There's a new cocktail bar in Bandra, and here's why you need to check it out

In Brie, the cocktail gets a lactic sweetness from the infusion

With a name like Adam & Eve, we got curious about one of Bandra's newest spaces, which is a 25-seater speakeasy where the magic happens around an island bar that pours 10 cocktails, each anchored on one foraged ingredient. The name (Adam & Eve) is inspired by the idea of discovery and curiosity, owner Pratik Gaba tells us.

Palo Santo

The spotlight is on foraged ingredients that play the starting point to the story of each cocktail. Bar consultant Pankaj Balachandran, applies techniques of washing, clarification and carbonation to build the sip experience. Beverage head Ashish Tamta leads the experience taking us through pouring techniques of clarification, milk wash and carbonation.

Tomato

Cocktail county

We begin with the carbonated highball Yerba Mate (Rs 725); here, South American tea leaves are paired with pisco brandy. Notes of apricot, green and red apple make it a refreshing start to our glass tour. We love Tomato (Rs 725) for its clean clarification of mezcal and tequila. Clear tomato water is sweetened with watermelon, spiked with peppers.

Moringa Honey

Sweet tart flavours of passion fruit balance the clarified sip. Moringa Honey (Rs 875) turns our savoury sojourn a floral refresh. This time, tequila and mezcal play with vegetal notes of carrot and dill lightened by moringa honey. A dash of hoisin lifts the drink's umami with a spice of jalapeno.

Spiced Veggie Rice

The Enoki (Rs 800) puts mushrooms on whisky sour duty. The earthy notes clash with the sour. Brie (Rs 775), a gin drink with a tannic mouthfeel from dry vermouth and grape, is another winner. The standout is Bees Wax (Rs 725), which has the bold presence of a strong cognac, Campari and rosso.

Bees Wax

The fruity notes of fig and pineapple give it a smooth landing. We usually skip sweet drinks but Palo Santo (Rs 575) becomes an exception. Cognac, jasmine, port wine and sweet vermouth, the sweetness of beetroot adds a relishing sweetness.

Go Indian

After a global tour of cocktails, we return homeward for inspired desi fare created by chef Saurabh Udinia, at affordable prices. Chicken Momos are filled with minced meat filling, and taste better than the bland cabbage. Paneer Avocado Chaat (Rs 440) is underwhelming; the crisps are chewy, and the guacamole and paneer don't pair well.

Yerba Mate

The char-grilled broccoli sizzled with chilli garlic oil packs in the zing. The side dip of yuzu aioli is comfortingly tart. The star for us is the main course. The tempting scent of the Spiced Veggie Rice (Rs 475) announces its entry. The veggies have a crunch, and the biryani notes are fragrant. The Malabar Seafood Rice (Rs 645) is a comforting coconut curry with prawns.

The psychedelic projection-screen ceiling grabs instant attention in the otherwise dimly lit space. The deep red tint, fabric panels of Sabyasachi prints, and graffiti on the fire exit door catch the eye. Modern abstract wall art including a giant King Kong sculpture mounted on a wall. Pics courtesy/Adam & Eve

Mark this as a date night spot or when you want to show off cool things in your city. The playlist, by the way, is an absolute banger.

At Adam & Eve, Shop Number. 1, Zindagi CHSL, Pali Road, 15th Road, Khar West.
Time Tuesday to Sunday, two seatings (7 pm to 10 pm); (10 pm to 1 pm)
Call 9867634893