On International Beer Day today, it is time to drink to your fill, never mind that belly

Friendship day is just over. But bonding is a lifetime thing. And what works better than a combo of buddies and beer to reminisce about good old times or creating new ones? This is increasingly becoming the mantra of youngsters in India as well and the summers this year is witness to the phenomenon.



People no longer need a reason to guzzle beer and the drink is beating others hollow when it comes to popularity. Little wonder then that an entire day will be dedicated to it. The drink is slowly replacing soft drinks as people do not mind consuming beer with lunch or dinner.

International Beer Day was conceptualised by Jesse Avshalomov in 2007. Basically created to celebrate all forms of beer and breweries, the day provides an opportunity for all to, what else, drink some more.
Around the globe, the day is celebrated by pubs, bars, breweries and restaurants amidst much hoopla and gifting beer bottles has become a ritual.

"The trend of drinking beer is catching up fast in India. Beer sales going north during summers is testimony to the fact that the drink is increasingly being prefered over any other alcoholic drink. One reason is that beer is easily digestible and gives you the required amount of high as you can choose from Ultra light, Light, Strong, and Extra strong. Though a lot of beer brands are being imported,u00a0 Kingfisher is a big time hit with customers. Sixty per cent of our day's sales come from beer. Beer has become light water for many", says Sidhartha Talwar of Cafe Morrison.
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Vikrant Batra of Delhi Heights is really fascinated by the increase in the number of female beer- consumers. Says an excited Vikrant: "It is interesting to see that females who host kitty-parties at the outlet order for beer rather than any soft drink. Earlier the notion was that women do not drink beer."

Hemant Nautiyal, manager, Howzatt, one of the first places in Delhi where one could get freshly brewed beer, says: "When we entered this business, beer consumption in India did not even touch 5 per cent but now the situation is totally different as the beer market has really boomed".

Brew your beer
How about brewing your own beer? Yes, now you can get yourself registered and brew your own beer with the help of brew masters. You can also get your hands on their special beer twisters which are beer-based cocktails. There is also a separate beer tasting counter where people can taste all the different brews done by the brew master. Team it up with exclusive fillers and wraps and the music will set your mood right with an onsite microbrewery. So make sure you are there to quench your thirst with the freshest 'fun'.
At: Howzatt, Galaxy Hotel Shopping Spa Gurgaon, NH- 8, Exit- 8, Sector- 15, Part II, Gurgaon
Ring: 0124- 4565000

Taste of siam
Relish the Thai beer that is available here. Try out the Singha beer which is the oldest and most popular Thai beer from the country. An unadulterated Thai Beer, it is a distinctive, full-bodied 100 per cent barley malted beer. Pair it up with a range of delicious grilled lamb chops, duck and prawns, steamed minced fish, stir-fried vegetables and a sumptuous Royal Thai salad with prawns. It also features a vegetable/fruit carver and piped music to bring the whole 'Thai dining' experience alive for diners.
At: Twenty-9, Hilton New Delhi, Janakpuri District Centre Complex
On till: August 15
Timings: 12 am to 12 am
Ring: 4123-4123

Beer buster
Burst your bladder with unlimited beer as here you can drink as much as you can and till you pass out, perhaps. The place is the perfect balm for your rocker soul as spirited youngsters flock here purely for the music. Riddled with rock memorabilia and posters, the decor plays up to the smoky, serious rocker-den stereotype.
At: Cafe Morrison, E-12, Gourmet Gallery, South Ex II
Timings: Noon to 1 am
Price: International beer Rs 650, Indian beer Rs 450
Ring: 9810261442

Pints and pugs
Celebrate the glory of beer all day, and gulp tons. You can guzzle six pints of Indian beer for Rs 450 and six big bottles for 700. This is a Chinese junction where you can satisfy your tummy with authentic Chinese food with 30 different sauces. As they represent modern and luxurious China, the place is done up in bronze and blue to give a feel of royalty. Hookahs are provided to each table as a complementary service.
At: WOW, L-22, Inner Circle, Connaught Place
Timings: 11 am to midnight
Ring: 43028070

Beer Brewery
You can have a gala time at the installed brewery which has the capacity to brew different kinds of beer. Yet it's not just the shimmering brewery set-up but the special signature vapour brews that you will love and come back for. While a tasting session will help you choose your mug or pitcher of premium, dark, lite or wheat, do try the beer-tails and the special flavour of the month series.
At: MGF Mega City Mall, Gurgaon
Timings: 12 pm to 11 pm

Cheap call
If you still haven't had your fill yet, hit Delhi Heights where the beer starts at Rs 70. You can choose from either the buffet or the a la carte menu here at a much cheaper price. The buffet includes snacks being served on the table.
At: Delhi Heights, J Block, Rajouri Garden
Timings: 11 am to midnight
Ring: 41419797

Abyss-mug
Now you can drink as much beer as you like as the restaurant is offering unlimited beer with assorted vegetarian and non-vegetarian starters. The fare is a mix of Indian, Italian and Chinese delights and will provide you with a for a culinary refuge away from the hectic corporate schedule.
At: Infusion Kitchen & Bar, Building 10A, DLF Cyber City, Gurgaon
Timings: 12 pm to 11 pm
Ring: 0124-4223301/02/03

Beer in tubes
Just kill the summer heat with some great mixed drinks and beer in tubes which the chic lounge bar is offering. Here, American classics share space with Mediterranean and European preparations, as well as Indian culinary delights.
At: The International Diner, First Floor, M 69, GK I
Ring: 46696140

Beer and Burger Bonanza
Here's a perfect plan for you this monsoon, tantalise your taste buds with the great taste of scrumptious burgers coupled with chilled beer. On offer is a heady mix of concoctions right from the chef's repertoire who wishes to share the booty with beer guzzlers and gourmands. If you buy a burger, you get a pint of beer free. It couldn't have gotten better.
At: The Hub Lounge & Bar, IBIS Hotel, Block 1, Sector 53, Golf Course Road, Gurgaon
On till: August 31
Timings: 11 am to 11 pm
Price: Rs 199 onwards