If you like tall sturdy drinks, order mugs of Aqua Hawaiian and Equatorial Cooler (both for Rs 295) at Palazzo. “Aqua Hawaiian has a soothing effect because of the mint in it. White rum, vodka and Blue Curacao blend well, making it a strong yet refreshing drink. Equatorial Cooler, on the other hand, is a must-sip at sundowner parties. Dark rum, whisky, Kaffir lime and cranberry juice go with the party mood,” says head bartender Partho Pratim Maji.

What were (l-r) Geetanjali and Davina drinking at Nocturne? Passionate Scene and Night Crawler, respectively. “Passionate Scene (Rs 225) has watermelon juice, which is an aphrodisiac and easy on the tummy. This summer cocktail has a kick, what with tequila, sugar syrup, California grapes, a dash of lemon juice and fresh mint,” says head bartender Bappa Mandal at Nocturne. “My summer drink should make me feel I am on summer vacation, it should also be colourful and garnished beautifully,” said Davina, who sipped on Night Crawler (Rs 280), a fruity drink with peach, green apples, Bacardi rum, sugar syrup and soda.

Roxy is stirring up organic cocktails this summer. Sip on Green Metaxa (Rs 600), made with organic green tea, Metaxa (a Greek liqueur), apple juice and raspberry vodka, served chilled with lots of ice cubes. Health-conscious people can sip on Embrasse-Moi (Rs 600). This has peach liqueur and Cointreau infused with green apple and topped with sparkling wine. The cocktail comes with a portion of freshly chopped watermelon and papaya soaked in champagne,” says Andrew Samling, senior bartender.

Think fresh basil, coconut milk and vodka in a martini glass filled with crushed ice. Heavenly, much? Say hello to Myx Coco Cosmo (Rs 429) at Myx. “This is an easy-to-make cocktail and during summer there is nothing like coconut. This cocktail is just right for someone who likes their drink simple,” says mixologist Imran Khan. If you want something fancy, try Tom Yum Tini (Rs 359). No, it’s got nothing to do with the soup but is a cocktail made of vodka, Thai ginger, lemon grass, Kaffir lime leaves and sparkling water.

Friends (l-r) Anindita and Arpita “love experimenting with cocktails as long as they are refreshing”. Clubbing at Tantra, they sipped on Coco Palm (made of vodka, Cointreau, fresh pineapple juice and coconut syrup muddled with brown sugar and basil leaves, Rs 750) and Blood Pheasant (a red cocktail stirred with watermelon and lime juice, vodka, mint leaves and cinnamon sticks. It comes in a chilled Martini glass, for Rs 750).

One look at Alaska at Black Lounge and your heart will sing thanda thanda cool cool. A beautiful shade of blue and a heap of ice with a cherry on top the drink mixed by  bartender Sujan Saha is a concoction of lychee juice, lime juice, vodka and a dash of Blue Curacao. The cocktail comes for Rs 250.

“You cannot have enough of watermelon and mangoes in summer! And a watermelon and mango cocktail only makes your drinking experience so much better,” says senior bartender Asif Amir at UG Reincarnated, while stirring up Watermelon Cosmopolitan (Rs 195) with watermelon, lime juice, triple sec and vodka. If you love your mother’s Aam Pora Sherbet, try Green Mango and Mint Cooler (Rs 195). It’s a yummy potion of vodka stirred with raw mango pulp, fresh mint leaves, sugar, rock salt and roasted cumin seeds.  And it will also “build your appetite”!

SPECIAL MENTION

You may have tried liquor lollies, but now it’s time for ice cream. The Factory Outlet at 22 Camac Street is serving up Whiskey Cinnamon and Honey Ice Cream, made with regular bourbon, honey, cinnamon powder, caramel syrup and double cream, all of it blended with liquid nitrogen. The best part? It’s done on your table and takes under three minutes to put together. Served with Blue Curacao and lime caviar to complement the sweetness with a sour, tangy taste. Also on the menu are Mango Mojito, Coladas and... hold your breath... Long Island Iced Tea ice cream! Or, ask for Chutney Mojitos, made with aam chutney and pudina chutney.

If you like your cocktail very sweet then, go for Summer Breezer (Rs 425) at M Bar Kitchen. It’s made from apple juice and a hearty glug of vodka. Though, if you ask head bartender Arghya Acharya there, he will prescribe you Pine Agave (Rs 425) made of tequila, pineapple juice and lemonade. “Pine Agave is special because it is one of the popular drinks in Goa and in most beach towns,” he adds.

PS: The prices mentioned are exclusive of taxes.

Text: Pramita Ghosh
Pictures: Rashbehari Das