Embark on a Global Cocktail Journey at World-Renowned Sidecar

Ascend to the Pinnacle of Mixology

Sidecar stands as a testament to exceptional mixology, currently holding the distinguished position of #26 in the World’s 50 Best Bars 2022 and #14 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2022.

This places the establishment firmly within the elite ranks of global and regional bar destinations, offering an immediate indication of the superior experiences that await patrons. Such high recognition from esteemed industry authorities underscores a commitment to quality and innovation that appeals to those seeking the very best.

The fact that Sidecar achieved a “joint Nika highest climber award this year,” as noted by its co-founder, further emphasizes its dynamic rise and growing prominence within the competitive landscape of Asia’s top bars.

This upward trajectory suggests a bar that is not only maintaining exceptional standards but also continuously evolving and exceeding expectations. Established in 2018, Sidecar has achieved this remarkable level of acclaim in a relatively short period, highlighting the strong foundation and innovative spirit upon which it was built.

Situated on the first floor above an HDFC bank in the M Block market of GK 2, New Delhi, its location offers a specific point of access to this world-class experience. This somewhat unassuming placement might even contribute to its exclusive allure, hinting at a sophisticated sanctuary tucked away from the everyday bustle.

A Passport to Flavour: Exploring the “Sidecar Going Places” Menu

Sidecar’s dedication to innovation is vividly expressed through its fifth signature menu, aptly titled “Sidecar Going Places”. This menu is not merely a list of cocktails; it is a curated collection of experiences and memories gathered from travels across the globe, offering a unique narrative that extends beyond the glass.

The creation of five distinct signature menus in its first six years of operation underscores a continuous drive to explore new flavour territories and provide returning guests with fresh and exciting options.

The “Sidecar Going Places” menu features twelve cocktails, each inspired by a different international location, including YUM CHA (HONG KONG), BATIK (Malaysia), BUONASERA (Italy), CEYLON (SRI LANKA), CHEEKY-BEVVY (UK), EMIRATI (DUBAI), HOWDY (TEXAS), KAAPI TIME (INDIA), KANTIPUR (Nepal), KP(ORK)OP (KOREA), TAPAS (SPAIN), and TUK TUK (BANGKOK).

This diverse selection promises a journey for every palate, with each drink reflecting the essence of its namesake destination through carefully chosen ingredients and innovative techniques. Adding a layer of playful engagement, the physical menu is designed as a vibrant comic book, narrating the adventures of Sidecar as it travels the world in search of the next exceptional drink.

This creative presentation reflects a brand that is both sophisticated in its offerings and approachable in its style. The “artisanal” nature of Sidecar’s cocktails is evident in the unique ingredients featured in the “Sidecar Going Places” menu. Examples include the Lacto pineapple kaffir lemongrass in the BATIK cocktail, the pesto-washed Bombay Sapphire Premier Cru in the BUONASERA, and the miso coconut coffee liqueur and truffle in the CEYLON.

The HOWDY cocktail features corn and cheese infused Grey Goose, while the KAAPI TIME blends Subko coffee infused Paul John Nirvana with passion fruit cordial and ponzu. More adventurous options include the pork fat washed Dewar’s 12 YO with seaweed amaro and spinach Campari in the KP(ORK)OP, the La Tomatina Mix with carbonated coconut water in the TAPAS, and the yellow curry sous vide Patrón Reposado with elephant apple cordial in the TUK TUK.

Finally, the YUM CHA offers a green tea infused Johnnie Walker Blonde with white chocolate wash and melon timbur cordial. The incorporation of local Indian ingredients like Subko coffee and Paul John Nirvana within a global context highlights a commitment to showcasing the best of the region alongside international inspirations. The use of advanced techniques such as “pesto washed,” “BBQ distillate” (implied in BUONASERA), “pork fat washed,” and “yellow curry sous vide” demonstrates a high level of mixology skill and a dedication to creating truly distinctive flavour profiles.

Immersive Ambiance: Where Every Level Tells a Story

The Sidecar experience extends beyond its exceptional cocktails, offering a multi-sensory journey across its three distinct levels, each designed to evoke a unique mood.

This thoughtful approach to the venue’s layout allows patrons to find the perfect setting for any occasion. The first level welcomes guests into a café-style reading room, a unique space lined with a curated selection of books from a publishing house.

This unexpected combination of a bar and a literary haven creates an atmosphere of sophisticated relaxation, inviting guests to enjoy a quiet moment with a coffee or ease into the evening with a cocktail and a good read. The second level is where the heart of Sidecar resides – the bar itself. Described as a long, wooden masterpiece reminiscent of mountain tea shops, this space exudes warmth and craftsmanship.

The design suggests an intimate and inviting setting where guests can engage with the bartenders and savour their expertly crafted drinks. Finally, the alfresco level offers a vibrant contrast, featuring foliage and murals that come alive at night.

This outdoor space provides a refreshing setting for enjoying drinks under the stars, particularly appealing during the cooler months. The ambiance throughout Sidecar is consistently praised as cozy, trendy, and classy, further reinforcing its appeal as a premier destination. The visually driven aesthetic of the bar is also evident through its active Instagram presence (@Sidecarindia), offering a glimpse into the stylish environment that awaits visitors. The thoughtful design of each level ensures that Sidecar is a versatile destination, suitable for a variety of occasions from a relaxed afternoon to a lively evening gathering.

Craftsmanship at its Core: The “Bartender’s Bar” Philosophy

Sidecar’s identity as an “artisanal cocktail bar” signifies a deep commitment to the art of mixology. This designation implies a meticulous approach to every aspect of cocktail creation, from the selection of high-quality ingredients to the precision of preparation and the creativity of flavor combinations.

Furthermore, Sidecar proudly refers to itself as a “Bartender’s Bar,” a title that speaks volumes about its dedication to the craft and its respect within the industry. This recognition from fellow bartenders suggests a high level of expertise, a focus on both classic and innovative techniques, and a genuine passion for the art of mixology.

The co-founder has highlighted the challenges of accessing a global range of liquors in India, which has inspired Sidecar to create its own liqueurs using predominantly Indian flavors. This ingenuity and resourcefulness further underscore their artisanal approach and commitment to offering unique and locally inspired tastes. The emphasis on “mindful bartending” and the creation of a welcoming, conversation-friendly atmosphere with skilled and approachable bartenders reflects a holistic philosophy that values both the quality of the drinks and the overall guest experience.

The team at Sidecar goes the extra mile by making their own bitters, syrups, grogs, and tinctures in-house, demonstrating a commitment to quality and the development of unique flavor profiles. The ongoing evolution of their cocktail program is evident in the display of “Our Signatures Through The Years,” showcasing different signature cocktail menus that have been introduced over the past six years.

Previous menus such as “Arq,” “ALL THINGS GIN,” “SUMMER SOLSTICE,” “A Desire Called Sidecar,” “DEAR DELHI,” and “SIDECAR SIGNATURES” illustrate the diverse themes and creative concepts that have defined their cocktail journey. Notably, the “Dear Delhi” menu served as a “love letter to the city,” while the “Arq” menu explored the “essence of time” through scent and local ingredients, revealing a deeper conceptual layer to their cocktail creation.

Garnering Global Acclaim: A Legacy of Recognition

Sidecar’s consistent recognition on the global stage is a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence. In addition to its ranking in the World’s 50 Best Bars 2022 and Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2022, Sidecar also achieved the rank of #18 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023.

This continued high standing in subsequent years demonstrates a sustained level of quality and relevance within the highly competitive Asian bar scene. Further highlighting its influence within the Indian bar industry, Minakshi Singh, the co-owner of Sidecar, was featured in Drink Magazine Asia in 2021, where she shared her top bar picks in India and referred to Sidecar as “currently India’s best bar”.

This peer recognition from a respected industry publication underscores Sidecar’s leadership and reputation within the national bar landscape. The fact that Sidecar’s inclusion in the World’s 50 Best Bars list has been noted in various articles further amplifies its prestige and global reach.

Table 1: Sidecar’s Accolades and Rankings

Beyond the Glass: Curated Experiences and Engaging Encounters

The Sidecar experience extends beyond its exceptional cocktails and thoughtfully designed ambiance. The bar offers a robust selection of bar food, ranging from classic ribs to the much-talked-about Bartender’s Special Fried Rice.

This culinary aspect ensures that guests can enjoy a complete evening, with food options that complement the drinks menu. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, Sidecar hosts weekly live music performances and pub quizzes, providing entertainment and fostering a lively social scene.

The unique café-style reading room on the first level offers a distinct space for quieter enjoyment.⁵ Sidecar also actively engages with the cocktail community by hosting guest shifts, spirit launches, and cocktail sessions, offering exclusive experiences for its patrons.

The inclusion of a live band area further emphasizes the commitment to providing a dynamic and entertaining environment. Guests can also participate in engaging activities such as quiz nights and workshops. The food menu is diverse, featuring global eats, seasonal specials, fresh salads, light bites, wholesome grills, and bowls, all with a modern twist on classic bar fare. Demonstrating a commitment to responsible practices, Sidecar prioritizes sustainability by using seasonal and local ingredients, steel straws, and repurposing bottles for in-house preparations.

Conclusion: Your Invitation to an Unforgettable Evening

Sidecar offers more than just expertly crafted cocktails; it presents an invitation to embark on a global sensory journey within an atmosphere of refined yet welcoming exclusivity. Its consistent high rankings in the World’s 50 Best Bars and Asia’s 50 Best Bars firmly establish its position as a premier destination for discerning drinkers.

The innovative “Sidecar Going Places” menu, inspired by worldwide travels and featuring unique, artisanal ingredients, promises an adventure for the palate. With its three distinct levels, each offering a unique ambiance, Sidecar caters to a variety of moods and occasions.

Rooted in a “Bartender’s Bar” philosophy, the establishment champions the craft of mixology, delivering exceptional drinks with meticulous attention to detail. Beyond the glass, Sidecar provides a curated experience with live music, engaging events, and a diverse food menu. For those seeking an unforgettable evening of world-class cocktails, exceptional service, and a truly distinctive atmosphere, Sidecar awaits.