India, Aug. 4 -- Gone are the days when cocktails in India meant basic mixers and syrupy concoctions. The country's bar culture has not just evolved - it's exploded onto the global stage. At this year's Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025, India made a strong statement with five entries, led by newcomers and stalwarts redefining the drinking experience. Here's how they're shaking things up.

Lair's philosophy is rooted in precision, storytelling and regional pride. Its latest menu takes drinkers across four Indian landscapes: the mountains, the Indo-Gangetic plains, the coast and the Central Highlands. Each section highlights a hero ingredient native to the region. Think: The Wisdom, a whisky and wine blend from the Great Mountains, or Not A Berry, ...