Bangalore-based Anandi Chakraborty enjoys an expertly mixed cocktail but has been missing it for the lack of expertise — thanks to being unable to access her favourite pub spots because of the pandemic. One day while browsing social media, however, she came upon a promo for a brand called Jimmy’s Cocktails.
Initially intrigued, though without trying to build up too many hopes, Anandi, however, went ahead and bought her first kit. “But surprisingly, the cocktail mixes tasted well,” Anandi tells us excitedly. “And who doesn’t like a mixologist, who can rustle up your signature tipple from the comforts of your own home even if you don’t have an extensive home-bar? Thanks to the new generation of cocktail delivery services, it is now possible.”
Jimmy’s Cocktails is one of the innovative organisations around the country, which have started delivering do-it-yourself (DIY) cocktail kits to your doorstep. From pre-measured cocktail kits that contain everything from cordials, garnishes and shakers, the cocktail home-delivery guys have become the next ‘in’ thing for party lovers who want to enjoy their favourite poison from the safety and comfort of their homes. The kit includes a premix of the cocktail of your choice, and all you need do is add alcohol to it. And voila, you’ve brought back at least one of your favourite weekend pleasures!
Quite smitten by the growing popularity of his product among patrons, Ankur Bhatia, founder of Jimmy’s Cocktails, also points out to us the challenges in achieving the perfect mix in his mixers. “Getting the correct ratio of ingredients in a mix to attain the same taste that an expert mixologist could get for you is the tricky part of making that perfect cocktail. So we met several experts to help us curate our cocktail mixes,” says Ankur, who spent two years in planning before he launched the brand in September 2019.
Luckily for Ankur, with a large part of the world moving online to pass time during the lockdown, his brand’s visibility got a huge boost via social media platforms.
Perfect mixers
The lockdown also prompted Atinav Bajaj and his friends, Ragni Kedia, Akanksha Jain, Srinath Sadhu and Varun Sharma, to cofound the Hyderabad-based The Lazy Bartender, another company that creates cocktail mixes.
“Cocktails are a fascinating mix of ingredients that can seem expensive if one makes it for a single serve. Moreover, not everyone is an expert. So we came up with The Lazy Bartender mixes. As of now, we are only delivering across Hyderabad and making it affordable for everyone to enjoy,” says Atinav.
Another party enthusiast, who discovered the intriguing world of cocktail magic during lockdown, was Delhi-based Utsah Kohli. “I started using the services of cocktail delivery services of Jimmy’s during the lockdown. Generally with other brands, the mixes turn out to be way more sugary, but their mixes were perfect for the evolved palate. My favourites are Whiskey Sour and Mango Mojito,” says Utsah who even ordered their cocktails at Diwali parties.
Vidu, an e-commerce professional, also swears by cocktail delivery at home, so much so that he gets one every weekend. “Social media introduced me to the world of cocktail mixes at home. It’s a great alternative to cocktails we get in pubs. As we all are trying to follow rules, having small intimate house parties have become the next option to enjoy on the weekends. With these cocktail mixes delivered at home, one can enjoy the best of both the worlds,” he concludes.
I started using the services of cocktail delivery services of Jimmy’s during the lockdown. Generally with other brands, the mixes turn out to be way more sugary, but their mixes were perfect for the evolved palate. My favourites are Whiskey Sour and Mango Mojito
—Utsah
