Devendra Kumar, head mixologist at Hong Kong's 8 1/2 Otto E Mezzo Bombana—ranked  no. 26 (2017) and no.24 (2018) on Asia’s 50 Best Bars List - is in Mumbai for a two-day event. He will curate cocktails over the weekend for Lower Parel resto-bars Remo and Thirsty City 127.

How did you curate the drinks for the Mumbai chapter?

I worked in Mumbai six years ago and that's how I know what people like. Keeping that in mind, I also wanted to bring down what we believe in back at 8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana, Hong Kong. We are an aperitif bar in Hong Kong that serves classics, so for Remo's, which is a speakeasy, we did the Il Nome Della Rosa which is a classic Negroni with a Mezcal with the use of a sous vide machine, we add that culinary touch to it. The 20th Century is a classic that was created in the 19th century—a modern approach to that is with the use of a citrus acid solution instead of using lemon juice which was in the original recipe. This drink is perfect for Remo's considering that the 19th century was when there were speakeasies, and when people ventured out to these hidden bars to get themselves a drink. Thirsty City 127 being a high-end craft cocktail bar, the 8 1/2 Negroni, Pocket Square and Return to love were a perfect fit for the brand and the vibe.