence of India’s spice tradition, bottling that complexity, and delivering it in every pour,” Mehra adds.
In Pune, the tale continues at Chingari, Sheraton Grand Pune Bund Garden Hotel, where the legacy of Awadhi culinary heritage inspires both cuisine and cocktails. “Awadh, a land where spice trails and royal kitchens have long defined the essence of hospitality, is the heart of our culinary heritage,” explains Hira, Bar Manager, Chingari. “Take our Rum Rhapsody—it is far more than a cocktail; it is a sensory experience.”
Infused with dark rum and tangy mango purée, the Rum Rhapsody is enlivened by cinnamon, cardamom, and a touch of ginger. “These spices don’t just flavor the drink; they evoke memories of familial kitchens, of spices gently roasted, their fragrances mingling with the whispers of time,” Hira elaborates. Paired with their kebabs and biryanis, these cocktails offer a multi-sensory deep dive into tradition and taste. “Every cocktail here is an invitation to journey through time, blending the richness of tradition with the creativity of modern mixology,” he notes.
Meanwhile, at Riwaz, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, innovation meets authenticity in every glass. “From the ancient spice routes of Kerala to the royal kitchens of Lucknow, India’s spice tradition has been our cultural treasure for thousands of years,” says Nitin Goyal, Bar Manager, Riwaz. “What we are crafting is more than a beverage—it’s a sensory journey.”
Their Indian Picante exemplifies this approach: a reimagined classic where roasted green bell peppers replace jalapeños, adding smoky depth, while a splash of saunth chutney lends earthy warmth and vibrant tang. “These ingredients that once drove global exploration now inspire our mixology,” Goyal explains. “Each cocktail becomes a medium through which guests can experience the authentic taste of Indian flavours—bold, nuanced, and profoundly connected to our cultural identity.”
As India’s spice legacy finds new expression in its most luxurious bars, one thing is clear: the future of Indian mixology is rooted in its past. Through inventive cocktails and evocative storytelling, today’s bartenders are bottling centuries of culinary culture—one aromatic sip at a time.
Location : First Published:News lifestyle Tales of Turmeric and Tequila: The Rise of Spice-Infused Cocktails in India