In July this year, ITC Grand Chola, one of Chennai’s leading luxury hotels, unveiled Chotales, a collection of cocktail recipes in a book that draws a strong connection to the city’s heritage. The Cholas were among the most formidable dynasties of India and, thanks to their maritime exploits, their influence spread beyond the borders of modern India. This is similar to modern food and beverage trends that claim to have a wide reach beyond traditional boundaries. Chennai’s cocktail scene has really evolved in this decade. It’s part of a wider global trend reshaping bars and nightspots like sustainable cocktails, zero-proof cocktails and beautiful blends of classics and new-age beverages.
The city’s affluent, expats and business visitors are reshaping the cocktail landscape in the city as mixologists look to up their A-game. Many of these mixologists are also taking advantage of the region’s strong culinary heritage and relying on local ingredients to create unique drinking experiences. We take you to some of the best spots in the city for cocktails and zero-ABV beverages:
Tranquebar, ITC Grand Chola
Photo: Tranquebar, ITC Grand Chola
This cleverly named bar shares its name with the former Danish trading post of Tranquebar (Tharangambadi), about 285 km south of Chennai. It is one of two dedicated bars at ITC Grand Chola, which is also home to Cheroot, a malt and cigar lounge. The hotel launched an ambitious program to create a series of cocktails across seven different dining venues in 2023 and created a bank of 280 beverages in the process. Our favorites are the Cholatales which the hotel likes to call Tamarind Town beverages which include the Puli (tequila with tamarind and jaggery), the perfect thirst quencher for Chennai, and the Chukku Kaapi which is filter coffee with cognac, dry ginger and green But there’s a clever spin. Cardamom in the mixture.
Where: ITC Grand Chola, Mount Road, Guindy.
Also read: Get into weekend relaxation mode with these 5 creamy and smooth cocktail recipes
The Leather Bark, The Park Chennai
Photo: The Leather Bark, The Park Chennai
Leather Bark is one of the most sophisticated techno lounge bars in the city. The interiors reflect the region’s strong association with leather products. The bar’s new cocktail menu takes inspiration from the cultural threads of the city and the flavors of the seasons. There’s Mami’s Martini which combines the city’s favorite brew (filter coffee) with Irish whiskey and coffee liqueur and the Full Bloom, a delicate floral cocktail that reflects the bouquets of the city’s famous Koyambedu flower market. The diverse beverage selection is complemented by bar bites that effortlessly blend traditional techniques and flavors with a contemporary touch.
Where: The Park Chennai, Anna Salai
Lady Connemara Bar & Lounge at Taj Connemara
Photo: Lady Connemara Bar & Lounge at Taj Connemara
Located in one of the oldest luxury hotels in South India (built in 1854) and an integral part of colonial Madras, the bar is named after Lady Connemara, wife of the then Governor of Madras. One of the bar’s signature cocktails – the Madras No: 1, pays homage to the city’s first licensed bar, which first opened as ‘The Cocktail Bar’, signifying that the city’s love for iced cocktails has lasted forever. Kind of not a modern trend. Regulars also recommend the 1891 which is built in memory of Lady Connemara who spent a year at the hotel.
Where: Taj Connemara, Binny Road.
Pandan Club
Photo: Pandan Club
India’s first Peranakan cuisine restaurant and bar, Pandan Club, has won awards for its cocktail program. Pandan Club launches 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. These cocktails are not only great for the ‘gram but they also have a delicious twist. One of our favorites is the Serangoon Smith which recreates the hustle and bustle of Serangoon Road in Singapore with notes like lemongrass and gula melaka.
Where: Bajullah Road, T Nagar
sunday chennai
Photo:Sunday Chennai
It may be positioned as ‘The Everyday Getaway’, but a Sunday afternoon at one of Chennai’s most popular cocktail bars has a different ambiance. That’s why this casual bar, located in the heart of one of the quintessential residential areas of Chennai, attracts many footfalls during the day. It’s a perfect Thursday or Friday afternoon when you’re already craving the weekend. A wide range of cocktails and a mix of Indian and international plates are offered on Sundays.
Where: D Block, Anna Nagar (East)
Coex, Novotel Chennai Chamiers Road
Photo: Quoex, Novotel Chennai Chamiers Road
KooX has remained one of Chennai’s hip rooftop Asian dining destinations and high-energy weekend hangouts since its launch in 2019. The charming décor and panoramic views complement the KooX experience. KooX recently launched Koi Aur Khao, a menu that blends the rich flavors of Thai cuisine with the delicate artistry of Japanese cuisine. The menu also has room for cocktails like the Nitro Thai Basil Fizz which includes ingredients like Thai basil bush, furthering its reputation as one of the city’s favorite cocktail spots.
Where: Novotel Chennai Chamiers Road
Also read: 5 Tips for Making the Perfect Espresso Martini at Home
velvet rabbit
Photo: Velveteen Rabbit
The Velveteen Rabbit takes its name from the novel of the same name by Margery Williams. A popular destination for a casual night out with good food, friends, drinks and conversation. The bar is spread over multiple levels with refreshed interiors and a brand new menu. It’s the Velveteen Rabbit’s cocktail menu that features both classic and contemporary artisan cocktails that are a big draw among its regulars.
Where: 2nd Main Road, RA Puram
nosi adante
One of Chennai’s newest hotspots, Nosy Adante is conveniently located in one of the city’s popular retail and entertainment destinations – Express Avenue (EA) Mall. This nightspot is designed to transform from a fine dining space to a party zone as the night progresses. Nosi is Japanese for afterlife while adante (in Italian) refers to playing an instrument slowly. The menu is a mix of international plates, while the cocktail program is quite bold with a mix of local flavors and international influences.
Where: EA Mall, Royapettah
