India to toast new year on a cocktail high

As per Jonas Ax, advocacy lead, Bacardi, India, consumers are now embracing bold, vibrant flavours, with fruity (66%), sweet (53%), and spicy (50%) cocktails leading the way for the next 12 months, as per the cocktail trends report.

"It's the perfect time to recommend cocktails like the Patron Picante, especially as tequila continues to steal the spotlight," he said. Siya Negi, head of the bar programme at The Leela Palace, New Delhi, agreed. "Picante has emerged as a perfect representation of India's rich heritage of spices. Known for its bold, yet balanced spicy kick, this cocktail resonates deeply with the Indian palate," she said.

Atipriya Sarawat, co-founder of cocktail bar Asper in Gurugram, added: "Savoury and spicy cocktails that are spirit-forward are hugely in demand, such as Picante. The popularity of tequila, whether straight or as a cocktail base, will continue to grow. Cocktails with sparkling wine or champagne are gaining momentum as well," she said.

Mumbai's Slink & Bardot restaurant, too, is using tequila as a cocktail base to usher in the festive season. From the cozy Mexican Eggnog, a luscious blend of Patron Silver tequila, house horchata, and eggnog mix, to the classic Cielo Old Fashioned that elevates Patron El Cielo tequila with agave and slinky bitters, there's something to suit every palate. We will see cocktails infused with fermented ingredients, said Govind Dossad, head bartender at The Mission Bay, a San Francisco-themed restaurant in New Delhi. "They have the potential to add a bold yet natural complexity to drinks. Hyper-local ingredients and zero-waste mixology are becoming the new cornerstones of innovation, reflecting a deeper connection to sustainability and unique flavours," he added.