There’s a specific kind of magic that happens when a drink doesn’t just sit next to a plate, but actually starts a conversation with it. At Avartana, tucked inside the ITC Grand Chola in Chennai, that conversation just won a major trophy.
Avartana’s signature beverage book, The Kaleidoscope, has been named the Best Cocktail Menu of 2025 by 30BestBarsIndia. For those who live and breathe the world of spirits and service, this isn’t just another plaque for the wall; it is the definitive seal of approval from the country’s most discerning palates. It’s a win that celebrates not just what is in the glass, but the storytelling and soul behind every pour.
To understand the brilliance of the cocktail menu, one must first understand Avartana itself. The name, derived from the Sanskrit for ‘rhythm’ or ‘mysticism’, perfectly encapsulates the experience. This isn’t your typical South Indian dining room; there isn’t a tiffin carrier or a standard sambar in sight. Instead, Avartana has pioneered a “progressive South Indian” language that translates traditional flavours into avant-garde masterpieces.
Think of it as a culinary laboratory where the warmth of a grandmother’s kitchen meets twenty-first-century technique. Whether it’s their iconic French-pressed tomato rasam or the whimsical fennel panna cotta served in a breakable sugar egg, the restaurant is built on the idea that tradition is a living, breathing thing that deserves to be played with. It is this exact ethos of “reimagined heritage” that flows directly into their beverage programme.
If you’re wondering about the weight of this accolade, 30BestBarsIndia is essentially the “Oscars” of the Indian bar scene. The rankings and special awards are decided by a massive jury of over 250 bar enthusiasts, industry experts, and influencers.
When the 6th edition of the awards took place in Goa this January, the competition was fiercer than ever. While Bengaluru emerged as a powerhouse for independent bars, Avartana stood tall as a beacon of excellence within the hotel and restaurant category. Winning the ‘Best Cocktail Menu’ signifies that out of hundreds of entries across the nation, Avartana’s list was the most original, cohesive, and innovative. It’s a nod to a menu that doesn’t just follow global trends but sets new ones rooted firmly in Indian soil.
The Kaleidoscope is a meticulously curated collection of nine cocktails and five mocktails, each designed to be a sensory mirror to the food.
The team, led by the hotel’s young and visionary General Manager, Shaariq Akhtar, and the exceptionally talented mixologist Chingngaihlun, has achieved something rare: a menu that feels inclusive and approachable while being deeply sophisticated. They’ve moved away from standard “bar jargon” to focus on ingredients that evoke a sense of place.
The menu also celebrates local botanicals like nannari (sarsaparilla) root, paneer rose, and narthangai (citron), ensuring that even a guest who has never stepped foot in the South feels like they are being let in on a beautiful, local secret.
At its heart, this award is a testament to the passion of the beverage team who treat every ingredient with the respect of a master chef. It’s about the twelve trials it takes to get a texture right, and the curiosity to ask, “What happens if we pair Marikolunthu with lobster?”
For the regular guest, this win means that the next time you sit down at Avartana, you aren’t just ordering a drink—you’re experiencing a piece of award-winning art. It’s authoritative without being snobbish, and adventurous without being intimidating.
Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or someone who simply enjoys a well-made drink with a great story, The Kaleidoscope is waiting for you. It turns out, when you pour with purpose and respect your roots, the whole world stops to take a sip.
