In a city where watering holes are closing left, right and centre, it’s with great expectations that we look at newly opened lounges. While the Beachcomber isn’t exactly a new bar (it replaces Aqua Spirit at Juhu’s Sun-N-Sand), it’s a brand new space with an onyx bar, ocean-inspired mural by Arzan Khambatta, a beach view and pool-side seating area.
For this transformation, Deepak Advani, EAM Food and Beverage, brought down London-based mixologist Dre Masso to work his magic. Masso visited Mumbai on three occasions — taking in the vast diversity this city has to offer. He experienced local delights, ate the food and drank in the sights. With a head full of ideas, Masso went back to the UK and developed a new cocktail menu for the Beachcomber. Earlier this month, after weeks of rigorous training, the lounge threw open its doors for patrons. With 36 drinks on the menu — both classics and signature — and sampler-style bar grub, the lounge has something for everyone. Every drink has a ritual around it — the Mango and Rosemary Mojito is served in a wooden glass with a flaming rosemary sprig; the Millionaire Martini is a three- course drink; the Double Espresso Martini is served with torched orange rind and the Magical Teapot comes in a steaming pot.
We tried the Mango and Rosemary Mojito, which was refreshing with a nice touch of vanilla sugar. Next, we opted for Millionaire Martini-— a sip of sparkling wine to be followed by the main drink and finished with dark chocolate. All the flavours marry well to give you a fun ritual. The Double Espresso martini had a special twist — the bartender torched a piece of orange rind over the cup to add some of the oils into the drink. This gave a zesty flavour to each sip making this our personal favourite.
{{/usCountry}}We tried the Mango and Rosemary Mojito, which was refreshing with a nice touch of vanilla sugar. Next, we opted for Millionaire Martini-— a sip of sparkling wine to be followed by the main drink and finished with dark chocolate. All the flavours marry well to give you a fun ritual. The Double Espresso martini had a special twist — the bartender torched a piece of orange rind over the cup to add some of the oils into the drink. This gave a zesty flavour to each sip making this our personal favourite.
{{/usCountry}}This was followed by the Marvellous Mumbai Mary which was inspired by our spicy food. The strong dash of local spices makes this a great pick-me-up or hangover cure. Our last drink, Magical Teapot, was also the most elborate — a chai martini served in a teapot almost bursting with steam and poured out in chilled cups. The chai had a nice kick with the gin and the dry ice-induced steam added a nice chutzpah to the drink.
Beachcomber is a great bar to visit with friends. The lovely view, plush seating and cool gimmicks with the drinks make guarantee a fun evening, especially if you’re celebrating an occasion.
MARVELLOUS MUMBAI MARY
40ml premuim citron vodka
150ml tomato juice
50ml passata (thick tomato juice)
Small spoon red chilli paste
6 drops worcestershire sauce (Lea & Perrins)
10ml fresh citrus juice
1 bar spoon horseradish
A pinch of sea salt
A pinch of coarse black pepper
A pinch of hot smoked paprika
A pinch of cumin
A pinch of garam masala
A pinch of turmeric
A pinch of crushed coriander seeds
MAGICAL TEAPOT
80ml premuim gin
300ml chilled masala chai or latte
30ml pomegranate syrup
Served with dry ice in a tea kettle