The Modern Man’s Guide to Drinking Well
A guide to cocktail etiquette and drinking with confidence.
The year was 2016, and I was standing at the counter of what was then one of Delhi's most underground bars—Public Affair. The bartender, with sleeve tattoos and a meticulously waxed mustache, placed before me something that looked less like a cocktail and more like a science experiment. A prohibition-era drink with gin, dry vermouth, and bitters. It had spice, it had depth. It was ridiculously expensive. It was transformative.
Nine years later, I've watched India's drinking landscape undergo a revolution that would make even the British Empire's gin obsession look tame by comparison. We've leapfrogged from sticky-floored dives with two-for-one beer specials to establishments where bartenders discuss Himalayan botanicals with reverence.
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While our fathers and grandfathers ordered with an unpretentious directness that reflected a simpler relationship with alcohol, today, drinking involves navigating complex cocktail menus, unfamiliar ingredients, and bartenders who take themselves seriously. The glass in your hand is no longer just a vessel for alcohol—it's a statement of intent.
But this transformation isn't just about better cocktails. It's about knowing how to drink, what to drink, and where to drink. Gone are the days of deafening nightclubs and fluorescent vodka shots. The modern man drinks with intention—his choice of gin says as much about him as his choice of sneakers, and the right speakeasy feels like a secret society worth belonging to.
What follows is neither a beginner's guide nor a pretentious sermon. It's a guide to navigating the world of craft cocktails and hidden bars with confidence, sophistication, and just the right amount of mystery.
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It's field notes from the frontlines of a cultural transformation where the modern drinker has evolved beyond both the furtive whisky-gulper of previous generations and the Instagram-baiting trend-chaser of five years ago.
Speakeasies Are Forever. Loud Clubs Are Dead.
The bar scene, like fashion, is cyclical. A decade ago, bottle-service nightclubs and neon-lit lounges ruled the scene. They were accessible, they were loud, and frankly, we didn't know any better. Then came the speakeasies—intimate, atmospheric, and designed for those who appreciate a drink as experience rather than an excuse.
These hidden bars have endured for a reason. They aren't just places to drink; they're escapes from the noise—both literal and metaphorical. No deafening bass, no sloppy crowds, no vodka-cranberries served in plastic cups. Instead, a well-crafted cocktail, a bartender who knows their craft, and a setting where conversations actually matter.
Hidden entrances, reservation-only policies, and deliberate design choices create an atmosphere of discovery, but the best speakeasies focus on substance: exceptional drinks, knowledgeable staff, and ambiance that invites you to linger.
In Goa, Joseph Bar operates inside what looks like a simple Portuguese home—you'd walk past it without a second glance unless you knew the unmarked wooden door concealed one of India's finest cocktail collections. Their house specialty, a feni-based concoction aged in clay pots and finished with kokum, connects traditional Goan ingredients with modern techniques. The theatrics are minimal; the flavours are profound.
In Delhi, PCO pioneered India's speakeasy movement with its password-protected entry and prohibition-era aesthetics. A decade later, it still delivers experiences that balance nostalgia with innovation.
Speakeasies are not a trend, but a return to what drinking was always meant to be: intentional, intimate, and elegant.
How to Order Like You Belong
Walking into a bar and ordering a drink should be second nature, not a performance. Yet, many men falter, unsure of what to say, what to pick, how to appear effortless. The key is simplicity and confidence.
Know Your Classics: A Negroni, a Whisky Sour, an Old Fashioned. Master these, and you will never be out of place.
Speak the Language: "I'll have a Negroni" sounds infinitely better than "Can you make me something sweet but strong?" Precision matters.
Don’t Fear the Bartender: They are not there to judge you but to guide you. Engage, ask, learn. A good bartender is your best ally.
Adapt to the Place: If you're in a speakeasy, embrace its specialty. At a whisky bar? Ask about the rare bottles.
Less is More: Don’t overcomplicate your order. The simplest drinks, done well, are always the best.
Trending Cocktails You Should Know About
While the classics never fade, a few drinks are having a moment in the world of craft cocktails:
The New York Sour – A Whisky Sour with a float of red wine, adding depth.
The Mezcal Negroni – A smoky twist on the Italian classic, perfect for those who appreciate complexity.
Matcha Mezcal Sour – Earthy matcha meets the smoky depth of mezcal, balanced with citrus and agave.
The Saffron Highball – A modern twist on the highball, infused with saffron and yuzu for a fragrant, citrusy profile.
Clarified Espresso Martini – The classic pick-me-up, now crystal clear and silkier than ever, thanks to milk clarification.
The Unwritten Rules of Speakeasy Etiquette
Speakeasies command a certain respect. Dress intentionally—not necessarily formally, but with purpose. Leave the flip-flops and gym clothes at home. Arrive early or make reservations; these intimate spaces fill quickly, and hovering awkwardly by the bar benefits no one.
Keep your voice modulated. The atmosphere of hushed conversation is part of the appeal. Treat your phone as you would in a fine dining establishment—present but not prominent. A quick photo is acceptable; a full-blown photoshoot with flash is not.
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Tip generously. Not just because it's right, but because speakeasy bartenders remember their regulars, and you want to be remembered favourably. When bringing guests, introduce them to the staff if you're a regular. It's a small courtesy that speaks volumes.
The Future of Drinking: Things to Keep in Mind
The modern man is navigating the landscape with discernment rather than the quantity-focused approach of previous generations. You should know whether you prefer a London Dry or a contemporary Indian gin, understand why some drinks are stirred rather than shaken, and recognize when a bartender's recommendation deserves your trust. This isn't pretension—it's appreciation.
The modern approach to cocktails isn't about drinking more—it's about drinking better. It's about understanding that, like most pleasures in life, quality outshines quantity.
Our relationship with drinking is evolving past excess toward something more sustainable, more meaningful, and fundamentally more enjoyable. So the next time you step into a speakeasy, put away your phone, engage with the bartender, appreciate the craftsmanship, and be present. The world outside will wait—your drink, and the experience it offers, deserve your full attention.