India’s cocktail scene just earned a global nod as Lair, a stylish speakeasy in New Delhi, clinched the 96th spot on the prestigious World's 50 Best Bars extended list for 2025. This marks a major milestone for the country’s mixology landscape, with Lair being the only Indian bar to make the cut this year.
Key Highlights from the Global Ranking
Lair debuted on the extended list, which ranks bars from 51 to 100 worldwide
The list spans 34 cities and is curated by the World's 50 Best Bars organisation
The main awards ceremony will be held in Hong Kong on October 8
Inside Lair: India’s Top-Ranked Bar
Located in central New Delhi, Lair is inspired by 1920s prohibition-era speakeasies
Conceived by Jairaj Singh Solanki and Dhruv Raj Vij, it offers a refined, intimate escape
The bar’s ambiance features earthy interiors and moody lighting
Its cocktail menu is tiered into beginner, intermediate, and superior levels, catering to all palates
India’s Rising Bar Culture
Earlier this year, Lair was ranked 8th on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list
Other Indian bars featured in the Asia rankings include Soka, Boilermaker, ZLB23, and Bar Spirit Forward, all from Bengaluru and Goa
This recognition not only celebrates Lair’s excellence but also signals India’s growing influence in the global bar scene.
Sources: NDTV Food, The World’s 50 Best Bars, Economic Times India