If you are from Delhi, you'd know that its charm has been encapsulated in everything - from food to monuments. The city is brimming with fabulous options for drinks and dining, catering to every mood and occasion. And now, a new cocktail menu has come to the city to capture its essence. Cirrus 9 at The Oberoi, in collaboration with the renowned Italian mixologist Giancarlo Mancino, has released its Signature Skyline Cocktail menu, to celebrate the city's landmarks and vibrant culture through artisanal drinks.
What chefs are to kitchens is what mixologists are to bars. While striking a beautiful balance between delicious flavours and strong spirits is an art, Mancino proved why he is considered a maestro. Each cocktail on the menu is a love letter to Delhi, beautifully blending history, art and innovative mixology.
We began our cocktail journey with a fantastic cocktail called Heritage Greens, which is an ode to Sunder Nursery. With its tropical, complex and zesty flavours, it was a refreshing view of Delhi's lush heritage and iconic gardens.
The Qila Legacy
Next up, we savoured Haat Haven, inspired by the vibrant and eclectic spirit of Dilli Haat. It was sweet, nutty and zesty - the perfect cocktail to represent Dilli Haat's playfulness and hustling bustling atmosphere. To capture the essence of Delhi's famous Purana Qila, we indulged in The Qila Legacy which offered earthy, floral and tingling notes. This cocktail is the perfect tribute to the monument's rich history and timeless elegance.
If you love the grandeur of Bharat Mandapam, then The Mandapam Marvel would have been a delight for your taste buds. With its herbaceous, aromatic and incredibly refreshing ingredients, the Mandapam Marvel left us intrigued with every sip.
The timeless sophistication of Lutyens' Delhi was captured by their offering - Lutyens' Elegance. It has delicate, sweet-savoury and bitter notes that delivered a perfect blend of modernity and old charm.
As we progressed with our charming cocktails, the next on the list was the Connaught Classic - a fruity, vibrant, and herbaceous cocktail that captures the charm of Delhi's Connaught Place.
Not only it, the menu also made sure the golf enthusiasts were entertained. The 18th Hole presented to us has bittersweet, fruity richness. While Altitude 124 offered smooth tropical and citrusy notes, a homage to Cirrus 9's height.
We concluded our night with Astral Harmony. While it may seem like a sweet cocktail, it actually has a peppery, smoky, and acidic profile that is synonymous with Jantar Mantar's harmony and grandeur.
All in all, the experience was fantastic. All the cocktails - which were paired with numerous finger foods and cheese platters - were not just about the spirits but an immersive experience into the soul of Delhi!
What: The Oberoi, New Delhi
Where: Cirrus 9
Price: Rs 2,000 + added taxes