Here’s Where to Go and How to Behave At Some of Asia’s Best Bars In India

Every time you think about heading to a new, hyped-up bar, there’s that nagging question: Will the drinks actually be good? Or will you just end up with a disappointing cocktail, a dent in your wallet, and a next-morning headache wondering why you even bothered—especially when your own personal bar cart is sitting quietly in the next room, feeling a little betrayed?

But there are times when the stakes are different. When the places being recommended come not from Instagram reels or overhyped bars that no longer hold the charm they once used to, but from the world’s most respected beverage minds—bartenders, critics, and connoisseurs who know the craft inside out. That’s when it’s worth listening!

So if you're looking for places that go beyond gimmicks... spots where the drinks are built with intention, precision, and a little magic—start with the ones that made it onto Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025. This year, five Indian bars made the top 50, and four more landed on the extended list.

They’re spread across New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Goa, and each one tells a different story about where India’s drinking culture is heading.

Here are the names worth knowing and of course, worth visiting:

Lair, New Delhi (No. 8 and Best Bar in India)

New Delhi’s Lair made a bold entrance, debuting at No. 8 and taking home the title of Best Bar in India on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 list. Known for its moody interiors and unapologetically edgy cocktails, Lair blends Indian ingredients with high-concept technique and a punk-rock attitude. A serious newcomer with serious bite.

Soka, Bengaluru (No. 28)

Kyoto meets Karnataka at Soka, a serene, minimalist cocktail bar that made a strong debut at No. 28. Think omakase-style service, clean design, and drinks that balance restraint with creativity. It’s a quiet storm and one of Bengaluru’s most refined offerings yet.

Boilermaker, Goa (No. 30)

Goa’s Boilermaker brings a fun, unfussy vibe to the list, landing at No. 30 with cocktails that lean into tropical flair and coastal ingredients. With bold flavours and a bar team that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this one's all about good times with great technique.

ZLB23, Bengaluru (No. 31)

This speakeasy inside The Leela Palace Bengaluru returns to the list at No. 31. ZLB23 continues to charm with its art deco glamour, layered cocktails, and sense of mystery. It’s a love letter to classic mixology with a modern Indian soul. The bar in Bengaluru was titled best in 2024 on the list.

Bar Spirit Forward, Bengaluru (No. 37)

Rounding out India’s top 50 showing is Bar Spirit Forward, also in Bengaluru. As the name suggests, it’s all about bold flavours and booze-forward profiles that are paired with serious craftsmanship and no shortcuts.

Moreover, not only did India shine in the top 5, four more bars made their mark in the extended 51–100 list, a strong signal that the country’s cocktail culture is broad, diverse, and gaining serious international momentum.

From industry mainstays to new cult favourites, here’s who else made the cut including The Bombay Canteen, Bar Outriggers in Goa, Sidecar New Delhi and Hideaway in Goa.

While these bars are shaking up Asia’s drinking scene, the experience isn’t just about the drinks. It’s also about how you show up, what you notice, how you order, and yes, how you behave at the bar. Because if you’re stepping into one of Asia’s best, it pays to know a few unspoken rules.

The Unofficial Rules: Dos and Don’ts at the Bar

The unofficial rules are simple and totally fall under the "commonsense hat", but it is always better to know them than embarrass yourself and regret it later.

DO know what kind of bar you’re in.

There’s a time and place for tequila shots but maybe not in a bar known for spirit-led cocktails that took weeks to clarify. If the place takes its craft seriously, meet it halfway.

DON’T ask for something “strong.”
This isn’t college. A good cocktail is strong because it’s balanced not because it’s pure booze. Let the bartenders do their job; that’s why you’re here.

DO talk to your bartender.
You’re not interrupting—they usually want to chat, especially if you're genuinely curious. Ask them what they’re excited about on the menu. You might end up with something off-menu, and unforgettable.

DON’T snap, wave, or yell across the counter.
It’s not a fish market. Make eye contact, wait your turn, and show basic respect. Especially in high-volume bars, this goes a long way.

DO tip—and tip well.
We’re still figuring out formal tipping culture in India, but rounding up or slipping a little extra for great service? Always appreciated. Especially at spots that don’t charge service tax.

DON’T treat the bar like a content farm.
Take your pictures, post your Story but don’t spend 15 minutes shooting a cocktail that’s melting under your ring light. These drinks were designed to be sipped, not staged.