Cheers to Freshness

Housed right next to Chandigarh Baking Company (CBC),the hotel’s deli and patisserie,the bar seating is open and far from the dimly-lit ones that one is accustomed to. Depending on where you choose to seat yourself — in front of the bar counter or on the sofas in the lounge — the ambience can be either intimate or lively.

The inaugural drinks festival is being spearheaded by the hotel’s beverage manager,Sunny Chopra,who is also a well-travelled sommelier. “The emphasis is on freshness in mocktails and cocktails. We have put together a menu that offers fresh fruits and juice mixes,along with fragrant herbs and spirits,” said Chopra,as we eyed the colourful array on the bar counter. The sight is appealing and includes bite-sized watermelons,slices of Italian lime,plump peaches,juicy green apples,a row of olives,aromatic kaffir lime and pomegranates glinting like rubies. Most people,including us,choose to skip such drinks fearing artificial colouring,but at the festival,Chopra assures it’s an all natural line-up. The menu features interesting combinations like pineapple and basil,kiwi and thyme,green apple and parsley,cucumber and cilantro,strawberry and oregano with flavoured vodkas and other spirits of choice.

The bar is open to guests choosing their own flavours,fruits and tastes. Taking the liberty,we order for a Kaffir lime and ginger ale drink with fresh mint. The result is a fresh,delicious,tangy-tasting drink. Another recommendation would be the chilli martini. To please Punjabi palates,that like fiery notes in their food as well as beverages,Chopra flavours the drinks with red chilli,black salt and pepper. Those who would prefer to stick to a more fruity drink,try the fresh grape juice mixed with a shot of vodka,basil and raspberries poured over crushed ice. The result is a cheerful and colourful mix that tastes fun too. The drinks are on offer at a promotional price of Rs 350 each (excluding taxes).

The festival is on till September 20. Meal for two: Rs 1,500,Location: Plot No: 6,Sector 35-B,Dakshin Marg,Chandigarh Contact: 0172-3955555