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Fruity spirits

IF fruity cocktails are your go-to, order Sin-A-Gin, easy-drinking mix of gin, peach syrup, apple juice and lime. The addition of cinnamon syrup adds warmth without taking away from the fresh fruit flavours.
At Blabber All Day, Ekta Bhoomi Gardens III, Food Corporation of India Warehouse, Borivli East. 
Call 8875409409 
Cost Rs 495

Apple fever

Pic courtesy/Le Café

Built around Jaisalmer Gin and apple cordial, Apple Made Me Do It! layers vanilla, all-spice, mint oil and a touch of absinthe. The flavours are balanced, aromatic and gently sweet. Think Appy Fizz with a side of vanilla
At Le Café, near Natraj Cinema, Chembur Gaothan, Chembur. 
Call 67099977 
Cost Rs 400

The classics

Pic Courtesy/ 8ish

One of the world’s most-loved gin cocktails, the Bramble combines dry gin, lemon juice and crème de mûre over crushed ice. Simple, timeless and perfect for purists.
At 8ish, Ground Floor, Express Towers, next to HDFC Bank, Nariman Point. 
Call 9457118888 
Cost Rs 700

Mogra muse

Pic Courtesy/Slink & Bardot

Inspired by Mumbai’s enduring love for jasmine, JAS-be-MINE combines elderflower, blue pea and house-made jasmine seltzer.
At Slink & Bardot, Thadani House, Opposite Indian Coast Guard Worli Village. 
Call 9326965643 
Cost Rs 900

G&T reimagined

A brighter take on the classic gin and tonic, Gin Passionate combines passion fruit with citrus for a sweet-tart profile that’s easy to sip on a warm evening. One can never go wrong with a classic Gin and Tonic.
At Spotlight Skydeck, Centrum IT Park, Wagle Industrial Estate, Thane. 
Call 7304682281 
Cost Rs 450

Seoulful pour

Pic Courtesy/Harajuku Tokyo Cafe

Gin meets soju in this East Asian-inspired serve that balances botanical flavours with a clean, smooth finish. Soju Na Matata blends botanical depths of gin with a smooth, clean and Korean-style spirit with a little bit of an orange-y taste
At Harajuku Tokyo Cafe, Jio World Drive, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East. 
Call 9818937832 
Cost Rs 750

Gin and shrubs, please

Pic Courtesy/Late Checkout 

A little sweet, a little savoury and packed with character, Main Character Energy combines umeshu, (a traditional Japanese liqueur made by steeping unripe, green Ume fruits) nori-ginger shrub, and tonic water. The dehydrated gari garnish ties everything together beautifully.
At Late Checkout, Mathuradas Mill Compound, Sitaram Jadhav Marg, Lower Parel.
Call 9833443430 
Cost Rs 1000

Punchy combination

True to its name, Punchline Paradise packs plenty into a single glass. Tropical gin, five fruits and clarified milky oolong tea create a complex yet approachable drink with a subtle celery finish to combine the drink well
At Punchline, Ground Floor, Geliki Building, ONGC Colony, Reclamation, Bandra West.
Call 8591186885 
Cost Rs 800

Floral affair

Pic Courtesy/Flint

For someone who loves a classic cocktail, check out this contemporary spin on the Negroni. Strawberry Chamomile Negroni softens the classic’s bitterness with fresh strawberries and chamomile-infused gin. The result? It is elegant, floral and pleasantly rounded. 
At Flint, Ground Floor, Gate, NCPA Marg, Nariman Point. 
Call 8828868555 
Cost Rs 895

Bloom in a glass

Pic Courtesy/Torii

perfect for a garden picnic, fresh blueberries lend sweetness while rosemary brings an earthy lift to this vibrant gin cocktail. Tokyo Rose is light, fragrant and ideal for those who prefer their drinks on the refreshing side.
At Torii, Pali Hill Road, Union Park, Khar West. 
Call 9833373888 
Cost Rs 800

Refresher course

Pic courtesy/The dimsum room

Yuzu Spritz serves layers of plum liqueur and floral aperitif with a scoop of Yuzu sorbet. The result? A crisp, citrus-forward and wonderfully refreshing. With flavor of lemon, lime, and grapefruit, it brings a floral, pungent tartness this drink will give you a citrusy update.
At The Dimsum Room, 3rd floor, Building 30, K Dubash Marg, Kala Ghoda, Fort. 
Call 9867711017 
Cost Rs 850

Desi twist

Pic Courtesy/HYLO

A clever blend of vermouth, melon cordial and Pippali pepper (Indian long pepper) Musketeer is topped with lassi foam and finished with chaat masala. Familiar Indian flavours meet modern mixology in a chatpata way.
At HyLo, 2nd Floor, Building 30, K Dubash Marg, Kala Ghoda, Fort. 
Call 9004191901 
Cost Rs 850

Party checklist

. Use fresh citrus: Freshly squeezed lime juice will always taste brighter than bottled alternatives. 
. Don’t skimp on ice: Large, solid ice cubes keep cocktails colder for longer.
. Add a pinch of salt: A tiny pinch can soften bitterness and make citrus notes pop.
. Match your mixer: Pair floral gins with elderflower tonic and juniper-forward styles with a classic Indian tonic.
. Choose the right gin: Robust London Dry gins suit classics like Martinis and Negronis, while lighter botanical gins shine in refreshing serves.
. Be gentle with herbs: Lightly bruise herbs rather than crushing them to avoid bitter, grassy flavours. 

Information courtesy Salonee Lopes, mixologist

Salonee Lopes

DIY: Lavender Lemon Fizz

Ingredients
. 50ml gin 
. 20ml fresh lemon juice 
. 15ml lavender syrup 
. Soda water 
. Lavender sprig or lemon twist, to garnish

Method
Shake the gin, lemon juice, and lavender syrup with ice. Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice, top with soda water, and garnish with a lavender sprig or lemon twist.