Travel to exotic destinations may be on hold for the moment, but the enjoyment accompanying travel need not be affected. Sly Granny, Azure Hospitality’s swanky bar and restaurant, now offers exotic flavours from around the world to discerning Indian consumers. This exclusive series, known as The Explorer’s Club, serves cocktails inspired by travel and the experiences that go along with it. The concept promises to run a unique edition every quarter, with the first one being christened ‘Wanderlust’.
Every cocktail introduced as part of this series, pays homage to some of the most famed bars of the world. The menu consists of eight signature drinks inspired by celebrated creations of masters of this trade, albeit with Sly Granny’s particular flair. The drinks on the menu owe their genesis to some of the best establishments in the world, including Harry’s Bar in Venice, Long Bar in Raffles Hotel Singapore, Dante in New York City, American Bar in Savoy Hotel London, and Bar Hoshi in Tokyo.
Dante, the historic Italian bar located in Greenwich Village, influenced Sly Granny’s gin-based cocktail ‘The Italian’, which is exclusive to this series. Exuding a hint of exotic spices, this drink has a smooth and striking flavour. The American Bar at the Savoy is the inspiration for the vodka-based drink, ‘The Doctor’, replete with a distinct aroma of ginger and beetroot. White rum-based beverage ‘The Shogun’, evokes the rich creaminess associated with the signature menu of Bar Hoshi. The most luxuriant cocktail of the first edition of this series, however, is the ‘The Host’, inspired by creations of the iconic Harry’s Bar, known to have been frequented by Ernest Hemingway and others of his ilk.
Conceptualised by renowned Mixologist Gunjan Pal, this new cocktail menu is a nod to the classics with a modern twist. “I have always studied and been inspired by some of the most famous mixologists through history, and this menu is my way of making a mark among these stalwarts. I am most excited about the tinctures we are giving away to our guests, as I believe they make an interesting addition to a guest’s evening. They are great for personal use or for entertainment. When enjoying these tinctures at home, I hope our guests recall Sly Granny with fondness”, says Pal with a smile. A man of many talents, Pal is the head mixologist for all Azure brands across India. Under his able guidance, Azure’s bar menus have acquired a strong name in this competitive industry. Today, every Azure brand, and Sly Granny in particular, prides itself on its innovative cocktails that are appreciated by one and all.
Azure Hospitality was founded by Rahul Khanna and Kabir Suri in 2009 with its maiden venture Mamagoto, opening doors in 2010. Literally meaning “to play with food”, this Asian restaurant shot to fame almost immediately upon its launch. The team behind Azure has always focused on creating a strong narrative around each of its brands, evident through their dedication to providing unique and diverse experiential dining. Their core strength is being aware of changing trends and the dining patterns of consumers. Since it first opened, Azure’s operations have expanded across the country to include a variety of restaurants—Dhaba Est. 1986, a kitschy North Indian restaurant; Foxtrot, known equally for its coffees and cocktails; Sly Granny, a concept bar inspired by the prohibition era; Sly Granny Café, a casual dining space serving comfort food; as well as QSR brands such as Speedy Chow, Maalgadi and Biryaniwala.
The new travel series cocktail menu is available exclusively at Sly Granny, Khan Market in New Delhi and Indiranagar in Bengaluru, with cocktails priced at Rs 449++. Patrons are treated to specially curated tinctures on billing above Rs 1,500 in Delhi, which ensure the wanderlust stays strong even at home.