Bengaluru has established itself as India’s leading cocktail city after a dominant performance at the 30BestBarsIndia 2025 awards. The results, announced in Goa, left no room for doubt, Bengaluru is no longer
an emerging destination for cocktails, it is now the benchmark.
Once known mainly for pub culture and craft beer, Bengaluru’s bar scene has now shifted towards cocktails, and the city is being seen as a key influencer in India’s modern drinking landscape.
The city’s rise reflects a combination of talent, training and design. Bartending is increasingly being treated as a professional career, with structured training programs that focus on technique, flavour and hospitality. This has created clearer pathways for growth and encouraged greater diversity within the industry, including more women entering the profession.
Bar Spirit Forward, Bengaluru
Soka, Bengaluru
Bar Outrigger, Goa
Boilermaker, Goa
Lair, New Delhi
Hideaway, Goa
ZLB23, The Leela Palace, Bengaluru
Sidecar, New Delhi
Dali & Gala, Bengaluru
Americano, Mumbai
PCO, New Delhi
Hoots’, New Delhi
AM PM, Kolkata
Muro, Bengaluru
Nutcase Etc., Kolkata
The Library Bar, The Leela Palace, New Delhi
Bandra Born, Mumbai
HOME, New Delhi
Cobbler & Crew, Pune
Slow Tide, Goa
Comorin, Gurgaon
Bar Kin-Rü, Hyderabad
Japonico, Gurgaon
Lair Gurgaon, Gurgaon
Native Cocktail Room, Jaipur
Conversation Room, Kolkata
Papa’s, Mumbai
The Bombay Canteen, Mumbai
Copitas, Four Seasons Hotel, Bengaluru
Bengaluru emerged as the leading city in the 30BestBarsIndia 2025 awards, with Bar Spirit Forward named India’s Best Bar and SOKA taking second place. Six Bengaluru bars featured in the Top 30 list, including four in the Top 10. Wine in Progress won Best Independent Wine Bar, Muro was awarded Best Restaurant Bar, and ZLB23 at The Leela Palace retained the title of Best Hotel Bar. Ajay Gowda received the Industry Icon Award for his role in shaping the city’s modern drinking culture through venues such as Byg Brewski, Bob’s Bar and Yaakay.
Design is also becoming more central to Bengaluru’s bar culture, with venues increasingly prioritising atmosphere and storytelling. Many bars now favour smaller, curated spaces that focus on guest interaction, while lighting and layout are used to enhance the overall experience.
Although people are drinking less but choosing more higher-quality drinks, with many seeking balance and consistency over strength. This has influenced menus to become more creative yet repeatable, making cocktails more approachable.
