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History of Whisky: From Monastic Roots to Global Fame
2025-06-03
Lair in Delhi hits #8 in Asia, leading five Indian bars into the global spotlight. Here’s the full story.
India’s Big Win at Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025
India just raised the bar — literally.
The prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 list is out, and this year marks a historic win for Indian cocktail culture. Five Indian bars have made it to the official Top 50, with Lair in New Delhi ranking #8, making it India’s highest placement ever.
From sleek speakeasies to laid-back dive bars, these bars showcase India’s growing influence in the global bar scene — and the rise is anything but accidental.
Quick Glance: India’s Best Bars in Asia’s 50 Best 2025
| Rank | Bar Name | City | Known For | Founders |
| #8 | Lair | New Delhi | Speakeasy-style with tiered cocktail journeys | Jairaj Singh Solanki, Dhruv Raj Vij |
| #28 | Soka | Bengaluru | 38-seat space, no menu, bartender-curated drinks | Sombir Choudhary, Avinash Kapoli |
| #30 | Boilermaker | Goa | Goa’s favourite dive bar with creative boilermakers | Nakul Bhonsle, Pankaj Balachandran |
| #31 | ZLB23 | Bengaluru | Japanese-influenced speakeasy inside The Leela | Team Leela Palace |
| #37 | Bar Spirit Forward | Bengaluru | Classic cocktails with a twist in a relaxed setting | Arijit Bose, Guru Shivaram |
#8 – Lair, New Delhi: India’s Best Bar in 2025
Located in the heart of New Delhi, Lair is a modern speakeasy inspired by the prohibition-era 1920s.
With dim lighting, earthy décor, and a three-level cocktail menu, the bar takes guests on a flavour journey that grows in complexity — beginner, intermediate, and superior.
Founded by Jairaj Singh Solanki and Dhruv Raj Vij, Lair climbed from #68 in 2024 to #8 in 2025, the highest-ever rank for any Indian bar on this list.
“It’s not just about drinks; it’s about the feeling you leave with,” says Jairaj.
“Lair was created as a space where time slows down and flavour takes the lead.”
#28 – Soka, Bengaluru: The 38-Seat Wonder
Soka is proof that small spaces can leave a big impression.
This intimate 38-seater in Bengaluru serves up bespoke cocktails without a menu. The bartenders here prefer conversations over printed lists. They tailor drinks to your vibe, your mood, your night.
Founders Sombir Choudhary and Avinash Kapoli have created a place that feels like old Bangalore meets global cocktail culture — unassuming but unforgettable.
#30 – Boilermaker, Goa: Big Flavours, No Fuss
If you’ve partied in Goa, there’s a good chance you’ve stumbled into Boilermaker — or heard stories about it.
It’s a no-frills dive bar serving killer boilermaker combos (whisky + beer) along with elevated bar bites and bold cocktails.
Created by Nakul Bhonsle and Pankaj Balachandran, Boilermaker blends Goan chill with international flavour power.
#31 – ZLB23, Bengaluru: Zen Meets Booze
Hidden inside The Leela Palace Bengaluru, ZLB23 is all about quiet precision.
Think Japanese minimalism, clarified cocktails, and a setting that’s equal parts opulent and calm. The team focuses on technique, clarity, and subtlety.
ZLB23 held the title of India’s best bar in 2024 — and continues to make waves with its unique approach.
#37 – Bar Spirit Forward, Bengaluru: Where Technique Meets Vibe
With Arijit Bose and Guru Shivaram at the helm, Bar Spirit Forward delivers drinks with depth and a relaxed, welcoming vibe.
The menu reimagines classics — Negronis, Old Fashioneds, and highballs — with their own house blends, tinctures, and bitters.
What to expect: High-level bartending in a no-pressure atmosphere.
India Bar Scene Is Rising — Fast
Let’s compare the numbers.
| Year | Indian Bars in Top 50 | Highest Rank | Growth Highlight |
| 2024 | 1 (ZLB23) | #45 | Sole representation |
| 2025 | 5 | #8 (Lair) | Major leap across cities |
This isn’t a fluke. From Bengaluru to Goa to Delhi, India’s bar scene is now globally respected. The bars aren’t just good — they’re varied, creative, and driven by visionaries.
Extended List Mentions: India in the 51–100 Rankings
Beyond the main list, four more Indian bars featured in the extended 51–100 list:
| Rank | Bar Name | City |
| #55 | Bar Outrigger | Goa |
| #62 | Sidecar | New Delhi |
| #69 | The Bombay Canteen | Mumbai |
| #94 | Hideaway | Goa |
Sidecar and The Bombay Canteen have long been respected in India’s bar circuit — and their global recognition continues to grow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What are the top Indian bars in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025?
India’s top-ranked bars for 2025 include:
- Lair (Delhi) – #8
- Soka (Bengaluru) – #28
- Boilermaker (Goa) – #30
- ZLB23 (Bengaluru) – #31
- Bar Spirit Forward (Bengaluru) – #37
Q2: Which is the best bar in India in 2025?
Lair in New Delhi is ranked #8 in Asia, making it the best bar in India for 2025.
Q3: What cities in India had bars featured on the 2025 list?
- New Delhi – Lair, Sidecar
- Bengaluru – Soka, ZLB23, Bar Spirit Forward
- Goa – Boilermaker, Bar Outrigger
- Mumbai – The Bombay Canteen
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Final Thoughts
India’s strong showing in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 proves one thing — this is just the beginning.
Whether you're a cocktail fan, a bar owner, or someone curious about India’s evolving nightlife scene, this list is your guide to the best places to raise a glass in 2025.
Read also: 8 Best BYOB Places in Delhi NCR (2025) – Sip, Savor, and Save!
